Philbuttblues Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 What practice amp do you all rate for a complete beginner to bass. I've got a Fender MIM Jazz Bass and have no idea what amp to get, I'm into Blues and Classic Rock so any suggestions as where to go with an amp purchase would be appreciated. Not bothered about mega watts jsut as long as it has a headphone socket to keep the wifey happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 When looking for a practice amp myself, I ended up with a Marshall MB15. Its got two channels - modern & classic. The classic really suits a Fender bass for classic rock/punk, which is why I bought it. 15 watts, compressor, 8 inch spkr, headphone out. If looking now, I`d also check out the Ampeg BA108. 25 watts, 8 inch spkr, headphone out. Fender & Ampeg - match made in clssic rock heaven! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markstuk Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Might be worth a look at the Orange (CR25BX), Roland and Hartke small combos as well.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 [quote name='Philbuttblues' post='1229180' date='May 12 2011, 08:07 PM']What practice amp do you all rate for a complete beginner to bass...[/quote] Good evening, Philbuttblues... Perhaps, whilst you're deciding, a Voxamp Amplug would be useful. Plugs directly into the bass jack, and only drives a headset. Fits in a pocket; the sound is very convincing. Quite cheap, and always useful (I find...), even when you have a real amp. Definiely not just a gadget, or toy, imho. Details here... [url="http://www.voxamps.com/amplug/"]Voxamp Amplug...[/url] ...I use rechargeable batteries (2 x AAA...), which last a couple of weeks. Worth a look..? Hope this helps... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philbuttblues Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 [quote name='Dad3353' post='1229284' date='May 12 2011, 08:40 PM']Good evening, Philbuttblues... Perhaps, whilst you're deciding, a Voxamp Amplug would be useful. Plugs directly into the bass jack, and only drives a headset. Fits in a pocket; the sound is very convincing. Quite cheap, and always useful (I find...), even when you have a real amp. Definiely not just a gadget, or toy, imho. Details here... [url="http://www.voxamps.com/amplug/"]Voxamp Amplug...[/url] ...I use rechargeable batteries (2 x AAA...), which last a couple of weeks. Worth a look..? Hope this helps...[/quote] I've been looking at these little plug in amps, wasn't quite sure how good they were. Thanks for the advice. I've been trawling youtube for practice amp reviews but there doesn't seem to be a great deal of them about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philbuttblues Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 [quote name='Lozz196' post='1229208' date='May 12 2011, 07:26 PM']When looking for a practice amp myself, I ended up with a Marshall MB15. Its got two channels - modern & classic. The classic really suits a Fender bass for classic rock/punk, which is why I bought it. 15 watts, compressor, 8 inch spkr, headphone out. If looking now, I`d also check out the Ampeg BA108. 25 watts, 8 inch spkr, headphone out. Fender & Ampeg - match made in clssic rock heaven![/quote] Theres a music retailer in my town that has these in stock. MB30 for about £99 MB15 £67. Might just have to go in a try before I buy. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 I was really impressed with the Hartke A35 or A25 if you can pick one up. I tried the A35 and it was very capable, not to mention loud. Headphone out and MP3 in, plus they're kickback designs so they're really handy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bremen Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 [quote name='Philbuttblues' post='1229180' date='May 12 2011, 07:07 PM']What practice amp do you all rate for a complete beginner to bass. I've got a Fender MIM Jazz Bass and have no idea what amp to get, I'm into Blues and Classic Rock so any suggestions as where to go with an amp purchase would be appreciated. Not bothered about mega watts jsut as long as it has a headphone socket to keep the wifey happy. [/quote] I won one of these [url="http://www.djmmusic.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=20-BA"]http://www.djmmusic.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=20-BA[/url] in a raffle organised by Yorks5stringer. It's got a great sound through headphones, a very useful compressor and is surprisingly loud and clear for its size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Line 6 Studio 110 gets my pick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatboyslimfast Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 I've just picked up a Marshall MB25 II for £25 off of gumtree. Does what I want perfectly, nice tone with decent depth for the size and for beer money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerley Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Definitely worth trying the Marshall MB15 to see what you think. Two useful settings and gives a more powerful sound than other 15w amps I tried (Ashdown, Fender). I also use an Amplug although I don't think they actually sound that great it is used a lot as easier than plugging into the amp and then having headphone lead from amp (too many leads to trip over!) Also plug ipod into it as I spend alot of time playing along to stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solo4652 Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 [quote name='charic' post='1229600' date='May 13 2011, 07:51 AM']Line 6 Studio 110 gets my pick [/quote] I'll second that. Mine sits unobtrusively behind the sofa. Beedster's got one for sale: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=135523"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=135523[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost_Bass Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Trace Elliot Boxer15 definetly! Would make you doubt your ears with it's great tone and low-end (and even sound volume) coming from such a small and light box. Try to find an old one (covered with the green carpet), you can get a used one for £50(ish). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philbuttblues Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share Posted May 16, 2011 Well in the end I got myself a Marshall MB15, sounds OK. Nice basic amp, does what it says on the front of the box. Now for some serious practice. Just hope I can transfer my guitar skills across and pick this bass stuff up without any major frustrations. Should have done this ages ago. Thanks for all the advice folks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 [quote name='charic' post='1229600' date='May 13 2011, 07:51 AM']Line 6 Studio 110 gets my pick [/quote] +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerley Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philbuttblues Posted May 17, 2011 Author Share Posted May 17, 2011 [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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wil Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Roland Cube. Best sounding small boxes I've ever heard, built in compression/effects and amp models. Lovely bits of kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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