Micro combo with tuner?

StuartV · #1 05-17-2010, 12:02 PM

I'm in the market for a very small, light combo.

The #1 option on my list right now is the Markbass CMD121P. But, I'm also considering the Ibanez Promethean.

The problem is, I can't seem to find a rig like that that has a built-in tuner. They have an Aux In. Presumably, that would be so that I can use it with an MP3 player plugged into it, so I can play along with MP3s. That's great, and I do want that feature. But, why would they make a combo like that, with the obvious intended purpose of standalone practice, and not build a tuner into it??

So, does anybody know if there's a comparable combo to the above ones that also has a tuner built in?

The whole point (for me), is having something I can take anywhere - anything from a holiday trip where I just want to be able to practice to a small-to-medium jam at a buddy's house - and be able to play without having to take extra "stuff". Having to pack a tuner is just one more piece of "stuff" that I don't want to deal with.

Apparently, the Roland Micro-cube does have a tuner built in. I would consider it. I like how small it is and that it will run off batteries. I tried one yesterday and found it to be very impressive for its size. It would be okay for just practicing by myself. But, it definitely would NOT be enough to take to a jam session at a buddy's house, so it's out.

Thanks!

ehque · #2 05-17-2010, 12:36 PM

It seems to me choosing a combo based on the presence or absence of a built in tuner instead of weight, tone, or volume seems to be counter intuitive. Built in tuners also rarely have the accuracy needed to properly tune your bass.

Buy whatever fits your needs the best, then glue a Sonic Research Turbo Tuner to it, or chuck one in your bass bag. The tuner goes between the bass and your combo input.

relwof · #3 05-17-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartV

The problem is, I can't seem to find a rig like that that has a built-in tuner.

Might be a minor stretch to call this comparable, but the TC Combo 450 has a tuner (http://www.tcelectronic.com/combo450.asp). Not sure I'd call it micro, but it's pretty small. It's basically an RH450 head tucked in a modified RS210 cabinet - very portable all in one package.

StuartV · #4 05-17-2010, 12:55 PM

Thanks, relwof, but the TC is out. 57 pounds defeats my purpose.

ehque, the tuner is definitely not my top criteria. I just figured if there is something that is comparable to the ones I mentioned on the important stuff (sound - volume and tone, size, weight, and Aux input), but that also has a built-in tuner, I would want to consider it.

PaulNYC · #5 05-17-2010, 12:59 PM

My promethean has a tuner out. It is not a big deal to plug in a tuner.

Gintaras · #6 05-17-2010, 01:02 PM

no tuner but 13 lbs and 100 watts plus a carrying case

Phil Jones Bass Cub
http://www.philjonespuresound.com/products/?id=120

ausf · #7 05-17-2010, 01:10 PM

No offense, but I think you are asking a bit much. How hard is it to carry a small tuner in your case? Most metronomes will give you 440. What ever happened to asking the guitarist or keyboardist to hit an E and go from there?

I think if your bass falls out of tune that frequently, you've got other needs.

tombowlus · #8 05-17-2010, 01:28 PM

How about the Line 6 LD150?

StuartV · #9 05-17-2010, 01:31 PM

Gintaras, I did check out that PJB. I only crossed it off the list because it looks like, for pretty much the same money, the Ibanez Promethean would give more. In particular, the ability to run an ext cab, or even take out the head and just run a big cab, puts the Promethean well ahead of the PJB.

ausf, the Roland Micro cube has a tuner built in. Why is it too much to ask that the bigger, more expensive combos have that? I mean they have Aux In, fer cryin' out loud. Definitely, not everybody needs Aux In. But, everybody needs a tuner. If you're going to pick a feature to add to a small, light, practice amp, why would you pick Aux In and not tuner? My bass usually stays in tune, but that doesn't mean I don't check it before each time I play. And I especially would want to check it if I've just lugged it somewhere and am going to jam with other folks.

Anyway, the point appears to be moot, as it seems that none of them have it.

