Advice for a lightweight, vintage-y combo?

[LowendG]

Yeah, your tone is coming from your pre, no? I do the dame thing(I usually end up using backline), but for a combo when I need one I just use a GK MB112ii--I love that it has no bells and whistles, no nonsense like sub-par compressor, etc. Very loud, and very lightweight.
FWIW I pulled off the shiny "chrome" logo which I always thought was kinda cheesy, so now it's just a stealthy black box. Not necessarily "vintage" looking, but not "modern" either--in fact it kinda disappears on stage which is cool.

 

[blastoff]

go straight to the source and look for an old ampeg b15 or sb12.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

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[Wesley R]

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.

A bigger rumble than your current one might work well for you

 

[GrevMarkussen]

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.

Yeah, a PF-50T would work, or maybe even a 20T. As I can make it into one u it under transport, it's "like a combo" to me. Will check the used market! No one available now.

 

[GrevMarkussen]

2 out of 3: Light weight, vintagey , but not a combo.
It may destroy your desire for an external pre amp however. That was my experience.

View attachment 7005654

Yeah, but the thing is: 95% of gigs are without my own amp - so going from a preamp on my pedalboard to this, would be a large increase in size.
I usually just play what's there, and send a balanced signal from my pedalboard.

 

[Drop1]

Another vote fir fender rumble. They can def get into vintage territory , mind you you can get a lot of other sounds too. I felt like it did the vintage thing pretty well. Well enough i returned mine because thats not what I was looking for.

 

[GrevMarkussen]

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.

A Walkabout Scout would be cool! I'll keep an eye out for used ones.

 

[LowendG]

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.

I have an old B100R I bought when they first came out. It's a keeper but I haven't taken it to gigs in almost 20 years--simply too dang heavy if any lifting is required (gimme a modern sub-30lb wonder any day). But I will take it to sessions on occasion - it has "that" sound.

 

[cuth]

I second the Mesa Walkabout Scout. Not the lightest but its manageable.
Great vintage-y sounding combo. It’s become my go to for small and medium sized gigs.

 

[Iristone]

The Ashdown Studio combo is light, cheap, and certainly looks vintage. I believe you can adjust it to sound vintage, too, especially the 15" version.

 

[rodl2005]

As you like the Bassman... how about the Fender ACB50? All tube, neo 115 and sounds great

 

[GrevMarkussen]

As you like the Bassman... how about the Fender ACB50? All tube, neo 115 and sounds great

Yeah, I found that!
It looks really cool, but it's too expensive for my use. As mentioned, my preamp is what gives me my live and studio sound - and the amp is "extra". So this is a bit overkill for me.

My dream would be a simpler version of if: No DI, one channel 3-4 band EQ, gain, master - done.

I guess the Ampeg Portaflex might be one step closer than the Fender.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Uchu says this for all your vintage-sounding needs…

WD 800 with 1x15. Tube front end, active Baxandall tone controls, variable damping control for more of a tube amp feel with speakers. Kinda a super B-15, at least the way we use it

You would spend as much on a used B-15 as you would on this new, without the upkeep and weight. I know, I sold a B-15 to get this. Just as, if not more happy with it.

We had considered some B-15 grill cloth to wrap the metal grill to give it a vintage look but we both have been a little lazy about it.

 

[DJ Bebop]

View attachment 7007069

Uchu says this for all your vintage-sounding needs…

View attachment 7007074

WD 800 with 1x15. Tube front end, active Baxandall tone controls, variable damping control for more of a tube amp feel with speakers. Kinda a super B-15, at least the way we use it

You would spend as much on a used B-15 as you would on this new, without the upkeep and weight. I know, I sold a B-15 to get this. Just as, if not more happy with it.

We had considered some B-15 grill cloth to wrap the metal grill to give it a vintage look but we both have been a little lazy about it.

PS Uchi says he likes these other heads as well…

 

[RomanS]

Eich combos look very "vintage-y", and are lightweight. The sound is neither too vintage nor too modern, but kinda "neutral" (same way I 'd describe MarkBass).
New ones are slightly above your price range, so look for a used one (You're in Europe, right? So also check classifieds on the Bassic site.)

 

[burgerdj]

Depending on what you consider to be lightweight, you’ve basically described the Mesa Walkabout Scout 12.

 

[M-Mittlesteadt]

Fender Rumble 100 (V3). V3 being the latest model in the Rumble series. 100 watts into a 12" speaker. A lot of tonal control, from modern to that vintage sound. The 12" handles my low B and is still articulate throughout the range.

It even has a 3 band pushbutton instant EQ section (Vintage for lows, Contour for Mids and Bright for highs) that can also be adjusted via the adjacent tone knobs. Can get pretty loud in a smaller venue with a drummer who doesn't get excessive in volume. And it is stupid crazy light at only 22 lbs. total.

There is also the next size up, the Rumble 200 (V3). 200 watts into a 15" at 34 lbs. I preferred the tone of the 100 and is more than enough for the gigs I play.

 

[John D Harris]

Amazing how many people completely ignore your specifications.

The GK MB112 II mentioned above is a very good option.

Fender Rumble 500C or 800C - though you need to be careful with them as they are made of such lightweight materials, I don't think they would survive much abuse.

Another option:
Traynor SB112 Lightweight Combo Bass Amplifier

 

[PBassAcidJazz]

Ampeg RB112. Very tasteful wee beast. Super light and looks vintage.