Recommended Bass Combo Amps

scottampeg · #1 02-23-2011, 07:22 PM

Hi All,

Can you please recommend to me some compact, not to heavy, bass combo units.

I play in a Rock Covers Band playing Classic Hits from 60's to today's Top 40. My main rig is an American Head Ampeg SVT CL Classic prior to the vietnamese made heads. Also coupled to am American SVT HLF410 cabinet.

Is a great rig for the bigger shows we do, but currently am using an Orange Crush 35B PRC Model to do our semi acoustic shows. Unfortunately lacks in top end delivery, would like a nice compact 100 watt + combo bass amp of reasonable quality and sound to achieve this. Would prefer an all valve bass combo, as I love the Ampeg sounds of the 60's to 80's. Using a Fender 60th Anniversay P Bass - Passive & a Musicman Stingray 4 active no pedals. Just the change over from passive to active by the basses is enough to change the feel given by the Ampeg rig.

Have looked at the old trace elliot combo's and ampeg both weigh a tonne. Has anyone any comments on the smaller Mark Bass Combo's??.

Please post back your comments, would really appreciate the feedback. Scott

srj · #2 02-24-2011, 12:36 PM

here is what i recommend,, there are a number of threrads on the MB115 MB210 and the MB212. If you can check them out some where.

http://www.gallien-krueger.com/products_mbCombos.html

4-string · #3 02-24-2011, 01:17 PM

+1 to GK. I just got my MB115 so I can't say anything about reliability yet, but I just loved the sound out of the box. And it's light!

christw · #4 02-24-2011, 01:23 PM

GK is not the Ampeg sound of the 60's. GK with a Bass VT in front does cop a good vibe though.

Have you looked into a Micro VR rig? I know it's not a combo but it's being hailed as darn good around these parts for being so SVT-like.

tsunami1052 · #5 02-24-2011, 01:31 PM

Price Range?

BuffaloBass · #6 02-24-2011, 01:35 PM

My ears are different than yours, and everyone elses. But I'll tell you what I told the kid at GC when I tried the Mesa WA Scout. " Kripes, do my ears deceive me, or is that like a mini-SVT."

Swr wans't bad, MarkBass almost as "round" as valves, but it aint what you're looking for imho. Try a Scout. Unfortunately, you will pay for what your ears desire, but its a one time deal. The 12" version is punchier, 15" more round and does low B a smidge better. I've had both. 12" is smaller and 10 lbs lighter. Works mint in our rock combo. Never needed anything bigger either as at large venues, they simply plug into the DI and off we go!

My only regret is not getting an 8 ohm version, as I do use an ext cab on stage.

christw · #7 02-24-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuffaloBass

My ears are different than yours, and everyone elses. But I'll tell you what I told the kid at GC when I tried the Mesa WA Scout. " Kripes, do my ears deceive me, or is that like a mini-SVT."

Swr wans't bad, MarkBass almost as "round" as valves, but it aint what you're looking for imho. Try a Scout. Unfortunately, you will pay for what your ears desire, but its a one time deal. The 12" version is punchier, 15" more round and does low B a smidge better. I've had both. 12" is smaller and 10 lbs lighter. Works mint in our rock combo. Never needed anything bigger either as at large venues, they simply plug into the DI and off we go!

My only regret is not getting an 8 ohm version, as I do use an ext cab on stage.

Why do you regret that? It's 2 ohm capable, it says so in the manual. Hook up your amp with a 4 ohm extension and both it's speaker and the external cab will get equal juice.

scottampeg · #8 02-24-2011, 04:12 PM

Hi All,

Thanks for your post reply's, have been looking around with some interesting feedback.

Checked out the Gallien MB115, are these actually made in USA or are they chinese versions etc??

Can you purchase them in Australia?

Noted: Ashdown in England are selling the 30 Watt all Valve Combo's imported to Australia through the Basscentre for $3,100 as quoted nearly fell off my chair at the price for an all valve combo, though they are UK hand made and tough as nails still weigh a tonne.

Have heard that Ampeg are going to re release the BN15's popular back in the 60's & 70's as combo's through their Heritage Series. Although I would imagine they will also be a small fortune to own one and heavy.

Have also looked into the Mesa Boogie small combo's also quite expensive in Australia to buy.

Keep the idea's coming appreciate.
Scott, Rock On !!!!!!!!!

Edward G. · #9 03-29-2011, 05:11 PM

I recently got an Ashdown MAG300 1x15 combo for less than $300 that kicks out 300 very Ampeg-like watts with an extension cab (180 without). It weighs 62 lbs., but thats what a B-100R weighs, and it's way more compact. I wish it were a tad lighter, but this boy throws it down fat.