A New Combo Amp?

justAlex13 · #1 04-18-2011, 08:04 PM

Story time!

So this September I will be going off to University and unfortunately I don't think a 4x10 cabinet fits in any dorm rooms. That being said I am obviously bringing my bass with me and I lack a decent combo amplifier.

My question is, what is your experience on combo amps and what do you reccommend? I need the widest variety as I have a few months to play around and hunt down some suggestions, but overall I want something I can be proud of and get good use out of.

So far I've been looking at Markbass combos mostly because I see them as being extremely portable but useful. I've tried a handful and gigged with one and have always been pleased with the sound, but there has to be more out there!

Basically I just want opinions on what is in and what is out. So please unload any advice you have on any decent combos that you think would be suitable for practicing and maybe light jamming (drummer, 1 guitar, vocals). If I was to gig I'd either grab my 4x10 or use a DI and go through the PA, so live isn't entirely a factor in my decision, but obviously it's a bonus.

Thanks for the time and words!!

wshines1892 · #2 04-18-2011, 08:07 PM

go with the mini SVT!!!....now we just play the waiting game until Jimmy arrives.

**JxBass** · #3 04-18-2011, 08:34 PM

There are a number of terrific combos out there and you'll get a lot of feedback on personal favorites. My two cents on Markbass combos are to avoid the ones with a piezo tweeter.

Phatbottom · #4 04-18-2011, 09:23 PM

Mesa Buster Combo. Loud, great tone, totally gig-able. Weighs a ton though.

JimmyM · #5 04-18-2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wshines1892

go with the mini SVT!!!....now we just play the waiting game until Jimmy arrives.

ha ha!

actually it is very sweet if you like ampeg, which i obviously do. but i'd take a look at the new ss portaflex combos in the op's situation. they're higher power and would be more comparable to the markbass volume-wise.

SubSectorSucker · #6 04-18-2011, 09:57 PM

For my Money? The Markbass 121P is friggin' amazing. I'm STILL shocked at the sound that comes out of that little 12 incher! I have the 121 extension, and frankly, don't even need it. Markbass + a VT= Weeeeeeee!

LAPetrarca · #7 04-19-2011, 05:30 AM

Just picked up a new GK MB112. VERY impressive!

Russell L · #8 04-19-2011, 05:45 AM

Another vote for Markbass. I gig regularly with the 121H combo. Bigger cab than the 121P, and still only 39.5 lbs. The tweeter is no problem. I wish it had an attenuator, but if I don't want the sound of it, I just turn the treble down, usually on my bass. The 121H will play more gigs than the 121P, but it is also bigger and bulkier for fitting in your room, I guess. But, either has a killer sound, and the same wattage. I'd go with the 121P if you want to save more space.

philter25 · #9 04-19-2011, 06:48 AM

If this is just a dorm room practice amp, you want the smallest footprint possible.

I would recommend the ampeg mini SVT210AV or the GK MB12.

The ampeg stuff is great cause its skinny and not deep, so it doesnt take up much floorspace at all, and if you lay it on its side, it can potentially slide under your bed.

Get those plastic dorm bed feet risers and slide it under your bed.

So for a college setup, this is the way to go:

Buy Ampeg Micro-VR Bass Amp Head and SVT210AV Bass Speaker Cabinet Stack | Amp Stacks | Musician's Friend

tdub0199 · #10 04-19-2011, 06:51 AM

Gallien Krueger MB115 or the MB212.....

mtonbass · #11 04-19-2011, 06:53 AM

+1 for Markbass. Absent a huge pile of money, I'm not likely to play anything else.

And buy used - as all TB'ers know, that's the only way to go.

hdbassman2000 · #12 04-19-2011, 07:06 AM

on the cheap i would recommend the acoustic b200 or GK mb250

countrybass007 · #13 04-19-2011, 08:32 AM

Phil Jones makes some great combo amps, with great DIs built in. The downside of PJB amps is the cost, but worth every penny. My grab and run to a small gig is a PJB Suitcase, and you can add any 8ohm cab for more sound.

justAlex13 · #14 04-19-2011, 05:29 PM

In response to Markbass products:
I have heard the tweeters go fairly easily and aren't adjustable but I still love the sound of them. Does anyone know if you can seperate the head from the actual combo and use it with a different cab, or is it set in pretty good? It has the same specs as a Mini Mark and that was originally the head I had been wanting but seeing as I can't really take much of a head and cab rig with me I thought I'd buy a Mark combo. If I can drive a seperate cabinet with the head without always bringing the speakers with me that would be ideal!

Also I response to the Micro SVT:
That thing looks awesome and hilarious at the same time. I saw one at a local store and laughed, but now that it has been proposed I'll have to give it a try. It'd be cheaper than a Markbass too!

Anybody know any good Eden combos (I've been looking at those as well?)