Bass Combo Amp Suggestions

Kickdrum · #1 07-17-2011, 11:40 PM

Hi everyone,
I'm new here and I look forward to learning as much as I can from you guys. I've been playing bass for a few years now but I'd still put myself in the beginner category. Anyway, here's my situation:
I am currently shopping around for a bass combo amp for practice in my apt, mic'd up for recording, and low level acoustic gigs. My first and only amp is a behringer 15 watt practice amp that I'm not a big fan of and I'd like to upgrade. My bass is a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass with upgraded Seymour Duncan Bassline Pickups (Classic Stack for Jazz Bass). Whenever I do any type of gigging, I borrow my friend's amp. For the acoustic gig, in the past I've used my behringer 15 watt amp and it works but I have to turn it up all the way and I don't like the sound, live or for recording. I'm thinking that I don't need anything over 200 watts and that 50 or so would be plenty for what I want.
I live in Seattle and I went to Bass Northwest and American Music and I tried a bunch of combos at each location. So far, the best sounding amp that I've heard is the Genz Benz Shuttle amp and a close second is the SWR Working Pro 15. Third was a TC Electronic amp and cab and I'd say tied for fourth was the Gallien Krueger MB112 and MB115. I only have about 400 to spend right now and the acoustic gig is a week from now. I'm also curious about the Orange Bass Crush Combo amps (50 watt version) but I haven't heard them yet.
I'd say the sound that I am looking for is a rounded warm vintage tone I guess but I also want deep clear lows. I have a few pedals that don't get much use; they are the BBE Sonic Stomp Maximizer, Moog MF-101, Boss OC-3 octave pedal, and Digitech Jamman looper pedal. I live in an apt and the SWR Working Pro 15 was pretty big and might be a little ridiculous for where I currently live but it did sound great. I should also say that I'd like to buy new because I've had a few bad experiences with used gear.
So, what would you do if you were me? Maybe get the Orange without hearing it and save for the Genz Benz or SWR? Any other suggestions? Thanks for the help.

bluesdogblues · #2 07-18-2011, 12:25 AM

Ampeg B-15?

JimmyM · #3 07-18-2011, 12:29 AM

For $400 new, your choices are pretty limited, and I don't think you should go with just 50w. Yeah, you probably could get away with it, but I'd go for something a little more powerful if you can swing it. Anyway, it sounds like you can try a number of amps out, so just keep trying until you hit the one that works for you. I might also suggest trying some of the newer Ampeg stuff out like the Micro VR and Portaflex heads and cabs, but some of it might put you over your limit. But Genz Benz and SWR are also very good choices. So all I'll tell you is get the one that you like best.

bluesdogblues · #4 07-18-2011, 12:33 AM

+1 on Ampeg Micro

kylejamesbaker · #5 07-18-2011, 12:44 AM

If I were you I'd save up a little bit more for the Genz Benz 3.0 shuttle. I use it in a jazz band it holds up against drums, two guitars, and various horns. It's extremely portable, has plenty of power, and sounds AMAZING. Plus they have a removable head so you can always try out different cab configurations. However, if you can't wait the Gallien Krueger combos aren't bad at all. I have only played through the 210 combo but if the 112 and 115 are anything like it they have a pretty nice sound and again are very transportable with plenty of power.

Kickdrum · #6 07-18-2011, 01:29 AM

Thanks to those who've responded so far.
I tried the little micro vr 210 from Ampeg and it didn't do much for me; it sounded good, but I didn't prefer it over the cheaper G&K MB combos that were sitting right next to it. The Ampeg BA115 sounded better than the other Ampeg combo sizes but it still sounded a little more blurry than I'd like and it was pretty big.
Can any of you guys comment on the low end capabilities of the Orange Crush 50 watt amp? All of the youtube demos sounded like they were recorded with a room mic and so I couldn't judge the sound too well.
Also, to comment about my volume needs, I've used a fender bassman 50 watt amp in the same acoustic setting and it was more than enough which is why I figured 50 watts would be okay for me. I'm open to ideas and suggestions though on what would be a better wattage or whatever.
I should also point out that my fondness of orange amps stemmed from a great cheap guitar amp that I got for my brother after it was recommended by my kind of mentor guy who's won a Grammy. I guess I'm leaning towards the Orange 50 watter because I don't want to spend too much right now if it means buying the more expensive Genz Benz or SWR towards the end of summer; the Orange 50 watt crush bass amp is only $230 at humbuckermusic.com. Is the low end strong with these amps? Any experience here. And again, thanks for the help. Keep it coming.

