I wonder what amps out there are suitable to bedroom practice that have nice sound. I have a behringer thunderbird which is ok, but sounds like cardboard. Preferable with headphone out and decent controls. So if you know of something above the average 30W Peavey, post here plz
Old School: SWR Baby Blue 2x8 combo. You see them on ebay sometimes still. They still make a baby blue combo, but it's 1x10 now...
Are headphones an option? I like the headphone amp I got. The Pocket Rocket is nice. The Cafe Walter HP-1 rules them all, to me at least. -Mike
Sounds like a Vox T-60 is up your alley. 60W through a 12" driver, vintage vibe, great tone, Bassilator circuit to really make things rumble, headphone out and can be used with an external 4ohm speaker.
Ampeg B-50R Rocket Bass Combo--12" combo, 50w, very simple, discontinued, won BP's Combo Shootout. SWR Workingman's 12. 12", more wattage, look for the older ones, but most are good. Raven Labs PHA-1. Headphone amp/preamp. Amazing sound, must find used. Peavey Microbass. Cheap, 8" speaker, 20 watts. Surprisingly nice tone...great for bedroom. Fender Bassman 25. Lots of features, good sound, pretty cheap. Ampeg B-100. 15" combo..a little heavier, but small-gigable. I'd think any of these would serve you well.
My Phil Jones Briefcase makes for a fantastic practice amp, but at $600, it's on the pricey side to be sure (though fairly priced for what it is, IMHO). On the more affordable end, I have an old Fender RAD Bass, and from a tonal prespective, it keeps up with some of my much more expensive rigs. It just doesn't get very loud. I believe that the Fender Bassman 25 (or something like that) is functionally the same as the RAD Bass. Tom.
Well I've played through to vox that tplyons is talking about, and I own and b60. Both are great, but Id say that the hartke b60 sounds better, imo.
I've had both the 2x8" and the newer 1x10" SWR Baby Baby Blue and I prefer the 10" version. Incredible tone! Much more portable. It sounds like a small Demeter rig.
I checked Cafe Walker site and some of the reviews, it looks nice except for the fact that it eats batteries (2x9V) which I don't like. I don't plan on practicing on airplane or anything. Otherwise some great suggestions in here, time to hit the stores I'd say
It is a really superb little unit. Overpriced, yes, and unfortunately overshadowed by the BA-115 which is only $100 more MSRP and a whole lot more amp. It may a heretical thing to say, but I actually prefer the BA-112's sound to that of my B-100R. Workmanship and QC are a lot better now that Ampeg has its Yellville facility separate from the SLM/Crate factory. Here's what I had to say about the BA-112 on another forum (includes picture).
I just picked up a GK backline 112 (1x12 100 watts at 8ohms) combo amp.I was really surprised this little amp has a lot of bang for the buck. Nice deep punchy sound small size about 50lbs. The amp will also tilt back like a monitor.
You spoke of a bedroom sized practice amp, so I expecdt you do not need a whole lot of power---got to keep the peace, right? Find yourself a Fender BXR 25. It'll be the end of your problems, sound absolutely wonderful, not cost a fortune. They sound more than decent for 5'ers and 6'ers, too... RC a/k/a "notrt"
That's the one I was thinking of which is the same amp, with slightly different cosmetic touches, as the RAD Bass combo. Great practice amp! Tom.
+1 phill jones briefcase , i've seen people play outdoor koncerts with them , and the sound was amazing