Is A Combo Enough

low thumper · #1 12-04-2011, 01:30 PM

Just starting out gigging with a country band after years with a blues band.Funds a little tight now,my question is can I pull it off with the Bassman 250/210? Band consists of two guitars,drums,and bass.Playing straight from the amp with no PA support for some gigs.Guitarists playing smaller combo amps(less than 100w I believe) Can I pull this off in small to medium size venues until i get through the holidays and buy a bass rig? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

RickenBoogie · #2 12-04-2011, 02:48 PM

Maybe, maybe not. Only way to know is by doing it. All depends on how loud everyone else is. No PA support would worry me. Not sure if the Bassman combo can support an ext spkr or not. That would be a MUST for me, to allow expansion, and added volume.

MyMusic · #3 12-04-2011, 02:51 PM

250 watts through 2 10s will probably be marginal, especially with no PA. The general rule that I have seen listed here is a 300-500 watt head and a 410 cab. Your first set will really tell you where you stand. Good luck and congratulations on your new gig.

RoboChrist · #4 12-04-2011, 02:58 PM

I once gigged a 210 combo with a five piece band and fried the voice coils within two months. You won't be happy, trust me.

You won't get the full 250 watts of that amp until you can dole out some extra for an extension cab, as the speaker section is most definitely 8 ohm. right now you'll be lucky if you can get 2/3 power from it, from a 210 that's pushing your luck to say the least.

Gearhead17 · #5 12-04-2011, 04:07 PM

If you have to ask this particular question, you DEFINITELY need more oomph from your bass rig. Look for something used and have your money go further.

Without PA support, a combo is not going to cut it with a decently loud band. Most bass rigs will only go so far in that situation.....

bertbass666 · #6 12-04-2011, 05:38 PM

NO!!!

1n3 · #7 12-04-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoboChrist

You won't get the full 250 watts of that amp until you can dole out some extra for an extension cab, as the speaker section is most definitely 8 ohm. right now you'll be lucky if you can get 2/3 power from it, from a 210 that's pushing your luck to say the least.

The internal speakers are 4 ohms (2 x 8ohm). There are external speaker outs, but you'd need to disconnect the internal speakers to use them.

I'd bet many of those who say this amp won't cut it have never played in anything other than a loud rock setting. In traditional country, at least, volumes tend to be a lot more reasonable. I've got the little brother of this amp (150) and it has been adequate for moderate volume gigs with drummers and no PA support.

I think there's a good chance it will be loud enough. It's certainly worth a try.

slaps76 · #8 12-04-2011, 06:18 PM

I'd go the used route and find something you know will definitely be enough, opposed to being a gamble. Without PA support I really don't think it'll cut it.

SteveC · #9 12-04-2011, 06:21 PM

Normally I would say yes, but in this case, probably not. The key is PA or no PA. I have used a 175 watt 1x10 combo for a while and it's all I need for small jazz gigs. When I do bigger gigs, there's a PA so again, it's all I need.

low thumper · #10 12-04-2011, 06:23 PM

Thanks for the feedback,I think I will be shopping for the rig sooner than later.The 250/210 will allow an extension but you have to unplug the existing speaker.Does that seem like a waste if I plugged in a decent cabinet until I could afford the head?The combo was fine for the blues gigs I played but in the country gig it doesnt feel adequate.Like going to a gun fight with brass knuckles.

Lync · #11 12-04-2011, 06:45 PM

I'll go against the grain here and say you will be fine. It is country, not metal LOL. Plus you said only for small rooms/clubs you won't have PA.

I played in a modern country band (and now a funk band) and for small rooms, that amp is plenty.

mello_bedwetter · #12 12-04-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1n3

The internal speakers are 4 ohms (2 x 8ohm). There are external speaker outs, but you'd need to disconnect the internal speakers to use them.

I'd bet many of those who say this amp won't cut it have never played in anything other than a loud rock setting. In traditional country, at least, volumes tend to be a lot more reasonable. I've got the little brother of this amp (150) and it has been adequate for moderate volume gigs with drummers and no PA support.

