Waiting for MiniMark release, what "amp" for beginner until then?

[roburado]

Hey, y'all. Waiting on my Bongo 4H. Also, I'm waiting on MarkBass to release the Minimark and Micromark combos in the U.S. so I can check them out. Any recommendations on an "amplification" solution until then?

I was considering a Cafe Walter headphone amp (based on recommendations I've seen here in the past), a Bass POD of some sort, or maybe a cheapy-cheapy little amp. My thinking is that I'd like to have a little amp for playing at home eventually. One of the local GCs has what looks like a Mini CMD 112P, I think. I was also considering that, but I was wondering if it would be overkill for just playing at home in my apartment. Any recommendations for either a headphone amp or a little practice amp? Bass Pandora? Is there such a thing? I don't even know.

I'm sure that someone is going to ask me what my budget is for this little stop-gap. I'll say US$ 250 is maybe too much. So, under that figure for sure. Is there a decent little amp for less than US$ 150 or so? I'd be willing to spring for a Cafe Walter, I think.

Ideally, the Minimark, the Micromark, or both would be out, and I could just go buy one of the suckers. The plan is to end up with some little MarkBass combo.

Sorry for all the questions. This is my first bass, and I don't know what I'm doing.

 

[mynan]

What do you use when you play your skinny-stringers?

I would say that if it's just for practicing in your apartment, then just use a guitar amp if you already have one. Just take it easy on the volume.

My point is that $150 probably isn't going to get you much of an amp. You're better off saving your money until you can afford something decent later and use a guitar amp to hold you over until then.

 

[bovinehost]

Sometimes you can find those Ampeg combos (BA something?) for cheap and those make great little home/practice amps.

I have one. It's only 50 watts so it won't blow down doors or anything, but it sounds great. Looks cool, too.

Jack

 

[phatduckk]

Sometimes you can find those Ampeg combos (BA something?) for cheap and those make great little home/practice amps.

I have one. It's only 50 watts so it won't blow down doors or anything, but it sounds great. Looks cool, too.

Jack

i think have the same thing and its pretty nice for home. it was $300 new years ago. I think its a rocket 15 or ba15 or something.

i also have a f*** rumble 15 which is a small amp but sounds just fine for home practicing. id say if you know you're gonna get a mini mark when theyre available just get a small practice amp like the f&&&& rumble. it has served me well for the $80 price tag.

so i say drop your budget to $120 and get the best sounding 10-15 watter GC has

 

[fresnorich]

I think you guys are referring to the Ampeg B-50r (12" @ 50 w):

I have the B-100r which has a 15" speaker and is rated at 100w. I love it.

I also still own my very first amp: a Peavey Micro-bass. It's very small and sounds good for its size. Look for an older USA model though.

 

[roburado]

Okay, thanks for the suggestions, guys.