The music industry changes all the time. But it’s not only musicians and genres that change, it’s the technology as well. Long gone are the days where bass players have to carry huge bass amps whenever gigging.
Nowadays, there are smaller variations of the notable bass amps of the 00s that do just as good a job. These amps have the power to electrify the crowd. So with all that out of the way, let’s look at the best ones for 2024.
Angular Tone Hammer 500
Angular is no stranger to developing bass amps capable of rocking concerts. But the Angular Tone Hammer 500 is a powerful, 500 watt 4 ohms small amplifier that gets the job done. The size of this baby is no understatement. It weighs just 4 lbs and dimensions range 8.5 x 10.75 x 2.75 inches.
That makes it one of the most compact small bass amps on this list. The Angular Tone Hammer 500 can also transition 250 watts 8 ohms. With many features such as AGS, bass players will have no trouble using it to gig in 2024.
Markbass Micromark 801
It’s been a few years since Micromark released the 6’ small amp that bass players absolutely fell in love with. Now, we introduce to you the Markbass Micromark 801 – a powerful but relatively small amp that will continue the Micromark tradition.
Unlike the previous unit on this list, the 801 comes nowhere near the wattage output. At just 60 watts, the 801 is a 1×8 combo app that can power up the needs of many guitarists. Also unlike the Angular Tone Hammer 500, this bad boy is quite the big one. Although dimensions are 10.55 x 10.31 x 10.55 inches, the 801 weighs almost 15 lbs.
With all that said, it is a must-have for anyone looking to provide a fuller sound and have plenty of options while doing it. Sound is indeed one of the biggest strengths of the 801. The relatively small size is also a huge plus, but some bass players take issue with the buzz-in cabinet.
Fender Rumble 200 v3
Fender is yet another brand that is no stranger to coming up with small bass amps for gigging. In 2024, the Fender Rumble 200 v3 is just the gadget you need to satisfy all of your gigging needs.
Some of the specifications of the Rumble 200 include a 1/8 Auxiliary input jack that can play some of your favorite tunes, a 200 watt amp that can rack up deep volume, and of course, the beefy 35 lbs gadget itself.
Dimensions include 17.91 x 27.55 x 22.85, which is not exactly small by most standards, but it still classifies as a small bass amp. Conveniently, you can downsize to a 15 watt, 20 watts, 40 watts, 100 watts, and 115 watts if you’re looking for an even smaller unit.
And don’t think that upgrading isn’t possible. The Rumble also comes in 210 watts, 410 watts, and 500 watts variation.
The Fender Rumble v3 variations are some of bass players’ favorite picks. If you’re interested to know more about this particular variation, then make sure to visit duesn.com/blog/best-bass-amps small bass amps.
Ampeg BA-110V2
If you’re looking for a small bass amp that will allow you endless jamming from your garage, then look no further than the Ampeg BA-110V2. This bad boy doesn’t pack a big punch, but the 40 watts are just enough for small-time gigging.
You aren’t getting anything spectacular with this unit, but you’re not paying any huge price for it. The BA-110V2 is just perfect for gigging with your friends and playing locally at your bar.
More so, the Ampeg is perfect for practicing and has a good enough sound to satisfy your needs. If you’re just learning how to play the bass via online lessons, like the ones mentioned by MusicianTuts, this amp is perfect for you. The combination of controls allows for easier use, with the EQ, Switch up, and Scrambler quite conveniently placed.
The dimensions of this unit are 13 x 16 x 18.8 inches, which is no small by any means. Also, the 31 lbs give it just enough weight to safely stay in place when you’re rocking the ground.
The Ampeg BA has the 108, 112, 115, and 210 variations. These include the 20 watts, 75 watts, 150 watts, and 450 watts variants of the Ampeg collection.
TC Electronic BQ500
Yet another small bass amp on this list, the TC Electronic BQ500 is a fan favorite. Weighing at just 5 lbs, the BQ500 compares very well to the Angular Tone Hammer 500.
With a D-class amplifier that incorporates multiple technologies, the TC Electronic BQ500 packs a strong 500-watt punch that will shake the floor while gigging in 2024.
The small dimensions of 9.17 x 10 x 2.7 inches and the well-placed handles at the ends of the amplifier make this one of the best portable small bass amps out there.
Unlike some other bass amps, you won’t find the BQ500 in any other variation. The compact and lightweight design paired with the simple plug-in features makes it the small bass amp to have this 2024.
Warwick Gnome Head
The pocket-size edition of the Warwick Gnome Head makes for a pretty impressive bass amp. This bad boy packs a 200-watt punch in 2.12 lbs. Weighing just under a kilogram (for all of our European readers), the Warwick Gnome Head is the portable, small bass amp to have in 2024.
The extremely lightweight design and small dimensions make it seamless to carry the Warwick Gnome Head around with you. With 3 bands, XLR DI, and ¼-inch headphones jack, you will jam on the Warwick without any problems.
Conclusion
When it comes to gigging in 2024, it’s all about portability. Nowadays bass players don’t need 100 lbs amplifiers to get the job done. You might as well look for a more affordable option that can pack as big of a big punch.
And we hope that our list of 6 small bass amps will be enough to satisfy your needs and help you make a purchasing decision.