125th AES Convention Coverage »  (San Francisco, CA: October 2 - 5)

Home > Bass > Bass Amp Reviews > Ampeg > BA-112

Ampeg BA-112

Summary
Price New Ampeg BA-112 @ Musician's Friend
Manufacturer URL http://www.ampeg.com/
Features 8.8 (23 responses)
Sound Quality 9.4 (23 responses)
Reliability 9.8 (19 responses)
Customer Support 10.0 (4 responses)
Overall Rating 9.5 (22 responses)
Submit a review for this product!

Page: 1 2 3 (Show 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 reviews per page) Showing 11 - 20 of 23 reviews
Advertisement
Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $450
Submitted 02/10/2004 at 06:38am by Anonymous

Features : 7
The other reviews have listed the specs. I use this for most gigs, unless I really want to show off with my TubeWorks 7200-15. My wife bought this for me after my heart surgery because it was lighter. I haven't needed it, but I agree a line out for recording would probably beat the RCA jacks.

Sound Quality : 8
I play jazz on a Washburn 4-string fretted and a Carvin 5-string fretless, both with Thomastick Jazz flat-wounds. I haven't noticed distortion, but I don't push it past "4" (out of 11? LOL)

Reliability : 10
I don't even think twice about throwing this in the car & taking off. It's an Ampeg, guys!

Customer Support : No Opinion
Never needed it.

Overall Rating : 9
I've been playing bass for almost 40 years (scary), electric for almost that long. I play duo up to dance band on this amp. I have to watch that I don't overpower the band. But I can balance a jazz guitar, w/ or w/o drums. I would probably buy it again, even though everybody and his brother makes a combo.


Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $300
Submitted 08/14/2003 at 11:56am by Anonymous

Features : 8
Bought new late in 1998, perhaps the first year of this model. I needed a small, inexpensive clean amp for a one-time solo piano gig at a place where my existing keyboard rig definitely wouldn't fit. I initially tried out some 40- and 60-watt guitar amps and even some made-for-keyboard combo amps, but they were all weak compared to this. The only features I needed were the small footprint, one input (from a choice of padded or unpadded), versatile EQ and a completely clean, sound at all volume points. The headphone out and CD-in jacks didn't matter to me when I bought it, but I'm glad to have them now rather than reverb or any other effects a guitar amp might've had. I pretty much defeat the 5-position Style switch by leaving it at 3 (flat, no boost/cut) but I credit Ampeg's thinking with respect to those who use the amp for electric bass.

Sound Quality : 9
This amp is whisper-quiet, punchy and terrifically clean. Yeah, it's tailored for bass guitar but we keyboardists have been jonesin' on bass amps for years because guitar amps overcolor your keyboard's tone and a PA-system setup usually sterilizes them. Nothing beats a good compact bass amp for a small setup, if you can find one with enough power. This amp's 50 watts is cutting it close, but with a fairly flat EQ, there's no noticeable distortion at full volume and that's plenty loud anywhere I'd be using this amp instead of my regular setup.

Reliability : 8
It hasn't seen much use since I bought it, but it's been perfect so far and I am completely confident in Ampeg's inherent quality. I played guitar in bands for many years using an Ampeg V4 head that stood up to incredible demands without flinching. I suppose most of the original American amp-building techniques have given way to outsourcing and modern assembly methods, but Ampeg has a big name to uphold, so I'll trust this amp to be at least as dependable as any other new amp out there.

Customer Support : No Opinion
It's now out of warranty and I've never dealt with the company. Again, the Ampeg reputation implies they would be easily accessible if I needed their services. But I can't weigh in on this category.

