Smallish amps for practice

[Zampa]

Hi basers...

Can anyone recommend a few small (ish) practice amps that still have a decent deep bass sound..I currently have a Laney amp which is about 2 foot high, 18 inches deep and two foot wide housing a 15 inch speaker....I made the mistake of thinking bigger speaker bigger bass...but that is only achievable with volume..a lot of it.

Not practical for the home.

I don't mind new or a second hand one to track down..but i would like like a deep sound if thats possible, I dont want to spend a fortune as I am only really a novice who plays for fun..I'' never be able to progress as I dont understand all the concept of root, 5ths, majors, etc..Its just for fun, and I love it. 

Headphones are not an option as I suffer from tinnitus

Also, would heavier gauge strings make a difference?..I have considered them but I am unsure whether the thin neck of my ibanez would handle the extra tension

Thanks

[burno70]

Roland Bass Cube.

[chris_b]

I use my regular amps (they turn down) and a Barefaced One10 cab. I gig with these and didn't want to spend any cash on specific gear to play at home. If you don't gig this might be more expensive but IMO it sounds better because practice amps never use premium components, have top quality EQ or have amps or cabs and drivers designed to good sonic principals.

Even with tinnitus I'd still check out ear phones. IMO you can hear better at very low volume levels with ear phones.

[casapete]

Fender Rumble combos are excellent, the V.3 range. Good tonal range, loud and very portable/light.

The 40w version is great, and don't let the speaker diameter put you off - they have lots of low end.

https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/fender-rumble-40-bass-guitar-combo-v3?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgIidopDi2gIVDLTtCh1QUwrCEAQYAyABEgKo7PD_BwE

[Linus27]

I have a Fender Rumble 100 V3 and it is excellent. Very light, beautiful tone and easy to tailor your own tone. I'm actually going to be selling it soon.

[discreet]

+1 Fender Rumble Combo. The range is extensive and caters for every purpose and budget. Light, loud and toneful.

[discreet]

15 hours ago, Zampa said:

I'llI never be able to progress as I dont understand the concept of root, 5ths, majors, etc.

That doesn't prevent progress, by the way.

[Linus27]

5 minutes ago, discreet said:

That doesn't prevent progress, by the way.

Don't forget 3rd's, they are the best

[discreet]

4 minutes ago, Linus27 said:

Don't forget 3rd's, they are the best

I've usually had enough after seconds. Urp!

[Zampa]

5 hours ago, Linus27 said:

Don't forget 3rd's, they are the best

Dont confuse me lol

[Zampa]

Is there going to be much difference between the 25 and the 40 Fender rumble at the low end?...obviously it is half the price there must be some difference between the two..is it just power and a few more knobs?

Thanks for all the info so far guys...much appreciated

Edited May 1, 2018 by Zampa

[discreet]

I have experience of neither, but this may help:

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/fender-rumble-25-vs-rumble-40.1232935/

[kumimajava]

Depending on your budget, and second-hand availability: some of the smaller Phil Jones amps sound surprisingly good for the size.

On the larger end, the Bass Briefcase certainly works at low levels also. At the tiny end of the spectrum - the Double Four gives surprisingly deep sound, given the size. (Personally, am not a fan of the Bass Cub - the DoubleFour seems to have a tighter/clearer sound)

Edited May 2, 2018 by kumimajava

[billynoband]

Cashconverters online last week had two Roland 20 bass cube with with all the built in cab/amp simulations and effects . 100 and 120 quid with warranty.

[la bam]

Ashdown After Eight packs a punch for around £30 second hand. Nice and compact but with a real bassy sound.

[fretmeister]

Roland Bass Cube. Sounds superb and can be picked up used for about the cost of a pedal

 

Still got mine despite having super light modern gear. 

[prowla]

A Markbass amp & 1x12 cab.

[casapete]

On ‎4‎/‎30‎/‎2018 at 00:13, Zampa said:

I dont want to spend a fortune as I am only really a novice who plays for fun..

By the sound of it, the OP doesn't have the funds for a Phil Jones / Markbass / Barefaced etc set-up.

Hence the more realistic mentions for Fender / Roland / Ashdown combos. 

[prowla]

1 hour ago, casapete said:

By the sound of it, the OP doesn't have the funds for a Phil Jones / Markbass / Barefaced etc set-up.

Hence the more realistic mentions for Fender / Roland / Ashdown combos. 

I've been a novice who plays for fun for the past 30-40 years!

[CameronJ]

@Zampa, what’s your budget? I was about to recommend a Phil Jones Double Four but it seems that may be over budget at around £300 used.

If you can pick up a used Line 6 Studio 110 it may be exactly what you’re looking for and for not all that much money either. 4 band EQ, DI out, some basic amp modelling, one knob compressor, headphone output. I’ve had one for years and it’s served me very well.