Small combo recommendations (on a budget)

the art guy · #1 03-29-2010, 05:43 AM

Tried some searching but it was hard to find exactly what I'm looking for. We play a lot of small club gigs, where we're all running through a big house PA. My on-stage rig involves a pretty big 4x10 that I'm not crazy about hauling around unless it's necessary, and in those gigs it's just my monitor really. Could I get away with a smaller combo that's nice & portable in those situations?

And if so, what could I find used that's in the 200-300 dollar range? Any suggestions? Thanks -

Lee Barker · #2 03-29-2010, 06:47 AM

SWR Workingman's 10 is within your price range. It's not lightweight by current standards, but it's compact, reliable, bulletproof, xlr out and sounds good to my ears. Comes with a folding handle/foot mounted in the bottom to tilt it back. I have both a 10 and a 12. These are tried and true workhorses, not entry level small cutely-named combos directed at the parents of kids just starting out.

Atomik Rooster · #3 03-29-2010, 07:25 AM

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a used WorkingPro 10 in the $200-300 range, but if you can get a deal on one, it's money well spent. Although they don't get much praise here, the Gallien-Krueger Backline combos are priced right and generally adequate for small gigs or as a stage amp. I'd steer away from the 110 which might be inadequate for all but the smallest gigs (only 70 watts). Depending on the venue, I sometimes use one or two Backline 112s and have been very pleased with their performance. Definitely easier to haul around than a 4x10 package, and even new are priced to move.

Lync · #4 03-29-2010, 07:41 AM

I still smile at every gig where I play my Carvin BR515N. It is a single kickback 15" combo. Where was this years ago? Light and really loud/deep. More than I ever need, really. But the headroom is there.

For comparison, I checked out a Markbass 15" combo recently. To get even remotely close to the Carvin in volume and depth, the Markbass combo's speaker was farting out and it looked like it was gonna blow through the grill. Not even close.

the art guy · #5 03-29-2010, 08:53 AM

Thanks for the responses so far. Anyone have opinions on either the Ashdown combos (Electric Blue I think?), or the Eden Nemesis combos? Both seem to be affordable used.

PDK · #6 03-29-2010, 09:09 AM

I have the Nemesis N12 and it works great. It has great tone but it doesn't have a xlr out. Thats my only complaint. The slightly larger 15 and 2x8 models have an XLR. I use my own preamp/DI anyways thought so it doesn't matter.

Lee Barker · #7 03-29-2010, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomik Rooster

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a used WorkingPro 10 in the $200-300 range, but if you can get a deal on one, it's money well spent.

I had thought that too, but a Googlification found them craigslisted for 150 - 240 (shipping not included) and one that did not sell on eBay for $250 (+$50).

I came across a new one for $329.99.

That said, I support all the other suggestions here as well. You're developing a nice list of options!

Izzy Thunder · #8 03-29-2010, 10:08 AM

I was rather fond of the Ampeg BA115. It can be had on MF now for 329 new. Unhook the piezo tweeter and it will sound pretty good. The DI is ok, the style selector is pretty versatile, the ported kickback design worked for me anywhere from large outdoor gigs with PA FOH to small bars with no PA. I was happy with it.

bassteban · #9 03-29-2010, 10:13 AM

I had an Ampeg BA-210SP that was very loud- a bit heavy at 76 lbs, & the cheesey FX did nothing for me, but you should be able to find a used one w/in your budget. I also liked the Hartke Kickback 12 I had a few years ago.

Lee Barker · #10 03-29-2010, 10:40 AM

A slightly larger unit at an incredible price that's well within budget, and from a TBer to boot:

SWR Workingman's 12 combo

Lync · #11 03-29-2010, 11:27 AM

Good call-I had a Workingman's 15 that served me well for many years. Use the DI and you can play big stages too.

Adam Bomb · #12 03-29-2010, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the art guy

Thanks for the responses so far. Anyone have opinions on either the Ashdown combos (Electric Blue I think?), or the Eden Nemesis combos? Both seem to be affordable used.

Hi. I've never played the Electric Blue combo, but I have the Electric Blue head and the Ashdown MAG 210 cab. Surpisingly loud for the wattage and IMO sounds great. If I were in your situation I would give that combo a listen. Good luck and have fun.

--Bomb

the art guy · #13 04-02-2010, 07:12 AM

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I ended up finding a smokin' deal locally on an Ampeg BA115. I'll put it through the paces live in a few days, but I'm already excited about how well it fits in the back seat of my Civic!

tdub0199 · #14 04-02-2010, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the art guy

Thanks for the responses so far. Anyone have opinions on either the Ashdown combos (Electric Blue I think?), or the Eden Nemesis combos? Both seem to be affordable used.

I had the Ashdown Electric Blue 180 w/ a single 15" and it had really good tone and wasn't that heavy....

Frankie Fender · #15 04-02-2010, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the art guy

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I ended up finding a smokin' deal locally on an Ampeg BA115. I'll put it through the paces live in a few days, but I'm already excited about how well it fits in the back seat of my Civic!

That sound great! I had a BA110 for a while and really liked it. I bet the 15 sounds even better.

Lee Barker · #16 04-02-2010, 08:23 AM

I am confident the Ampeg will not disappoint. Kudos to you for using the forum, keeping an open mind, and taking the leap. A Civic with a happy back seat is a great gig ride!

SteveC · #17 04-02-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Barker

A slightly larger unit at an incredible price that's well within budget, and from a TBer to boot:

SWR Workingman's 12 combo

I've had a WM10 and 12 and both are great little amps for what you are talking about. I used them the same way.