You have $600 to spend and want a combo...

HailCorduroy · #1 03-17-2011, 11:48 AM

Let's say you are tired of lugging around a cab and head and want to get a combo. You are currently a big GK fan, so are very interested in their MB series (either 115 or 210). But, you also really dig the Ampeg sound and have used a BA115 before and are interested in the BA115HP. Then you remember that one show you played on the house gear that was an Ampeg Micro VR and really loved the tone.

You want to spend about $500, but can pitch in another $100 for the right rig. Which do you buy?

BigOldHarry · #2 03-17-2011, 11:49 AM

used SWR Redhead?

or I save my $$ and get a really good lightweight head & cab (since schlepping is your concern)

DWBass · #3 03-17-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

used SWR Redhead?

or I save my $$ and get a really good lightweight head & cab (since schlepping is your concern)

+1 This right here.

Nomadskills · #4 03-17-2011, 12:23 PM

I've never actually been able to listen to the Redhead but have only heard good things about it. I do like the GK 210 combos though.

jkramer5 · #5 03-17-2011, 12:24 PM

I just went through the GK MB vs Micro VR choice in early January. I eventually went with the Micro VR and I love it. It was a hard choice, I was really into the MB210 (and still am)

I get a sound I like out of both, both suit my needs the same, so for me , in the end, it was looks that got me. IMHO the micro VR stack is killer looking, and has a sound that I love. The GK sounds great too but is just "another" combo amp in the looks dept. One small thing for me is that the DI out on the ampeg is post EQ and if I remember correctly it isn't on the MB. I use the DI in my home studio every day, for me that was a plus

DJS · #6 03-17-2011, 12:34 PM

I own an MB-210, and auditioned many others before buying it. Let's face it, it's the Nissan Altima of bass amps. Small, light ultra reliable, well built, practical, and not too expensive. But not very sexy either. If you're looking to replace a cabinet and head, this could be powerful enough.

The Micro VR is very cool. I thought it lacked power, though.

panama · #7 03-17-2011, 12:37 PM

micro VR

IntrepidCellist · #8 03-17-2011, 01:04 PM

How much sound/schlepability do you need? I gigged a Line 6 LD300 1x15 combo for about a year and a half without issue, and got great recorded and live Ampeg-y tones, plus more besides. If you need smaller, the 150w 1x12 or 75w 1x10 work pretty well with PA support too.

HailCorduroy · #9 03-17-2011, 01:53 PM

The power of the micro vr is what I'm concerned about. When I used the one that was a house rig, I had PA support. Some places we play don't run instruments thru the pa (yea, they suck). And I won't even get the 200 watts unless I get a 2nd cab. But, I will still have my GK head w/ 115 Carvin cab if I need more power. I've played thru the Ampeg BA115 100 watt version several times, all except 1 with PA. The time without PA, I had it cranked. That why I'm looking at the HP, which is 220 watts. I'm going tomorrow to test some out and just hope they have all of them available for testing

m0ntels · #10 03-17-2011, 01:58 PM

MBE 115 and a VT pedal?

fenderhutz · #11 03-17-2011, 02:00 PM

Micro VR as well. Not a combo, but easier to move.

Kenner · #12 03-17-2011, 02:12 PM

I'm a happy owner of a GK 700RB/112 and glady spend another 500 on another or the RB1001/210.....I play 70 ish times a year and have nothing but smiles.....but I don't use the preamp...VT Deluxe to the effects return....

HailCorduroy · #13 03-17-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0ntels

MBE 115 and a VT pedal?

But the MBE is just speaker cab, or do you mean the MB115? I do like the VT, but I'd still need an amp

rudedogg · #14 03-17-2011, 02:41 PM

I know you said you liked GK and Ampeg...but another killer combo is the Markbass Jeff Berlin...very pricey new ,but can find em used for $600-$650...300 watts without an ext cab and can do Ampeg sound well

Calaverasgrande · #15 03-17-2011, 02:55 PM

I had more than one friend that purchased a brand new redhead in the last 5 years with issues. I've kind of given up on SWR at this point.

slapfunk987 · #16 03-17-2011, 08:20 PM

Yo man.. SERIOUSLY check out the Hartke Hydrive 210c Combo. Louder than some cabs, with no distortion at high volumes. You will be able to get the same warm Ampeg sound. Much better than the GK 210..

Chrisk-K · #17 03-17-2011, 08:24 PM

I'd buy an MB200 + a NEO112-II (very loud) + a pedal.

**bass dan** · #18 03-19-2011, 10:36 AM

get 2 Ampeg b100r's. surprisingly loud for 100 watts. If you liked the ba115 you will love this one. The ba115hp probably wont be much louder than the ba115. You can only get a 15" speaker to go so loud no matter how much wattage you dump into it.

Get more speaker if you need more volume. Dragging around 2 combos is not real practicle if schleping gear is a issue. I gig a b100r all the time, it will be plenty for most gigs (pending the bands volume) and when it's not run a line out to the pa. Or get 2 and use a tuner pedal to split the signal to both combos.
I actually dont do the 2 combo thing but would not be opposed to it. I also have a vb4 and 2 ampeg 15e speakers. If I need loud thats what I use, but most the time the b100r is plenty. This is playing at reasonable volume levels on stage.

robertusf · #19 03-19-2011, 10:39 AM

PF500/PH115 ....not a combo, but stores inside

Selta · #20 03-19-2011, 11:03 AM

A combo can't cover my needs at all, so I'd take that $600, put it somewhere safe, and keep adding to it until it turned into a head & 4x10.

If a combo works for you... I'd say just get out there and try as many as you can and see what ones you like and dislike. Note why and go from there. If basic carrying around is a concern though, I've always found combos to be harder to carry than heads/cabs.