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Whats the best teeny tiny practice type amp?

#43
+1 for the Roland Micro Cube Bass RX.

Really small, good sound for the size/power rating, has some built-in effects including compression, touch wah for the funk, flange, chorus, delay, and reverb, so you don't need to schlep pedals from your primary practice space. Built-in rudimentary drum machine, amp modeling, tuner, and stereo aux in for connecting i-pod, etc. Sounds better and louder than I expected it would. And it runs on AC AND batteries, so you can jam anywhere. Makes it that much more fun and easy to get in a little practice when pinched for time.

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(No disclosures, I just really dig this sweet little combo!)
 
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#44
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#45
I don't consider a lot of the suggestions here to be teeny tiny. The Yorkvill qualifies in size, but do you need 50 watts for personal practice at home?
I use a Rumble 15, one of the older versions. It doesn't have a line out, just a headphone jack, but if I need to go to something else, I just use my DI box that sends to the amp and a DI connection.
 
#46
I went down this route, but for practice I prefer using the GK plugin on my iPad for $5. The reason is because I can jam to youtube vids, or backing tracks..etc.

The iPad for me is the ultimate practice amp if you are open to it. It is far more versatile and no one can hear anything. I post this since you mentioned you wanted something to have near the sofa. That is exactly how I practice, but I'm far more productive now.
 
#47
I've had a couple small amps. Orange 20B, Ampeg BA110, Roland micro cube rx, Roland cube 30 bass, and a Phil Jones double four.

The cube 30 is decent for 4 string basses, the cube rx was also ok for 4 string, but both kneel to the B string.
The orange was horrible, the automatic limiter was impossible to control, so each now would swell.
The Ampeg is great, handles a low B fairly well and had a wonderful warm vintage tone, but it could tend to fart or buzz a little (possibly something that could be alleviated, but I never bothered trying.

The Phil Jones, however, is the smallest I've owned, but still produces a full tone with enough low end. A clear winner despite the miniature size.

I've heard the Cub is even better, I haven't personally tried one, however.
 
#48
I use a Fender Rumble 15 and it sounds astonishingly good. It is loud enough for basement jams and light enough to not throw out your back. And for $80 the price is right. I think my headphones cost more! But since I'm an old geezer I don't need to rattle the windows every time I plug in. While we're at it let's talk about hearing loss. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is basicly a rip in your eardrums from what's called over pressure, like in gun fire, an explosion or a bass amp which can move plenty of air. It's no joke, it's extremely painful. The buzzing in your ear goes on day and night and there is no cure. If you use headphones, try 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. For gigs use ear plugs. You'll thank me later.
 
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#53
I use a Fender Rumble v3 15watt which is perfect for bedroom practice. I plug my iMac into one port and headphones into the other. It has plenty of volume and will work well when playing with acoustic guitar. For $80.00 you can't go wrong. It is very light weight as well. Definitely worth a look.:):cool::bassist:
 
#56
This is what I use for that exact same purpose.

It sits right next to the couch upstairs for when I just want to veg out on the couch and either play something old or practice something new.

The one pictured below is not mine but I have the exact same amp.

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#57
jjmuckluckjr said:
don't need to rattle the windows every time I plug in. While we're at it let's talk about hearing loss..
Click to expand...

these days ringing in the ears can be caused by over saturation of microwaves, wifi and cell phone activity. the "noise" we are exposed to is a new phenomenon of the age of wireless. and we are just beginning to understand the effects. the frequencies of wifi are the same frequency used in microwave ovens. this is the new noise pollution.

if someone needs to play loud, it's usually a sign of an inexperienced musician. your brain and your ears are not working together. if you watch bands/sidemen behind major acts on stage they are not only listening to the rest of the band, they are also listening to their instrument. there is an innate control this caliber of musician seems to understand. they work as a unit. they don't suffer from the one guy too loud syndrome or loudness wars because they are actually beyond being that guy. for bass, how you touch the instrument will produce the lows and the highs. and just a little amplification is all that is needed to amplify that proper touch. today's gear for bass is the best it's ever been. hence "listening" for the tone and touch should be easier to achieve.

hearing the space between instruments is key. once we figure that out, we realize we don't need that much volume.

a 10 inch in a good cab can get real low with even 25 watts. if you finesse it.
 
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