Practice bass amp

[JB_From_Hell]

I have two basses, but I've never had a bass amp. For guitar, practice amps (low wattage, solid state or modeling, 8" speaker) don't have the ass that a real amp has, but it still sounds like a guitar. I don't remember the models (and it's been awhile), but the bass practice amps I've tried don't sound any better than plugging into my 15 watt Line 6 Spider.

Anybody have a recommendation?

 

[Adieu]

Re: Practice bass amp

Bass stuff is generally done at 3 - 10x the wattage of the the guitarist you play with.

So just realize you're looking at bass amps in the 50 to 150 watt range and things will make more sense

Also, serious bass gear generally has 10"s and 15"'s. A 115 or a 210 will usually be 150-200 watts and be a bit overkill, so you're looking for a 110 (or the rare 112 rig).


Anything with 8" speakers should be ignored like the plague

 

[ErikH]

Re: Practice bass amp

When I'm practicing bass at home, I don't even use an amp. AmpliTube on the iPhone, Ampeg SVT model, iRig attachment with it plugged right in to my mixer and it's perfect for late night practice without blasting out the rest of the house. I use the mixer because I run my laptop to it and play along with songs. Can set the perfect mix that way. Sounds way better than any small bass practice amp I've tried out too.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Practice bass amp

So maybe something like this? https://www.musicgoroundgahanna.com/p/868230/used-ashdown-perfect-10-bass-amp-50-watts

Erik- Maybe you're right, and might consider a similar rig, albeit with headphones.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Practice bass amp

I use a nice pair of Skullcandy headphones off the mixer. Works for me. If I needed to, I'd use that setup at a gig without hesitation.

 

[Securb]

Re: Practice bass amp

I picked up a Peavey Micro Bass used in a Mom and Pop for $50. The thing sounds great for 20 watts through an 8 inch speaker. Plenty of bottom and range, I also use it a keyboard amp. You can find them online at the usual sites used for around the same cash.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Practice bass amp

Anything with 8" speakers should be ignored like the plague

I have to disagree here–the SWR LA-8 practice amp sounds killer for practice and is awesome for plugging into the computer for recording.

 

[Adieu]

Re: Practice bass amp

I use a nice pair of Skullcandy headphones off the mixer. Works for me. If I needed to, I'd use that setup at a gig without hesitation.

Why mess with stuff like skullcandy when AKG has $19 & $29 over ear cheapie monitors on sale every holiday?

 

[Adieu]

Re: Practice bass amp

I have to disagree here–the SWR LA-8 practice amp sounds killer for practice and is awesome for plugging into the computer for recording.

Uhm if youre not using the speaker it doesnt count lol

 

[ErikH]

Re: Practice bass amp

Why mess with stuff like skullcandy when AKG has $19 & $29 over ear cheapie monitors on sale every holiday?

I tried those AKG over ear. Sounded like crap compared to my over ear Skullcandy.

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: Practice bass amp

I have to disagree here–the SWR LA-8 practice amp sounds killer for practice and is awesome for plugging into the computer for recording.

Those LA amps are great. I tried all three once and liked the LA-12 the best.

Someone gave me this little Fender amp. It sounds very nice.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Demanic]

Re: Practice bass amp

Peavey TNT series. Line 6 Lowdown or the Fender Rumbles. Or Hartke or Gallien Kruger.

Sent from my Alcatel_5044C using Tapatalk

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Practice bass amp

The Fender Rumble 3 Series is killer. The 40W for true practice, 100W for jamming too.

 

[chadd]

Re: Practice bass amp

I use a mackie thump 12 when I actually play bass at home. I have a MXR DI pedal for gigs that I can run into the Mackie or even just the bass into the Mackie.

 

[Adieu]

Re: Practice bass amp

Peavey TNT series. Line 6 Lowdown or the Fender Rumbles. Or Hartke or Gallien Kruger.

Sent from my Alcatel_5044C using Tapatalk

Huh.

Ive always found GK's to sound atrocious. Had a GK Backline 210 that I bought for like $100 and hated the dang thing sooo much.

Go Hartke, Carvin, or Peavey for SS bass amplification.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Practice bass amp

Huh.

Ive always found GK's to sound atrocious. Had a GK Backline 210 that I bought for like $100 and hated the dang thing sooo much.

Go Hartke, Carvin, or Peavey for SS bass amplification.

It's all a matter of taste.

Sent from my Alcatel_5044C using Tapatalk

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Practice bass amp

Uhm if youre not using the speaker it doesnt count lol

I actually did use the speaker and really liked it especially with an acoustic guitar–my dad still has it and uses it with the speaker and runs it direct in to his Mac.

It sounded very clean and clear...both with the speaker and running it straight into the computer.

Those LA amps are great. I tried all three once and liked the LA-12 the best.

Someone gave me this little Fender amp. It sounds very nice.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I definitely like the LA amps–simple and really good tone. Knock on wood, no issues with my dad's yet.

I am looking at a Fender bass amp for my bass since I'm getting back into bass playing–will look for one of those used locally.

The Fender Rumble 3 Series is killer. The 40W for true practice, 100W for jamming too.

I really like the Fender Rumbles I've played. Great amps!

Huh.

Ive always found GK's to sound atrocious. Had a GK Backline 210 that I bought for like $100 and hated the dang thing sooo much.

Go Hartke, Carvin, or Peavey for SS bass amplification.

Good thing companies don't do everything to your tastes, I've played and heard incredible GKs.

It's all a matter of taste.

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This.