Help me pick the best budget combo amp

BillyIVbass · #1 06-14-2010, 05:51 PM

I have my "big rig" but sometimes I leave it at my practice space. I'd like a 2nd amp that could be used for solo practice, a smaller band practice and possibly a small bar gig (w/ PA support) Please let me know your thoughts on these or other similar amps. I'm on a tight budget mainly want something that has some power and will last for more than 6 months.

GK MB112 200w 1x12 $299
Ampeg BA112 50w 1x12 $279
GK MB200 head 200 watt micro head $249
Peavey Max 112 40watts $199

FYI Guitar Center has a 20% email coupon. I *think* these amps apply.

thudfromafar · #2 06-14-2010, 05:57 PM

Out of those I'd pick the GK 115.

BTW what's the coupon?

BillyIVbass · #3 06-14-2010, 06:05 PM

http://gc.guitarcenter.com/promo/june-madness/

haha it appears Ampeg and Peavey aren't included.

I got one in my email about 20% off from the 14th-17th too, but can't find that online.

jtc_hunter · #4 06-14-2010, 06:16 PM

GK MBE series (1x15 or 2x10) 200 digital watts $299 (not a combo, its just a cab)
GK MB200 head 200 watt micro head $249( Ok if you already have a small cab to go with it)

I would get an MB115, RMCaudio you can get one for $349 delivered. I can do even moderate sized gigs with mine and only 35lbs

BillyIVbass · #5 06-14-2010, 07:18 PM

Whoops read the site wrong, updated my post.

Also the Fender Rumble may get thrown in the mix.

steamthief · #6 06-14-2010, 07:25 PM

Get the Ampeg B50-R for sale in classifieds. Better sound than anything on your list.

livinglow · #7 06-14-2010, 07:41 PM

The GK MB stuff is amazing for the coin!

Mike19 · #8 06-14-2010, 08:43 PM

I have the G-K MB210 (300w into 2 x 10) and the G-K MB115 (200w into 1 x 15). I recommend either one.

The MB115 has a ceramic speaker and the MB210 has neo speakers.

The MB210 is more expensive, but its amp will put out 500w if you hook up an 8ohm external cab. You can't hook up an external cab to the MB115.

The MB210 is loud enough for a small club. I'm not sure about the MB115. With an external 2 x 10 cab (like the soon to go on sale matching MBE210) the MB210 will easily do a medium club w/o hooking into a pA system.

These amps are light and loud, but not of heavy duty construction.

They are a great value.

magikmarker · #9 06-14-2010, 08:47 PM

I tried the MB115 at GC. It sounded loud and clear, but can it or the MB210 get me in the ball-park of that old-school low clear bassy sexy rumble that many folks identify as the ampeg tube amp sound? The lightweight "feature" is SO appealing, but what is sacrificed by digital amp?

Mike19 · #10 06-14-2010, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magikmarker

but what is sacrificed by digital amp?

The tube sound. But tube amps cost about 30% more than digitals and tubes are, by necessity, heavier.

Solution: digital amp plus SansAmp BDDI or VT or one of the other 100 pedals on the market that are deisgned to emmulate the tube sound.

**butchblack** · #11 06-14-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magikmarker

I tried the MB115 at GC. It sounded loud and clear, but can it or the MB210 get me in the ball-park of that old-school low clear bassy sexy rumble that many folks identify as the ampeg tube amp sound? The lightweight "feature" is SO appealing, but what is sacrificed by digital amp?

Search for threads on the MB 210, there are a number of them. It does low, clear, bassy very well and by playing with the pre gain you can get a bit of dirt in it. Whether it sounds as good as a tube amp overheating it's tubes is subjective, I've never cared for that sound on bass though I like it on guitar. It does old school sound very well in my opinion.