Two small combos - GK MB150 and ?

[grovest]

Hi gentlemen,

I've long wanted to gig with two small combos. Assume the act is bass solo or duo with horn or jazz guitar, and the venue is no bigger than a large coffee shop.

At the moment I have the cult-favorite GK MB150. Yup, I dig this little guy, boxy look and sound and somewhat low volume and all that. I want to find another small combo to run in parallel with the GK a splitter (e.g. *). The purpose of this config is a) satisfy my curiosity, b) have fun buying gear, c) "be different", d) maybe have a little more volume than either combo alone, d) maybe achieve a combined tone better than either of the combos would alone.

What small[+] combo would you pair with the GK that would compliment its restrained, mid to low mid character? I was thinking about the 2x8 SWR Baby Blue and would welcome any other suggestions, especially under $1500.

[+] by small I'm thinking less than a 2x10, if only because I want the GK's volume to be able to keep up with the second combo.

edit: And aside from the recommendations, if you have experience running different amps in parallel, does the end result tend to bring out the best of each amp, or is it more a compromise or worse- a sonic mess?

[tallboybass]

MB115?

[tallboybass]

If you're looking at the BB, you must want something that sounds much different than your GK....yes?

[grovest]

Originally Posted by tallboybass

If you're looking at the BB, you must want something that sounds much different than your GK....yes?

Precisely, thank you.

[tallboybass]

Ok then, have you tried the Fender Bassman 100? Weighs about the same as yours. Actually, I A/Bed these two (when I owned the MB150) and much preferred the sound of the Fender. Much more open and even sounding, a little bit louder than the GK, will kickback so you can hear it better, very impressive for a 25 lb. combo!

[RickenBoogie]

Ok, Mesa Walkabout Scout 12. Completely different flavor.

[grovest]

Tallboy and RickenB, thanks for being good sports and taking a swing at my admittedly wide-open request.

I actually have had one of the 'new generation' of Fender amps - the Pro 400 2x10 combo. Not bad! Maybe I should revisit them, but to be honest, I already play their basses and get a small kick from my amps and accessories being a little more obscure and boutique.

The Walkabout I've been reading raves over for years now, but never tried. Now you've got that tickle going again and heck, maybe it would be fun to have one done in custom hardwood and wicker grill. Cool!

Thanks again... if I ever do (finally) make a move with this 'parallel combos' setup, I'll try to remember to post here again with the choices and the results.

[cnltb]

Originally Posted by grovest

Hi gentlemen,

I've long wanted to gig with two small combos. Assume the act is bass solo or duo with horn or jazz guitar, and the venue is no bigger than a large coffee shop.

At the moment I have the cult-favorite GK MB150. Yup, I dig this little guy, boxy look and sound and somewhat low volume and all that. I want to find another small combo to run in parallel with the GK a splitter (e.g. *). The purpose of this config is a) satisfy my curiosity, b) have fun buying gear, c) "be different", d) maybe have a little more volume than either combo alone, d) maybe achieve a combined tone better than either of the combos would alone.

What small[+] combo would you pair with the GK that would compliment its restrained, mid to low mid character? I was thinking about the 2x8 SWR Baby Blue and would welcome any other suggestions, especially under $1500.

[+] by small I'm thinking less than a 2x10, if only because I want the GK's volume to be able to keep up with the second combo.

edit: And aside from the recommendations, if you have experience running different amps in parallel, does the end result tend to bring out the best of each amp, or is it more a compromise or worse- a sonic mess?

I like the Hevos midget!

[tallboybass]

Originally Posted by grovest

Tallboy and RickenB, thanks for being good sports and taking a swing at my admittedly wide-open request.

I actually have had one of the 'new generation' of Fender amps - the Pro 400 2x10 combo. Not bad! Maybe I should revisit them, but to be honest, I already play their basses and get a small kick from my amps and accessories being a little more obscure and boutique.

The Walkabout I've been reading raves over for years now, but never tried. Now you've got that tickle going again and heck, maybe it would be fun to have one done in custom hardwood and wicker grill. Cool!

Thanks again... if I ever do (finally) make a move with this 'parallel combos' setup, I'll try to remember to post here again with the choices and the results.

FYI, the Mesa will BURY the little GK....tone-wise, volume-wise, no contest.

[thudfromafar]

Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-10T Combo

http://www.genzbenz.com/?fa=detail&m...sid=610&cid=95

[Joe Smithberger]

A little different from your intent, but the Berg IP 112 works fantastically with the MB150 if you run the Berg from the line out. You still get the GK sound, but the IP goes louder, higher, and lower than the GK on it's own. You balance the output volume control on the GK and the volume on the IP. The input gain control feeds both.

[muddycreek]

Old blue Ampeg gemini. Sure, it's a guitar (+accordian!) amp. Nice bass tone.
Or haul a B15 around.