Picking the best bass amp in 2019 is no easy task. With so much choice available, it can be hard to cut through the noise, but one thing’s for sure, if you’re playing live it’s worth investing in a good quality, powerful bass amp and it’s also important to have a good quality bass guitar when recording in the studio.
As a result, there are a ton of bass amps and bass combos to choose from in every price range. In fact, there are even “undersized” and affordable options for bass amps available too.
For this reason, I’ve created a list of the 7 best bass amp combos to buy in 2022, helping you to choose from an incredible range of options.
If you’re interested in finding out more, continue reading.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Fender Rumble 15 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier | Best Overall |  |
| Peavey Electronics Max Series 03608210 Max 115 Bass Combo Amplifier | Budget Pick |  |
| Orange Crush Bass 50W Bass Guitar Combo Amp | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Fender Rumble 15 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Versatile
- Impressive power
- Great controls
The Fender Rumble 15 Bass Combo Amplifier boasts of a quality look and is compact enough to fit just that little bit more conveniently anywhere you want to put it. Users are also happy to note that this little guy packs quite a punch despite its size. The amplifier has a little over 200 watts of power, along with a decent tone and a great design that has been proven to appeal to both beginners and seasoned bass players alike.
There are four different channels to choose from, which makes it easier to change the sound that you want at any moment. Users also loved its additional flexibility and effects, as well as its built-in tuner, which come in extremely handy.
One selling point to remember when looking for a bass amplifier is that there are various factors to consider when deciding what can be the best option for your needs. The bass itself is quite loud, and there have been complaints about it not staying quite as cool as it should. However, the Fender Rumble 15 does appear to remain surprisingly undamaged even after some extensive use.
2. Hartke HD25 Bass Combo
Pros:
- Unique control layout that allows easy access to the effects
- High-quality 10” speaker that increases the sound quality of the amp
- Durable design that allows continuous use
- Can reach volumes that are loud enough to use at gigs
- Can supply power for a full band set-up
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a subwoofer out
- A bit more expensive than other amps
This innovative Hartke bass combo amp is able to power all of your musical needs, be it for casual jamming or playing in a band. The HD25 can handle rock, metal, blues, and funk, and is designed to work without a subwoofer.
This bass combo amp is outfitted with top-notch features that professional bassists can appreciate, such as a 3-band preamp, an onboard tuner, and XLR and 1/4” inputs for any microphone.
The Hartke HD25 is a great choice for players who are on the move and need a durable amp that they can drop off at gigs and use both live and in the studio. The power amp comes with a one-year warranty, and a five-year warranty for the speakers.
3. Orange Crush Bass 50W Bass Guitar Combo Amp
Pros:
- Rugged and sturdy
- Punchy and effective tone
- The separate tweeter adds more definition to bass guitar notes
- Beautiful vintage look
- Exceptional build quality
- Solidly-built enclosure
- 10 inch speaker
Cons:
- Limited tone and FX controls
- Poor auto-tuner
- Heavy
- Poor quality speaker cables
- Rather expensive
Are you looking for an amp that will put in a performance that rivals much more expensive amps? Then the Orange Crush Bass 50W amp is for you.
The Crush Bass is the little sister of the AC30. The Orange Crush amps are based on a “very early version” of the iconic 1960/50W Marshall Amplifier.
This amp is perfect for gigging (small and medium) and it packs a punch. It is so versatile that it can be run at bedroom volumes or turned up to tone down an acoustic band.
4. Ampeg BA110V2 BA-110V2 40W 10" Bass Combo Amplifier
Pros:
- Ideal size for practice at home
- Build quality is perfect for the price
- Ideal for small gigs
- Great sound and tone
- Works with a wide range of bass styles
- Easy to setup and get going right out of the box
Cons:
- Have to buy a cab separate
- A bit short on features for the price
This is one of the most popular bass combo amps for beginners on the market today. Yamaha has really designed a bass amp that is perfect for players who have an interest in the instrument, but also want to perfect their skills without having to worry about the size or the quality of the equipment.
Yamaha has made this incredibly easy to set up, and you will be able to enjoy the sound of the bass amp within minutes. The volume and the treble are adjusted easily on the front of the amp, and there is a single-knob tone control.
For the price tag, this is a decent amp that functions well and sounds great to boot. With 40 watts and a 10-inch speaker, it is just right for practice.
