Thinking on getting a combo amp...

[Goteky45]

Lately, i've been thinking on trading my amp head+cab and get a combo amp. I use a warwick profet 5.2 and the wca 410, but the sound just isn't doing it for me anymore. It isn't the sound i've been looking for.

Why I want a combo amp now? I've been playing mostly acoustic gigs, jazz fusion, church music and other not so loud gigs, so I don't need big cabs and I'm liking the idea of having head and cab all in one. So, I thought on getting either a 112 combo or a 115.

I want them to have around 500W and to be able to add an extension cab if I have the need in the future. I don't want to spend more than 1000€.

Got any ideas on what to get? also, I remember seeing somewhere a 112 combo that could have 2x112 extension cabs, but I don't remember the brand (anyone knows anything like this?)

[fivestringgecko]

If you can get the Ampeg Portaflex gear where you are, they've been getting some pretty good love lately and might be worth a look. Technically it would be an amp & head setup, but the amp can mount to the top panel of the cabinet, making it a combo more or less. It would fit your criteria... 350W @ 8ohm with one cab, 500W with an 8ohm extension cab. A straight dollar to Euro conversion says it would come in a good bit under your budget, but your mileage may vary depending on what Ampeg actually prices them at in your neck of the woods. I don't have a clue if they sell Ampeg in Portugal though.

I've been using a PF500/PF115 setup and it's been working out great for similar situations to what you're looking at. It's easily transportable and I add an extension PF115 when I need more juice. It's a great sounding setup and gets a lot of compliments!

The Ampeg PF500/PF350 threads have a LOT of info about these if you care to take a look:
Part I
Part II
Part III

5sg.

[BassMann777]

STAY AWAY FROM FENDER RUMBLE!!!! A horrible amp. I had to replace the speaker 4 times. Piece of junk!

[Goteky45]

Originally Posted by BassMann777

STAY AWAY FROM FENDER RUMBLE!!!! A horrible amp. I had to replace the speaker 4 times. Piece of junk!

I've heard that alot of times. No need to warn

[RC52]

+1 on the Fender Rumble, terrible sounding amp. My old 1980's Polytone mini brute III eats it up !

[bassgod0dmw]

How much are you looking to spend here?

I highly recommend the Mesa Walkabout Scout. One of the best amps I've ever used. Most guys here will say to get the 12 as it's smaller and lighter, but they do make a 15 as well. It's not 500w but it should do just plenty fine, especially if you add a 2nd cab.

[Goteky45]

Originally Posted by fivestringgecko

If you can get the Ampeg Portaflex gear where you are, they've been getting some pretty good love lately and might be worth a look. Technically it would be an amp & head setup, but the amp can mount to the top panel of the cabinet, making it a combo more or less. It would fit your criteria... 350W @ 8ohm with one cab, 500W with an 8ohm extension cab. A straight dollar to Euro conversion says it would come in a good bit under your budget, but your mileage may vary depending on what Ampeg actually prices them at in your neck of the woods. I don't have a clue if they sell Ampeg in Portugal though.

I've been using a PF500/PF115 setup and it's been working out great for similar situations to what you're looking at. It's easily transportable and I add an extension PF115 when I need more juice. It's a great sounding setup and gets a lot of compliments!

The Ampeg PF500/PF350 threads have a LOT of info about these if you care to take a look:
Part I
Part II
Part III

5sg.

Thanks for the input. Ignore the euro/dolar conversion. Thanks to taxes, things that cost 1$ there cost 1€ here

And yes, we have ampeg here, but it's not what I'm looking for. I like ampeg's tone and know how iconic some ampeg's are, but I just can't fall in love with their gear

I'm thinking of stuff like the MarkBass combos. I've been looking at them for a while and they seem interesting. I'm just not sure if they pack enough volume on their 112

[RC52]

Ampeg B100R is awesome, as well as the PF500. I have both. Also, if you can find one, Pignose B100V. All tube 1 15" 100w combo. I use it with a Vt bass pedal in front, it sounds very B15 ish !

[Goteky45]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

How much are you looking to spend here?

