cheep combo or pricey amp & cab (Genz-Benz)

[lewibassist]

Hello all

I have excitably decided to pick bass up again after a little break, during that break i unfortunately sold all my amplification.

My problem is that i am on a tight budget due to being a student. My main criteria at the moment is just home practice and possibly gigging in the future, but nothing major where big power is needed.

I was originally looking at buying a combo ranging in the £250-£350 price bracket, or waiting it out and looking for a bargain on ebay or TB classifieds.

My other more attractive option, is going for a head unit and a small cabinet. After browsing the net the Genz-Benz shuttle 3.0 with the shuttle 1x8/1x10 cab ticks all the boxes.

Should i go cheep, or is it worth spending that bit more and going quality??

Many Thanks

[myhot4]

I'd go with the most power and modular set up you can afford.. I've gone cheap before and ended up spending more. A 100w combo should do the trick like a fender rumble.
From what i have read and heard, the shuttle 3 1x10" combo does not compete well with drums. You need to match the Shuttle 3 with larger speakers if you start playing in a loud band setting. It is a great set up if it fits your budget. Good luck.

[lewibassist]

Thanks for the reply.

Im swaying towards the head and cab option as i think i will get the money worth out of it.

I have done a little research and narrowed the amp down to either the Mark Bass little mark 250w or the Genz-Benz shuttle 3.

As for the cab, i may look for a second hand 1x12 or 2x10 ?

Can anyone offer a comparison between the Little Mark 250w & the Shuttle 3?. And what would be a great portable match for both.

[RFord04]

If you can afford it, go with the head and cab. You can always buy a bigger cab and get more volume. I personally would look for a portable 2x10 and either of those heads will be a great choice, though for not much more, you could probably find a used Markbass LMII or LMIII and have all the power you'll ever need... Just be careful not to push your cab too hard though, depending on the cab.

[twangman]

if you are really broke.... i mean really broke.. go with the acoustic b100... its a pretty good amp for only $250..
i own it.. and it does the job.
100 watts 1x15" speaker
it is what it is, and actually has a really nice tone

[lewibassist]

It is an option to hold out for a used LMIII OR LMII. Bass direct have good deals on both the shuttle and Little mark 250w both in the £370 area so i may just take the plunge. Im swaying towards the markbass at the moment, due to the reviews i have read, although the shuttle 3 is 300w against the LM 250w's hmmmmmm