Best small traveler for the buck???

[takhammer]

I was hoping to get some opinions on what you guy's think is the best small, and lightweight traveling amp, as far as tone and volume, for the buck. My band is doing a bit of traveling, and I have a small car, so dragging my 4 10's and a head, or any larger combo I have just doesn't seem to make sense, because I'm trying to fit lights, and other equipment as well. I recently saw an old SWR LA 15 in a pawn shop, and tested it, and thought the volume and tone were great for the weight/size. Unfortunately some else jumped before I did, and now i'm on the hunt again. Thanx in advance for any insight you may be able go give me.

[steve_rolfeca]

I think that SWR LA's sound like poo, compared to the previous models (Workingman's series). So if inexpensive combo amps are your thing, you could start by looking for a used WM12 or WM15. Solid, workmanlike amps, with more volume before breakup, fuller sound, and more features than the LA.

Still talking older gear, the Eden Nemesis combos offered a pretty good size/tone/weight compromise.

If you really want big sound in a small package, don't forget about all the new micro heads. Ibanez does a 2*10 combo version of the Promethean, the Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 comes as a mini combo, as do the Markbass LM II and III heads, etc.

If you want something a bit more spendy, TC Electronic has a couple of flavours of combos, including an RH450 head racked into the top of a 2*10 cab, and the Mesa Walkabout 15 gets lots of love...

[SteveC]

The LA series sucks.
Genz Benz makes great amps and combos. I use a Shuttle 6.0-12T combo for everything and it's great. I am even debating going smaller - Shuttle 3.0-10T combo.

[craig.p]

You should tell us what sort of tone you're after.

Also, what does this band consist of, and how loud is it?

[martyman5000]

I had a LA and it was very underpowered...Markbass CMD102P...lots of good reviews. I like the look of the Mesaboogie scout and also TC electronics.

[takhammer]

The band is a 4 piece, consisting of keys, bass, drum, and guitar. Most of the gigs though, are played without the keys layer as a 3 peice. I also have a 5 peice with an extra guitarist. I'm searching for a warm rich tone, but still want the ability to bring out the high's if i want to slap.

[countrybass007]

The Orange isobaric cabs are great, powerful and compact cabs. My Orange Tiny Terror Bass and SP212 is a toss in the passenger seat rig that puts out more than enough sound.

[RickenBoogie]

Mesa Walkabout Scout will end your search- and make you smile.

[Marko5657]

When I think small/light and “value”,

I think GK.