what size amp to have for practice & acoustic set?

[bassbounce]

i don't have an amp and considered getting the Line 6 Guitarport but that would entail buying bigger monitors AND it wouldn't leave me with a practice or small amp for small shows or just jamming with a guitarist at their house.

so if i want a small amp to do this with, is 50W big enough or should i get a 100W (ie. electric guitar, vocals and bass acoustic set or for jamming at a guitarist's house)?

i have a line on a Yorkville 50B that i'm going to offer $130 for (it's used, several years old but in mint condition) but wonder if i should forego it altogether and get a bigger one for that 'just in case' moment.

i haven't gigged out and really don't plan on it for the next several months AT LEAST as i am still in the beginning stages of bass playing.

 

[B-string]

50 watts, buy if you don't plan on it not leaving the bedroom? If you want something to also jam with, go 100 watts minimum with a 12", 15" or 2 10"'s.

 

[RickenBoogie]

100 watts will seem "not so big" once you add guitars to the mix. But it should suit you well in this case.

 

[Tampa3MMM]

150 watt Ampeg with 2 8" spkrs. Great for practice and if mic'd on stage can actually be used in larger venues. Not the lightest little amp but manageable. Also has a freq. horn.

 

[lomo]

Power can be about tone as well as volume. My pref would be 150 watts and 12 inch spkr. Overkill for an acoustic set but would be enough for a quiet drummer and with a good DI could be used as a floor monitor in a louder mix. Eg-Fender Bassman 150. Having said that, 50w and a 10 might cover your needs.

 

[Rob Martinez]

100 watts should be plenty for acoustic gigs. Maybe too much. I play a 50 watt Ampeg BA112 with a trio, ourdrummer uses brushes and our guitarist plays a Gretsch hollowbody electric guitar through a 5 watt combo. It works fine and is plenty loud.

I like pushing my amps, though, and am not too concerned about headroom. I just think an amp sounds better when pushed!