Looking for a combo for my studio. Help!!!

[metanoiastudios]

Ok, I've narrowed it down to the following options:

Carvin MB12 or Carvin MB15
http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...p?product=MB12

Ashdown MAG C210T-300 EVO II Combo
http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=78

TC Electronic BG500 - 210
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BG500210/

Gallien Krueger MB112
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MB112/

I'm not looking for loudness, here...I am looking for the most high-quality and versatile combo for under $800. Also, small is good, as I don't have a lot of room to work with.

Thanks!!
Paulo

[BigOldHarry]

That Genz Benz 10" thing is VERY nice...

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....FRRqgwod-3KmoQ

[leegreenman]

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=481792
A little more than you are looking to spend, but I'm sure there is a promo code to be found somewhere. I recently pick one up and I really love it. I do feel a bit sickened by spending so much on a 1X12 combo though
I played the Carvin, but wasn't thrilled with it. I'd say the GK is a great option for such a low price.

[metanoiastudios]

Originally Posted by leegreenman

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=481792
A little more than you are looking to spend, but I'm sure there is a promo code to be found somewhere. I recently pick one up and I really love it. I do feel a bit sickened by spending so much on a 1X12 combo though
I played the Carvin, but wasn't thrilled with it. I'd say the GK is a great option for such a low price.

Out of curiosity, what didn't you like about the Carvin?

[leegreenman]

I know you said you aren't looking for volume, but it seemed really quiet to me. The overall sound seemed a bit too clean and it seemed to lack the old school thump I like. It's all a matter of taste though. It wasn't a bad sounding amp just not what I was looking for.

[leegreenman]

Quite a bit more affordable than the Markbass though.

[lbwdog]

If you'll actually be recording the sound from the amp (vs going exclusively direct), you need to take a minute and assess the qualities you'll most likely be needing. Then, find a store that has several of the ones that fit your size/price range, and audition each one (preferably in a quiet room). One burden that is lifted is guessing if will have enough power/volume for stage use. Tone and versatility will be your primary concerns.

For instance, anticipate the different styles of music you may be recording. One session may be smooth, jazzy type tunes, then another could be balls to the wall rock, so you'll need an amp that can go from clean to snarly and still sound good. Listen closely to see if there's any excessive hum or hiss, since this would be masked onstage by ambient sounds, but can drive you insane in the studio. Also check the tone controls when set at neutral ("flat"), and then each band individually boosted or cut to see what sonic properties it will contribute. Also check specialized features such as enhance, contour, octavizer, etc. As I said, if you're lucky enough to find more than one candidate at a store, it can be of great value to you.

All this is stuff you probably already know but its just a couple of things that you might give some thought to. A live rig is, IMO, not as critical since the performance is "in the moment" then gone, but once it's "on tape" (forgive the antiquated phrase), it's there in perpetuity.

Just my thoughts on the subject 'cause I wouldn't think of telling you what amp to go out and buy.....

[pasta4lnch]

get a small tube guitar head and a small bass cab. low watts, tube tone, tons of character (get the bottom from a blended DI) I use an Epi Valve Jr ($100)

[JxBass]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

That Genz Benz 10" thing is VERY nice...

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....FRRqgwod-3KmoQ

+1. I'd also add Ampeg BA112 for consideration.

[artfahie]

It'll cost you more but the Acoustic Image "Contra" is really just as basic and clean as you could hope for... and it weighs next to nothing !

[QuakingDutch]

I have the Ashdown's big brother, the c410, and I love the tone. Thick with plenty of midrange punch. I would steer clear from the Ampeg, but I had a bad experience with the BA115. I don't know much about the others...

[ThisisCraigP]

Can't go wrong with this Markbass combo. $100 over your budget isn't too bad. I think there is a used one for sale over in the classifieds.

[smeet]

How about the Prometheus? I was hearing a lot about that one a little while back.

[Gizmot]

In my opinion, the Carvin isnt very good. I'd go with an SWR Workingman's 12 or the Ashdown. I think the SWR is a little cleaner and faster, but either one is a good choice

[thobbinghotrod]

Ampeg b100r

[Jeff Scott]

This could be an excellent choice, sounds great with all my basses, whether from the speakers or the XLR out.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=481797

Just slightly more than your budget, but, then it may be less expensive where you live, if you are not in the USA.

[christw]

Originally Posted by smeet

How about the Prometheus? I was hearing a lot about that one a little while back.

Promethean... They're some expensive combo's (being of the high end micro rig variety) but I'd love to give one a good run through. I fully recommend trying one like the P110C.

[smeet]

My bad, Promethean... Those look pretty nice!

Also, people didn't like the little Carvin, but how about one of these:
http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...product=BR515N
http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...product=BR510N

The amp is removable, and it's the BX500 which people seem to like.

[tcald2004]

find a used mesa walkabout.

[groovaholic]

Tech 21 used to have a 60-watt 1x12 bass combo that would give you both a good DI and a good-sounding speaker to mic.

You can make it as clean or dirty as you need.

I think it was called the Landmark 60...