What is the Best Bass Practice Amp? (2023)
Must-Haves for Studio Rehearsals

29 Amps Tested
840+ Hours of Research
1.5k+ Reviews Examined
Unbiased Reviews

A bass practice amp is just shy of the “real thing”. It won’t be as loud as a proper amp used for shows but can boost your sound enough so you can hone your skills. Will all bass amps provide you with the same effect? Unfortunately not, which is why our experts are here to make sure you get the best bass practice amps.

Premium Pick
Ampeg BA-115v2
Editor's Choice
Fender Rumble 25
Budget Option
Donner DBA-2

Reviews of the Top Bass Practice Amps

1.

Fender Rumble 25

The Fender Rumble 25 comes in many wattages, but for a practice amp that is suitable for most occasions, our team of musicians recommend the 25. 

It is a small bass amp but it can be loud enough for certain smaller outdoor gatherings. The 8-inch special Fender speaker is housed in a ported enclosure with a removable grille for unhindered sound projection.

The Fender Rumble features a contour switch, a switchable overdrive circuit and top-mounted controls that make it easy for you to tune. The aux input makes the Rumble compatible with a wide range of media devices and you can also choose to rehearse in private with the headphone output.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

2.

Donner DBA-2

The Donner DBA-2 is also a 25-watt amp that is great for bass players who need to get some rehearsing in without disturbing the neighbors. The combo amp comes with the cables you need and has a volume switch, 3-band EQ, and allows tone shaping that suits your needs.

The 8-inch speaker in this bass amplifier can deliver excellent bass sound and there are even indicator lights to show you the bass amp is on and ready to go. The amp is carpeted and built to be strong. You can carry it with you from venue to venue with the small carrying handle on top. 

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What We Don’t Like

3.

Ibanez IBZ10B

The Ibanez IBZ10B combo bass amplifier is compact and lightweight, with all the basic controls such as the master volume clearly labeled and positioned on the front. It comes with an auxiliary input, which matches most media devices and the bass amp also features a headphone jack so you can play in peace.

The small and portable practice bass amp features a carrying handle, a small profile, and corner protection for worry-free transport. The small amp can provide enough power to get a good rehearsal session in with your bass guitar, but it may not be the best for a live gig. 

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What We Don’t Like

4.

Gallien-Krueger MB112-II

For those who want mega bass in their practice amps, the Gallien-Krueger MB112-II can provide 200 watts of power. Bass amps with more power output can be great for practicing if you have the environment and can double as your amp for real shows.

The GK MB112-II comes with a paragon driver for the best bass amplification. The cabinet is extremely durable and well built, and even though it is larger than some other practice bass amps, the MB112-II is still considered portable.

Users can pair the bass amp with a speaker and do a live show without any sound issues.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

5.

Ampeg Rocket Bass

If you like the legendary sound and want a bass amp that isn’t quite as powerful or expensive as the premium pick, then our team of sound engineers recommends the Ampeg Rocket Bass.

It’s a 30-watt combo amp that looks vintage but has features that are anything but old school. The small bass amp features Super Grit Technology Overdrive with the basic AUX and headphone jacks.

The circuits are redesigned for maximum performance and you can choose to use the footswitch. You can have a choice from 30 to 500 watts depending on your needs.

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What We Don’t Like

6.

Hartke HD15

Lastly, we have the Hartke HD15. The brand is known for high-end bass amps within an affordable price range. This particular model is a 15-watt option for people looking for smaller amps, but there are choices with more power.

The Hartke HD15 features a 6.5-inch HyDrive paper aluminum cone driver fitted within a small and sturdy enclosure with a carrying handle on top. The tiny and compact bass amp has a control panel mounted on top for easy access. 

To top it all off, the Hartke HD15 has a built-in limiter and a perforated metal grill that won’t obstruct the sound and is very durable.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

7.

Ampeg BA-115v2

Our team also understands that some people have the need for a louder and more powerful bass amp for rehearsals, and the Ampeg BA-115v2 is a great option if you are in need of a bass amp that has significant power. 

You have your pick from 40 to 150 watts, depending on your requirements but they both come with 3-band EQ and scrambler overdrive.Our experts reviewed the 150-watt option and were surprised by the effects of the hi-fi tweeter and 60-degree surround sound monitor angle. 

The Ampeg surprised our musicians further with hi/lo tone shaping. The front-facing controls also make adjustments easier on you during gigs. 

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Bass Practice Amps Buyer’s Guide

Power

Other than the features, the greatest difference between a practice amplifier and a regular one is how much power it produces. In our review, our experts made sure to include models with a range of wattage ratings so you can find one meant for your needs.