I'm still reading up, and I really wish I could find somewhere to demo the Promethean, but right now it appears to be winning over the Markbass (winning as far as which one I'm most likely to buy).

StuartV · #10 05-17-2010, 01:45 PM

Tom, thanks for the pointer to the LD150. I think I'm going to rule that one out though, as it is 7" deeper than the Markbass and 48 pounds, relatively low power and no option for an extension cab. It does have the built-in tuner, though!

Compared to that, I'd rather have the extra power, smaller size, and option for an extension cab. For all that, I'll bring a tuner. :-)

tombowlus · #11 05-17-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartV

I'd rather have the extra power, smaller size, and option for an extension cab. For all that, I'll bring a tuner. :-)

There you go! If the tuner is not an absolute requirement, you have a number of excellent options to choose from.

**nostatic** · #12 05-17-2010, 02:04 PM

I have never understood the fascination/need for tuners. For years on guitar I never used one (and still don't), and on bass I have a 15+ year old $29 tuner that gets used for about a minute before a gig, then goes back in the bag. WHen I built my first pedal board a few months ago I put a tuner on because "everyone does it." But I never used the damn thing so I sold it. I suppose if you're constantly changing tuning it has a use, but my basses rarely stray from concert pitch. And with fretless, I don't care anyway as I just compensate with my ear

tallboybass · #13 05-17-2010, 02:24 PM

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ner?sku=542089

StuartV · #14 05-17-2010, 03:56 PM

Thanks for the input. And Tom, thanks for the mini-review of the Promethean in your mag. I just ordered one (the 1x10 combo) from MF. I've never bought Used Gear from them before. It's rated in "Like New" condition. Hopefully, it really is. With the Used discount and a coupon, the total was only just over $550.

As long as it really is "like new", I expect I will be pretty happy with it.

tombowlus · #15 05-17-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartV

Thanks for the input. And Tom, thanks for the mini-review of the Promethean in your mag. I just ordered one (the 1x10 combo) from MF. I've never bought Used Gear from them before. It's rated in "Like New" condition. Hopefully, it really is. With the Used discount and a coupon, the total was only just over $550.

As long as it really is "like new", I expect I will be pretty happy with it.

Excellent! That is a great little combo!

3506string · #16 05-17-2010, 05:40 PM

IMHO a built in tuner is about as needed as a retractable instrument cable. It's just one of those thing you bring with you. But I don't know everyone's situation so you might consider a ntune on board tuner.

StuartV · #17 05-17-2010, 07:03 PM

I think some of you guys have taken me the wrong way. A built-in tuner is not a requirement (obviously, since I already posted that I bought a Promethean). All I was saying was/is that, if there was a small combo that did have one, and it was equal to, say, the Promethean in all other ways, I would go for the one with the tuner. I mean, really, why not??

**nostatic** · #18 05-17-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartV

All I was saying was/is that, if there was a small combo that did have one, and it was equal to, say, the Promethean in all other ways, I would go for the one with the tuner. I mean, really, why not??

Easy. If they put money into the on-board tuner, they cut costs somewhere else. To me, the most bang for my buck is having the money go towards core function not features. I don't want to prep veggies in the kitchen with a swiss army knife. I want a dedicated French Cook (or equivalent) style blade.

Different strokes though...that's why we have choices. You did ask "why not?" though

StuartV · #19 05-17-2010, 07:35 PM

I understand that. But, how much extra could it cost? Like I said, the Roland Micro cube has one built in and it only costs, what? $200? And you can buy a whole standalone tuner for $15. I'd have paid an extra $15 for a Promethean that had a tuner built in.

AlecSp · #20 05-30-2010, 12:56 PM

I buy the desire for a built-in tuner.

While it wasn't the only reason I bought my RH450, it's a selling point, and one I absolutely love to have. Yes, I carry a tuner in my gigbag, but think of the times, rarely I know, when it's been left on and the battery's flat. With a built-in, mains powered tuner, that's never going to happen. Yes, you can connect the tuner to the tuner-out on most cabs, but it's another thing on a lead to get knocked over. In-built tuners - fantastic feature!