I think there's a good chance it will be loud enough. It's certainly worth a try.

I wish I still had my Bassman 250/210. I used it for playing classic rock and country and it had enough power plus some to spare. It does depend on how loud the others in the band plays though. However the guitars in "our" band can get pretty loud and I was able to keep up. Just giving my 2 cents.

low thumper · #13 12-04-2011, 06:56 PM

This is old school outlaw country,Waylon,David Allen Coe,Hank Jr,etc.The guys in the band are older and not into the ear splitting volumes that youth brings.The split seems about 50-50 on advice so I may just give it a shot as is.First gig in a couple of weeks.Thanks for everyone's input,very helpful.

mello_bedwetter · #14 12-04-2011, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by low thumper

This is old school outlaw country,Waylon,David Allen Coe,Hank Jr,etc.The guys in the band are older and not into the ear splitting volumes that youth brings.The split seems about 50-50 on advice so I may just give it a shot as is.First gig in a couple of weeks.Thanks for everyone's input,very helpful.

That sounds like us. The youngest in our group is 50. Actually there are 2 groups. In one we play classic rock and the other is the "older" country...Waylon, Hank Jr., Merle, etc and some southern rock like Marshal Tucker, Allman Brothers, etc.. Give it a try...I sure wish I still had my Bassman. Something I did do though was use a Gramma pad, the acoustic platform or I would set it on a stand...about 14" off the floor. I use a stand with my GK MB210 now also.I'd still be using the Bassman but I got the GK because it's lighter. My left shoulder is completely "shot".

countrybass007 · #15 12-04-2011, 07:24 PM

I play with a classic country/country rock band and I know that anything under 500 watts just doesn't make it. The bass in the country swing tunes and the Kentucky Headhunters type tunes has to be very prominate. We have 2 guitars and keyboards and I have to bump it up on some tunes to give the music the proper punch. ( I'm at silverswitchband.com to see if that's the type of country you're playing.)

1n3 · #16 12-04-2011, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by low thumper

The 250/210 will allow an extension but you have to unplug the existing speaker.Does that seem like a waste if I plugged in a decent cabinet until I could afford the head?

Yeah, that would be kind of a waste, hauling unused weight. Before you do that, consider wiring the internal speakers in series. Then you'd have 16 ohms internal, and could add an external 8 ohm speaker. One of these would be a good match. You'd be louder, even at the higher (5.3ohm) impedance, due to the increased speaker area.

Igotsoul4u · #17 12-04-2011, 07:44 PM

Loudness is different for every setup but I still think a loud 250 watt combo is not going to do it. It certainly won't be satisfying. An efficient 400watts is my limit.

sad_katz · #18 12-04-2011, 11:08 PM

If you have to ask ....

Honestly, there's only one way to find out.

Personally, I'm not gonna leave home without a 410 cab (or any cab with the same or better sensitivity) when I'm not sure if anything smaller can do the job. Don't worry about the amp's watts too much as long as you're not playing huge outdoor arenas without PA support.

Lync · #19 12-05-2011, 06:36 AM

I envy you guys. In the smaller places, I am more limited by the singer than what my rig can do. If the bass is too loud on stage, the singer(s) will have a harder time hearing themselves. I use a Carvin BR515N now and never need more than 1/3 of its capability.

Carvin.com :: BR515N

4StringDave · #20 12-05-2011, 06:50 AM

Hi

I agree with 1n3 & Lync.... for the type of band you're talking about 250w should be more than enough. I have been playing Country professionally for over 15 years, and I use a Nemesis NC115 with no PA support. It has 250w @ 4 ohms. The internal speaker is rated at 8 ohms, so I get less than the full output. Same type of music and band as yourself.

Ultimately, if there is no PA support (and I think a lot of people forget this), you only have to pitch your volume to the acoustic level of the drum kit, otherwise you'll be too loud and out of balance with the rest of the band. It's not supposed to be a volume war!