Never had a PJ4 but based on my experience with a PJB Bighead, I'd be more than willing to try a small PJB combo. I've heard their combos are heavy for their size but a small heavy package is easier to hump than a lighter, larger piece, at least for me it is, so I wouldn't count that as a negative.
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Small combo for audible practice / travel
- Thread starter ChrisB2
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I've been using an Ampeg BA108 as a practice/small rehearsal amp for years. It is super. And affordable as well.
Another vote for Phil Jones Double 4 or nano, because both are built like tanks, will fit in a regulation airline carry on bag and both sound like a bass, but neither will grind/ do the Ampeg thing. Bonus points for the Nano which has onboard Bluetooth for playin' tunes with or without bass, but the Nano barely gets loud enough to jam with an acoustic guitar or 2 if they're played with gusto.
I'm another avid fan of the PJB D4.
It's rather doing a modern HiFi style sound, but it is as small as such a thing can possibly be, while doing a very credible sound. It works extraordinary well in that regard.
It's rather doing a modern HiFi style sound, but it is as small as such a thing can possibly be, while doing a very credible sound. It works extraordinary well in that regard.
I've used the heck out of my BA108 also. I leave it at my guitar buddies house. I can play mp3's through it and it can hold it's own with a not-too loud electric guitar.
Seems to be out of production. I'm seeing a few new ones at $189 - WAY too much. I paid $90 for a floor model three years ago and the store sent me a new one (Sweet!).
Reverb has a few, most listing "local pickup", but there's a couple that'll ship. Ba108 | Reverb
I have a Rumble 25 that I use for practice when traveling. Inexpensive, decent sound at low volume, and very portable. I never had a complaint practicing in a hotel room with it.
This. Don't make this more difficult than it is. You don't need your gig tone (or any specific sound) for practicing in a hotel room. One of the tiny desktop amps with bluetooth would be fine.
LOVE THIS! I thought I was the only person that did this
I have one in my Makerbarn and I use it to plug in basses/guitars to test, practice, etc. It’s an amazing little “everything box” with inputs for instrument, mic, aux, Bluetooth, USB so it really functions like a powered PA monitor with great JBL bass response. I also have my 55” flat screen plugged in so I can play music, movies, etc. it functions as a full range sound system.The new version (310) is also battery powered with 18hrs battery which makes it super portable and there’s a smaller 1x10 version if smaller is needed.
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Ha! I also bought the PJ Double Four, returned it and got the 801. Best combo for it's size and weight, very happy with it. Having said that, the PJ D4 is 8.8lbs whereas the 801 is 14.55lbs, if that's important. The D4 sounds quite hifi whereas the 801 sounds like a bass amp, imo.
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Classic TB. You specifically ask for something with a speaker and bunch of ppl chime in to tell you you’re wrong, you want a headphones only setup.
Rant aside, I’d also go for the PJB, not for Ampeg sound necessarily, but you can dial that in with the eq and/or a pedal. This is what PJB does.
Rant aside, I’d also go for the PJB, not for Ampeg sound necessarily, but you can dial that in with the eq and/or a pedal. This is what PJB does.
I've never heard any practice amp that has a very distinctive tone or at least what I'd be expecting out of an Ampeg. I will second the Rumble 80 as more than suitable for practicing and keeping up with unplugged acoustic guitars. And I'll also add to the confusion by suggesting an Alto Uber LT, a small battery powered amp that is, maybe, a step or two above using a consumer party speaker. It has bluetooth, an instrument input with no adjustments beyond a volume control, some sort of NFC pad on top that I haven't needed or used and A usb port for charging stuff. The battery is a sealed lead acid battery and the charger is built into the unit, so there is no outboard transformer. It sounds fine, which is frankly the most I expect out of any amp this size.
VOX Amplug, bass model, for absolute quietness. Otherwise, Markbass 801 for light weight, portability and as much volume as you likely need when camping or in a hotel.
The use cases of camping or on vacation scream for headphones. No faster way to piss others off than firing up a bass amp and rocking out. Most hotels aren't suitable for amplified practice. Camping is kinda a crap shoot of if you're going to annoying your fellow campers to the point of conflict. Get another set of headphones for the wife.problem solved, and no one is annoyed with you.
Very true with camping unless you are pulling a 5th wheel or something bigger and insulated but bass is very hard to conceal.. Someone is going to bang at your door. Oddly enough, loud sex seems to be tolerated
.I have used my NUX Mighty Plug with a JBL BT speaker with a 1/4 input or through my car stereo
Not a fan of those PJ micro amps but TB seems to have a following. I had one when I was borrowing my friend's EUB. When she heard my Fishman Loudbox and also my AI Clarus Coda, she bought a Fishman Loudbox Artist. I eventually found a used AI here for 500 and she rocks that now.
Another great option is a Yamaha THR30 ii. Yamaha owns Ampeg and the bass models sound great from this little powerhouse. It has Bluetooth and aux in for play along, and supports wireless with a G10t I use mine daily… also can be fun unplugged from the battery and makes for a nice stereo for music.
I generally like practice amps that are more versatile and can support, not only bass, but other instruments too.
I generally like practice amps that are more versatile and can support, not only bass, but other instruments too.
Another fairly inexpensive option, is the NUX Mighty Bass which, like the plug, has decent bass models and sounds decent with 4-stringers. It has Bluetooth for play along, aux and phones but also has a pedal to control built in looper and rhythm also.
The Spark Go is also okay if using headphones. Sounds great with guitar through the little speakers, but not great for bass response.
Okay, I just realized I may have a few practice amps laying around… like in every place I work or hang out
The Spark Go is also okay if using headphones. Sounds great with guitar through the little speakers, but not great for bass response.
Okay, I just realized I may have a few practice amps laying around… like in every place I work or hang out
I own and recommend the Phil Jones Bass Double Four. And it will take pedals or syms well. But what Yamaha has been doing with the Ampeg brand is pretty great capitalizing on the famous B15 and SVT legacy tones. The Yamaha THR30 II is worth a look.
