A versatile combo

[Zanerd]

This gets done to death, I know, but help me figure out the best setup for a versatile combo. It's been so long since I played bass regularly (switched to guitar for awhile) that I have very little experience with speaker size sound differences and non-tube wattages. All the bassists I've played with used ampeg stacks of one sort or another, often with a sans amp.

I've looked at GK MBs, Fender Rumbles, and now Carvins micros but my ear has not fully established a preference yet. So, any thoughts on what brand/setup can yield the most diverse results so I can really explore?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[matthewbrown]

My 2 bits: you'll get more versatility with a head and two 8 ohm cabs.

 

[CL400Peavey]

I have very little experience with speaker size sound differences and non-tube wattages.

The only thing you know about a speaker by its size, is the size of the speaker. Also watts are watts, regardless of how they are generated, but they are not always an indicator of volume. How loud is a 100 watt lightbulb?

 

[fendersurfer]

markbass CMD 121

 

[gleneg61]

Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0/6.2 12T 'combo', as versatile as u can get with a removable head.

 

[hsech]

Markbass CMD 112P.

 

[edencab]

Rumble Series 500 Watt Bass Amp (V3), 36lbs light, 2x10 350watts, add an 8hm cab, 500watts, you won't need more than that in almost any situation
Markbass CMD 102P 44lbs, 2x10 300watts, 500 with ext cab...high cool factor with the yellow cones

 

[slade]

Welcome back to the low end!! bunch of great combos out there that are versatile and can be fairly formidable rigs. I toured with a GK1001rbii 210 combo for a handful of years- great little combo that kicked out a huge sound for it's size. A high quality 115 or 210 combo can handle a lot of scenarios, as long as you dig the tone that is...

Ignore the snarky comments and keep asking questions- plenty of cool guys here to help you out.....

 

[Zanerd]

Thanks for the responses so far, got a lot to chew on.

 

[Spent]

Another vote for the MarkBass cmd102p. Sounds great by itself, good tone control and you can always add a second cab. Adding a sansamp bddi, mxr m80, etc is an inexpensive way to broaden your sound possibilities.

 

[Linnin]

Agree with edencab that the new version 3 Fender Rumble 500 is very versatile. Excellent sound quality and volume along with tons of fabulous Fender tone. Rugged build quality, and a solid reputation for reliability. It's worth your while to give it an audition. Only $500.

 

[Zanerd]

I am hesitant to spend the 1k or so that a head & cab setup runs, along with the MarkBass combo. This is basically due to having no idea where I plan on going from here beyond home enjoyment. My grad school application says my touring days are done.

I am looking around that $500 range, with some wiggle room built in. Again, thanks for the responses.

 

[FirewalZ]

GKMB combo's. I have the 212 it sounds great, very light and portable but can get loud as $h!t. IMO the markbass stuff is overpriced and was not significantly better than the GK to justify.

 

[1stnamebassist]

Love my Carvin MB15/15 combo. Definitely take a bit of time to research them. One of my best buys ever. I think the whole package set me back 600.00 if memory serves.

 

[Zanerd]

The Carvins are certainly in the running. Any comment on the MB1015 vs MB1515?

 

[gleneg61]

Buy used of course but I'd say GK MBs, Carvins or the Fender Rumbles r great value 4 $, GB Neo combos also. Enjoy ur quest!

 

[FirewalZ]

When i choose the GK MB, I went to a Guitar Center and tested the floor models they had in the "Class-D" space. This included Fender Rumble, the new Ampeg, Acoustic, MarkBass and GK. I set all the eq's flat, plugged into each one at a time and played for a few min. To my ears the GK immediately sounded the best. I may have gotten the others to sound good as well if i fussed with the eq's, but thought this was a good test to compare the amps without eq.

 

[Zanerd]

When I looked at my basement corner of gear I realized I still had an old peavey tko 65 that was given to me years ago. I'm gonna use this old thing to get a feel for it again, probably look at adding a sansamp for some warmth. Thanks again for all the replies.