Overall Rating : 9
I played guitar and keyboard professionally for 7 years, then keyboards alone for another 15. Yep, I'm old, and old enough to have used plenty of gear, good and bad, for both long and short periods of time, respectively. For the record, I bought this amp to be used with an Alesis QS8 keyboard, set to one piano patch, for one night. What else that keyboard does and what else I own didn't figure into my decision to get this amp, so I'll leave it at that. The amp come through beautifully that night - I even had to run a mic through it for a few announcements during a break. Since then I've used it just a few times with my hollow-body Gretsch Double Anniversary (with a pedalboard) as well as my other keyboards, whenever using a small amp made sense. But honestly, I wish I had more reason to use it - it's a real winner of an amp for just about anything you can plug into it. I would certainly buy it again, though it seems every month a new made-for-keyboard combo amp is released so eventually one of them really *should* work for keyboards better than this bass amp. At this price point and small size I won't wish for it to be anything more than what it is, a very professional, straightforward and dependable workhorse amp for small gigs or rehearsal.


Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $350.00
Submitted 06/11/2003 at 11:39am by Anonymous

Features : 7
I don't remember when I bought it (I'm the only owner).. It's a solid state 50 watt amp with a single 12 inch speaker. It has a 3 band EQ, 5 way Db selector switch (actually great for changing up sound) but otherwise pretty basic.
This is my practice amp. And as far as practice amps go, Ampeg probably makes the best. For it's size and power, it is actually pretty loud. Its been used as my amp in small (really small) clubs.

Sound Quality : 8
Not going to bore you with a bunch of info, just know that it is a great, clean little amp. I've always liked the sound to practice.

Reliability : 10
This amp was dropped 5 feet. Still sounded great that night. Down the stairs, still worked. Had a drunk person jump up and down on it... can you say tank. I think I could throw this out an airplane, and besided the obvious cosmetic damage, I could power it right up.

Customer Support : No Opinion
don't know, never tried

Overall Rating : 8
For a practice amp.. a 10, for anything else... well, lets just say this shouldn't be used for anything else (unless you are playing somewhere where you bass rig just won't fit or would blow out all the windows in the place.


Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $250 used
Submitted 05/19/2003 at 06:14am by Mike T******

Features : 10
Its incredably easy to set the tone because of its 5-way style selector a little dream to any beginner and perfect for practicing with the big dogs

Sound Quality : 10
I play with a 1980s fender precission and a kramer barrretta 522s/p-bass both come through amazingly a tiny bit of dist afer you crank it and dig in

Reliability : 10
Never broke or malfunctioned i would definately take it without a backup

Customer Support : No Opinion
Never talked to customer support

Overall Rating : 10
Ive been playing for quite some time 5-6 years considering im 15 but i know quality when I see it id be nice to have a dist cont on it It sound great from incubus to metallica and more A bargain for such an amazing little pig


Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $300
Submitted 03/07/2003 at 12:22pm by john hall
Email: jhall53570<at>aol dot com

Features : 9
Quite a versatile little combo. The style selector switch brings up a wide variety of great tones without tweaking. The standard tone shaping controls are there as well to dial in the precise sounds you want.
I found the rca inputs very useful for plugging my 4-track into for recording and playback. The sound quality is excellent, though volume must be controlled from the external unit. The cabinet design seems to be highly efficient- produces a lot of sound and depth for only 50 watts.

Sound Quality : 10
I use this amp with a steinberger XLII, a fender bass vi reissue and a fender jazz deluxe. It was able to produce deep lows, throaty mids and clear highs with each instrument. I also plug in a MXR di+ that can drive the hell out of it. The little amp really puts out. I have used it for gigging with a symphony orchestra and stage band for a variety show, and it performs like a champ. I actually tried the next model up, a BA 115 and preferred the sound of the twelve. The only limitation is that it probably is not enough sound for a rock gig where lots of volume is required. A pair of these amps would be easy to move and able to handle most gigs unless you're playing in a coliseum or outdoors without a PA.

Reliability : 10
My BA-112 has been super reliable. I have owned other ampegs, and I have never had one break down.

Customer Support : No Opinion
Never had to use customer support.

