SS Practice Bass Amps

[crunchee]

I'm looking for suggestions for a solid-state practice bass amp, reasonably priced new (under tree fitty), with reasonably USEFUL features (I don't need Mission Control, and I don't need features that I'll rarely touch...I don't do any recording or computer stuff, it's just for straight practicing and maybe the odd small one-room gig). 12 inch speaker, or 2 10s (opinions on those too, please!), I don't need lots of boom or want to rattle the windows, but I do want a good, balanced sound that can be heard. Any suggestions? Used RELIABLE solid state bass amps are an option also, I only mention new as I don't want one that spends time getting fixed. I'm not actively looking to buy one immediately, but I want to be able to shop around and kick the tires on some in the stores, especially during the Holiday sales. TIA!

[Bobby Marshall]

Our former bassist used something like this along with 2 lightweight gk cabs. You would just need one. Inexpensive and decent sounding practice rig.

[JohnnyB]

Gallien-Krueger MB 115 -- 35 lbs. Gallien-Krueger MB 112-ii -- 30 lbs.

Class D amplification and neodymium speaker magnet keeps the weight down. Also, at around $300, you can get 100w 1x15 from Acoustic or Ashdown. They weigh more (50-55 lbs) but cost less. I like a 100w 1x15 for practice. It's hard to practice bass with an amp that doesn't give you a good low E, and I've tried. In fact, the Ashdown just went on sale while I was posting this. It's now $249 down from $479.99.

I think they're out of production now but I picked up a NOS (still had hang tags) Yorkville BM100 for about $110. It's a 100w 1x15 combo. It's a very simple but solidly built, reliable, and good-sounding combo. If you find one you could probably pick it up for $150 or less. Here's the spec sheet.

[Bobby Marshall]

http://m.guitarcenter.com/Item/Default.aspx?itemno=1518259&source=4WWRWXGP&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CLTXp92FxrMCFcXb4AodFm4Aww&urx=1

Sorry I forgot link.

[JohnnyB]

Our former bassist used something like this along with 2 lightweight gk cabs. You would just need one. Inexpensive and decent sounding practice rig.

With that GK head, you could get a cab from a pawnshop, Craigslist, or GC's used gear site. Cabinets are the redheaded stepchildren of the used gear market. I saw a like new Carvin Legacy 4x12 (for guitar) for $150 once, and see single driver cabs for cheap fairly often. I even saw some like new Eden (USA-made, not Nemesis) 2x10 cabs at $249 or so.

Concerning Yorkville, if you go to GC's used gear site and search for "Yorkville bass" under the amps category, you'll get back some 100-200w 1x15 combos ranging from $150 to $259. If you go the GK head route, do a search at the used site (under category "amps") for "bass cabinet" and you'll see 1x15s starting at $60 and 2x10s starting at $99.99. For practice at home, you can save floor space by using a 2x10 in the vertical position. Then put the amp head on top where it's convenient to operate.

[Thundernotes]

I've used a Hartke Kickback 12 for years, on everything from light practice to full gigs. Line out goes to the PA for bigger rooms. They can be had cheap - I recommend the aluminum cone speaker model.

[Steve Haynie]

Yup. The Hartke Kickback with the aluminum cone speaker is perfect for its size. If you can find a used one in nice shape grab it and you will be happy.

[velorush]

I've been gassing for this one:

TC Electronic

It's $50 more than you said you want to spend, but crazy lightweight and seems to be getting some good reviews on Bass-Talk, etc.

I will add, having owned a bass for less than a year, I readily admit knowing absolutely nothing about what makes a bass amp "good," but this one is said to have sufficient power to compete with a drummer, large enough for small gigs and convenient features for home use. I think one of the primary limitations is the lack of a "speaker out" jack (for an additional cabinet), though it does have an XLR direct out.

The amps that seem to get the most attention as a worthy adversaries in the inevitable "vs" threads seem to be the GK MB series (112, 210 or 115), recommended by an actual bass player (i.e., JohnnyB), above.

[tmsfo]

swr workingman's 15 combo. I've got the old style with the recessed knobs. Covered in fuzzy fabric, tough as nails. I like the 15, gives it a bit more oomph. With that and a sansamp you can rattle windows. I think they made a 1x12 as well.

[killerteddybear]

I've used a Hartke Kickback 12 for years, on everything from light practice to full gigs. Line out goes to the PA for bigger rooms. They can be had cheap - I recommend the aluminum cone speaker model.

+ 1 on this. Surprisingly good tones from a small box.

You can have mine,but it's a touch dodgy...

Might look at a Carvin 1x12 as well.

[unfun75]

I picked up a used MB200 head/Avatar 1x15" cab for $350.

[blackfbiv]

As far as cabinets go... a brand new Peavey Headliner series 2x10 lists at $199.00 iirc. I'm guessing you would buy it cheaper in the USA...

Great cab for the dough.

I bought one myself for use with the Traynor YBA200. It would sound good with just about any of the head options mentioned already...

[Jimbilly]

I've had really good luck with used gear. The only real loser I've had (through a BUNCH of amps) was a huge SWR 1000w (SM1000?) 2ch head. Long sad expensive story.

I had an SWR with a 12 that I really liked, it was very simple and lightweight, I wish I could remember the name, a friend talked me out of that one. I have a GK backline 112 that is very cool too. Both of those should be under $150 value. I think you'd be safe used with a single 12" GK or SWR. A single 10" is a bit small imo, I kind of prefer 12s now, -like a lot of guys it seems.

Used gear is much cheaper around here than just a couple of years ago. I have a Peavey TMax head and Carvin 210 cabinet that I'm having real trouble selling on craigs for $300. The Carvin is a good sounding cabinet, and lightweight too. I hate shipping stuff and I'm super busy with work, otherwise we could probably work out a deal (you're not near Seattle are you?). But like Johnny said, cabinets are getting cheap, especially if they're non-Neo or any sort of B or C brand. My main cabinet is a 2x12 GK Neo, those are very-very cool, and probably only $300 used. Add a nice used head for $200 and you've got a real, compact and portable rig. I usually use a '68 Ampeg B25 head or a Dual Showman clone through the GK 2x12, I don't think bass amps sound much better than that. I need a 4 ohm cab for my '72 SVT...

[Jimbilly]

It was the SWR LA 12, great souding little amp.