The dilemma...

[Accurmi]

So, I live in an apartment and usually play through a digital interface/my laptop with headphones. I do own a small, cheap amp I bought when I first moved in. Emphasis on cheap.

While playing through headphones has some benefits, I'm getting a bit worn out on it and am really missing the sound of the amp and the sound moving through an actual atmosphere.

A couple questions:
1) How do others in similar situations handle their setup? (headphones, small amp, etc?)
2) Any recommendations on good quality, small amps?

Any info is greatly appreciated!

 

[Bim1959]

I run my computer/ipod/ipad/ whatever and my bass thru a Peavey PV6 mixer into either headphones or a Yamaha MS101III powered speaker. Unlike you, playing thru headphones doesn't bother me in the slightest and im quite used to it (I've been doing it for over 4 years now).

I like where im currently living and dont want to piss off my neighbors. You should do the same until you can afford to buy something where you can practice thru an amp at a decent volume.

 

[Bassmike62]

My modest home studio is centered around a Yamaha StagePas 500 console. My laptop and bass are plugged in it and I send the signal to my headphones from the console's monitor output via a headphone amp. Been using that setup for years and upgraded and added stuff along the way, but when I started out, it was simply bass and laptop into console, to headphones via a 40$ Behringer headphone amp. Worked great for home practice.

 

[Chad Michael]

Can you suspend a small amp, or place it away from any boundaries? (walls, floors, corners especially)

… and sit or stand very close to it?

Imagine putting a small bass combo on a barstool in the middle of the room, with a piece of foam under it.

If you are on 'speaking' terms with your neighbors, maybe you can text them and say "I'm going to play my bass, please let me know if it is loud enough to bother you, and I'll turn down."

 

[Chad Michael]

Or, you can get one of these. With the open - back, it doesn't produce much low end. Doesn't sound as satisfying as an actual bass amp, however it might be a way to practice "politely" without headphones.

This is a Peavey Decade, a very small guitar amp, 10 watts and an 8" speaker as I recall.