If you are looking for an amp just for practice, we would recommend anywhere from 10 to 40 watts, because that’s really all you need. However, for those who want one amp for a dual purpose, then you will need to look for more powerful models. 

Wattage ratings [1] can make a big difference when you’re playing along. Unless you want noise complaints from your neighbors, our experts suggest you pick a practice amplifier with less than 40 watts of power at the most. 

Speaker

Amps have a speaker built in, and you will notice that they vary in size depending on the measurements of the amp. While it’s true that in general, a larger speaker can generate more power, but larger speakers also tend to be less accurate. For a practice amplifier, our audiophiles say that 8 inches is perfect.

Look at your rehearsal space to determine the right size. For small to small/medium rooms, 8 inches will do. If you have a larger space, look into 10 to 15-inch speaker sizes.

Inputs and Outputs

The inputs and outputs on the best bass practice amp will determine the compatibility it has with your system. Line and headphone input and output will allow you to rehearse in peace and at any time you want. Aux inputs are also commonly seen on amplifiers, which can connect to most devices. You can also find XLR outputs with ground lift in some models.

Tone and Gain Controls

Tone and grain controls are so important for the best practice amp. If you want good bass sound that suits you, you have to make sure the bass tone can be customized. Most of the models in our review feature EQ controls that can amplify and tune the low end and low mid range.

Our experts suggest looking for 3-band EQ control, volume, and gain controls all on one device so you can play along to your favorite songs with great bass output.

Channels

How many channels should the best bass practice amp have? The number of channels pertains to how many devices it can amplify. There is no right number of channels for your amplifier because it is another factor that depends on your needs.

How many people will share the amp? Do you need to connect a speaker? Ask yourself these questions to figure out how many channels you need.

Impedance

The impedance in your best practice amplifier needs to match your speakers and bass guitar. It’s best if you can find a variable impedance switch that allows you to change the rating on your practice bass amplifier. 

Tube vs Solid State Amp

The difference between a tube amp and a solid state amp is the construction. Tube amps use vacuum tubes while a solid state model uses electronic transistors. Of course, the construction of these amps will also affect the sound they produce. 

Tube amps are known for warmer and richer volume bass. Solid states can still produce great bass, and they are actually the ones preferred by our expert bassists. Solid state amplifiers are more reliable and great for transport.

Build and Construction

Speaking of transport, you need to make sure your amp is highly durable, and not some low-end model that will give out too soon down the line. Practice amplifiers are usually very small and portable, and one product line could feature the same model with various wattage outputs. 

In general, rehearsal amps are made with very secure materials and have corner protection. This way, you won’t have to worry about damaging your unit during transit. Many combo bass amps also have built-in handles that make it easy for you to carry your unit.

Amps have grills that cover the speaker, and they can be perforated metal or cloth grills. The choice depends on your preference, but our experts generally go for metal grills on amps just because they are more durable. Either way, the grille should not impact the sound capabilities and features of your amps.

Price and Warranty

Practice bass amps generally fall within a very affordable price range. The best practice amp for your needs won’t cost you an arm and a leg, and still provide good bass sound. A bass combo amp is usually around 100 to 200, but there are ones that fall below that mark as well.

Do the product line and brand affect the price? Unfortunately, they do. Usually, a well-known brand produces more reliable products, but this isn’t always the case. Our experts do caution against going for the cheapest option you can find to save a buck, because the cheaper price point could reflect the durability of the amplifier.

To get a great value combo amp within a good price range, our team recommends looking at our list and the brands we have chosen. Other factors that could impact how much the amp costs are the features. The more features your unit has, the pricier it will be. However, practice amplifiers are usually very simple.

The best practice amplifier should come with a lengthy warranty. A 1-year warranty is pretty standard, but there are ones that exceed that threshold. In general, the longer the warranty is, the more dependable the product is and the longer it will last. 

Our Top Pick For a Bass Practice Amp:
Fender Rumble 25

Which is the best bass practice amp? Our team has landed on the Fender Rumble 25, a reliable amplifier for versatility, convenience, and portability. It offers 25 watts of power capable of a deep bass response. You can rehearse in private with the headphone jack and the Rumble 25 comes with Fender’s 5-year transferable warranty. 

Writer

Willie Greer
Willie Greer
Willie Greer is the founder of The Product Analyst. A cinephile, he has made it a personal quest to achieve the awesomest home theater possible. He now shares what he has learned through the years on the site, and has enlisted the help of tech-savvy colleagues in providing more insight about today’s most sought-after gadgets.