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Suggestions for a new practice amp

Lowlou17

Lowlou17

Nov 4, 2023
94
204
Florida
#1
I have a Fender Rumble 25 which has worked out quite nicely for me. I’ve had it as my practice amp for a couple of years. It does a good job but it can’t handle my 5 string esp when I kick in the active electronics.
I’m looking for something up to 100 watts and budget is $300. If I can spend less I will. I was looking at an acoustic 110 with 50 watts but let’s face it, it’s GC’s answer to a low budget amp that might last 3 years. So that’s off the list.
I don’t gig so, that eliminates a lot of the bigger amps.

I use both passive and active basses. I would like something that delivers some punch.
I’m not opposed to the Fender 40.
Ideally, based on what I’ve read, I think I would would enjoy the Boss Katana 110 but it’s pricey at $370. I like that it has amp emulation and memory and that I could download settings. I’m trying to justify the price but I could live without it.
Suggestions? Thanks.
 
#5
I use the Rumble 40, but most of the time I rehearse by running my laptop which holds all my MP3’s and my bass from my practice pedalboard into a Behringer X802 mixer with AKG open back headphones.
Duke
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#6
Lowlou17 said:
I have a Fender Rumble 25 which has worked out quite nicely for me. I’ve had it as my practice amp for a couple of years. It does a good job but it can’t handle my 5 string esp when I kick in the active electronics.
I’m looking for something up to 100 watts and budget is $300. If I can spend less I will. I was looking at an acoustic 110 with 50 watts but let’s face it, it’s GC’s answer to a low budget amp that might last 3 years. So that’s off the list.
I don’t gig so, that eliminates a lot of the bigger amps.

I use both passive and active basses. I would like something that delivers some punch.
I’m not opposed to the Fender 40.
Ideally, based on what I’ve read, I think I would would enjoy the Boss Katana 110 but it’s pricey at $370. I like that it has amp emulation and memory and that I could download settings. I’m trying to justify the price but I could live without it.
Suggestions? Thanks.
Click to expand...

You should be an old to find a gentiy used 100-200 watt Fender combo within that budget Checkmout the classified here on TB or Guitar Center online used gear.
 
#11
Moving up to the Rumble 40 might be enough, and it has a DI for plugging into recording gear and PA systems. The Rumble 100 would be even better, especially for handling the B string.

But if you can stretch a little, I think the Boss Katana would be great, provided the 10" speaker can manage the B string. (GC carries these so maybe you could find one to test.) They're heavier than the Fender Rumbles, but if you're not moving it frequently that shouldn't matter. The Katana combos seem like successors to the old Roland Cubes, which were excellent. Like the Cubes, I think the Katanas sound bigger than their sizes and power ratings would suggest. And they have more clarity/definition than the Rumbles. I've tried the Katana 210, and it was fantastic. If it weighed about ten pounds less, I might get one.

I've had a Roland Cube Bass 100 since 2005, and it's been fantastic as a practice and rehearsal amp, and it can cover small gigs too. You could look for one of those used, or the later Cube 60XL or 120XL. They weren't terribly popular, probably because of their high price and weight, but they are excellent amps IMO and might be a bargain used.
 
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#16
Great question, @Lowlou17 . I have recently had the same question. My Rumble 25 can't reproduce any note lower than the Eb on the B of my fiver. Yet, the same notes reproduce fine, all the way to the B, on the much more professional sound chain in our church. So it's not the bass, but the simple combo amp for me as well.

Thanks to all for the experienced suggestions. They are helpful for me as well.
 
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#17
If you record a lot at home, even if it just covers, for fun stuff the Boss Katana 110 may be worth it for you.
However I vouch for the Rumble series higher watts. 40 is really good and handle my basses well, drop tune, my old five strings etc. Going for 100 or 200 may not be bad. They are in nearly every music store if you wanna test, Markbass came out with something, the Black Line series but may be pricey and if it is purely for practice, tons of used Rumbles and other brands. Also Ampeg Rocket is pretty good for the price!

Since you said you do not gig and just want to play at home, I think the Katana or even the Studio series may be worth it for you, they are pricey but you may love them!
 
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