I’ve recently got my first bass (Sire M2) with a Mighty Plug Pro so I can use it with headphones. Currently loving that, but not loving the fact I can’t show off the new tricks I’ve learned to other people. So I’m looking for a small amp that sounds decent, doesn’t break the bank, and is also small/portable enough to stow away and not be in the way. I won’t be using it to practice much, maybe when the wifey’s gone
So far I’ve looked at the Fender Rumble 15, and the Ashdown Studio Jnr amps. If you guys know anything else around that size (or smaller, that’d be sick) that would work great for my intended usecase, I’d love to hear it!
I have a 12" 40W combo amp and that’s plenty for bedroom practice. Smaller speakers can work at lower volume - you’d be missing a bit of low end, but hey.
People here on the forum have good experience with the Fender Rumble 40 and 100. Markbass makes a nice 8" mini amp. Phil Jones has great stuff in the mini department, but it’s pricy.
You could also go for a Sans Amp or SGT DI. These pre-amps can be combined with powered speakers/monitors and deliver a small setup with crisp sound.
Well, depends on your budget and the room a bit. How much do you want to spend? Do you have a dedicated practice space?
To answer the questions, I havent got a dedicated room to play, I live in an appartement so I don’t want it to go too loud. I play behind my desk which is basically in an extended area of the living room, which is very close to the couch area.
I’m looking to spend about 200 euro’s on it. More expensive feels like a waste since I won’t really be using it too often.
I was hoping that you could maybe clarify something I’ve seen multiple people say online (including the other homie in this thread). Why do people say that amps with speakers smaller than 10’ aren’t good? I’ll probably never gig, I’m not looking for something to jam out with with friends. It’s just to show off the things I’m learning on the B2B course for example. To me it feels very extreme to buy a big powerfull amp just for some (relatively) quiet practicing and forcing my girl to listen for about 3 mins haha. Hope you can clarify!
Thanks again for the help already provided, I really appreciate it! Will definitely introduce myself in the thread
You’re not going to gig on a 40w amp either, but the 10" speaker will sound a heck of a lot better than 8". They really lack low end, although if I were to get an 8", I would get an Orange. I had one and still sorry I sold it, it sounded really good for a small package
I was currently looking at the Fender Rumble LT25 because I quite like the options on there (and have accepted that a very small amp probably won’t cut it haha), I had also taken a look at Orange but couldn’t find too much about it, They’re about the same price. Which one would you pick looking at the bang for your buck? (I was looking at the Orange Crush Bass 25)
I’m also very new (most of the way through module 5 in B2B) and have the rumble LT25. I’m pretty happy with it so far.
With the volume at 9 o’clock (where I practice) it pushes out about 75db and at 12 o’clock it pushes out right around 100db, both measured about 3 feet from the speaker with the volume on the bass maxed and gain at 12 o’clock. Which is plenty loud for my practice space. If there is something missing in the low end I can’t hear it… though maybe that’s just my old ears and/or inexperience.
Any chance that there is a local shop where you might be able to try them out and/or pick up something used?
My local shops unfortunately don’t sell the LT25, I’ve seen the Orange one on their website, so it might be worthwhile checking that out. I’ll also definitely keep my eye out for a secondhand deal :). Thanks a bunch for your answer though, really appreciate the insight and information!
Agree . I got the Rumble 15 and hated it for bass. Just too thin and farty. However, I have flat wound strings and like an old school thump. Maybe it’s better for round wounds and metal. I have the Ashdown Studio 10 (as well as a Rumble 100) and what a difference! Deep full sound at every volume.
I’ve tried a bunch of small speakers and combos. Most people prefer 10" speakers and larger because manufacturers will include higher quality materials with larger equipment. And, there are physical limitations for small speakers, regardless of the magic some manufacturers like Phil Jones work.
Here’s my rundown:
My 40W 12" bass combo amp is loud enough for a small acoustic/electric gig and cost me 30€ for my buddy
Roland Bass Cube LX - two 5" speakers, farts out at its high volume setting, 315€
Micromark 801 - 8" speaker, no eq controls, seen it gigged by an upright bass guy at an acoustic gig outside. High quality, 369€
Now consider that an Orange Crush Bass 25 is 229€. Or you can get the 50W one for 349€, which comes with a built-in tuner. Or you get a Fender Rumble (different sound, more classic look).
Another route would be studio monitors/speakers for your computer. There are other people who can explain that better.
Happy bassing,
Antonio
PS: I checked out your artwork and really liked it. Impressive quality!
I bought an Ampeg RB 108 v2 for my girlfriend and for now we are quite happy with it, especially considering the low price used (65€ I think). She wanted a very small practice amp, but, a 110 would most probably have been even better.
Crush 25 is my favorite. Sounds great. I regret selling mine when I got a Rumble 100. It was a great practice amp
. I got the Rumble 15 and hated it for bass. Just too thin and farty. However, I have flat wound strings and like an old school thump. Maybe it’s better for round wounds and metal. I have the Ashdown Studio 10 (as well as a Rumble 100) and what a difference! Deep full sound at every volume.