Small budget combo with some power?

[jrcorp]

I'm mainly a guitarist, but I've been playing bass occasionally for awhile. The most I got into it was playing with a group at church on and off for a few years. Almost all of my gear at this point is used or budget. The bass amps I've had were a finicky Peavey TNT 130 and a little Crate 15W or something. I recently sold the Peavey because although I liked the sound and it certainly had power, it was about 70 lbs and I'm still at home.

My opportunities for playing bass now are in church (don't even need an amp there), at a friend's to help him produce music on the computer (maybe could use one), and if I end up jamming with someone. I've been talking to a local guy about meeting up and playing, as I don't have a fun and challenging musical outlet right now. I figure the Crate combo won't cut it if he has an amp with any power or if I end up playing in even a small group.

Budget and weight/size are my priorities. I'm not experienced enough to have a great idea of bass tone and I don't plan on playing distorted. People have suggested a head/cab setup before, so I threw up the 210 though I haven't seen any cheap heads around to match. I've been looking around locally for something around $150... ideally around 50-100W through a single 12" or 15" at about 40 lbs max, but that seems like a stretch. The newest leads I have locally are a Tube Works 7200 combo (not familiar) and a Hartke B600.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[SolarMan]

The best I can come up with is the Fender Rumble 75

75watts, 12" speaker, 46 pounds

You'll have to buy it used to hit the $150. price point

Should handle your needs with ease

Here is one:

In Store Used USED FENDER 231 5500 020 RUMBLE 75 75W BASS COMBO and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

although, look at craigs list or ebay etc...for an even better price

[jrcorp]

Thanks, Solar. I tend to scour CL and a few forums throughout the day, so I'll keep an eye out. I appreciate the suggestion, I know what I'm looking for is specific and farfetched. I haven't ordered anything used from a GC, so I'm not sure I would be comfortable there.

How would an Ampeg BA112 work? I remember trying a larger Rumble next to one and I liked the Ampeg tone much more... 50W, 12", and 39 lbs... looks like they barely fit into my budget if I can find one locally.

[SolarMan]

I've never heard the Ampeg BA112 in person, but hopefully someone will chime in - if not send a PM to JimmyM - he is the Ampeg guru here on TalkBass and I'm sure he won't mind helping you out

I have another Fender suggestion that is lower wattage and smaller speaker - but in my opinion kicks some serious butt for what it is: Fender Frontman 25B -

It is no longer in production but you can find them used for around $60 to $100 depending on condition

25watts, 10" speaker (rated to handle 75w), front port, 32lbs

I own one now and it is the greatest little practice/small gig amp - WAY louder than you would expect - and clean clear low bass

I even ran a 6'er through her and the low B was really nice -

If you see one for sale check it out - you may be impressed (plenty of reviews on line - just do a google search)

Good Luck - You will find something if you keep searching!

edit: make sure it is the 25"B" - there is also a 25R for guitar only

[AMJBASS]

I like the Ampeg BA112 a lot. In fact, its IMO the best sounding combo that Ampeg currently makes. I have done plenty of gigs with one. The best small combo for the money that I have used(and now own) is the Gallien Krueger MB112. I don't know if you can find one in your price range used, but if you can its a terrific little combo. 200 watts 1x12" speaker.

[jrcorp]

Originally Posted by AMJBASS

I like the Ampeg BA112 a lot. In fact, its IMO the best sounding combo that Ampeg currently makes. I have done plenty of gigs with one. The best small combo for the money that I have used(and now own) is the Gallien Krueger MB112. I don't know if you can find one in your price range used, but if you can its a terrific little combo. 200 watts 1x12" speaker.

Yeah that GK amp looks great, but I doubt I'll be able to find one in my budget. No luck on eBay or GC's used inventory, so far. I'm glad to get some positive feedback on the BA112, but it feels like it's just on the edge of barely being loud enough. I know 200W would be more than enough for awhile.

[jeff7bass]

Carvin's MB12 and MB15 are on sale now. Both have 200w internally and 250w with extension. 349.00 for the MB15, a STEAL.