I highly recommend the Mesa Walkabout Scout. One of the best amps I've ever used. Most guys here will say to get the 12 as it's smaller and lighter, but they do make a 15 as well. It's not 500w but it should do just plenty fine, especially if you add a 2nd cab.

The walkabout has been on my mind also, but Mesa stuff tends to be overpriced. But it's one of my top choices if i find a good deal

Anyone has info on MarkBass?

also, what do you guys think of this ashdown? ASHDOWN ABM C115-500 EV - Thomann Cyberstore Português

[Goteky45]

Forget the walkabout. It costs 1700€ here. No way I'm spending that on a combo amp

I want a powerful 112 combo or 115 below 1000€. Like I've said before, I don't want ampegs. Any input on the questions of my last post?

[lowendblues]

This:

Gallien Krueger MB 212 Bass Combo Amp - www.rmcaudiodirect.com

This:

Gallien Krueger MB 115 Bass Combo Amp - www.rmcaudiodirect.com

This:

Gallien Krueger MB 112 Bass Combo Amp - www.rmcaudiodirect.com

Or this:

Gallien Krueger MB-210 500w Digital 2x10" Bass Combo

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Goteky45

I'm thinking of stuff like the MarkBass combos. I've been looking at them for a while and they seem interesting. I'm just not sure if they pack enough volume on their 112

I used to have the little 112 Markbass combo, and though I eventually sold it and went back exclusively to Ampeg, it had enough volume for your purposes and more.

[fivestringgecko]

Originally Posted by Goteky45

I like ampeg's tone and know how iconic some ampeg's are, but I just can't fall in love with their gear

No worries, if everyone liked the same amp, there would only BE one amp, right? But I will say that I wasn't really into Ampeg either, until the Portaflex stuff.

I've always liked Markbass stuff, but unfortunately Markbass is the same for me as Ampeg is for you. I've always liked the 1x12 combo when I've played it... just not enough to buy one.

Lowend's Gallien Krueger suggestion is a good one... I've played a couple of the new combos on trips to Guitar Center and have been pretty impressed. And they're really light. Like, ridiculously light. I was stunned when I picked up the 210. In your budget, you could get a combo and an extension cab right off the bat.

How about the Shuttle 6/1x12 setup? Similar to the Portaflex, the Shuttle would be a head with a cab, but it mounts in the bracket and becomes a combo. It's a great head... it'd be 375W with the speaker, 600W with the extension.

Just a couple more thoughts.

5sg.

[lowendblues]

If you go the GK route,, keep in mind that the MB210 is the only one set up to run an extension cab.

[JimmyM]

BTW, nothing wrong with Ampeg Maybe not everyone's thing, but their micro stuff these days is pretty brilliant and you do yourself a disservice to eliminate it without trying it. I'd say that whether I was an endorser or not.

[TimB 619]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

BTW, nothing wrong with Ampeg Maybe not everyone's thing, but their micro stuff these days is pretty brilliant and you do yourself a disservice to eliminate it without trying it. I'd say that whether I was an endorser or not.

Jimmy, you're making me want......that........Ampeg PF350.........really bad

[JimmyM]

Hey Tim, trip to LA and new couch, don't forget.

[TXLawDawg]

The Markbass CMD 121P packs one heck of a punch for it's size. I have the CMD 102P combo and while I really like it, had considered selling/trading for the 121P just for the portability aspect. Ended up keeping it and going with a modular Aguilar setup (TH500 + 2xSL112's).

[nobodysfool]

I've been using a Line 6 LD300 for a couple of years, with very good results. It takes a while to dial in your sound, but it is versatile, and puts out a lot of thump. I put mine on a stand to get it up and leaned back a little so I can hear it better, and I've found that there's a sweet spot about 3 to 4 feet in front of the amp where you can hear it real well. The guys in the band all love the sound I get through it, and it is portable enough to do the job without breaking your back. The only downside vis-a-vis your requirements is no output for an extension speaker. It also has a built-in tuner.

Just thought I'd throw that into the mix....

Back On Earth Band

[TimB 619]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Hey Tim, trip to LA and new couch, don't forget.

In that order Jimmy?