Backup amp

[BigBear77]

i swore I would never buy another combo after dealing with the rattling my current combo has. However, I will need an amp to rehearse with while mine is in the shop. And who knows, it may be there for a couple weeks or more. So, instead of renting an amp for $60/week, I decide to put that money toward a backup for rehearsals. I can’t afford a separate head/cab rig at the moment, so I decided to look for a decent (used) combo. It doesn’t have to compete with a crazy loud guitar player or drummer (in the current band I’m part of). I’ve done some research and I’m really interested in the Peavey Max 112. I was initially going to look into the Max 115 but read some reviews indicating there was little difference in the power output/tone...and in some cases, reviewers claimed that they liked the sound of the 112 better after playing both. Thoughts or suggestions are very welcome. Budget is $250.

Not to side track the thread, but is it the BA210 you have in the shop? I’m starting to have a rattling problem with mine.

 

[dennis james]

Have you been able to isolate the source of the rattle? Maybe a simple fix is all that's needed.

 

[mikewalker]

Ought oh... just ran across this. May pull the trigger. What do you guys think?

 

[somebrains]

400rb/800rb are my backups.
When those are gone I'll pull more stuff out of the pile.

I'm never wanting for gear I already own.

 

[MCF]

Ought oh... just ran across this. May pull the trigger. What do you guys think?

Heck of a lot better than that Peavy you were considering.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Have you been able to isolate the source of the rattle? Maybe a simple fix is all that's needed.

No. Can not pinpoint the rattle. Getting it shipped for warranty repair. Not happy with this amp.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Heck of a lot better than that Peavy you were considering.

That much better? If so... no brainer!

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Not to side track the thread, but is it the BA210 you have in the shop? I’m starting to have a rattling problem with mine.

Yep. We’re not the only ones with this issue. I think it’s ******** that I play it (at moderate levels) and after approximately 30 hours of use, I hear “rattling”. Unacceptable.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Is your combo entry level, mid level, or pro? I have used and abused GK 700RB/112 and SWR RedHead combos and never had any more trouble with rattles are reliability than I have experienced with separates. I consider both of these combos pro level.

Most people place their amps right on top their speakers, so the amp is exposed to exactly the same vibrations in head form as it would be in a combo.

I have no idea how amps are categorized in that fashion. It’s a BA210v2... I guess I would consider that “entry” level. Overrated amp, in my opinion.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Have you been able to isolate the source of the rattle? Maybe a simple fix is all that's needed.

Nope. It’s deeper than that.

 

[Ostie]

I bought a Max 115 last year and I’m happy with it. I like 15s though. Never played a Max 112 so I can’t compare them.

My old amp was a Crate 990 series B80XL. A little underpowered but it lasted for 30 years.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I bought a Max 115 last year and I’m happy with it. I like 15s though. Never played a Max 112 so I can’t compare them.

My old amp was a Crate 990 series B80XL. A little underpowered but it lasted for 30 years.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I would suggest at least a 1x15 speaker to play with others in a band setting. I had a hydrive 112 Hartke and it really couldn’t cut it with a guitar and drums. Using the same head with a 1x15 was much better, though I prefer to have more than not enough so I usually bring 2. I’d say look for a fender rumble in you price range. If you ever needed more also the extension speakers aren’t much money to get a matching speaker that would cover pretty much anything else. They are also light too.

 

[Nickweissmusic]

I’d say the ba210 is an entry level big boy amp; if that’s not a category, it should be. I absolutely loved the one I used, it was borrowed from a bassist I was filling in for, and I would assume used more than 30 hours, I probably used it close to that myself. It sounded great whether DI’d at gigs or carrying the room for rehearsal. I did only use it maybe 10 times though, don’t know its current status. I can’t say it’s shocking to hear of problems with something that loud at that price point, but the one I used was definitely not a rattletrap. And I know rattletraps, my first big combo was a BXR 300.

If you can find an old SWR redhead combo, and have your insurance paid up for future hernia surgery, those things CRANK, but not sure if they’d be under $250. Old Peavey’s are often awesome as well as others have pointed out.

 

[bherman]

Would a rumble 112 be adequate for rehearsals with a drummer, guitarist and keyboard player? Classic rock tunes.

Not sure as I do not own one. And different people have different definitions of "rehearsal volume". For me, it should be low so that you can hear everything and communicate as you work through tunes. For others they insist on rehearsals at gig volume. Not sure what your situation is.