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recommendation for bass practice amp

Reply from: Jeff
Date: 08 Apr 2008, 10:08
recommendation for bass practice amp

Gentle Readers,

My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
(I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
and cheapness.

fanks for any help

--
jd@emirac,net
crappymp3 page http :// www .emirac,net /cmp



Reply from: Nigel Goodwin
Date: 08 Apr 2008, 12:02
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

In message <5KFKj.3257$N62.2574@trndny07>, Jeff <jeff@emirac,net > writes
>Gentle Readers,
>
>My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
> found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
> just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
> bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
> we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
> (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
> low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
> and cheapness.

My daughters first bass came with a Custom 10W Bass practice amp, and
it's always been great for practising on your own. But as you would
expect, it's no good for anything else.

If you're spending money on it, I would suggest getting an amp that's
big enough to gig with, or at least big enough to practice with a full
band.

I bought my daughter a Behringer 120W combo, it's reasonably cheap, and
has coped with everything thrown at it - including outdoor gigs - only
downside is it's pretty heavy.
--
Nigel Goodwin
C.Farmer Ltd.
Matlock

Reply from: hcbowman
Date: 08 Apr 2008, 14:38
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

On 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




Reply from: dustoyevsky@mac,com
Date: 09 Apr 2008, 20:14
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

On Apr 8, 7:38 am, hcbowman <hcbow...@gmail,com > wrote:

> 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, (snip)

I'm scouting "musical" for my daughter and me too, I guess <g>. Just
got an Ibanez AW100 flat top in fine shape with a stand and Seiko
tuner for $160 on local Craigslist. Met in the Target parking lot
after dark, as it turned out. Yup, first time I ever bought a guitar
in the dark...
.
Ok, I went to GC (Ibanic case quest) and while there tried a couple of
small bass amps, with a Fender Pbass (long scale, to stress the lows).
Backline 110, with a deep, tilt-able cabinet had lots of loud for the
size, not the greatest tone, but OK, at least. Fender Rumble-- dang,
forgot the number, think it was a 25. Pretty sure it was this one,
prices match:

http :// www .zzounds,com /item--FEN2315400010

Lots nicer sound, not near as loud though-- really surprising. The
Fender has headphone out. Cab on the GK is the big diff, I guess. Oh
yeah, the GK was $169 + tax (usually about $229?), the Fender was
$189. Don't know if the GK was a "floor model" price but it never
hurts to ask, and try to make a deal.

FWIW, this is another time I've tried one of the Fender combos and
enjoyed the tone. Which is pretty good for a former Bassman/Showman/
B15 user.

Yeah, local Craigslist or whatever, same deal as getting that $500
list Ibanez pretty cheap, people try to get started playing, and stop.
Price was good, I didn't haggle.

Happy Hunting! --D-y

Reply from: Angof
Date: 08 Apr 2008, 16:50
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp


"Jeff" <jeff@emirac,net > wrote in message
news:5KFKj.3257$N62.2574@trndny07...
> Gentle Readers,
>
> My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
> found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
> just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
> bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
> we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
> (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
> low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
> and cheapness.
>
> fanks for any help
>
> --
> jd@emirac,net
> crappymp3 page http :// www .emirac,net /cmp
>

I have just bought a Stagg 20BA combobass amp. I think its very good for
home practice, nice rounded bass sound and loud enough for most practice
purposes. Like any 20watt combo, it would be lost to a full drum kit, but at
this price/power range you expect that.

I managed to find one for £45 delivered

Angof



Reply from: klaw
Date: 08 Apr 2008, 17:21
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

On Apr 8, 4:08 am, "Jeff" <j...@emirac,net > wrote:
> Gentle Readers,
>
> My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
> found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
> just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
> bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
> we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
> (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
> low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
> and cheapness.
>
> fanks for any help
>
you don't say whether she has a gig amp already.
you might consider used gear.
anything in your price range will be about the same.
peaveys aren't so bad if you replace the speaker.
i'd say the fewer knobs the better - less to have mess up.
maybe a headphone jack.
make sure she can tote it.

Reply from: dustoyevsky@mac,com
Date: 08 Apr 2008, 19:40
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

On Apr 8, 3:08 am, "Jeff" <j...@emirac,net > wrote:
> Gentle Readers,
>
> My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
>  in her room.  I don't know much about these things, however, I have
>  found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
>  just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
>  bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
>  we should avoid.  I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
>  (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
>  low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
>  and cheapness.

Harmony Central has user feedback on lots of amps.

I have an old Markley 1-10" practice amp, it's enough to do the job
but not much to spare, even for playing along with recorded sources at
home.

Understand budget constraints but finding a good deal on something
that is big enough to play in a combo covers solo practice, practice
with "others", full garage band or whatever, and then you're getting
into opening the road to really playing the thing <g>.

Headphones are very dangerous for hearing, easy to go into the red
zone without realizing it. You want to learn to "play the room"
anyhow. --D-y

Reply from: Jim
Date: 08 Apr 2008, 23:25
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

Jeff wrote:

> Gentle Readers,
>
> My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
> found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
> just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
> bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
> we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
> (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
> low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
> and cheapness.
>
> fanks for any help
>

You mention a budget, so...

Check local Craigslist ads. Keyboard amps would also work. Used is better for
a beginner. You get more for your money, and you won't lose if you resell (if
you pay the right price to start with).