Overall Rating : 9
I have been playing about 33 years- I own two Nemesis combos with 2x12's each (love the sound of 12's for bass), a Trace Elliot 350SMX head and a Sunn Coliseum cab, a Hartke 2x10. My only complaint with Ampegs over all the years I have played is they are so damn heavy (ever had to move a SVT head and cab around?) The BA-112 is light and highly efficient. I think the folks at ampeg really know what they are doing with bass gear. I wish they would produce a 2x12 combo or a 4x12 cab for bass. The speaker cover is held on by a velcro-type attachment, and it kept falling off leaving the 12 completely exposed so I had to tape it on. I don't know if that is a defect, but I wish it had a little more secure grill attachment.


Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $140 used
Submitted 01/10/2002 at 02:50pm by Pete Alford
Email: petealford at yahoo<dot>com

Features : 8
As noted, ad nauseum, basic practice amp, 50 watts, 2 inputs (1 padded), 3-band tone controls with a 5-way selector switch, line and headphone outs, CD input. Tilt-back cab is a real bonus to those of us who like to use our amps as stage monitors (this was, in fact, my primary reason for buying this unit). The CD input and headphone jacks very well could save my marriage!! This would be the Holy Grail if it only had a balanced (XLR) output and extension speaker output. I will never understand why ALL amps don't have an XLR output and extension speaker output. If Rogue can offer these at their low prices, it can't be a cost issue.

Sound Quality : 10
I've been using an SWR Workingman's 12 in this application (I also have a Peavey Mk VIII head with 2x15" cabs for big venues)(my basses are a Warwick Corvette Jazzman, a Warwick Streamer Standard, and a Fender acoustic bass) . I'm getting MUCH better tone from the Ampeg. I know everyone likes the SWR, but I've never been able to get a great tone out of it. Of course the Ampeg doesn't have the same volume levels, but it's a good trade off under the circumstances (I "line-out" to the PA for gigs). Very versatile, plenty of tones for any style. The mids are a million times better than the SWR's. To keep from getting a horrible nasally "honk", I would have to completely scoop the SWR's midrange. With the Ampeg, I can turn the mids nearly all the way up and still have good tone.

Reliability : 10
So far, so good. There is a reason most of us end up buying solid state amps, even if we espouse the benifits of tubes. Like it or not, we're musicians, and musicians are inherently a bit lazy and apt to beat up our equipment. This amp can take it. A HUGE thumbs-up to Ampeg for including a power cord storage slot and velcro hold down. I can't count all of the times I've cussed other amp makers due to protruding or dangling power cords (another problem with my SWR).

Customer Support : 10
This is my second piece from Ampeg, and I've always had good luck with SLM. Good websites, good customer service.

Overall Rating : 10
At $140 this was a stinkin' steal!! If I had to pay full price ($349) I'd look at a couple of other options (probably the BA-115 for another $100). Since I'm in Texas, I could surely get away with shooting the miserable &*%$#$%^*& that steals it (and would probably do so). I'd highly recommend this amp to anyone looking for a practice or small stage amp. There's a reason why Ampeg has been the choice of pros for 40 years. The stuff just sounds good!


Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $240
Submitted 08/16/2001 at 10:34pm by Tony Marcos

Features : 8
I got this amp used, so I'm not certain what year it was made. Probably 2000. Tilt-back cabinet is a nice feature. It has 50 solid state watts, 12 inch speaker, 5 way style switch, and the usual volume and tone controls.

Sound Quality : 9
I use this with a Fender MIM Jazz. Mainly as practice, but I've used it live with the line out DI'ed and it works very well. My styles are jazz and classic rock/bluesy rock. The Ampeg tone is what bass is all about for these styles. And this little combo delivers. It's not enough to hold it's own in a live setting - it needs PA support. But it works perfectly as a practice amp and it does a good job for recording, too.

Reliability : 9
Based on how other Ampegs have served me, I'd say it's probably bulletproof. I've only had this for 6 months, no problems so far.

