Hey, look, a "what amp should I buy" thread!

[Genericbassname]

So I'm gonna be heading off to college soon (Berklee! Hell yes!) and I'm gonna need a new amp; I can barely fit my full stack in my tiny car as is, and I need to be hauling a LOT more than just my oversized rig. More practically, I don't envy trying to transport something of that size in a city without a car. So, basically, I'm looking for something that can put out a good bit of power but is very portable. I've heard good things about Markbass, but honestly, when I've shopped amps before I've always been looking for something huge; I don't really know where to start on the smaller end of things. Ideally I'd be able to carry my entire rig at once (bass on back, amp in one hand, bag-o-pedals/cables/odds-n'-ends in the other); I remember reading something about a small half stack that clipped together and could easily be carried around like this in BassPlayer at one point, but I lost the issue a long time ago. My budget is pretty flexible, but in the $1000 range would be nice.

Anyway, tl,dr: I'm looking for a small but powerful amp that will sound nice and be giggable for around $1000. Any advice?

Thanks,

GBN

[jarrhead]

Try a GK MB 115 or 112 combo.

[MJ5150]

Mesa Walkabout Scout

-Mike

[paganjack]

I'd say the walkabout too, those things sound awesome.

[Zombs]

that genz benz 2x10 shuttle combo.

[251]

Originally Posted by Genericbassname

So I'm gonna be heading off to college soon (Berklee! Hell yes!) and I'm gonna need a new amp; I can barely fit my full stack in my tiny car as is, and I need to be hauling a LOT more than just my oversized rig. More practically, I don't envy trying to transport something of that size in a city without a car. So, basically, I'm looking for something that can put out a good bit of power but is very portable. I've heard good things about Markbass, but honestly, when I've shopped amps before I've always been looking for something huge; I don't really know where to start on the smaller end of things. Ideally I'd be able to carry my entire rig at once (bass on back, amp in one hand, bag-o-pedals/cables/odds-n'-ends in the other); I remember reading something about a small half stack that clipped together and could easily be carried around like this in BassPlayer at one point, but I lost the issue a long time ago. My budget is pretty flexible, but in the $1000 range would be nice.

Anyway, tl,dr: I'm looking for a small but powerful amp that will sound nice and be giggable for around $1000. Any advice?

Thanks,

GBN

Buy what you need when you get there. Ask your teachers what they use in the small halls & local clubs. Daddy's Junky Music is right across the street. GC is less than a mile away. The other stores in Metro Boston are easy to get to on public transit (known locally as the "T"). Your budget will cover all you need & you can have an adventure finding your way around town.

In the mean time, figure out how to get along with just the practice rooms at Berklee, until you have an amp.

[P. Aaron]

Love the tubey tone and punch yer lights out endless power of my Hartke LH1000. Around $650.00 new.

Or, you can cheap out on the LH500. Many folks here like that one too.

[jazz3625tonic]

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

Love the tubey tone and punch yer lights out endless power of my Hartke LH1000. Around $650.00 new.

Or, you can cheap out on the LH500. Many folks here like that one too.

Wow, I feel like I got a great deal... just pulled the trigger on a LH100 on evilbay. Brand new in the box with warranty and shipped for $449.00. Lookin' forward to it.

[bass_snake]

A Traynor combo

Fred

[B-string]

G-K MB212 http://www.rmcaudiodirect.com/Search...18&Search.y=16

[Jaco who?]

^ Hell yes, and I usually hate hate hate hate combos.

[blockinlay]

I'd wait till I get there, then decide what's best. Check the local scene out a bit first. Maybe someone on their way out will have a killer deal for you.
I have a Littlemark II head I got for a fair price used. I'm happy with it. It has plenty of balls. It's very compact. Sounds better with a 410 than 15's. Someone gave me a Dell laptop carry bag, and the Markbass fits right in there with space for a half dozen cables, music books, effects pedals, and whatnot. Perfect bag for it I think. Of course you'll need a cab of some sort that's not too bulky. Get a soft case for the bass with a shoulder strap, a carry bag for your amp and gear with a shoulder strap, and get the best cab you can afford that you can carry. I'd opt for a cab with a top carry handle that has good reviews, and will allow the head to shine.

[logicman69]

Originally Posted by jarrhead

Try a GK MB 115 or 112 combo.

I'll add my vote for the GK. They are lightweight, LOUD, and have great tone. The 210 would be especially usefull because it has a speaker out to hook up to another cab for those times when you want the "stack" effect. They only weigh about 30lbs so the are extremly easy to carry arround.

[lowendfriend]

Originally Posted by jarrhead

Try a GK MB 115 or 112 combo.

^This...Neo speakers thump great and are light...GK delivers on wattage.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 for the Walkabout Scout, if you want it all, good tone included.

[Genericbassname]

Thanks for all the advice! I'm not much of a forum user, I didn't expect to get so much. I'm thinking the best course of action is going to be to look around when I get there, it's already gonna be tough to fit all my college stuff into a Honda fit. I might by myself a DI/headphone amp or something for practicing in my room until I find an amp I like (besides, everyone should have a DI, right?). Anyway, thanks again,

-GBN

[BigOldHarry]

I can't say enough about the sound and volume my NYC Epifani 2x10 cabs put out - Were I having to do the full-on "portarig" thing, I'd start with that cab + a class D amp of some sort. Find one of those cabs used here on TB or Ebay, then get you a head. You won't look back.