Light Combos: Carvin vs. Traynor vs. GK

[brianrost]

I'm looking to downsize the rig I use as the house bass amp for my weekly jam session gig. Will be used for URB (mine) as well as BGs of the jammers.

Looking at Carvin MB15, Traynor TB-100, GK MB115.

Weight: Traynor is lightest at 30#, GK heaviest at 35#

Size: Carvin smallest at 19x12x17, GK largest at 24x20x15

Power: Traynor 100W (probably enuff), Carvin/GK 200W

Price: Traynor $320 shipped, others $400

Controls: GK is simplest (best), Carvin most complex (bad)

Haven't heard much about the Traynor or Carvin, has anyone gone with one of these instead of the GK?

[bmc]

Hello Brian

I know it's not on your list, which you've clearly considered for a bunch of good reasons, but have you considered the Roland CB100 Bass Cube?

Aside from portable, flexible sounding amp, it quickly turns into a PA or a guitar amp if ever needed. Hook it up to a 4ohm cab and it's loud.

I bought it to proactice with and have been using it as my main amp for the past four years. Impressive little rig with good bottom end that should fit in your price bracket.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on.

Brian

[craig.p]

> Haven't heard much about the Traynor or Carvin,
> has anyone gone with one of these instead of the GK?

There's a huge thread on this board on the Carvin micro series, with reviews of all three family members.

[jeff7bass]

The Carvin may be more complex but the more become accustomed to its abilities, the more you realize how useful all the features are.
The biggest selling point of the Carvin is it’s 200w @ 8 ohms (internal) and 250w with an extension speaker. You can add another 15” cab to it for a 250w stack.
The Carvins direct out features are what you’ll find on more expensive, professional amps also. I have an MB10 and it’s an amazing little combo.
It's also my opinion that the complex EQ section is a good thing to have on a smaller combo due to it's physical limitaions. You'll find that removing unwanted frequencies adds to your sound as you turn the volume up.

[solarplexus]

I have tried the Traynor TB-100 in a band setting. Not enough juice. If you plan on rehearsing, this one is out.

[PersonalTraynor]

+1

[brianrost]

So far I haven't heard anyone who has tried any two of those amps.

Surprised that folks think the Traynor is underpowered...I owned a 75W/1-15 Traynor combo in the 80s and had very good experiences with it. The day when 100 watts into 1-15" isn't loud enough is the day that everything else is way, way too loud. I've already checked with local dealers and none stock the Traynor...notest drive...so it's being voted off the island

Since bmc mentioned "price bracket" it's "as little as I can possibly spend"...basically I want the lightest weight beater rig I can get away with Maybe I should consider a lighter cab and stick with my current (light enough) head.