Ampeg BA-112

Big bass sound in a small portable package is what drew me to the BA-112. I can now practise at home without disturbing anybody when I use the headphones jack. Sound shaping is accomplished with seperate bass/mid/treble settings as well as a 5-way style switch. It has a CD input that I haven't used yet. The main drawback is the lack of a balanced output however this was not a priority for me.

I play a Fender JazzBass Special with the stock pickups and sometimes a Fender Precision fretless bass. Both basses never sounded so good since I bought this amp! My J-Bass sounds really sweet with the style switch on 3 and near flat tone settings. In fact the style switch is what makes this punchy little amp so versatile. This amp is so quiet soemtimes I forget it's even on. There is absolutely no distortion even at full volume!

No problems whatsoever over 4 months usage.

I've been playing for 11 years and this is the best sounding amp I've ever owned! I plan to use it for reference next time I'm in the studio to record. I would buy this amp again without hesitation.

This one has enough features to satisfy usual playing styles. I wish it had a DI output to have more compatibilty with mixing consoles or
studio gear. But hey, it's sufficient enough (3 Band EQ, Tone style switch=4 different pre setups, Cinch Input, Line Out, Headphone Out and even 2 inputs (Not switchable) 1 with 0dB the other with -15dB for Active driven basses. This enables me to have my Fender Jazz-Bass to be on the 0dB IN and my Westone Fretless Thunder 1A (Active) on the -15dB IN without having to switch cables. Versatile enough, even though I like real switchable inputs with different soundcontrols, but that is another pricetag as well.

Compared to a Hartge Kickback 12 I used before it's much warmer in tone, more appreciated by me at least. Does not go as loud as the Hartge which had 120 Watts and it's aluminium 12" driver really kicked off but for some occations I could not get the sounds I wanted. It was simply to technical without any warmth (bad for fretless basses). Now I like this baby a lot even though my next upgrade or addition might be the B-1 from Ampeg (older model) which really is a studio amp and
has it all especially the higher price tag.

Never used it as I just got it for a few days but I have a pretty good feeling about Ampeg quality.

As with realibilty never used it.

I have played bass many years ago, stopped then for a few and got back on track 2 years ago. I had the opportunity to check the new Fender Bassman series (25/60/100 Watts) and I did not like them too much. Besides they're too expensive here in Belgium.
To summerize: I like this Ampeg BA-112. It's worth the money.

Made in 1999. Versatile as all get out. Style selector pretty well sets you up with any sound you'd ever want. I do wish it had an effects loop cuz I use a Tech 21 Bass Driver that I like to just put in the return of the loop. Oh well. Headphone jack, yes, but I haven't used it. The CD In is a neat option for practicing along with a cd. I also wish it had an XLR out, but then again, it's not really a gigging amp except for very small venues. It is all solid state but you'd never know it. I guarantee I could blindfold any number of professionals and switch off between this and a tube amp and they'd never be able to tell the difference. Never. As I said, not really enough power for anything but small gigs, but if you can keep it in front of you and the drummer you might be Ok for stage volume.

Sounds awesome. I use a cheap Lyon (by Washburn) normally with just the humbucker on, and a Hamer Cruise (now there's a bass). It has almost no noise whatsoever. It can make any sound you want except distortion (you can't MAKE it distort!). From warm, deep tones, to nasally fretless Jaco tones, it does it all, and very well. My thought is that this should be THE studio recording amp now.

I've had it a year - no problems. It's an Ampeg. And yes, don't confuse or associate it with Crate. Their bass amps really do suck!

Never had to deal with them.

I've been playing about 2 years. If it were stolen or lost, I would probably get the larger 100-watt BA-115 (it's big brother) so I could gig with it better. This little guy has a lot of volume, don't get me wrong, but no one should plan on gigging with a 50-watter.

I love it's great sound and it's ease of use.
I compared it to the Hartke Kickback 12, both good, I just liked the sound of this one better, and knew the Ampeg name to be more reliable and didn't want to pay another $200 or so. Also compared it to the famous SWR Workingman's 12. I just don't get what's so great about that amp. Doesn't seem to have the range of tones and volume that it should have at the price. Maybe it's just me. Though I have gigged with some SWR head/cabinets that absolutely rock.

This is the best combo/practice/recording amp you can buy.