LAPetrarca · #7 07-18-2011, 05:15 AM

I agree......50 watts won't cut it....in either the short or long term. In fact, in a band situation, 100 watts won't either.

Myself, I have both the GK MB112 at home and the MB115 that I use for gigs and rehearsal. They're small, light and powerful and work perfect in a "bar band" environment.

Strat Hater · #8 07-18-2011, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAPetrarca

I agree......50 watts won't cut it....in either the short or long term. In fact, in a band situation, 100 watts won't either.

Myself, I have both the GK MB112 at home and the MB115 that I use for gigs and rehearsal. They're small, light and powerful and work perfect in a "bar band" environment.

Do you bi amp them or just use one or the other? Is there much difference in the two I want to get one of them
after I am back to work!

Broomwinkle · #9 07-18-2011, 05:40 AM

Ashdown Mag 300 combo is a great choice, it's cheap and good sounding but not sure on US prices but it is about £369/379 UK so that's roughly $500, and that gives you the choice of 2x10 or 1x15 IMHO that is your best bet for something of a good standard and cheapness

dannybuoy · #10 07-18-2011, 05:48 AM

Warm vintage sound in a 50-100W combo? Used Ampeg B-50R or B-100R!

Broomwinkle · #11 07-18-2011, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybuoy

Warm vintage sound in a 50-100W combo? Used Ampeg B-50R or B-100R!

It is a great amp but won't last him very long into the future in case his gigging situation changes and he needs something with more umppfff. He's going to need at east 250 watts and a 1x15 or a 2x10 to fully be able to do decent sized venues I use a 700 watt Peavey and never have to turn it above less than a quarter and it works brilliantly with my Jazz

Nedmundo · #12 07-18-2011, 06:02 AM

You might check out one of the Carvin combos:

Carvin.com - Guitars, Amplifiers & Pro Audio: BX Micro Bass Amps

Also look into the new Roland Cube 60XL. These Rolands are very loud for their power ratings, and the "Flip Top" model sounds almost exactly like an Ampeg B100R, so vintage tone is available. You also might get to leave some of your pedals at home. I've been very happy with the previous generation Cube 100, and I'm considering an upgrade to the new 120XL.

For gigging purposes though, IMO the GK MB combos are very tough to beat for the money.

Lync · #13 07-18-2011, 06:33 AM

If you like the SWR/Genz tone...that is different than Ampeg. Carvin has a SWR tone (sort of). Also, maybe one of those Fender combos (Bassman 150) if you can find one. I would go for that Carvin 1x15 combo that is on sale. I have the larger BX500 1x15 combo and it sounds great.

Russell L · #14 07-18-2011, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lync

If you like the SWR/Genz tone...that is different than Ampeg. Carvin has a SWR tone (sort of). Also, maybe one of those Fender combos (Bassman 150) if you can find one. I would go for that Carvin 1x15 combo that is on sale. I have the larger BX500 1x15 combo and it sounds great.

I have a Bassman 150 (150w/one 12"), and it didn't cut if for me in a bar band.

JimmyM · #15 07-18-2011, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broomwinkle

It is a great amp but won't last him very long into the future in case his gigging situation changes and he needs something with more umppfff. He's going to need at east 250 watts and a 1x15 or a 2x10 to fully be able to do decent sized venues I use a 700 watt Peavey and never have to turn it above less than a quarter and it works brilliantly with my Jazz

Blech for the 210/115! Sorry, but that's engineering by looks.

LAPetrarca · #16 07-18-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strat Hater

Do you bi amp them or just use one or the other? Is there much difference in the two I want to get one of them after I am back to work!

No, I run them separate.

I leave the MB112 at home for my practice/backup/jam amp and the MB115 at the rehearsal space for rehearsals and gigs.

I play in a bar band. Nothing fancy, not necessarily loud, just straight up blues based rock.....no FOH support.....bass, guitar, drums, front man on the harp. Never had a problem with either in any of the rooms we've played.