Amps/Cabs/Combos...Oh My

[Turtle71]

OK, so generally I don't post "what would you buy" type threads, but I find myself with some questions now...

I am in the process of putting a second band together (rock covers mostly), but I don't want to lug my rig back & forth (yes I have only one rig...).

So that being said I need to pick up one of the following:
-Solid Combo
-Head & Cab
-Combo w/ extension cab

There are 2 important things I need.
1. Speakers MUST be able to handle my 5'er (I won't be using it super often, but I will be a little.).
2. I'd really like something "lighter" weight. I love my SVT410HLF (US Made SLM model), that thing is a BEAST, and I've NEVER heard a better 4x10 for 5'ers. But it's really friggen heavy....

The musical instrument selection in my area really blows (Just a GC), so my purchase will involve the internet, or a drive to Milwaukee/Chicago etc...

My budget is going to fall around $1400-$1500 (perhaps a bit more for the right items, but hopefully not).

Over the years I've always been an Ampeg or SWR kinda guy, but I'm not against breaking that mold...Some of the new Genz Benz stuff looks pretty sweet, but I've never played any of it.

Any suggestions of stuff I could try to look at? If I'm going to drive, I'd at least like to call ahead to some of these stores to see if they stock said items.

It just sucks that this could end up a "internet purchase" and I'll be doing it sight unseen...

[WhoDidTheElf]

You ever tried a Mesa Walkabout?

You could get the combo (Used) and add another 1x12 or 1x15 to it. Would sound wonderful and be completely portable.

[AwkwardLoudness]

Two Avatar TB153 15/6 cabs or two fEarful 15/6 cabs + a used Carvin B1500 amp. You could probably sneak that under $1,500. Relatively light weight items that work awesomely with 5 string basses.

You could spend a little more and get an amp that's lighter than the B1500 such as the Walkabout, Carvin B2000, or Genz Benz Streamliner 900.

[lpdeluxe]

A good friend has a Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0-210T with a Jazz Bass and he loves it. If you want a big visual presence, this one ain't it, but he raves about being able to play large venues without problems. He was so convincing that I bought the Shuttle 3.0 with 2 10T cabinets -- still 300 watts, which is what my Mesa/Boogie Walkabout Scout 1x15 has, but the G-B weighs in at a total of 34 lb, while the M/B hits 63. Another factor in the weight is that Mesa somehow determined that an off-center strap handle was adequate, and it isn't. It's pretty awkward to move around. The Mesa/Boogie is the Tone King (at least, with my AV '57 P) but I can get pretty close with the little G-B (and, in fact, a lot closer than I had expected).

The 6.0-210T is around $1300; my 3.0 with 2 10s ran me $1220. The Mesa/Boogie was $1500. If you want the ultimate tone and your back can stand it, get the Mesa/Boogie. Me, I've ordered another G-B 10T cab and I'll pull the 13 lb Walkabout head out of the box (easily done) and use it to power them. I expect that will hit the sweet spot between tone and portability. However, it would run a bit over your budget: the Walkabout head by itself is $1100, and each Genz-Benz speaker is $490. It is mostly attractive due to the light overall weight compared to the heavy Scout cabinet. It's important to me, but maybe not to you. Of course, used gear will cost less.

I have a friend who plays a Stingray 5 through one in a jazz combo, and he loves it (he's the guy who turned me onto them).

[tbirddad]

Carvin B2000 head / Avatar TB153 cab / and you would have money left over for a road case(s).

[scottfeldstein]

You could buy my GK MB210 combo and plug an additional 15 into it or use the external 2x10 cab I have on it now. (I live about 1 hour from you.) The combo weighs 33 pounds, easily carryable with one hand. The 210 MBE cab weighs 30 pounds.