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Small practice amps. Any good?

ghandee

ghandee

Oct 10, 2010
27
4
#1
Greetings!
I will soon get a Squire VM Jazz Bass to enter the world of bass.
I am looking to get into reggae/dub and possibly some trip-hop music.
I am looking for a practice amp to get started with.
I was looking for Ampeg BA-115, but then I tough, I would never be able to play it loud in my apartment.
Now I am considering to get something like 25-30W amp in order to be able to transport it around and be able to get more out of it.
I see no point of getting a 100W (or so amp) if you cannot play it loud.
Considering the kind of music I want to play and the bass guitar I am getting what do you suggest?
Any models?
Budget is around 200-250 euros.
Thanks a lot
 
#3
They can be very good if you dial down your expectations from the real thing a little. I've used them on my smallest of small gigs before. Not all of them are tiny gig worthy but some are not bad at all. I'm pretty happy with my BA108 and BA110 for that kind of stuff. A few others out there from other brands are quite good for their size, but I only pimp Ampeg ;)

But I do kind of agree with B-string that 100w is minimum if you want to start getting your feet wet with playing in bands.
 
#4
Thanks a lot for the quick replies!!!
I do understand and I do agree that 100W IS a practice amp.
But I won't be able to use it just now.
I need some to listen to when I am learning scales, practicing with -say- drum loops, etc etc.
That is why I am thinking of a smaller amp.
 
#6
If it wasn't for the styles of music you want to do I would go along with JimmyM on a BA108 or BA110. With that style you may find those lacking very fast. The BA-115 would fit better but the G-K MB115 is a easier carry and also sounds really good. It is your funds, just don't buy small and regret later? :)
 
#9
A Roland Microcube has become probably my most used piece of equipment, and best investment. Definitely not a gigging amp, but a practice amp plus a bit more. It's incredibly versatile with 8 settings plus a 3 band EQ, compression. It has a bunch of beats in it to play along with, a tuner, and some decent sounding effects. Best part is it runs on batteries, for about 8 hrs., and can be used anywhere. Definitely loud enough to jam w and cut through a few acoustic guitars, loud enough for an intimate party, but anything past a starbucks would be a no go. Perfect practice amp for me.
 
#10
Quote "A Roland Microcube has become probably my most used piece of equipment, and best investment."

--+1. The Roland, or the Line 6 version will give you a variety of sounds. Or as mentioned, you could go for a multi-effect or headphone amp that have an auxiliary in.
 
#12
My living room/practice amp since 1992 has been a Peavey Minx. It would be a waste to get anything bigger and louder than that. It has two inputs...my bass goes into one input and either my drum machine or my Jam Man looper goes into the other. Perfect for learning.
 
#13
As long as whatever practice amp youget has a dorect out on it you will be good to go. The GKMBs are definitely a better choice than the Ba-115 though.. the weight alone makes it a better choice and while I thought it was ok when I played through one .. I wasn't overwhelmed by the tone on it.
 
#14
Another nod to the GK MB115. I thought it sounded really good, and it is very light weight. Not totally convinced re quality of build though.

Personally, I would look into the EBS Classic Session 120 or the new TC BG250 which also features TonePrint effects.
 
#15
Mike M. said:
My living room/practice amp since 1992 has been a Peavey Minx. It would be a waste to get anything bigger and louder than that. It has two inputs...my bass goes into one input and either my drum machine or my Jam Man looper goes into the other. Perfect for learning.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I am looking for.
I dunno about Peavey and dub, but I am going for a smaller power
in order to learn first.
If I get into gigs and stuff I will invest more.

To be honest I am getting fed up. There should be
a single brand out there covering the whole power range and that's all!! :D
 
#16
SteveHeissner said:
A small practice amp is adequate if you're practicing at home by yourself. When you start playing gigs with a live band you'll need a bass rig. Power should be 300+ watts if you're playing with a drummer.
Click to expand...

this is not quite true. your cabinet(s) make a difference as do other factors. I have been able to handle any gig that comes up with either a 160 watt, or a 200 watt head and an appropriate cabinet(s). I would get the biggest amp you can afford, and turn it down. dont waste time with a 25 watt amp. I agree that the minimum should be 100, or 80 if you find a used swr workingmans's 10. but i don't really agree you need at least 300 watts to gig. thats just patently untrue.
 
#18
ghandee said:
That is exactly what I am looking for.
I dunno about Peavey and dub, but I am going for a smaller power
in order to learn first.
If I get into gigs and stuff I will invest more.

To be honest I am getting fed up. There should be
a single brand out there covering the whole power range and that's all!! :D
Click to expand...

Just about any amp can be used to get just about any tone. There may be a lot of EQ change ups and additional tips and tricks, and most of it comes from the part of the signal chain that is talked about the least: you!

There is no "Brand X is the only and best brand for music style Y, and brand Q is best and only for style R..." (well unless you talk to an ampeg fan :D).
 
#19
CL400Peavey said:
Just about any amp can be used to get just about any tone. There may be a lot of EQ change ups and additional tips and tricks, and most of it comes from the part of the signal chain that is talked about the least: you!

There is no "Brand X is the only and best brand for music style Y, and brand Q is best and only for style R..." (well unless you talk to an ampeg fan :D).
Click to expand...

+1

For a practice combo, take your bass to GC and Sam Ass and play through everything they have. You'll know what you like.
For practicality, versatility, and overall great sound, check out the Hartke kickback combos. I had a 112 for 15 years; it was a great practice amp, and it tilts back to "monitor position". Plus, it has a contour control that allows you to tweak your tone shape quickly and easily.
I'm not an avid Hartke user overall, but I LOVED that amp!
 

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