Need to buy a Mini

AtomicPunk · #1 01-12-2011, 08:51 PM

After being diagnosed with a hernia from carrying huge heavy bass cabs and amps, I realized it might be time to look into a mini-amp like a GK MB500 or a Markbass or something like that and some Neo cabs. I think I know most of the stuff out there, but I'm sure I am forgetting some.

Hoping for some recommendations from others who own the gear. I play rock covers, 5 string player, so it can't be shy about a B string. Usually use 2 cabs to get it up to ear height. I am using Yorkville stuff right now, to give you an idea of the sound I am used to.
Thanks!

bombpop14 · #2 01-12-2011, 08:58 PM

I just bought a MB 500 and a genz benz 212 neoxt for smaller gigs.
I love the sound, and would highly recommend both pieces of equipment.

Jeff Scott · #3 01-12-2011, 09:05 PM

I have been loving my Markbass F1 into a couple different LDS cabs, it sounds amazing, to me, anyway.

JimmyM · #4 01-12-2011, 09:08 PM

well since everyone will start listing their favorites, i just got an ampeg micro vr rig that i'm totally in love with, and ampeg is releasing a series of ss portaflex combos that use class d lightweight heads with fliptop cabs that'll be higher wattage.

Pilgrim · #5 01-12-2011, 09:37 PM

A year ago I bought a Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0 that docks on a 12T speaker. Total weight for the combo is 32 pounds, and the head (3.75 pounds) puts 375W into that single speaker. The sound is excellent and the volume from that single 12 is impressive. I recently added a Genz 2x10 shuttle speaker which is 37 pounds; the second speaker opens up the Shuttle 6.0 head to crank out 600W. They make a great stack and the 2x10 sounds a bit fuller than the single 12.

I was a single 15" cab kinda guy before this - but the Genz gear is absolutely outstanding for portability and sound. If nothing else, test drive them. Not cheap, but a godsend for anyone who wants to give up the heavy gear and not sacrifice sound quality.

bosozoku · #6 01-12-2011, 09:53 PM

My wife wants the Cooper, but I'm pretty stoked about the new MINI Countryman myself. Too bad we don't have any dealers in my area.

Ohhhhh...nevermind. That sucks about the hernia, I'm surprised that there haven't been reports of massive amounts of bass players with the same problem.

steve.roark · #7 01-12-2011, 10:10 PM

I am in the process of leaving the SVT 810 home all together. I just ordered the Sansamp VT Deluxe and using in-ears. The only real catch to this is you need a good FOH PA and individual monitor mixes for the entire band.

Ric5 · #8 01-12-2011, 10:36 PM

I built my own cabs that are 24" x 19" x 13" and weigh about 40 to 50 pounds. I have 6 cabs with various speakers. They are all 8 ohms and I use them with an ampeg head. For any sizable gig I get pa support. They are fairly small and modular and can put out a pretty good amount of sound.

And If I want to to the wall of sound I can use 3 heads and 6 cabs all daisy chained together.

These cabs are not back breakers.

Steve ... you've seen my rig in action.

faceinbass · #9 01-12-2011, 10:54 PM

You don't need a smaller amp. You need bigger casters.

4Mal · #10 01-12-2011, 10:57 PM

I really like my GK MB2-500. Sounds great, eminently practical. I pair with with a bare 1x10 as a stage monitor for acoustic gigs - it's clear enough for that and with fEarful 12.6 for rock gigs where it grinds and kicks serious booty.

For the dough, those amps can't be beat.

jkramer5 · #11 01-12-2011, 11:06 PM

I'm with the dude in the cool hat, Ampeg Micro.

lomo · #12 01-13-2011, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faceinbass

You don't need a smaller amp. You need bigger casters.

.......that can load the box into and out of a vehicle and climb/descend stairs.......

Wes Whitmore · #13 01-13-2011, 06:29 AM

I'm rocking GK micro heads and Ampeg micro cabs. The MB500 has way more power than I ever need. The MB200 has been my goto amp for a couple of gigs now. As small as the MB500 is, the MB200 is smaller, yet provides more than enough power for my needs.
Wes

joeyl · #14 01-13-2011, 06:46 AM

I use a Genz Benz Neo-Pak into 2 1X10 Yamaha cabs 4ohms cabinets. 500W is loud enough for my needs.

Wes Whitmore · #15 01-13-2011, 06:49 AM

If you need more watts, the GK MB800 is coming out as well. There are lots of light cabs out there to choose from.

AtomicPunk · #16 01-13-2011, 08:03 AM

I am really leaning towards the GK MB500, since I have used (and loved) GK gear in the past. The MB200 does not have all the features I would want, but the 500 does. Does it have the trademark GK sound from the 400RBIII series?
I also really like Markbass stuff but it is still super pricy for me.
How does the Genz Benz sound compare to the GK? I have not had the opportunity to try them but have read nothing but good things about them, and some of the prices on used GB is right there with a new GK.

THORRR · #17 01-13-2011, 08:26 AM

MarkBass makes a LittleMark III that's 800 watts and weighs all of 6lbs. I've had it for about 8 months and absolutely LOVE it - Power - Punch - Tone. You can choose your speakers for what suits your needs, but this little amp head is a real value. It will stun you and your audiences and make soundmen's jaws drop. It's a cannon!

Chowowbus · #18 01-13-2011, 10:01 AM

Dude that happened to me...I gots me a nice inguinal hernia.
I have an MB-500 plus an Avatar B410 and Ill never look back.
Oh ya..it also sounds killer...

98dvl · #19 01-13-2011, 11:05 AM

I would wait until March if you can... (Hopefully, we will get a sneak peak with some NAMM coverage next weekend).

If the Ampeg PF-350 and PF-500 are anywhere near as great sounding as the Micro VR is, they'll be awesome heads to own... And from what I've seen, they should be a decent price as well (comparable to the GK MB200 and 500)

lomo · #20 01-13-2011, 11:12 AM

Your timing is good. At least 4 new micros are coming out at NAMM-the prices of all others will drop.....