Reply from: Benj
Date: 10 Apr 2008, 06:03
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

On Apr 8, 5:25 pm, Jim <j...@askmebeforeyousend,com > wrote:

> Check local Craigslist ads. Keyboard amps would also work. Used is better for
> a beginner. You get more for your money, and you won't lose if you resell (if
> you pay the right price to start with).

I totally agree with used and I totally agree with Keyboard amps or
bass combos that look like keyboard amps. I'd try for a 50-75 watt
range for dual practice and gigging utility. Brand not so important.
I've got a nice Laney75 I picked up used for a song. Lots of other
decent brands out there that will do the job. Just look around.
However, if it says "practice amp" on it, I'd steer clear of it! In my
experience is those are mostly useful for driving headphones. (note
that basses are not like guitars which can be extremely loud with just
a few watts. Basses just SOAK up the power!)


Reply from: pTooner
Date: 09 Apr 2008, 03:38
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp


"Jeff" <jeff@emirac,net > wrote in message
news:5KFKj.3257$N62.2574@trndny07...
> Gentle Readers,
>
> My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
> found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
> just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
> bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
> we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
> (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
> low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
> and cheapness.
>
> fanks for any help
>
> --
> jd@emirac,net
> crappymp3 page http :// www .emirac,net /cmp
>
>

Consider a small keyboard amp. They will do the job and weigh less than
bass amps. I have a Roland KC100 that weighs less than any realistically
useable bass amp that I take to acoustic jams and such and it sounds damned
good and is reasonably loud. No, it won't compete with a drum kit, but it
is light and sounds good.
Gerry



Reply from: klaw
Date: 09 Apr 2008, 20:04
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

On Apr 8, 9:38 pm, "pTooner" <some...@onthe,net > wrote:
> "Jeff" <j...@emirac,net > wrote in message
>
> news:5KFKj.3257$N62.2574@trndny07...
>
>
>
> > Gentle Readers,
>
> > My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> > in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
> > found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
> > just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
> > bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
> > we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
> > (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
> > low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
> > and cheapness.
>
> > fanks for any help
>
> > --
> > j...@emirac,net
> > crappymp3 page http :// www .emirac,net /cmp
>
> Consider a small keyboard amp. They will do the job and weigh less than
> bass amps. I have a Roland KC100 that weighs less than any realistically
> useable bass amp that I take to acoustic jams and such and it sounds damned
> good and is reasonably loud. No, it won't compete with a drum kit, but it
> is light and sounds good.
> Gerry

the alesis keyboard amps have a nice caster/handle system that makes
toting a breeze.

Reply from: Weekendshooter
Date: 09 Apr 2008, 19:49
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

On Apr 8, 3:08 am, "Jeff" <j...@emirac,net > wrote:
> Gentle Readers,
>
> My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
>  in her room.  I don't know much about these things, however, I have
>  found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
>  just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
>  bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
>  we should avoid.  I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
>  (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
>  low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
>  and cheapness.
>
> fanks for any help
>
> --
> j...@emirac,net
> crappymp3 page http :// www .emirac,net /cmp

We auditioned a few small bass amps recently, primarily for an
acoustic bass, and left the store with an Ibanez SW35 for $135.

Your daughter's lucky to have you for a Dad!


Reply from: Mike
Date: 09 Apr 2008, 20:40
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

On Apr 8, 4:08 am, "Jeff" <j...@emirac,net > wrote:
> Gentle Readers,
>
> My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
> found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
> just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
> bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
> we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
> (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
> low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
> and cheapness.
>
> fanks for any help

I rehearse through a very cheap Behringer 6 channel mixer (that can be
had for about $50) and a decent pair of headphones. I patch a CD
player into the board and play along with CDs. A noiseless setup.
Just a thought.

Mike

Reply from: jtees4
Date: 10 Apr 2008, 01:12
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp

On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:08:33 GMT, "Jeff" <jeff@emirac,net > wrote:

>Gentle Readers,
>
>My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
> found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
> just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
> bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
> we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
> (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
> low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
> and cheapness.
>
>fanks for any help

Check out what Walmart has...I don't think yu even have to spend over
$100...assuming she is a beginner and it is only for home practice.

*********The softer side of JTees4*******
http :// www .soundclick,com /bands/default.cfm?bandID=819923

Reply from: Lane Baldwin
Date: 13 Apr 2008, 15:41
Re: recommendation for bass practice amp


"Jeff" <jeff@emirac,net > wrote in message
news:5KFKj.3257$N62.2574@trndny07...
> Gentle Readers,
>
> My daughter would like a small bass combo amp so she can practice
> in her room. I don't know much about these things, however, I have
> found that there are a few in the under-150bux price range, and before
> just blindly purchasing one I'd like to know if there any Very Important
> bass criteria we should consider or if there are any particular models
> we should avoid. I'm thinking about ruggedness and reliability mostly
> (I hate to diagnose and solder stuff), good sound at moderate and
> low volume (even though she's 14 and listens to wickedloud music),
> and cheapness.
>

You might check into the new N series from Nemesis. Specifically, the N8jr
and N10 may fit the bill for you.
--
Keep Thumpin', Lane...

Ask not what bass can do for you...Ask what YOU can do for bass.
www .laneonbass,com | www .myspace,com /lanebaldwin
www .deeperblues,com | www .myspace,com /deeperblues
www .basstalkradio,com | www .myspace,com /basstalkradio
www .eden-electronics,com | www .myspace,com /edenelectronics







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