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Advice for a lightweight, vintage-y combo?

GrevMarkussen

GrevMarkussen

Jan 1, 2008
48
153
#1
Hi there!
The last ten years, I've been going the route of putting all my money in my preamp/DI (I've had a Jule Monique, and now a Noble Preamp - love the sound of both), and using a pretty bad, but really lightweight, amp - that's only used as a monitor/rehearsal thing. So I'm really not up-to-speed on the world of amps, and specifically combos.

But now my little Fender Rumble has become flaky, and I kinda want something that sounds a bit better anyway.

So, I would love to get some recommendations after the following criteria:​

  • Combo, that's pretty compact and/or lightweight (and probably only one element). I can compromise on one of the factors, if it's worth it.
  • More vintage *sounding* (and, preferably, *looking* as well) than modern. I mostly play a '61 P-bass with flats.
  • Doesn't need any other feature than EQ - so doesn't need drive, DI, compressor, etc.
  • As my amp really isn't the centre piece of my sound, I'm hoping to find something in the €200-€1000 range. And I get that I won't get the best sounding thing in the world for that price. :)

Some amps I've had experience with:​

  • I previously had a vintage Bassman 135, which I really liked the sound of (but it was way too heavy!). I liked that it was low power, so I could push it a bit.
  • I'll often get SVTs with 8x10 at gigs - and I think they're fine.
  • I'll also often see Markbass amps in rehearsal rooms. I don't like how they look, but I like their weight, and I think they sound pretty good (if a bit too modern for my taste).
Any advice?

Thanks!

-Erlend
 
#2
Well, vintage gear is generally heavy, and lightweight gear generally modern sounding, so...

Barefaced One10 sounds and looks vintage, + you can customize the tolex and grill cloth (attached a photo of my cab with a red sparkle tolex and oxblood grill cloth, but you can choose any other combination)

I think you would stay in your budget with a used Quilter BB800, but beware: it would also sound great even if it's not what you're looking for

IMG_2485.jpeg
 
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#5
gtirard said:
Well, vintage gear is generally heavy, and lightweight gear generally modern sounding, so...
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's the central issue. 😁 So my best bet is probably "something lightweight that doesn't sound too modern", as the preamp takes care of the most important sound.

The cab looks good - but it being a combo is a big plus, as it gives me one less thing to haul around…

Neon Blues said:
If you want a vintage tone and have those preamps, why not using a powered 15 like a Blackstar?

One of my favourite all-time tones was a Verellen Meatsmoke into that cab.
Click to expand...
I'm actually moving off the Noble as well (as my pedalboard has outgrown it's powering capabilities), and will probably land on a Suhi Box Finally. So I think I would need a proper amp?

Minimalist said:
For combos, I would look at the Fender Rumbles or since you mentioned Ampeg, the Ampeg RB line. I think the Bassman 135 is a tube amp? That is very different from a modern class D amp.
Click to expand...
The amp I've had now is a Fender Rumble. Loved the weight, but the sound is pretty mediocre - so would love a little upgrade from that.

The Ampeg line looks pretty OK! It's actually available locally, so I think I'll try it.

Yeah, it's absolutely a tube amp - and I totally prefer that sound. So I guess what I'm looking for is a compact combo that's closest to a low-powered tube amp. (Which I know is a pipe-dream, but you know - as a direction.)
 
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#6
Fender Rumble sounds SIMILAR to an old Fender Bassman (I owned a new one in 1972).

I don’t own a Rumble because I don’t like Fener amps for bass. I love them for guitar.
 
#8
Ampeg Rocket is a solid choice, seems like it will fit your budget nicely. (What size are you looking at anyway?)

FWIW I am a “vintage sound” guy, and I love my Markbass. I can always dial in more “flavor” with a preamp though I never find I need it. The VLE knob tames the “modern-ness” nicely. (Now I think it’s called the old school knob?) These amps perform really well in a band mix on various stages. I have come to believe it’s easier to add in layers (aka warmth) than it is to remove them (aka muddiness)
 
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#9
CallMeAl said:
I have come to believe it’s easier to add in layers (aka warmth) than it is to remove them (aka muddiness)
Click to expand...
👆🏻 This is a very, very good point. I know for certain that my pedalboard will include a tube preamp - so that would make it less important to have that mojo in the amp. Especially as it's pretty guaranteed to add weight.

Yeah, I've enjoyed those knobs on Markbass amps I've tried! That brand is probably the answer... (And I'll just have to get over the looks. 😅 So yellow..! 🙈)
 
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#10
Can't hurt to try a Rumble since they're pretty easy to find at most music stores. The vintage switch makes the amp sound really nice, and it'll probably get you pretty close to the Bassman sound you're thinking of.
 
#11
You might want to check into the Fender rumble Stage 800. It is within your budget with 400 watts RMS of power and it has over 100 models preinstalled including Bassman and SVT amp models. If you gig in a large venue, you can purchase the matching 210 cab and push a full 800 watts. It weighs in at about 39lbs. Worth a look. ;)
 
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#12
Yeah, this is one of those "Light, Good Tone, Cheap...pick two" situations. Price and availability might hinder it, but if it doesn't need to be a literal "amp in a single box" solution, the Ampeg PF-50T with a matching 1x15 or 2x10 cabinet is still sort of combo-sized, but with a separate head. Pricey if bought new, but you may be able to score it in your price range used if you're patient.

Definitely vintage style, with great tube tone. You can also push it pretty hard at 50w without getting a ticket for noise pollution. Just my $0.02...but unless you want to get something expensive like a Mesa rig, you're likely gonna need all-tube to get the kind of tone you're looking for.
 
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#13
GrevMarkussen said:
👆🏻 This is a very, very good point. I know for certain that my pedalboard will include a tube preamp - so that would make it less important to have that mojo in the amp. Especially as it's pretty guaranteed to add weight.

Yeah, I've enjoyed those knobs on Markbass amps I've tried! That brand is probably the answer... (And I'll just have to get over the looks. 😅 So yellow..! 🙈)
Click to expand...
I believe I’ve seen folks mod their MB, replacing the metal grill with a vintage style silver cloth
 
#18
To me the most vintage sounding combo I've ever tried was a Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout (hybrid). Second one was the old Ampeg Rocket Bass B100r (SS). I wouldn't consider either to be light, however casters can be added to the Ampeg which makes moving it a breeze, not sure about the Walkabout caster situation. Both are readily available in the used market.
 
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#20
GrevMarkussen said:
I'm actually moving off the Noble as well (as my pedalboard has outgrown it's powering capabilities), and will probably land on a Suhi Box Finally. So I think I would need a proper amp?
Click to expand...
You might get away with just a powered cab if you get some of Sushi Box pedals
The new Neptunium has XLR out and tone controls, and will work as a passive DI with no power connected.
The Neptunium is basically a mini Noble, but much cheaper.
 
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