Re: recommendation for bass practice ampOn Apr 8, 4:08 am, "Jeff" <j...@emirac,net > wrote:
> My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> in her room.
Hi Jeff,
You might repeat your question over in alt.guitar.bass if you don't
find what you need here.
Since you've already gone shopping, you probably noticed that there
are different speaker sizes and wattages to choose from. In the price
range you mention, you'll probably be able to get an 8", 10", or 12"
speaker driven by an amp capable of 10-100 watts. Which one is right
for your daughter depends upon her priorities.
I know you said your daughter wanted an amp so that she could practice
in her room, but this might be too limiting. Bass guitar isn't
usually a solo instrument, so she'll almost certainly want to play
with other people. While an 8" speaker driven by 10 watts is fine for
playing along to CDs, she'll need more if she plays in a group. I'd
suggest at least a 10" speaker and ~50 watts to balance a teen
drummer.
I started bass guitar with a Gallien-Krueger Backline 110 combo.
Despite going through a number of basses and buying an upgraded amp
for gigging, I still like this amp and use it a lot. The 10 inch
speaker and 70 watt amp is just enough to back a small band in a room
the size of a basketball court (I taught high school and played with
students). The current GK 110 is above your $150 limit, but this
might give you an idea of what your daughter could do with a 10"
speaker and 70 watts. Nigel mentioned Behringer, who have a 10" combo
with a 45 watt amp priced under $150.
One non-obvious thing to consider is whether your daughter is happy
carrying the rig. Bass combos are heavy, and I curse every time I
have to lug my gear any distance. Whatever combo you choose, have her
pick the thing up and carry it around the store. If she is
uncomfortable carrying it to the register, she won't be happy with it
in the long run. (Or, she'll find a lunkhead boyfriend to carry it,
and *you* won't be happy with it.)
You asked about brands. I have no idea why, but bassists seem to
dislike Peavey gear. Behringer also seems to lack the "cool" factor.
Kids had doubts about my "Backline" cheapo GK combo, too. Ordinarily,
I wouldn't think twice about brand if I really liked a piece of gear,
but you're daughter is a teen. You may want to make sure the brand
has enough clout with her peers that she won't feel embarrassed by it
in 6 months and want another one...
--Cliff