Why Combos?

[bassboysam]

I'm not talking about your 30 watt bedroom amps but those 100+ watters. What is the point? Benefit? Their certainly not lighter than an amp and separate cab, you lose the flexibility of using different cabs. Probably more cumbersome to move.


Enlighten me TB.

[spaz21387]

not always I like combos for smaller gigs. i have been gigging a 2x10 fender bassman 250 because some dude just left it at our drummers house and for the smaller bar gigs its great. Its light it weighs probably 50 pounds just lug it up on stage tune and plug and play... its nice not having to deal with a seperate head and cab... although when you play those big venues you will want a 8x10 and tube head but i would say the 8x10 is a bit of overkill for those tiny bars unless you want to make the crowd go deaf

[bassboysam]

Could you not just pair your favorite amp with your favorite 2x10 and achieve the same results? It's really one extra step of plugging the amp into the cab that you're saving with the combo.

[Marko5657]

Combos are typically a bit cheaper than the head/cab counterpart, and easier to carry, and I suppose if one doesn’t need the versatility, it makes sense.

Personally I prefer and have separates for the same reasons you note.

[Smurf-o-Deth]

Because they taste better than the Paydays in our crappily-stocked vending machine.

[heavyfunkmachin]

im happy with my roland db500 160watts combo. Its not too heavy, it just one bulk and its ready for me.

the question should be, Why not?

[Bufalo]

My combo takes up less space in my car than my head and a 2x10.

[Jazz Ad]

I've yet to find a good reason to bother with separate head and cab.
When I buy a combo, I know exactly what tone I get in the end, no need to try it with other pieces of gear.

[dalkowski]

Originally Posted by Marko5657

Combos are typically a bit cheaper than the head/cab counterpart, and easier to carry, and I suppose if one doesn’t need the versatility, it makes sense.

Bingo. My Hartke A100 does everything I need. Different strokes, etc.

[delta7fred]

I have my combo on wheels (not castors) with a strap through one handle. At 65lbs it is not light but the only lifting is at my car and the stage, I can drag it up or down a a couple of steps as the wheels are mounted on a plywood base plate, so protecting that beautiful rat fur on the bottom. I can carry my guitar in one hand and pull the combo with the other and carry my monitor and gig bag on top as long as there are no steps/stairs to negotiate.

i like the convenience of a combo, there is enough lead plugging with the PA and lights without more on my bass rig.

In my youth I did the whole 2 X 412 plus tube amp stack thing. Well there was no real alternative if you wanted loud but I am way too old to lug 410 cabs about now unless they were on wheels or very lightweight.

[jnewmark]

I've been using a Roland DB 700 combo for small gigs for about 10 years now. Just roll it into the gig and plug in. I could take my 215 cab and rack pre/power rig, but that would be overkill, and usually, small gigs mean small stage area. A combo makes more sense, and sounds just as good at lower volumes.

[philter25]

Originally Posted by bassboysam

I'm not talking about your 30 watt bedroom amps but those 100+ watters. What is the point? Benefit? Their certainly not lighter than an amp and separate cab, you lose the flexibility of using different cabs. Probably more cumbersome to move.

Enlighten me TB.

My GK MB210 combo is cheaper than the MB500 head and MBE210 combo cabinet. And its light. And its easy to setup. And it takes up less space.

Combo's arent for everyone. But the notion that combos arent lighter than an amp and seperate cab isnt true.

My MB210 is lighter than probably 95% of the rigs on the market. And its 350 watts.

It also depends where you play. Im in a cover band in DC playing with a 5 piece group. Stage area is at a premium and most places are small. 350 watts is more than enough for my stage volume and for the bigger places, I do DI into the PA for support. Plus I can carry my entire rig in one trip..... AND still have a free hand to open doors!

MB210 in one hand. Bass, cables, and pedalboard on back, and a free hand to open any door on the way.

Combo's arent for everyone, but your notions are a little off base.

[Boyakasha]

Usually they're easier to move and you can get the same quality at a much better price, I don't see why you wouldn't want a combo for small-ish venues.

[sneha1965]

Because chicks dig 'em.

[NortyFiner]

Why combos are better than stacks:

- No chance to mix up speaker and instrument cables.* Bad Things can happen when you do that.

- $$$. Most combos are cheaper than their head + cab equivalents.

- Only one load to carry and fit into your ride.

- No worry about that "ohms" thing.*

* N/A if you are use extension cabs.

Why stacks are better than combos:

- Visual factor. Let's face it: stacks just plain look better (bigger, cooler, more intimidating, etc.) than combos.

- Instead of breaking your back lugging a heavy combo, you can break a stack down into somewhat lighter loads.

- You can mix and match heads and cabs (within the usual electrical limits) to suit your needs and/or desires.

Raw power USED to be an advantage of stacks, but this has changed as technology has evolved. Now, you can get hundreds of watts in a lightweight combo, or a head the size of a shoe box. Genz Benz, Markbass, etc. have changed that playing field in a big way.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by bassboysam

What is the point?

Convenience is the common wisdom. It's convenience that's obtained at the cost of flexibility and performance, so consider where your priorities lie.

[fenderphil]

I traded in the power / pre part of my rig for a TV series 350w 2X10 combo.

I couldn't be happier. I went from needing a V6 SUV for every gig to a 96 Honda Civic that gets 35mpg.

the combo definately stands up to even the loudest drummer.

[bassbully]

I sold off all my heads and cabs and went combo only a few years ago to make my rig simple. I now have my bass, combo, gig bag, stand and I'm good to go. Combos are the thing to me these days in the guitar world since eveyone I play with or see uses them, unless its metal where the bigger is baddest approach rules.

To me they are easy,take up less room and suppy good power. With today's PA systems if I need help its there,.I have used my Fender 210/250 from small gigs to outdoor festivals with no issues what so ever.

[MODELL]

Why?

For me, the Markbass 1-12" combo is actually more than I would ever need and I can carry it in one hand and my Jazz Bass in a gig bag in the other. I only play in an acoustic trio and have no need for anything bigger. Always have PA support, no drums........ The sound is wonderful....

[seungkoo]

my markbass jeff berlin combo packs a lot of power, big 15" woofer and weighs around 40lbs....I gave up a markbass f1 + cab for it.