Customer Support : No Opinion
I've never needed to contact Ampeg on this amp or any other that I've owned.

Overall Rating : 9
This is a very good amp for its intended purpose. It serves well as a practice combo, studio amp, or live performances in small venues with PA support. I have an Ampeg B2 combo for larger venues. In my playing career, I've been convinced that Ampegs are the standard in bass amplification.


Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $300 damn dollars
Submitted 02/20/2001 at 12:35pm by Patrick
Email: phatpat914<at>softhome dot net

Features : 10
Delicious, a player's delight! Every bodacious feature that I need.

Sound Quality : 10
Exquisite! A feast for the ears as well as the soul.

Reliability : 10
Stellar! Could beat the living shit out of it with a club and it would still rock ya raw.

Customer Support : No Opinion
I don't know. I'm sure they are a saucy bunch.

Overall Rating : 10
An orgasm of a bass amp! Sounds of fantastic quality. Had this amp been equipped with female genitalia, intercourse would be a strong possibility. Sensual sounds!


Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $220
Submitted 02/08/2001 at 03:14pm by Banta
Email: banta at citynet<dot>net

Features : 9
This is a 1999 model BA-112 bass combo. I was so impressed with the power and versatility of this little combo that I had to have it! My main rig is a SVT for the low end and a Crate half-stack for the highs, but I play a lot in my church as well and needed a little amp that would have plenty of punch for stage presence without weighing a ton. This is perfect for that purpose. It has good tone controls including a 5-position style control (similar to the SVT mid), line in/line out, CD (auxiliary) RCA inputs, a hide-away cord compartment, rear port and tilt-back cabinet design which makes it perfect for use as a monitor on stage as I use it in my church setting.

Sound Quality : 8
I use this as a practice amp for all of my basses, and as a performance amp with a Ric 5-string in church, ran through the PA. It is very versatile, very clean, with lots of punch - surprising for such a small combo. You can actually hear this while playing with drums. The best small combo I have ever owned. A bit sterile, but to me all solid state bass amps fit that description.

Reliability : 10
Very reliable, built solid.

Customer Support : 10
SLM is a great company. I have had wonderful experiences with them concerning other products.

Overall Rating : 9
I have played bass for over 25 years. I rarely have had the need for a small combo, but this one is perfect for the way I use it. I would buy another in a heartbeat. If you think it sounds like something you could use but are concerned with the size, I might recommend the BA-115 which is essentially the same only with a bit more power and a 15" driver.


Product: Ampeg BA-112
Price Paid: US $299
Submitted 02/01/2001 at 10:38am by David Wood
Email: woodd at ev1<dot>net

Features : 9
Made in 1999, this amp is probably the best bang for the buck going.
It has active and passive inputs, CD in, head phone out, and line out.
No effects loop. Has a 5 position Style selector which actually sounds like its just moving the mid level adjust point. This combined with bass mids and treble control lets you get about any traditional amp sound you want. Has tiltback and rear porting.

Sound Quality : 10
Almost any style from slap to traditional can be acheived playing with
the controls. Fairly loud for 50 watts but will not keep up with a heavey handed drummer. The headphone out sounds a little distorted
but not to bad. Haven't tried the cd input or line out yet. Haven't
heard a a low B through it yet (have trouble counting above 4). Have
played G&L 2000, 73 Precision, Rick 4001, Carvin fretless, and Peavey T-40 through it. All sound good.

Reliability : 10
No problems after 1 1/2 years

Customer Support : No Opinion
N/A yet but have heard nothing but good things abouts Ampeg in the past

Overall Rating : 10
Great little practice or small gig amp. Very versitile but you might
want to get the 100 watt, 15 inch BA-115 if your gonna gig with it.

Page: 1 2 3 (Show 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 reviews per page) Showing 11 - 20 of 23 reviews

Email: webmaster@harmony-central.com | © 1995-2007 Harmony Central, Inc. All rights reserved.