[quote name='kerley' post='1234003' date='May 17 2011, 09:55 AM']Something to bear in mind when chossing practice amps is where it is going to be used.
For example, if I play in a bedroom with carpet, bed etc,. the MB15 sounds dreadful (boomy, muddy)
Put the MB15 out in the garage now the weather is better and it sounds well defined and really nice.
On the other hand, an Ashdown Tourbus 10 with it 6.5" speaker sounds good in the bedroom but weedy in the garage.
So I have an indoor practice amp and a garage practice amp...[/quote]
I wish I had the luxury of a garage to play in.
I have my MB15 on a stand so that the floor doesn't absurb the boom boom boom and make the amp muddy. But most of the time I have the earphones on so I don't think it will be too much of an issue where i put it. Plus it keeps the wife and neighbours happy aswell.
I found the same problem with my Vox Valvetronics which I use with my Strat. On the floor sounds like crap. Lift it 12inches on the stand and wow it comes to life. Even by just tilting it backwards about 30-45 degrees really helps as the sound is directed up at you rather than along the floor usually straight at your feet.
Mind you with bass I don't think you have to go for the guest of the holy tone that seems to posess you and cause the common disorder known as quitar equipment aquisition syndrone. Nasty desease with empty your wallet in no time. I only play straight into the amp now, well with the exception of a Boss TU3, got to keep in tune, and I just use the eq on the amp and crack on. Tone is from the fingers not from some magic little box. But thats just personal taste everybody to their own.
Thanks for the advice.
I'm well pleased witht he Marshall MB15 only cost £67, Not bad for a little amp with plenty of kick to it. Need to get up to speed though as friends of mine have asked me to hurry up so I can do a number with them one time, (bit of thin Lizzy would be nice) small pub gigs, but the thought of me infront of a crowd, well I may need some rubber y fronts that night. If it ever happens. Must be a good buzz though playing to a crowd who appreciate a good bit of live music.
Will have to post some pic's of my Bass and amp when I work out how to do it!