small combo question

Dr.Ken · #1 07-17-2006, 09:03 AM

I'm looking at possibly upgrading my small practice amp and wanted a couple of opinions (I also posted about a preamp question separately).

I am playing a Palatino electric upright in a bluegrass, country, rockabilly-type group (along the Hayseed Dixie vein if that gives an idea). I recently quit a rock band (playing BG) because the sound levels were getting ridiculous from one of the guitarists. So, sound containment is a priority in my life now.

I am currently using an old BX25 Crate amp (25 watts in single 10" speaker) which gives surprisingly good tone for what it is. However, I would like a bit more volume capability. For big shows, I do have a Trace Elliot combo which is plenty loud for almost any large venue.

The two choices I have been considering:
1. Eden Nemesis N28S (~$420)
2. Fender Rumble 100/210 (~350)

I have seen a couple of comments about the N28S, but no one has mentioned the Fender. Any thoughts? I don't want to spend too much money on this, as it will be used for small gigs, can be augmented with a PA input if needed, and I can always drag the Trace Elliot out for larger shows.

Thanks for any thoughts.

wps · #2 07-17-2006, 01:22 PM

Dr. Ken,

In that price range you might also try a Roland Bass Cube 100. I just bought one for about $ 450 from Buddy Rogers Music in Cincinnati (couldn't find one in Lexington or Louisville). It has a flat setting that sounds good for upright bass, plus digital models of various bass guitar amps including Trace Elliot & Fender Bassman. It also has effects which I don't use for bass, but with reverb it makes a really nice jazz guitar amp if that would be useful to you.

davpal · #3 07-19-2006, 08:12 AM

I like using a Gallien Kreuger Backline 110 with my Palatino - 70 watts, 10 inch speaker and $225 brand new. I've seen them on ebay for less. GK makes one with a 12" speaker also but I wanted the small size and light weight.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #4 07-19-2006, 01:09 PM

I boutght a now discontinued SWR WM10. Works for me. The WorkingPro 10's look nice too.

Rattman · #5 07-19-2006, 01:22 PM

I've suggested this before, only because they are common, fairly inexpensive and quite easy
to find:

Peavey TNT 130 bass combo

I just reburbished one 3 weeks ago for a church. They've had it for '7 years'
and have never touched it..no maintenance. Still works wonderfully. Now it looks
brand-new on top of that.

130Watts 'continuous' power, one 15", about 85lbs, plenty of EQ options..pullout 'brite'..
effects out, preamp out..'low' & 'high' output options..LOUD.

Fair warning: this is an old-model Peavey..easy to get serviced thou.

**Francois Blais** · #6 07-19-2006, 07:39 PM

Yorkville stuff is nice and very sturdy. (makers of the well known Traynor brand)
The XM50C (50W, 10") and XM100C (100W, 15") seem to be interesting.
Two years warranty, made in Canada.

bribass · #7 07-19-2006, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

Yorkville stuff is nice and very sturdy. (makers of the well known Traynor brand)
The XM50C (50W, 10") and XM100C (100W, 15") seem to be interesting.
Two years warranty, made in Canada.

I have owned the older version of XM50 for more than 7 years. Still goin' strong as one of my best sounding and most portable amps. Their higher powered combos are also excellent. They make configs w/ 1X15 in 100 and 200 watt version and a 2x10 w/ 200 watts that are the best out there for the $ IMHO.I also own a small PA by them. As with all there stuff, you plug it in, it sounds great. No fuss or muss, sturdy, great warranty and very reasonable pricing for what you get. Win win all around.

http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?type=32&cat=15
BG