small powerful amp recommendations

mcfrankson · #1 06-18-2009, 04:03 PM

I am a Jazz player looking for a cheap, powerful, and small amp to use since mine just recently broke. I was looking into the GK microbass ( http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=482567 ) but that one's quite pricey, though it might be worth it since I can run both my electric and acoustic through it and get a reasonably good tone. Are there any recommendations out there? I need to get a new amp quick and don't really have that much cash. Something in like the 400$-500$ range would be awesome. Please help!

**Freddels** · #2 06-18-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcfrankson

I am a Jazz player looking for a cheap, powerful, and small amp to use since mine just recently broke. I was looking into the GK microbass ( http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=482567 ) but that one's quite pricey, though it might be worth it since I can run both my electric and acoustic through it and get a reasonably good tone. Are there any recommendations out there? I need to get a new amp quick and don't really have that much cash. Something in like the 400$-500$ range would be awesome. Please help!

For a little bit more you can get the GK MB150S from rmcaudio.com

If you don't want to spend that much but like the GK sound, then the backline combos will work but they are much heavier. I have the Backline 110 combo and it sounds fine with upright so long as you don't need it to be too loud. Then there's a little bigger one the Backline 112 combo.

Do a search for the Yorkville combo here. Some use them. And they're pretty inexpensive. I believe the Yorkville combo was the XM50 like this one: http://www.musiciansbuy.com/YORKVILL...-BASS-AMP.html

Rvl · #3 06-18-2009, 05:13 PM

I use a Euphonics Micro amp and a GallienKrueger 12 micro cab
The GK MB150 and 200mb have been around for a long time because they light , portable and good sounding.
The only thing I find is the GK head runs out of head room
Thats why I use the Euphonics , my old GK 200mb and MB150 are still in use by other bassist's

There is a Scratch and Dent MB150 for sale at the link you posted , get that one

Thanks

Robert VanLane

ropepuller · #4 06-19-2009, 11:41 AM

For upright gigs, I use the GK MB-150S with the extension cab. The combo amp weighs about 35 pounds, and the little extension cab weighs about 12 pounds. Using both you essentially have a 150 watt rig 2x12. I use no preamp - the piezo pickup straight into the amp.

The extension cab makes all the difference with power AND bottom end sound. I love the rig. The only times it has not been loud enough is when the gig was of a type that I would rather have not been there anyway, and didn't go back.

I have also used it with my electric fender bass, and it sounds great and is very punchy, plenty of power for small, reasonable volume club dates. If you are playing with a Zeppelin tribute band, you will need more power (smile).

bfc · #5 06-19-2009, 11:44 AM

I would recommend the Ampeg Portabass (PBC) 228 combo. It's 200W with 2x8'' speakers, and it's only like 30 lbs. It's got a great sound and can handle any 4 string bass. My 5-er sounds a little weak on the B-string through the amp, though. It's a shame they've discontinued their Portabass series!!! I think I got it new for $500-600. If you could find one used, you'd be doing great!

pickerpete · #6 06-27-2009, 05:53 AM

I would give serious consideration to the SWR Working Pro 10.
Great tone for GB and BG. Light weight and about 350 new. You can also go bigger with the 12 or 15.

Jim Calhoun · #7 06-27-2009, 07:04 PM

The Traynor DB100 Dynabass might be a possibility. Gollihur music sells 'em for $359.00 plus shipping.

Jim

Stumbo · #8 06-27-2009, 11:13 PM

Here are some links you may want to check out:

Amp FAQs
How many watts do you gig with?(poll)
Amp "watts" vs. cab "watts"
Benefits of vertical speaker cabs

30 light weight cabs,amps, combos
1 Buying a combo
2
Combos vs Head/Cab
Opinions/experiences-great small combo amps
The ultimate custom built combo?
Pre-amp/Power Amp vs Head/Cab or Combo

whoapower · #9 06-30-2009, 12:47 PM

Are you still in the market? If so, I have an old, 80's GK 200MB that I am willing to part with for much less than your budget is allowing. Everything works fine, no missing knobs. Speaker replaced a year ago with celestion. It looks a bit rough, but it is quite old. Drop me a PM if so and I'll send you pictures.

bnutz · #10 06-30-2009, 04:42 PM

I don't know where you're located, but Guitar Center is discontinuing the GK MB 150S. I recently picked one up on clearance for $500. It might be worth your while making some phone calls to find out if any stores still have some on hand.

It's a great little amp. It's not super hi-fi, but in your price range and of the models you mentioned, I think, is one of the better amps. Also, these things are indestructable. I just got back from a 10 day tour where the amp got kicked out of the back of the van on THREE!!! separate occasions. (by the guitar players, of course) The corners are a little scuffed, but it still works great.

-b

robobass · #11 07-01-2009, 06:57 AM

Does anyone actually like the tone of GKs? I know they're convenient and indestructable, but I find the sound especially bland and muddy for slab or upright. I'd definitely try some other options before you buy.

Rvl · #12 07-01-2009, 09:08 AM

I do find the the GK lacking in both lows and highs
But I do love the portability
GK112+EA Micro+Cables+FishmanPro+stand+spares
My EA Wizzy12 sounds better but is not as portable

Thanks

Robert VanLane

Gary Lynch · #13 07-01-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robobass

Does anyone actually like the tone of GKs? I know they're convenient and indestructable, but I find the sound especially bland and muddy for slab or upright. I'd definitely try some other options before you buy.

They can't be too bad. For a time Ron Carter used the MB150

robobass · #14 07-02-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Lynch

They can't be too bad. For a time Ron Carter used the MB150

True. And many famous players use them. I used one for years. I never liked the sound, but it was so easy to get it to the gig that I couldn't not use it. One day I decided I was addicted and needed to move on. I couldn't flush it down the toilet and make a proper clean and clear statement, but it sold easily. After that, getting my rig to the gig sans car (this was awhile back, before all the modern portable amps were available), was a real hassle, but every time I dropped that first low "F" I was in heaven, and I bet I played much better.

Ron and his ilk are going to sound great no matter what bass or amp they play on, but I'm sure they get a giddy feeling on that certain night during a long tour when they for once have a first class bass in their hands - plugged into a first class system. And the audience can surely tell too!

TroyK · #15 07-02-2009, 12:10 PM

I like the tone of them. I think there are arguably better amps, but a friend and I A/Bed my GK MB150 with his AI Coda Series 1 or 2 at a jam session a few years ago, his bass, my bass, multiple players and polled the other musicians who knew (and cared) nothing about bass amps. Everyone on that day, in that room, preferred the sound of the GK to the AI.

I will say that in 6 or 8 years of gigging with it, I've had good nights and bad nights. It doesn't scale like my EA which I prefer when I don't need to carry it as far and dynamics are under control, but I've played big rooms with big groups with the GK at it does it all. For more money and/or more size, you can do better.

Bass Guitar may be a different answer, I don't know.