Small Bass Amps

Scriptor · #1 08-19-2011, 06:46 AM

I am just starting to learn bass and have no bass amp ... thinking about getting a practice amp but one that could be used for small gigs ...

Any suggestions on small/practice amps with a little versatility for under $400?

Thanks.

mchalebk · #2 08-19-2011, 07:37 AM

I think it usually goes for $499, but the Carvin AG100D is on sale for $399 right now. It's actually an acoustic guitar amp, but also has a bass channel and a mic channel. Here's a link:

http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...product=AG100D

skyver · #3 08-19-2011, 07:51 AM

I bought a Roland Bass Cube 30 a while ago. It's nifty. Lots of effects, sounds good, it was cheap, and easy to carry around. It would definitely be within your budget.

Year ago I had a Gallien-Krueger MB150. That was a real pro system. It was great for practicing, and I used to plug it into two 15" EV speakers for gigs. New they're about $800.

TerryAllanHall · #4 08-19-2011, 09:08 AM

The Carvin previously mentioned is an excellent idea. and "used" is right in your budget, as would be a Trace-Elliot Commander 100, like I have.

mchalebk · #5 08-19-2011, 10:21 AM

The Carvin is in his budget right now (on sale). They also have small dedicated bass amps, if the OP really wants a dedicated one.

However, it seems to me that the AG100D would be more versatile than a stand alone bass amp.

RustyAxe · #6 08-19-2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scriptor

Any suggestions on small/practice amps with a little versatility for under $400? Thanks.

I have a lot of bass gear (for upright and "slab"). I use an Ampeg BA112 combo for small-ish acoustic gigs. Had a BA115 before, and that was good, too. Ampeg has returned the BA110 to the lineup, and added the BA108, too. The Gallien-Krueger combo's are nice, too.

Hartke makes junk, as does "Acoustic" brand (GC big sellers, though). Fenders are just OK. I do NOT recommend the Carvin AG100D, either. Rather a nice keyboard amp (Roland or even Peavey) would be MUCH better.

BTW, I love using my acoustic six strings through the Ampeg combo ... very clean.

rdm321 · #7 08-19-2011, 10:56 AM

I have an ancient Roland Cube, 60 watts, that has great tone. The newer Rolands seem pretty good as well.

I often play in acoustic jams, where my bass is the only electric instrument. For these situations I bought a Crate 15 watt amp. It's nothing special in terms of tone, but I've used it regularly for 10 years. I believe that it cost me about $100 new. The main reason I bought it was because it fit perfectly on the rear carrier of my bicycle!

muscmp · #8 08-19-2011, 11:08 AM

this is a very good bass forum. you may want to join.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/

revvv · #9 08-19-2011, 11:23 AM

I am primarily a bassist. As a beginner I would recommend staying small, mobile, and reasonable in terms of price. The list of suggestions are huge in your price range.

I don't know if this is breaking any forum rules or not, but I have an amp I would be willing to sell that is well under your price range. I will PM you the details so that I don't infringe upon anything that may be frowned upon.

If I can help a fellow musician I am all for it.

Scriptor · #10 08-19-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

I have a lot of bass gear (for upright and "slab"). I use an Ampeg BA112 combo for small-ish acoustic gigs. Had a BA115 before, and that was good, too. Ampeg has returned the BA110 to the lineup, and added the BA108, too.

yep ... local GC just got in the BA108's and BA110's ... tried them out and thought they seemed to be good values ... I leaned toward the BA110 ..

Quote:

BTW, I love using my acoustic six strings through the Ampeg combo ... very clean.

That's nice to know ... may want to try that out myself.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

revvv · #11 08-19-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scriptor

yep ... local GC just got in the BA108's and BA110's ... tried them out and thought they seemed to be good values ... I leaned toward the BA110 ..

That's nice to know ... may want to try that out myself.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I have one of the old Ampeg B2 4X8 Combo amps. I have to admit that I am impressed by the small Ampegs.

Personally, I am a Hartke fan. I always have been. Larry Hartke has great customer service and is very innovative in his approach to bass amplification.

bluesbassdad · #12 08-19-2011, 11:57 AM

I gigged for four years, at least 200 gigs, with my son's blues band. I started out with a new Carvin PB100-15 (no longer made).

http://www.harmonycentral.com/products/85751

In the early days, if I needed more oomph, I'd mic it and run it through our P.A.

I wish I'd never sold it.

Now I have two, so-called "practice amps" (I never practice

). One is a Carvin PB-100-10 that I picked up for under $100 last year.

http://www.harmonycentral.com/products/88472

I also have an SWR Workingman's 10 with an extension speaker cabinet. (Or did I give my son the extension cab? Not sure.) It has a very nice sound and is adequate for gigs other than noisy bars. I bought it used for around your budget.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...-10-bass-combo

redcloud · #13 08-19-2011, 02:34 PM

Ya gotta check out Carvin.com. Excellent value and quality.

M.D.Smith · #14 08-19-2011, 02:37 PM

Warwick makes a nice sounding small amp that has some thump to it if you need to go louder.

alexevans917 · #15 08-23-2011, 02:38 PM

My vote would be a Gallien Krueger MB115 or 112. I have the 112 at home, and its a great home practice amp with some nifty features and 200w of power, which is pretty cool for a $300 amp. I play through the MB115 at church and it has a few better features than the 112, is louder, and isn't much heavier. If space isn't an issue, I would opt for the 115. Especially considering that it has a built in DI and a headphone jack, it will be able to take you from home practice to any gig you could possibly play.