alternative to SWR WorkingMan 10?

[lmichaels]

Hi everyone

I am a beginner on the bass guitar, have been playing for one year and am happy with my progress so far.

I have been using a cheap Traynor Bassmate 25 so far and will be moving abroad soon. Stuff is so much cheaper in the US that I decided to buy a new amp before leaving.

I want something small that in the future I will be able to use to play with friends. From browsing the forums I settled on the SWR Working Man 10 which sounded exactly like what I am looking for, but then read multiple references to the hissing sound when one is not playing (eg, http://www.talkbass.com/forum/archiv...p/t-37659.html) and decided to look for something else. Since I mostly spend time practicing by myself at this stage, I really don't want to get an amp that will frustrate me and put me off practicing because of the hiss in the background whenever I am reading the sheet music or just working out the fingerings.

What are good alternatives to the SWR Working Man 10? I don't mind something slightly more expensive (since it will still be a good deal compared to prices outside the US) or a bit larger; I just don't want to have a giant file cabinet of an amp in my apartment which I will use mostly to play by myself. : )

Thank you so much

louie

[wave rider]

How about a Genz Benz Shuttle 3/10?

Would a similar MarkBass offering be less expensive abroad?

You could probably make a profit buying a used Mesa Walkabout here and selling it when you come back from there...

=wr=

[Jeff Scott]

Originally Posted by lmichaels

but then read multiple references to the hissing sound when one is not playing

After a few years of playing you won't hear the hiss anymore, so don't let that stop you.

[lmichaels]

Thank you for the tips, I will check out the Genz Benz Shuttle 3/10. Is this a good choice for electric? (Most discussions I found mentioned using it with upright basses.)

Are there any other small combos that I should be looking at?

- SWR Working Man 10
- Genz Benz Shuttle 3/10
- ??

I would like something with a headphone jack, so that I can continue using it for practice late at night.

Many thanks

louie

[wave rider]

Just a little bigger is the Genz Benz Shuttle 6/12 if you need more ooomph...

Lots of raves about the new GK 2x10 and 2x12 combos on these boards too.

=wr=

[lmichaels]

Hi wave rider,

Thank you for all your help.

Originally Posted by wave rider

Just a little bigger is the Genz Benz Shuttle 6/12 if you need more ooomph...

Lots of raves about the new GK 2x10 and 2x12 combos on these boards too.

=wr=

Between the GK 2x10 and the Genz Benz Shuttle 3/10, which would you go with?

thanks!
~louie

[wave rider]

Having played neither, I vote GK 2x10; more power overall.

My opinion is useless in this instance, you will need to go try them out.

=wr=

[countrybass007]

The cost may be prohibitive, but the Phil Jones Suitcase would certainly work for you.

[pbagley]

There's a lot of options out there. I used to own two SWR WM-10's and I'm familiar with their tone and various other qualities.

A PJ Briefcase may be more in line with your budget. I have not tried one yet, so no clue how they will sound with an electric.

I like my Roland Cube 100, but it it mostly a knock about amp. Made in China, cheap, and 8 amp models plus effects on board. Entertaining at least.

GK MBE-150. Light, powerful, sounds pretty decent and has a lot of tonal range. Not for everyone though.

The MarkBass and GB Shuttles are decent from what I've heard, but have not tried one yet.

Everything else I have or used to own is too heavy to move overseas.

Good luck,

- Paul

[lmichaels]

many thanks for all your help! : )

~l