5. VOX PB10 Bass Combo Amplifier
Pros:
- It has four distinct channels
- It has overdrive and reverb as well
- It has an Auxiliary speaker output
- It has a USB port as well
- It has the clean channel
- It can be used with a 6.5 or 8 inches speaker
- You can choose between 2 X 10 inch and 4 X 10 inch speaker in this combo amplifier
- It is powered by a tube preamp and a solid-state power amp
- You will get 55 watts of power
- You can adjust its tone and volume
Cons:
- The buttons are not the most sensitive
- It does not have a wah controller
- You can’t use it for gigging with a bassist as it’s too small
- It does not have a headphone jack.
6. Donner 15W Bass Guitar Amplifier DBA-1 Electric Practice Bass Combo AMP
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Headphone jack
- Built in carry handle
- Simple controls
- Adjudicators for low, mid, and high
- Detachable back panel for easy portability
- Four-inch speaker and fifteen-inch output
- MOSfet amplifier
- Internal limiter helps with preventing blowouts
Cons:
- Volume knob can get loose and needs to be tightened
- Bass volume knob is more sensitive toward the upper frequencies
- Gets loud when the bass knob is at twelve or higher
- Switch is left of the G string; may be an issue for lefty users
This is an excellent amp if you don’t need anything fancy, and it’s perfect if you’re a beginner looking for something really simple.
The brand also offers a limited one-year warranty with purchase. This amp is actually powerful for its size, and it will get as loud as you want it to.
7. Peavey Electronics Max Series 03608210 Max 115 Bass Combo Amplifier
Pros:
- 115 watts of output power
- Bass and treble controls
- Contour control for shaping the midrange frequencies
- 2 inputs
- 1 tweeter and 1 super tweeter
- Switches for effects loop, graphic EQ, and power
- Stereo line outputs for connecting to recording equipment or for multi-amp performance
- Includes an 8-inch speaker and 5-inch deep grille
- Weight: 54lbs
Cons:
- There have been issues with the input signal being inverted
- Some issues with the head not working when plugged into the amplifier
Peavey Max 115 is a 2 x 10 inch bass combo amplifier with true bass performance. The cabinet design has been optimized to retain the best possible sound, with natural sound projection and tight, focused tone. This model provides a big, fat sound, with zero loss in tonal purity.
As a result of the Extra Deep, Ported Magnetic Compression driver, the tone is tight and crisp at high volumes, while the bass is explosive and articulate. Cost-effective, this amp brings big-time performance, with amazing tone, deep and solid bass, distortion-free, and high-frequency response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best bass amp combo?
A bass amp combo is similar to a guitar amp, except that it is specifically made for playing bass. The most common type of bass amp is a bass combo amplifier, which is a standalone amplifier and speaker in a single cabinet.
As you would expect, the amplifier component is what amplifies your sound. You can plug your bass into a bass amp combo and use the built in speaker, or opt to use your own instead.
For the best bass tone, you’ll want to use your own speaker. This way, you can experiment with a variety of speaker types for a unique sound.
Can you use a combo amp for bass?
Yes and no. Why? A bass combo amp does more than just amplify your sound. It has many of the same features you'd find on a guitar amp: reverb, overdrive, chorus, emulations and more.
A combo also has a headphone jack to process the sound without going through the speaker. This allows you to practice late at night without waking up the entire neighborhood.
There is also a speaker cabinet so you can get a feel for the sound.
What are the best bass amps?
As a bass player shopping for a new bass amp in 2022, you should be able to find an amp that offers everything you need on a long list of options. Regardless of your style, budget, or skill level, there are hundreds of amps that can suit your needs.
Of course, as with anything else in the world of bass, you should do your research. Research popular bass amps, analyze customer reviews, and read through some product descriptions to determine what is relevant to you. There are so many great options among bass amps that you might, understandably, be confused about which one to choose.
Here are 7 best bass amp combos:
What's the best car amp for bass?
It's generally agreed upon that the most important attribute when purchasing a bass amplifier is the frequency response. The frequency response of an amplifier affects the range of frequencies an amp can produce, with a 20 – 20k range being a reference range.
Some may have great bass overall, but not be great for certain bass sounds. For example, a bass amp with a frequency response of 30 – 10k may be great for funk, but may lose power in the 20 – 30 range. While considering this, keep in mind that amplifier power may also come into play.
Conclusion
When shopping for the best bass amp combo to record your music, play live music and present your music to a crowd, there are several features you will need to look for. In this article, I will use the Marshall DSL 40C to show you exactly what you need to purchase.
This amp is one of the most versatile amp choices you can make. Although it is an affordable amp, it is very capable and versatile and delivers exceptional performance.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Fender Rumble 15 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier | Best Overall | |
| Peavey Electronics Max Series 03608210 Max 115 Bass Combo Amplifier | Budget Pick | |
| Orange Crush Bass 50W Bass Guitar Combo Amp | Upgrade Pick | |