Looking at combo's

izey91 · #1 11-07-2011, 05:52 PM

I'm having a tough battle trying to make decision on which combo to buy. I play in a loud rock band and do smaller type gigs so I don't need a crazy big rig. I think a nice combo should do the job. I'm thinking one 12 should be a good route to go as I tried a few 2 x 10" combos and just wasn't feeling the sound at all. I think I like a bit more thump down low and felt any of the 2 x 10 amps just don't cut it.

I just tried out a Mark bass 121 and was absolutely blown away by such good tone and sound levels for such a small unit. Anybody using one? What are thoughts on these compared to Ashdown or GK makes a similar 12" unit as well.

Decisions...decisions...this is not easy.

Turtlejimmy · #2 11-07-2011, 05:54 PM

I'm new to bass (2 weeks) but I just bought an amp with 1 12" speaker .... an Ampeg BA 112. 50 watts and, to me, great sound. I like the 5 different "voicings" to pick from. Not sure if it's loud enough to play with a full on drummer .....

Turtle

mitchjonbass · #3 11-07-2011, 06:16 PM

I have been playing the Markbass 121 for about a year and half now, I love it and couldn't be happier. I also have the NY121 under it for a little more kick, but even on it's own it's a little monster with a big bite..I had an SVT 3 Pro and 6x10 cab and downsized to this current rig, very very pleased.

redcloud · #4 11-07-2011, 06:49 PM

You might have a look at Carvin, I have the MB-12 and the 115 MB cab. It has a lot of features.

Joe Louvar · #5 11-07-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by izey91

I just tried out a Mark bass 121 and was absolutely blown away by such good tone and sound levels for such a small unit.

Then you should buy it!!!

totallyfrozen · #6 11-07-2011, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtlejimmy

...Not sure if it's loud enough to play with a full on drummer .....

Turtle

What about a 1/2 on drummer?
There's plenty of those around.

totallyfrozen · #7 11-07-2011, 07:09 PM

I have a Genz Benz combo and I'm very pleased with it. I don't have THIS combo, personally, but I wonder if that one might be along the lines of what you're looking for. The Shuttles have a rep for being pretty light too so it's easier to carry them around (than some of the older Peavey, Ampeg, or Fender combos).

If you really liked that MarkBass, keep that one on your short list and shop around. Test out some other combos. You can always go back and get the MarkBass if nothing else grabs your ear.

fourfinger · #8 11-07-2011, 07:58 PM

Don't give up on 2x10s altogether. Some outshine their 1x12 cousins.

The best combo I have ever HEARD, and was fortunate enough to own when I was still with loud rock bands, was a Mesa M-pulse Venture 2 x 10. It had all the thump you could want.

And the GK MB210 combo can be expanded with a 8-ohm extension cab if you need loud-rock volume, while their MB112 (which I now own) is a very good amp but has much less power and cannot drive an extension cab. I would not recommend it for a loud rock situation.

mogpipe · #9 11-07-2011, 08:11 PM

Sounds like you need a Hartke VX3500 combo! I love mine! Look it up and check the features, this thing is awesome! And LOUD!!

k2aggie07 · #10 11-07-2011, 08:19 PM

I've been really happy with my Ashdown ABM 500 210. It's got a lot of nice features - built in octaver (that works), powered sub out, DI out, compressor, and tube preamp. It's not very transparent as an amp though, and can have a pretty wooly tone. I love that about it, but you may not.

One nice thing about it, in my opinion, is that the jack for the 210 is actually accessible next to the jack for an extension cab. You could turn the combo into a head only by just unplugging it if you ever needed to.

**fuzzy beard** · #11 11-07-2011, 08:28 PM

Would you consider ampeg pf350 head with the pf115 cab. I know it is not technicaly a combo but to me flip tops are combos!

totallyfrozen · #12 11-07-2011, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourfinger

Don't give up on 2x10s altogether. Some outshine their 1x12 cousins...

+1
Some 2x10s can punch your lights out!

**TXLawDawg** · #13 11-07-2011, 09:29 PM

The Markbass CMD102P is a great 2x10 combo - I own it and gig with it. Plenty of power, punch and thump if you ask me. I've played the CMD121P combo and was really impressed by how much came out of that small little box though. But, side by side, I preferred the 2x10's between those two. However, currently I'm hooked on the sound of the Aguilar TH500 and the SL112 cabs. While not a combo, it's an extremely light and easy to carry modular setup that packs quite the punch.

zon6c-f · #14 11-08-2011, 07:11 AM

For same reasons as OP; Needed a combo for louder and softer gigs. I chose GC Acoustic 200-B Combo. It has plenty of power alone, or you can send pre amp to PA or add extra cab for more support. Back off gain and EQ for softer, mellower gigs. Great package overall at great price. Had mine for 3 years..no issues.

blakelock · #15 11-08-2011, 08:11 AM

bottom line is if you like the sound, you should probably get the markbass. try it out for a couple practices and return if not pleased. here're a couple good options.

- mesa walkabout scout (~$900 used, lots of thump and volume)
- the genz benz shuttle combos...choose 1 or 2 10's or 12's to suit your needs. (moderate price range, very light, modular and sound decent)

SurferJoe46 · #16 11-08-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by izey91

<yadda, snip> I play in a loud rock band and do smaller type gigs so I don't need a crazy big rig. I think a nice combo should do the job. <yadda, yadda> ...this is not easy.

It's IS easy - but not in the way you state.

You DO need a crazy big rig!

I play approximately the same venues and types of houses as you.

EG: Soft, brunch music as a background to clanking forks and wine glasses and then maybe even the same day I have to fill a 40-acre barnyard.

I would never think of playing less than a pair of 10s at low power for the first and nothing less than 2 x 410s plus an 810 at 600 Watts for the latter.

I honestly don't see how anyone can play a pair of 10s, a single 15 or a single 12 alone for a rock band of any kind unless the drummer uses rubber sticks and the guitarist isn't plugged in.

But to each their own I guess. I just like to be able to shake the walls downtown a half mile away, make cows go dry and chickens stop laying after I'm done playing a BBQ/Beer/Steak and Line Dancing show.

88persuader · #17 01-17-2012, 02:47 AM

I gig with a rock band using a Markbass CMD102P. Great for practice, stage fill and small bars. If you want to play larger rooms you can add another 8 OHM cab or do what i do and run into the sound system and use the amp for stage fill. Plenty of tone!! Of course it's also pricy but IMO you get what you pay for.

Russell L · #18 01-17-2012, 06:27 AM

I have gigged with my 121H combo (bigger box than the 121P combo). It has a bigger, deeper sound, but ultimately not enough for me. I couldn't pump enough bottom at gig volume (classic rock) without running out of excursion sometimes. So, I bought a LMIII head and a Traveler 151P cab. Plenty of bottom and more robust, IMO.

Vandy · #19 01-17-2012, 11:54 AM

Hartke HyDrive 210c
250 watts; XLR out (pre/post); Hartke Bass Attack (plus other stuff - compressor+); 7 band EQ; effects loop; footswitch (separate); tilt-back; about 60lbs. of "Hi there!"

ksandvik · #20 01-17-2012, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell L

I have gigged with my 121H combo (bigger box than the 121P combo). It has a bigger, deeper sound, but ultimately not enough for me. I couldn't pump enough bottom at gig volume (classic rock) without running out of excursion sometimes. So, I bought a LMIII head and a Traveler 151P cab. Plenty of bottom and more robust, IMO.

Yes I think the trick with the MarkBass combos is that as standalone they work fine for rehearsals and small gigs. When more power is needed just add another cabinet. So it's a very flexible config. With DI added in it's even more flexible.