Can a combo handle gigging?

[6foot5]

Hey guys, so I recently picked up a new bass and am in the market for an amp now. I've been trying to do some research on these forums but unfortunately there is no set rule or something that tells you what amp you need for what application. if only if only... lol

Anyways, from what I've read thus far when people talk gigging it usually involves a head and cab so I was curious if any certain types of combo amps could suffice for gigging or will I need to get a stack to be loud enough. (I'm looking at the Fender Rumble 350 at my local store)

I just don't want to buy an amp then find I need to upgrade almost immediately to keep up with a band.

$500-600 CAD budget [Our dollar is pretty well equal with the USD right now] and I have limited selection in my area. Basically Traynor, Marshall and Fender I believe.

Thanks for any guidance. Cheers guys.

[capnsandwich]

I like the new GK MB series combos. I've got the MB212 and that runs 500 watts through 2 12" speakers at 4 ohms. It cost me $700 but that amp is more than enough for a medium sized room with a large crowd. There are some other decent combos out there that can keep up with a loud band. Also, the MB212, for $600, is 500 watts but runs 2 10's at 8 ohms so to get the full 500 you'll need an 8 ohm ext. cab.

[Burlington]

I would say it matters what size shows you will be playing and if there is PA support.

[Jon_West]

My B200 has served me well all this time.

[6foot5]

Originally Posted by Burlington

I would say it matters what size shows you will be playing and if there is PA support.

Lets say bar size & outdoor gigs w/ no PA for the sake of argument

[capnsandwich]

Originally Posted by 6foot5

Lets say bar size & outdoor gigs w/ no PA for the sake of argument

No PA? You'll need at least 350 watts and something to raise your amp up to head level.

[capnsandwich]

The more I think of it, the more I'd be leaning towards saving another $100 and getting an MB212 or equivalent amp.

[DanNowhere]

Sounds to me like you're in the market for used Peavey. Maybe one of those Hartke 350w combos with 4 x 10s can be found used for fairly cheap too. Anything like either of these available in your area?

[6foot5]

Is it wise to buy used? The salesman at the store I was at said you want to buy a new amp, as you'll just spend more than a used one is worth replacing the speakers and such so its not worth it.

Than again, he is a salesman...

[pasta4lnch]

Originally Posted by 6foot5

Basically Traynor, Marshall and Fender I believe.

never played a Traynor and not really a fan of the other two . . . is ordering on-line out? a place like musician's friend has a great return policy. Those new GK combos do look really nice.

as for combo vs. amp/cab there is no rule. in fact a lot of combos ARE the company's head in a cab w/ a slot for it . . . I've looked at amps six ways from sunday and cant figure a better deal than a LMII and some form of Avatar cab. no combo or combination comes close - but that's me

[A_E_A]

Don't listen to the salesman. Buying used will take your money a lot further. I have bought used and it has saved me a lot of cash and have had great success with it. Check the classified section on here. If you get a chance to try something before you buy that also will help you get something you will be happy with.

For the record I hate salesmen. Especially when they lie to make a sale. I would steer clear of that person again. Do your research a bit and you can pick up when a salesman is being generally helpful or if they are just trying to fill their pockets with commission (the latter is most common especially and the bigger chain music stores)...

[StuartV]

A good combo will do what you want just fine. Assuming "outdoor" gigs means things like backyard parties. If you're talking about outdoor festivals, well, then it can still work. The first gig my current band ever played was an outdoor festival with 1000 or so people. We used my Peavey BAM210 combo with an Aguilar GS410 extension cab. The combo by itself is 350W. With the extension cab, it was 500W. It was plenty loud. People at the far side of the big field we were in could hear the bass just fine.

[Joe Nerve]

I had an real old Peavey TNT 115 that covered tons and tons of gigs. When that died I went on a mission. Spent a lot of money on a lot of different combos and found out often times the wattage doesn't mean crap regarding what the amp can put out. Most 500 watt combos can't come anywhere near using that wattage before starting to sound like total garbage. Of everything I bought the only one that compared to my peavey was a Fender Bassman 250 115. It destroyed a high end combo (don't want to mention the brand for several reasons) w 2X12s and more than double the wattage. The Fender was one third the price of that also. Used them both in the same club. Fender cut it with no sweat, the other couldn't hold up at all.

For reasons unknown the Fender bassmans never really caught on, but there were a few here who bought them and feel the same as I do. Search and you shall find.

[Paperbakwriter]

Used - craigslist for the win. Picked up a GK backline 600 and Avatar B212 for 250 bucks total. Would like to try one of those little marks soon =/ but as with anything try it before you buy it

[kreider204]

My first gigging band was a punk band with a loud drummer and two loud guitarists. I had an old Peavy TNT 130 (130 watts RMS), and it did just fine in bars - no PA assist needed, and I didn't even feel like I pushed it too hard. My second gigging rock band, similar instrumentation, a Peavy TNT 150, same thing, no problem. So, I'd say "yes," IME.

[punisher911]

I had my first practice with my new band today. My Hartke HM5210 2x10 combo kept up with the drummer and a Trace Elliot 2x12 guitar combo no problem. I was just over the 2 on the volume knob. Same thing as one of the above posts, I can add another 8 ohm cabinet to unleash the full 500 watts if I desire.

[chuck3]

Genz Benz 6.0 Shuttle, probably the 210T would fit your needs pretty well. 375 W at 8 ohms (the basic package), 600 W into 4 if you want to scale up. Tilts back. I have played large, noisy, crowded bars with it, and it has done fine.

[waleross]

+1 on the Shuttle 6.0 set-up. Straight up combo's won't last for long and then your back to square one. At least with the shuttle you can expand when you are ready.......

[6foot5]

Originally Posted by pasta4lnch

is ordering on-line out? a place like musician's friend has a great return policy. Those new GK combos do look really nice.

Unfortunately yes, all the online stores with good brands are based in the states and wont ship amps to Canada.

[babebambi]

outdoor festival with no PA ?!?!
you will be needing a lot more than most combo can provide
I figure at least 500W into 410

but if its just backyard party, then yeah a 300W 210 or 115 combo is ok too