amp head or combo

elavate7 · #1 07-06-2011, 03:51 AM

so im going to have about $500 to spend on a bass amp but im a little confused. im trying to decide which one to get. i play gospel at my church that hold about 200 pple. and im also in an r&b band. i likt the convenience of combos and were looking at some nice 210 combos. but i like the powere and versatility of an amp head. i have 2 speaker cabs already and an old hartke head that pretty much busted, so its time for a new one. which do you guys think is the best way to go?

rodl2005 · #2 07-06-2011, 06:25 AM

Separate 4 me, but there are some great combos out there nowadays. & one can simply add an extension cab usually.

tekdiver500ft · #3 07-06-2011, 06:40 AM

Since you already have cabs, I'd get a head, you'll get more bang for your buck that way.

tdub0199 · #4 07-06-2011, 06:52 AM

buy used as well....

silentmike · #5 07-06-2011, 07:54 AM

I agree with everyone else, I'd get a head. If you like your cabs, there's little point in getting a combo unless only carrying one item is really that preferable to you.

ikessky · #6 07-06-2011, 08:15 AM

I just got a Peavey Tour TNT 115 combo and it handles church duties very well. Our church can seat over 200, although I think our attendance is usually right around there. Originally I looked at separate heads and cabs, but decided that I didn't want to make that many trips hauling gear for 20-30 minutes of playing. The other weekend when we played, I think I had my pre-gain at 1 of 10 and my master volume at 2 of 10 and it was plenty of volume.

My opinion, worth price charged.

scottfeldstein · #7 07-06-2011, 08:18 AM

I'm a combo owner, but if I already had usable cabs laying around I'd buy a head. Just make sure they're compatible before you lay your money down.

Russell L · #8 07-06-2011, 08:25 AM

Another vote for a separate head since you already have two cabs. I have played combos forever, though, and don't think there's anything wrong with them, if you're sure about what you're using them for, and if your gig situation won't be changing.

About the Peavey TNT 115 mentioned above. I played through one this weekend that was already set up onstage with someone else's show. It was outdoors. The amp was not enough for me to hear myself well with an eight-piece band playing a variety of music. I was in the mains (large PA), but the amp couldn't get loud enough for me from ten feet behind me. But, that's just my particular situation. It may not apply to you.

jeff7bass · #9 07-06-2011, 08:55 AM

If the cabs are nice, look at just getting a good micro head OR sell your stuff and..

Consider the Carvin MB15. It is 200w into a 15" driver/tweeter by itself (perfect for church gigs), or 250w with an extension speaker. Nice and light, all pro features, cost around 400 bucks delivered.
If you're weary of ordering direct, I would get the Gallien Krueger MB15. You can't add an extension to it but you will likely not need one doing church/small gigs + rehearsals. It's VERY light, sounds great and gets surprisingly loud for such a compact unit. Also around 400 bucks.

scottfeldstein · #10 07-06-2011, 09:31 AM

I gotta put in a plug for my GK MB210. Got mine new for $500 and it can take an 8 ohm extension cab: a 15, a 2x10, a 4x10 or whatever. 350w by itself, 500w with an extension cab.

But, again, if I had 2 working cabs lying around I'd buy a head. Maybe a GK MB500.

ikessky · #11 07-06-2011, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell L

About the Peavey TNT 115 mentioned above. I played through one this weekend that was already set up onstage with someone else's show. It was outdoors. The amp was not enough for me to hear myself well with an eight-piece band playing a variety of music. I was in the mains (large PA), but the amp couldn't get loud enough for me from ten feet behind me. But, that's just my particular situation. It may not apply to you.

Something doesn't seem right about that. My brother's band has used an old SWR Workingman's 15 combo for years as a stage amp and have never had volume issues, and that was only a 160W. That's with a drummer, two guitars, and keys. Like you said though, in either case, it could just be the particular situation.

If you are still thinking the combo route, make sure you go with one that handles an extention speaker so you can get the maximum sound out of the amp when you need it.
Then again, I've been thinking about this more and have come to the conclusion that if I already had 2 speaker cabs, I would definitely be looking for a separate head.

jeff7bass · #12 07-06-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

I gotta put in a plug for my GK MB210. Got mine new for $500 and it can take an 8 ohm extension cab: a 15, a 2x10, a 4x10 or whatever. 350w by itself, 500w with an extension cab.

But, again, if I had 2 working cabs lying around I'd buy a head. Maybe a GK MB500.

So it’s basically the MB500 head built into the GK 210 Neo cab. That’s a great price. For what he’s looking for, probably the best bet.

AMJBASS · #13 07-06-2011, 11:13 AM

I'd go with a head as well. It is more versatile in the long run. And, with the micro heads you can get now its just as convenient when you can just sling it over your shoulder in a gig bag. The GK Micro amps are excellent. I have an MB Fusion and an MB200. They are some of the best sounding amps I have ever owned(and I have owned pretty well most on the market).

elavate7 · #14 07-06-2011, 11:18 AM

well its just me, singer, keys, and a drummer. we may add a guitar later. maybe just the head would be better. although i am interested in the carvin MB15

elavate7 · #15 07-06-2011, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Juras

I'd go with a head as well. It is more versatile in the long run. And, with the micro heads you can get now its just as convenient when you can just sling it over your shoulder in a gig bag. The GK Micro amps are excellent. I have an MB Fusion and an MB200. They are some of the best sounding amps I have ever owned(and I have owned pretty well most on the market).

i like the mb200, but i already had the hartke2000 and i was looking for a little more power, will it be enougth? also, theres only one speaker output in the back, so will i just be able to daisy chain my 2 cabs?

scottfeldstein · #16 07-06-2011, 11:33 AM

I think it would be enough power, but it never hurts to have more. I would go for more.

Also, the bigger question about your cabs is their ohm rating. Eight or four? And hopefully they match.

elavate7 · #17 07-06-2011, 11:43 AM

i have two 8 ohm cabs, so i have external speakers to go with the carvin combo if i shoose to get that. as far as head goes, i want something that about 300 watts. that should be enougth for me

scottfeldstein · #18 07-06-2011, 11:48 AM

I think you'll be limited to just using one of those external cabs with the Carvin combo.

elavate7 · #19 07-06-2011, 11:27 PM

yea, but that would probablt be enougth though....