Recommendations for 12" combo, light, $5-600?

dgsloves · #1 11-11-2006, 08:14 PM

I'm looking for a lightweight, 12" combo amp, good for upright bass. It doesn't have to be extremely loud. Hopefully less than $600... Is this possible? Thank you!!

Jazz Ad · #2 11-11-2006, 08:29 PM

I'd suggest a Gallien-Krueger MB150S-112, second hand.
Common amp, very good with URBs.

If you want new, a SWR WorkingPro 12 would do the trick.

jazzbass72 · #3 11-11-2006, 10:14 PM

http://www.markbass.it/products.php?...&cat=3&vedi=41

panos · #4 11-12-2006, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

If you want new, a SWR WorkingPro 12 would do the trick.

It served me very well for 10 years, a very nice combo, but i changed because of its weight (50lbs).

PB+J · #5 11-12-2006, 03:07 AM

I have that markbass, the single 12 with the controls on top, the 121p. I'm still making up my mind about it

It has a distinct voice that's really cool--it's not a "flat" amp. It has a less aggressive treble than a lot of amps and it sounds to me like it has a really high damping factor--the notes feel very controlled, if that makes any sense. "Punchy." The tone actually reminds me of my old Ampeg B-15, but without the tube distortion. It has an xlr input for using a mic. It's a great amp for electric bass. For double bass with my setup (dyn-B) it's got less clarity than the setup I generally use, an Avalon U5 into a power amp into an epifani ul110. But the live sound is extremely effective. Definitely worth considering. It seems like a lot of modern amps build in some kind of mid cut, but I hear the opposite in the mark bass 121p

Jazz Ad · #6 11-12-2006, 06:36 AM

Markbass doesn't fit the budget at all, even 2nd hand (which doesn't exist yet in USA anyway).
If you choose this route, I suggest the 121H. The 121P lacks the thick lower end needed to reproduce the URB accurately.

PB+J · #7 11-12-2006, 06:43 AM

the 121p has plenty of low end for me--I had to turn the bass knob down with my double bass. It has, as I said, a strong midrange

I bought mine, without bargaining, for 799 at guitar center, so it's not too far over his budget.

DaBassman · #8 11-12-2006, 07:11 AM

ampeg BA112

Marc Piane · #9 11-12-2006, 07:14 AM

I have the SWR Workingman's 12 and the GK MB-150s. Both great amps.

I used the SWR exclusively for a number of years. I was always very happy. Now I use the SWR on gigs were I have to double. The sound is a bit 'bigger'. A shade more ampy too. The downside is it is heavy and bulky. The dream of loading in one trip is impossible with this amp.

The GK sounds great with my DB. It is very portable. Put it next to the SWR and it is hard to believe they are both 12". It has a more midrange tone. Great for cut, but it lacks a bit of the 'subsonic' stuff. It is not very good for doubling. I got mine used in your price range.

**maxito** · #10 11-13-2006, 08:25 PM

It may not be for everyone, but I've had years of success with a Hartke Kickback 12 (HA1200).
The 10" version is 12 lbs lighter, but for me the 12" sounds much warmer. The EQ offers a lit of flexibility, too.

If you have never tried one of these, don't be put off by the aluminum speakers.

Blaine · #11 11-15-2006, 06:18 PM

second on the Hartke. i have the 10. great amp for low bucks!

bribass · #12 11-15-2006, 06:36 PM

new small amp

This is a great alternative and it's only about $300. It's a 10", but a GREAT sounding little amp that's small and light. I've had the old model which has been trouble free for YEARS.

http://www.traynoramps.com/products....&cat=61&id=369

BG

SteveC · #13 11-15-2006, 06:47 PM

How about a Roland Cube Bass 100? Nice amp.

Wil Davis · #14 11-15-2006, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgsloves

I'm looking for a lightweight, 12" combo amp, good for upright bass. It doesn't have to be extremely loud. Hopefully less than $600... Is this possible? Thank you!!

The GK-150 certainly would be in your price range if you go for used. I have one which I use a lot, and with the MB-112 ext. cab. for when I need more volume. Recently I bought Phil Jones Briefcase which I'm totally sold on. I know it isn't a 12", but it's in your price range, and at the gigs where I've used it, the other band members have been amazed at the quality of the sound. I think the fidelity and lack of colouration blows the GK-150 away (each tested by playing an MP3 player through them; see other threads).

FWIW -

- Wil

bribass · #15 11-15-2006, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wil Davis

I think the fidelity and lack of colouration blows the GK-150 away (each tested by playing an MP3 player through them; see other threads).

FWIW -

- Wil

That's not hard to do. I think almost ANY other quality small amp blows the GK-150 away. I've always found ALL GK products cold, brittle, artificially colored in their sound AND they overheat, break down and are hard to repair to boot. Yes, it's can be a convenient transportable box, but that's not hard to match these days.

IMHO

BG