Click here and scroll down to bass specials.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/specials/

[RickenBoogie]

The BA112 is an awesome little combo, but wouldn't be nearly enough to play with drums. Thing is, it's not so much big wattage you need, but multiple spkrs. 200 watts would do fine through a pair of 15's, but not so much into a single 15.

[hrbassji]

I play a Fender Bassman 250/210 combo. It's 250w with 2-10" Eminence speakers. The thing is pretty loud and it has a direct out. They don't make them anymore, but you can find a used one for probably around $250-300.

[irishmonster100]

you cant go wrong with a laney richter rb3 i used to have one
serious volume for only 65 watts and a 12 inch speaker plus you have an option to add on an 8 ohm extention cab making it to 100 watts either that or get a gallien krueger mb200


...few naggins be grand...

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by SolarMan

The best I can come up with is the Fender Rumble 75

75watts, 12" speaker, 46 pounds

You'll have to buy it used to hit the $150. price point

Should handle your needs with ease

Maybe if you play in a soft jazz band in restaurants where the owner insists on keeping the band loudness level below 80dB.

[oldcatfish]

Quote:"The BA112 is an awesome little combo, but wouldn't be nearly enough to play with drums. Thing is, it's not so much big wattage you need, but multiple spkrs. 200 watts would do fine through a pair of 15's, but not so much into a single 15".

This is very true. I have a Roland CB 100 combo which has a 12 inch speaker. On it's own, barely loud enough for a moderate drummer...but with a 1 x 12 extension cab, it easily keeps up.

And as far as not liking the Fender Rumble tone...that's an easy fix with any amp emulator type pedal--Tech 21's pedals for example, Zoom B2, or even Behringer's clone.

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by oldcatfish

Quote:"The BA112 is an awesome little combo, but wouldn't be nearly enough to play with drums. Thing is, it's not so much big wattage you need, but multiple spkrs. 200 watts would do fine through a pair of 15's, but not so much into a single 15".

This is very true. I have a Roland CB 100 combo which has a 12 inch speaker. On it's own, barely loud enough for a moderate drummer...but with a 1 x 12 extension cab, it easily keeps up.

And as far as not liking the Fender Rumble tone...that's an easy fix with any amp emulator type pedal--Tech 21's pedals for example, Zoom B2, or even Behringer's clone.

VTs are $199 or so. Better put that money towards a decent used bass amp and cab.

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by oldcatfish

Quote:"The BA112 is an awesome little combo, but wouldn't be nearly enough to play with drums. Thing is, it's not so much big wattage you need, but multiple spkrs. 200 watts would do fine through a pair of 15's, but not so much into a single 15".

This is very true. I have a Roland CB 100 combo which has a 12 inch speaker. On it's own, barely loud enough for a moderate drummer...but with a 1 x 12 extension cab, it easily keeps up.

And as far as not liking the Fender Rumble tone...that's an easy fix with any amp emulator type pedal--Tech 21's pedals for example, Zoom B2, or even Behringer's clone.

VT pedals are $199 or so. Better put that money towards a better bass combo amp. Rumble it is not.

[jrcorp]

Well thanks for all the suggestions, guys. Though the advice on multiple speakers makes sense, unfortunately on my budget I'm not sure I'll be able to afford such a setup. Plus half of my concern is lugging stuff around. As it is, I MIGHT be playing with a guitarist using an AC15VR, which I think is 15W of solid state. I would love to keep it down to either a combo of about 40 lbs or a head with a cabinet that weighs about the same.

[SolarMan]

Originally Posted by ksandvik

Maybe if you play in a soft jazz band in restaurants where the owner insists on keeping the band loudness level below 80dB.

Well, let me educate you about decibel levels -

80dB is roughly the equivalent of a Telephone Dial Tone-

Have you even tried the Rumble 75?

You aren't helping the OP if you are that ignorant

here - check this

Decibel (Loudness) Comparison Chart

Why do you have so much to say without trying to help the OP?

Just Curious.