Thanks everyone. Some responses and clarifications...
I’m not sure why you would want to limit your choices to combos, in this day and age of plentiful lightweight heads and cabs. I have a Quilter BB803 head which weighs about as much as a loaf of bread.
I don't necessarily want to limit my choice; I did say I was open to other configurations. I figure if I start my search with combos and find one that I love, it will be cheaper than separates. If I can only find what I love with separates, so be it.
Also: Two jacks and a cord that always get disconnected for transport is three points of failure that would be lower risk in a combo where they stay put.
One feature of the BB803 I like is the parametric midrange. One of my previous combo amps had this.
Many have their own opinions mine on Markbass was formed hearing quite a few live in the wild always sounded excellent in mix
This is an important point. I have heard Markbass, Hartke, and GK in the wild as well (though you can't always tell what's between the bass and the amp).
The listening environment in retail stores can be deceiving.
Tone wise, you can’t go wrong with the GK. If it’s not too heavy for you to handle, you won’t be disappointed.
It looks like it's only 30 pounds, similar to the others. Maybe an earlier generation was heavier?
For me, Markbass 102p combo has been a winner for all sizes of gigs. I will say that im less of a fan of a pure piezo pickup setup through it, though, even with a preamp.
Thanks for noticing that detail about the piezo in my post. I really would like to find something that will work well with both of my instruments (which I've had for more than 30 years and don't expect to change or augment any time soon).
Everyone is going to recommend the amp/cab or combo their ears personally prefer and works for them, (myself included.)
What you need to find out is what your ears prefer and works for you.
"Unfortunately", the only way to find out what is right for you is to go and personally audition equipment while using your personal bass and any effects you may use.
"Fortunately", your located in the Chicago area where there's still many brick and mortar music stores still open for business, stores that will have bass equipment available, in stock, for you to audition.
I'd suggest your starting at your nearest Guitar Center. Most GC's will usually have Ampeg, Fender, MarkBass, GC Acoustic bass equipment on the floor for you to A/B compare. Some GC's will also have GK, Hartke, ect. Call around and find Chicagoland stores that carry Genzler, Mesa, ect.
Try anything and everything you can find. Don't consider brand name, cosmetics, driver size, ect., ect.
Pick what will work for you sound/tone wise, power wise, number of drivers needed, ect. for the musically situation you anticipate working in.
I was hoping that people would recommend their preference while also describing the way their instruments, needs, or situation are similar to mine. That's actually quite helpful.
I do plan on auditioning
some. I don't want to audition tons. Music is already a sideline and I don't want shopping for an amp to become another sideline to that sideline. My goal in posting here was to narrow the search if possible.
Your profile says you're from Illinois. I'll visit a bunch of stores if you're driving.
(Chicago area traffic is awful. I wouldn't live here and work a day job in the Loop without a [mostly-]functional public transportation system.)
I suggest and know Mesa D350 and Subway 1x12 or Genzler MG 350 and ULV 12 is better for OP(at a cost)
Looks like the Genzler MG 350 is another with parametric mid. If I do end up in separate land, I will probably try that one.
SB112 for the win. Gollihur Music in NJ regularly stocks & sells online.
I have an SB115 (which is fantastic) and the Hartke 12 combo which is great only if you like the snappy sound of their amps.
I guess I used to like the "snappy" sound better (when I bought the Behringer). Not quite as much now.
The Fender Rumble 100 combo is what you describe. It does have a 12" speaker. I've been using one for several years. This past Sunday (7/5/2026), I took it to a small outdoor venue to accompany an acoustic singer/songwriter type. It filled the bill. This afternoon, it will be used for a band reheasal.
I originally disregarded it because I thought it might be underpowered for me. I might give one a try.
The Hartke KB combos would make great pedal platforms and stage monitors. If you get your sound from your pedal board, I might go with Hartke. If not, you might find it a bit boring with just your bass plugged in.
The Traynor would be a lot like the GK, only more transparent/less colored. I used the 15 inch traynor combo and didn't like it because it wasn't bright enough ,but I hear the 12 inch combo is much more even. It's a popular budget choice for upright bass as well.
I rarely use pedals, and I already was wondering whether the preamp/EQ on the KB would suit.
My advice is to think beyond what will be adequate for your immediate needs and get something that is potentially expandable in the future -- if, say, you get a gig in a bigger room, or decide to add a second guitar player, etc. That's one advantage of a separate cab and head: You can add a second matching cab if you ever need to. Another option to choose a combo that can support an external cab.
The second guitarist passed away in 2023. I think I'm in the stage of life where I want something that can get smaller in the future.
The first lightweight 1x12 combo that came to mind when I read your post is the Ampeg RB-112. It weighs 26 pounds.
That's another one like the Fender Rumble that I thought might be underpowered for my needs. Maybe I'll give it a try.
I have a Traynor SB112 for the past ten years after owning some rumble combos and just love the traynor. I use it at home for practice and for small gigs it has been great. I can even play it with a drummer and a NOT so loud guitarist or keyboard. Once the volume flows its got to be something larger, but the SB112 puts out 200 watts - it is a 4 ohm ceramic speaker and IMO has really great, warm, versatile tone. I also like that its front ported (the sb115 is rear ported). It has a DI and a tweeter defeat on it and also a "bass expander" which I don't use much, but it does seem to help remove mud sometimes, but I have an HPF for that. Its pretty lightweight too.
I hadn't noticed that it's front ported. Can you describe how that helps? I find that the (rear-ported) Behringer is really sensitive to room positioning, especially if it's near a wall.
