Which Practice Amp?

This is my first post on this forum; I'm glad to have come across this site. I recently picked up a bass again, having 'messed around' with one in my younger days but never being serious enough to really learn to play well.

Having said that, the bass I bought is a Schecter C-4 and I am very pleased with it and with the price I paid for it. Now I am in the market for an amp.

Having some knowledge, in general, of amps, brands, etc. and doing a little feature and price research, I came up with these options:

Marshall MB15 link or MB30 link

Hiwatt Bulldog Bass 20 or 30 link

SWR LA10 link

Ashdown After 8 link

I know these options represent a range of power and pricing but, since these are the ones I'm giving the closest look to, I thought I'd toss them out there and let people with opinions on these, or an alternative choice, advise me and offer suggestions.

So, any thoughts?

TIA

 

I was not familiar with the Orange line. The site is a little skimpy on the details. One thing is certain... they are orange. I'll keep it in mind as I continue considering my options.

I appreciate the comment about going with at least a 10" as opposed to an 8". However, I was considering the latter only because I am only needing this amp for personal practice in my bedroom or office; not playing with others, etc. So, I thought something like the Ashdown might work.

Ultimately, at this point, I too favor one of the Marshalls. Although I think the SWR may be a better amp, it cost quite a bit more and the Marshall has the compression feature.

Anyway, thanks for the reply and I'm looking forward to hearing from others with suggestions/thoughts.

 

I get that this is a deal but for this purchase I'd much prefer buying something basic but new. I don't need to be replacing things, etc.

Later on, when I am more familiar with playing and know more solidly what I am looking for, then used gear will probably be a route I take, or at least consider, for many purchases.

Thanks for the heads-up anyway.

 

This is my short list now as well.

 

Thanks for the replies and links, however, I would think that most of those are really overkill for my purposes. A 2x10 + horn combo is nice and I sure hope that the $899 amp suggestion wouldn't need replacing soon but these are not what I'm looking for right now.

For now, I'm just looking to plug in and learn to really play.

Hey, seriously, I appreciate the feedback... I just think that batch of suggestions is a bit off track from what I need.


Let's narrow down the field a bit:

10" (or possibly 12") combo
$170-$225 price (perhaps more, depending)

Current list:

Marshall MB30
SWR LA10
Ashdown Perfect 10
Hiwatt Bulldog Bass 30 (probably not)

Other options:

Warwick Blue Cab 30
Fender Rumble 25 (probably not)
Gallien-Krueger Backline 110 (hmm)


I may would consider the Line 6 LowDown Studio 110 but I don't see what you get for the extra money except the built-in models, which I don't think I really care about at this point.

I like the idea of having an Ampeg, like the BA112, but I'm not sure I'd get substantially more out of it, as a practice amp, than I would the other choices.

Maybe I'm looking at this wrong. Should I be looking for a practice amp now that could pull off service as a studio amp later? My thinking has been to just get something basic to get started and then select something else for gigs and/or studio when that time comes and I know more about what I'm looking for in an amp.

Other thoughts/suggestions?

 

Hm.. I found the CB-30 and it seems very nice (details) but, again, I'm not sure why I'd pay $100 more for this than a Marshall or SWR. I recognize, again, that it has all the modeling/effects that they don't have, but I just don't see needing/desiring those as I learn my instrument. In fact, I'd be afraid that too many settings/tweaks would just serve to confuse me.

Thanks for the suggestion. Other than the CB-30, I think the smallest thing Roland is making is a 15" combo.

 

Ok, that is cool. Checking out the vids shows impressive sound quality for something with 4" speakers. I like the drum patterns too.

I still lean towards something without all the bells and whistles and I don't care in the slightest that it can be powered by batteries, etc. but that is a cool unit.

 

Thanks for the comment on the Marshall.

My main concern with a little practice amp is that I don't something that bottoms-out or buzzes. I've been told that the Marshall is solid and the ported cabinet gives it a strong sound no matter what you're playing.