What is the smallest -and- best sounding practice amps out there?

[robbyray]

I've got a newer Rumble 40 (which I enjoy)
I also have a newer Rumble 25 (it's my daughter's)

I'm looking for something small, light(ish) and that has a good speaker and good base tone. I supplement my practice tone with one of those new ZOOM Stompbox processors (great piece of kit, btw).

Is there anything out there better than a Rumble 45 for practice? With the ZOOM added, I can get lots of different tones, even making the Rumble sound pretty close to an Ampeg, Eden, Flip Top and more. I just love that little device.

Got any ideas for my situation? I'm all ears and would really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!

 

[jallenbass]

This is the best small amp I have heard, but it's expensive.

The Blu SIX - Henriksen Amplifiers

The Blu amp is a single channel version of our popular amp, The Bud, and weighs in at an astonishing 12 pounds while maintaining 120 watts of incredible headroom to cover almost any gig with all the features you need.

www.henriksenamplifiers.com

 

[FretRiff]

lol the Blu SIX is $1200 and is designed for gigging. OP is looking for a practice amp.

At the Rumble 40 price range it and the Ampeg BA-110 v2 (or model 115) are the main contenders and top recommendations for home practice

 

[gtirard]

Phil Jones Double Four is much better IMO: it sounds very detailed and articulate and transparent, so you get exactly the sound of your instrument and pedals, uncolored. It's more expensive than a Rumble 40, but I think it's worth the price difference.

 

[pholli00]

I've got a newer Rumble 40 (which I enjoy)
I also have a newer Rumble 25 (it's my daughter's)

I'm looking for something small, light(ish) and that has a good speaker and good base tone. I supplement my practice tone with one of those new ZOOM Stompbox processors (great piece of kit, btw).

Is there anything out there better than a Rumble 45 for practice? With the ZOOM added, I can get lots of different tones, even making the Rumble sound pretty close to an Ampeg, Eden, Flip Top and more. I just love that little device.

Got any ideas for my situation? I'm all ears and would really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!

A lot of people would say you already have the best, for what you're looking for.

 

[mdogs]

It is a practice amp, good enough is good enough.

 

[Ostie]

It is a practice amp, good enough is good enough.

If good enough was enough, TB would cease to exist.

 

[Bass1447]

I use a 4 channel mixer and headphones. Plug in a bass and a computer. Amps are quickly going the way of the T-Rex. Get use to the new normal. Pedal boards and IEMs.

 

[Bodeeni]

+1 on the Phil Jones combos. I have a tiny X4 on my desk that is amazing considering the size.

 

[96tbird]

^^ "I use a 4 channel mixer and headphones. Plug in a bass and a computer. Amps are quickly going the way of the T-Rex. Get use to the new normal. Pedal boards and IEMs"

.They're been saying that for years now, yet here we are.

Personally there's no way I'd be using headphones in my house when I can shake the walls when I want. But I do get that many live in apartments, or the kids are sleeping, so headphones are great for those folks. My bet is if they are ever able to buy a house, they'll be soon trying to shake the china with a real amp. There is no substitute.

 

[Deep Note]

I use a Rumble 40 studio for practice. It works fine for playing in my living room. I use the built in effects similar to how you use the Zoom pedal.

 

[NocoLaw]

+1 Phil Jones Double Four. It's shocking how much volume and bass comes from it. I use it for upright and electric, and it sounds great with both.

 

[brianrost]

Best sounding? The best sounding amp you already own and use on gigs.

Forget low powered "practice amps" sold to beginners if you want the best sound.

How high is your budget what kind of fancy features do you need (headphone out, aux in, USB audio interface, Bluetooth, battery power, etc.) that stage amps lack.

Then head out to local dealers and try everything they have. If not enough choices locally, then it's time for buying unheard over the net from dealers with an ironclad return policy. Keep flipping till you find "the one".

P.S. For me, if I had a Rumble 40 and a Zoom multieffect, I wouldn't be looking for anything else for practice.

 

[RitterSport]

At the Rumble 40 price range it and the Ampeg BA-110 v2 (or model 115)

I had the Ampeg and it weighed a lot more and the distortion effect was terrible. I traded it in for the Rumble. The Rumble is weirdly light and has a usable distortion, if you're into that, and those three presets are pretty cool.

 

[Gervais Cote]

I have/had the following combos :

Phil Jones Micro 7
Ampeg BA 108 V2
Ampeg BA 110 V1
Ampeg RB 112
Fender Rumble 40
Hartke HD 50

My favorite is the Ampeg BA 110 because it has a good bass, punchy, rather neutral tone and very powerful for the size.

I kept all the Ampeg combos and the others are gone.

 

[FretRiff]

I use a 4 channel mixer and headphones. Plug in a bass and a computer. Amps are quickly going the way of the T-Rex. Get use to the new normal. Pedal boards and IEMs.

If you're going into a DAW you probably don't even need a pedal board at home

 

[FretRiff]

I had the Ampeg and it weighed a lot more and the distortion effect was terrible. I traded it in for the Rumble. The Rumble is weirdly light and has a usable distortion, if you're into that, and those three presets are pretty cool.

A lot of people like its optional dial-in SVT sound, but I guess not you. I like them both.

The Rumble is 18 lbs and the Ampeg ba-110 is 32 lbs. That's partly because the Ampeg used thicker MDF which can offer better damping and low-end response (and roadworthiness), while Fender uses bracing on lighter-weight plywood. When Ampeg discontinued that model and replaced it with the rb-110 they made it more competitive with the Fender at 22 lbs, not much difference (especially if used as a home amp that doesn't get gigged).

 

[RitterSport]

A lot of people like its optional dial-in SVT sound

That "Scrambler"? Yeah, I didn't like it. I haven't tried their new one, but I'm pretty happy with the Fender.

Anyway, Josh at bassbuzz reviewed a bunch of small amps here:

 

[Wesley R]

Genz Benz intro 50, way clean, very good speaker, made well.

 

[Sarge79]

I've got a newer Rumble 40 (which I enjoy)
I also have a newer Rumble 25 (it's my daughter's)

I'm looking for something small, light(ish) and that has a good speaker and good base tone. I supplement my practice tone with one of those new ZOOM Stompbox processors (great piece of kit, btw).

Is there anything out there better than a Rumble 45 for practice? With the ZOOM added, I can get lots of different tones, even making the Rumble sound pretty close to an Ampeg, Eden, Flip Top and more. I just love that little device.

Got any ideas for my situation? I'm all ears and would really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!

Maybe a Head Rush FRFR Go, since you're running the Zoom Stompbox processer. I got one a couple of weeks ago and its good enough for me, and small enough that I can put it in my backpack and take it anywhere. It's pretty light, and also works great as a Bluetooth speaker.