The Ampeg RB-112 is an Ampeg amplifier, currently around $371.96. Close alternatives include the Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 Combo Bass Amp and the Blackstar Unity. It pairs well with the EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea and the EarthQuaker Devices Arrows.
Ampeg RB-112
Ampeg · amplifier
The Ampeg RB-112 is a 100-watt solid-state bass combo amplifier with a single 12-inch speaker, weighing 26 pounds, built around Ampeg Legacy preamp circuit with three-band EQ and Ultra Hi/Ultra Lo voicing switches. The amp delivers the classic Ampeg punch, growl, and low-end authority associated with the brand while remaining genuinely portable at under 30 pounds. Super Grit Technology provides onboard overdrive for warm, gritty bass saturation. The ported cabinet design enhances bass extension from the 12-inch driver. Target players are rehearsal and small-venue bassists who want Ampeg tone without the weight of the BA series or SVT heads.
What stands out
“Super Grit Technology overdrive is useful for adding warm, tube-like grit”
— from the reviews
“Signal chain use is straightforward: the Legacy preamp handles active and passive basses reliably, and the Super Grit overdrive adds warm, driven grit when needed”
— from the community notes
“The amp delivers the classic Ampeg punch, growl, and low-end authority associated with the brand while remaining genuinely portable at under 30 pounds”
— from the listing
“Best suited for rehearsal, small-to-medium venue gigs, and practice applications where classic Ampeg tone identity in a lightweight combo is the priority”
— from the community notes
“Some users find the 12-inch speaker can sound muddy or slow in extended low-register playing at high volume, and the 10-inch RB-110 or 15-inch alternatives may suit bassists who prioritize articulation in the low frequencies”
— from the community notes
Trade-offs
“bassists who play primarily in the low register at high volume may prefer a 10-inch driver for articulation or a 15-inch driver for fullness over the 12-inch compromise”
— from the reviews
- grit
- punch
- rehearsal
- low end
- overdrive
- growl
- ampeg tone
Good for
- Live
- Studio
Price updated Oct 23, 2026
Genres the Ampeg RB-112 is commonly used in
- Alternative Rock
Pedals that stack with the Ampeg RB-112
EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea
EarthQuaker Devices
27% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (warm → bright)
EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea leans bright right where the warm tone needs it
Goes in front of the amp
EarthQuaker Devices Arrows
EarthQuaker Devices
27% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (warm → bright)
The Arrows' subtle treble boost pushes the RB-112's gritty, punchy voice into real presence.
Goes in front of the amp
MXR Distortion+
MXR
26% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (warm → bright)
MXR Distortion+ leans bright right where the warm tone needs it
Goes in front of the amp
IdiotBox Effects End of Line
Idiotbox Effects
20% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor.
Run End of Line's experimental, noisy pulse after the RB-112's own gritty punch settles, so the modulation moves a defined tone.
Goes in front of the amp
JHS 3 Series Compressor
JHS Pedals
20% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (warm → bright)
JHS 3 Series Compressor's own compressed character is the real reason this is worth trying
Goes in front of the amp
Chase Bliss Automatone CXM 1978
Chase Bliss Audio
14% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor.
Run Chase Bliss Automatone CXM 1978 in Ampeg RB-112's effects loop, clear of Ampeg RB-112's own gain stage — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Sits in the amp's effects loop
Neunaber Wet Mono Reverb Pedal
pedal
13% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor.
Keep Neunaber Wet Mono Reverb Pedal in Ampeg RB-112's effects loop, clear of Ampeg RB-112's own gain stage — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Sits in the amp's effects loop
Alchemy Audio HBE Detox EQ
Alchemy Audio
tonal matchGoes in front of the amp
Run Alchemy Audio HBE Detox EQ after it and the warm edge settles into something more bright
Cheaper alternatives
Boutique & premium upgrades
Similar charactersee all similar tone character →
See all alternatives to the Ampeg RB-112 (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the Ampeg RB-112?+
The closest matches in character are the Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 Combo Bass Amp, the Blackstar Unity, the Blackstar Unity 120. Budget picks: Blackstar Unity Bass U30, Blackstar #Bass U30. Boutique upgrades: Ampeg BA300, Blackstar Unity 250.
What pairs well with the Ampeg RB-112?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea, EarthQuaker Devices Arrows, MXR Distortion+ — EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea leans bright right where the warm tone needs it.
How much does the Ampeg RB-112 cost?+
Around $371.96 (live listing price, updated Oct 23, 2026).