At the core of every bass amp lies its power amplifier. This component transforms very small electrical signals into enough force to drive speakers at levels sufficient to disturb drummers.
Modern units often come equipped with multiple equalization settings to help create your ideal tone. Most offer at least 3-band EQ options; others may go further.
Ampeg Rocket RB10
This amplifier comes equipped with a 1×10″ speaker and 50 watts of power, giving you easy control of a range of bass tones. With its user-friendly controls and direct XLR output you can quickly find what sounds you’re after while an auxiliary input/headphone out provides peaceful jamming sessions without disturbing others.
Ampeg Rocket series bass combos offer new bassists an excellent sounding amp at an economical price point. Their lineup features eye-catching 1960s-style designs with powerful feature sets in lightweight packages that are ideal for practice sessions, rehearsals and small acoustic gigs.
All combos in Ampeg’s Rocket line include Ampeg’s legacy preamp and various tone-enhancing features, such as classic 3-band EQ with Ultra Hi/Ultra Lo switches and an onboard Super Grit Technology overdrive circuit for added distortion that can be blended with clean signal output. Furthermore, each Rocket combo features an XLR direct out for live performance or studio recording as well as an auxiliary input and headphone output to facilitate silent practice sessions.
MusicRadar’s review of the RB-110 amp was positive: its controls are easily accessible and straightforward to operate; SGT distortion circuit seems more scooped than Darkglass distortion; overall, this versatile amplifier covers many styles while remaining affordable and portable.
The Laney Digbeth DB200H is an ideal bass amp for beginners and advanced bassists alike. Its two channels deliver amazing tube emulation as well as classic solid state headroom, while its EQ section allows you to shape your tone precisely. Plus, its headphone out and AUX input make this perfect for home practice or small acoustic gigs; plus its low wattage makes it suitable for smaller venues while still maintaining bass tone integrity on stage!
Aguilar Tone Hammer
The Aguilar Tone Hammer bass amp combines power and portability in one compact unit. Featuring an adjustable 3-band EQ with drive control, effects loop, DI input, and two speakON outputs – plus it boasts 700-watt rating at 4 Ohms power rating for effortless portability – the Aguilar Tone Hammer is designed to become your go-to portable preamp/DI.
The front panel controls are simple and intuitive, with a 3-band semi-parametric equalizer offering bass, mid (with separate level and frequency controls), treble, as well as Aguilar’s proprietary Adaptive Gain Shaping circuit enhancing its capabilities with organic distortion ranging from vintage tube-like saturation to modern gritty tones.
Tone Hammer stands out with its “Drive” control, offering an expansive variety of tones. You can use this control to add subtle distortion or accent midrange frequencies; depending on its setting it may also produce more powerful boost. It runs off 18V power to accommodate various dynamic playing styles while its separate Gain and Master controls allow you to fine-tune gain structures for different instruments.
Aguilar’s design philosophy revolves around recreating the sound of iconic bass guitar amplifiers from the 60s and 70s using high-quality components and custom tuning amplification for maximum vintage tone and modern clarity. Their products combine both worlds.
Aguilar Amplification’s products are produced in Manhattan’s artsy Soho district and have become highly coveted among musicians worldwide. Many top musicians including Dave Boonshoft and Roger Sadowsky use Aguilar amps, cabs and pedals; one popular bass amp is known as an Aguilar Tone Hammer amp.
Boss Katana
This small amp packs in plenty of tone and effects. Designed to eliminate pedal usage, it provides gig-ready sounds with just a few button presses. The Katana has recently received some upgrades; adding some useful features while keeping its price reasonable.
The main upgrade in the Katana 50’s new design is its variation button, providing two versions of each amp type and making it even more versatile than before. This upgrade makes the Katana even more accommodating than its predecessor!
BOSS has also introduced a range of front-panel controls designed to allow you to customise your tone. A three-way Contour switch enables you to alter the core amp tone, while its Global EQ setting lets you fine-tune overall sound for any musical genre and guitar style. For even greater control, connecting the Katana via USB to your computer and using its free Tone Studio editor.
Other features of the Katana include a headphone output to enable practicing or recording without disrupting others, selectable cab resonance control, Air Feel miking emulation for true tonal sculpting and stereo operation using just a single cable for expanded sounds to choose from.
Saving and instantly recalling presets via a button on the GA-FC foot controller is another handy feature, making switching between songs in live performances much faster. In addition, there’s even a Solo boost that’s controllable from feet!
Use the Power Control on the back of the amp to find your ideal power level, providing cranked amp tone at lower volume – perfect for smaller venues or practicing at home. Plus, with Stereo Expand feature you can add BOSS effects such as choruses that span across a room, delays that bounce around from ear to ear, and reverbs that create an atmospheric mood in any environment.
Fender Rumble 100
Fender’s Rumble line of combo amps are ideal for bassists of all levels. Their compact designs, affordability and signature Fender bass tone make these amps standout among their competition. This amp pumps 100W through its 12″ Eminence speaker while offering gain/blend controls along with overdrive options (headphone jack/auxiliary input/headphone volume control/red light flashing with each note played). It provides great sound, user-friendly settings, a great red light indicator when each note is played – truly impressive bass combo amp!
The Rumble 100 amp is an efficient and straightforward model. Without any unnecessary features such as tuners or superfluous functions, many bassists prefer its straightforward nature. It is compact yet looks professional thanks to vintage-style grille cloth covering its front face and featuring classic Fender logo. Controls are strategically arranged along its rear edge.
This amp features a 12″ HyDrive speaker constructed not of all aluminum but of metal and paper materials to achieve both snappiness and warmth of paper cone sound, producing great tone while being highly durable. Featuring three band EQ with three button voicing palette to customize your tone with bright switch for more treble boost, contour switch for low mid boost, vintage switch for old school tube sound voicing options; plus, bright switch allows more treble than needed and vintage switch provides old school tube sound!
This combo bass amp offers private practice without disturbing anyone else in your house or studio, while its 1/8″ auxiliary input enables jamming with digital music players or other devices. XLR output allows your amp to connect directly to a mixer or PA, for maximum performance. On the rear-panel effects loop are 1/4″ send/return jacks for connecting outboard effects; additionally, preamp outs with volume controls allow signal chaining with your own amplifiers. This amp is built to last and will provide years of gigging or practicing enjoyment. An exceptional value, this combo amp offers one of the best deals available within its price range.