Need TB Advice on buying a Combo Amp!!

[bstringrandy]

Ok, here's the deal. I'm a weekend warrior playing in a rock/alternative cover band. No PA support, one guitarist and light-medium hitting drummer. I currently play a Spector NS-JH5 or MM Stingray 4HH into a SVT3Pro and either a 410HLF or 610HLF cabinet.

Lately we've been playing smaller venues with postage stamp-sized stages where this rig is overkill. I'm looking to get a combo amp with a 15" or 2 10" speakers. About 200 watts. Since this is a "convenience purchase", I'd like to keep the cost between $300 and $500. Weight's not too much of an issue although less is better.

I have a Ampeg B100 at the drummer's house and a Fender Bassman 150 (12") in the music room here. I'm not sure that they're enough to carry the gigs though...

The models that I've researched so far are:

Acoustic B200
GK MB115
Fender Rumble 150 and 350
Peavey Tour TKO 115
Ashdown EB115-180

Does anyone have gigging experience with any of these or other models that I should consider?

Thanks!

Randy

[tdub0199]

GK MB115 all day.....

[philter25]

Id sell the Fender Bassman 150 and pick up a GK MB210. 350 watts, 500 with an extension cabinet and it weighs not much at all. Easy to move around. New they are 599, but if you waited for a coupon from MF or GC, you can probably get it for around 500.

I actually sold my Ampeg BA115hpt for the MB210. Im in a local cover band and stage space is non-existant. Id like to get back into seperates, but almost all speaker cabinets are too large for my space requirements and the small ones that work are pretty expensive.

If not, the MB115, but you should go to your local store and try all of them out. The only one I havent seen at my local GC on a weekly basis is the Ashdown.

Of if you like the Ampeg sound, try the Micro VR bass stack. 599 new, but could get it for around 500 with a coupon. Extremely lightweight and good tone from it.

[stiles72]

I run 3-Pros into 2x15's for my hard rock cover band, but when I gig with an oldies/classic rock group - I just use my B-100R. That group plays a lot of tiny neighborhood type bars and it's more then enough. It's only 100 watts but it has a 4ohm speaker - so you're actually getting more out of it than many other 100watt/15 combos. I'd say just try your B-100R and see how it goes. If it works - then you just saved yourself forking out some $$$$ for a new amp.

[whisper14072]

I have a Ampeg B200R, but that is a bit out of your range.... I would go with the GK, they would have been my second pick if I didn't get the Ampeg

[jeff7bass]

First choice is Carvin MB15 because you can add an extension for a full 250w stack (200w by itself).
It’s light, has all the pro features, and a great EQ section. Sounds great and looks cool in colored Tolex.

My second choice is the GK MB15. 200w, very light, great sound. It’s so light it’s funny!

[IbanezSGfan]

Lower end GK gear craps out easy and desn't resell very well bit they are very light and have a unique sound if your willing to risk it for convenience. But my 1 and 2 choices from your list would be the Fender Rumble 350 then the Acoustic B200, the opinions on these two are just playing them in stores and one of my friends has the fender and its sound travels really well with pretty good tone for what it pushes. But I have the Peavey TKO 115 and I've had problems with it clippling when pushed moderately loud but is a fun little practice amp. No input on the Ashdown as I've never played it. lol Good hunting to you though, hope you find what suits your sound!

[Jazz Ad]

I've done countless gigs with a B100 and nobody ever complained.

[jeff7bass]

Originally Posted by IbanezSGfan

Lower end GK gear craps out easy and desn't resell very well bit they are very light and have a unique sound if your willing to risk it for convenience. But my 1 and 2 choices from your list would be the Fender Rumble 350 then the Acoustic B200, the opinions on these two are just playing them in stores and one of my friends has the fender and its sound travels really well with pretty good tone for what it pushes. But I have the Peavey TKO 115 and I've had problems with it clippling when pushed moderately loud but is a fun little practice amp. No input on the Ashdown as I've never played it. lol Good hunting to you though, hope you find what suits your sound!

I had two Rumbles crap out on me in two months at lower volumes so...

The GK MB15 outperforms almost anything in it's price range and if there is a problem, it will likely surface quickly while under warranty. Heck, a 3 year replacement warranty for one is about 30 bucks and I would get that with the GK, Fender, Acoustic, any inexpensive amp. The Acoustic's a decent amp.

[DanNowhere]

Originally Posted by philter25

Of if you like the Ampeg sound, try the Micro VR bass stack. 599 new, but could get it for around 500 with a coupon. Extremely lightweight and good tone from it.

I worked the TB classifieds and picked up a head and two cabinets. Tried out the head and one cab at practice tonight, and it rocked my face off. These things are for real.

[mike costelow]

Carvin has some different options from combos to a bx500 thru a brx 210. all small,powerful little rigs.They really have some great gear that is very affordable,worth checking out.

[JimmyM]

i'd try the b100r...it's a pretty loud 100w. but the micro vr is quite a nice rig too, and ampeg's coming out with a new line of lightweight portaflex heads and cabs that will have some pretty serious firepower. a little more than $500, but they look really sweet. but as long as you have it, i'd just try the b100r.

[Papersen]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

I've done countless gigs with a B100 and nobody ever complained.

+1 here.
I`ve been using it steadily for the last 11 years and still amazes how good it sounds.