Best Bass Amp Rig for $500-$1000

[Not yet]

Had great success w Genz Benz. Used 112 or maybe Neox 212 and used Streamliner in your Budget range

The GK heads all good too depends on tone goals, but the Neox or NX2 speakers are really great speaker cabs for most all heads

Yup, personal preference, but also would steer away from combos

 

[mmbongo]

So I am looking at this GK combo, the single 12 could do practice amp duty just fine. If I take of the $100 I get for returning the fender this is looking very promising as an option. Add $350 for the second speaker... probably just for looks 90% of its time, but a useful thing to have IMO. I am at $20 a month and I need what, a mic cable to connect the two cabs?

I could always add a nice tube amp for a toy later and I might push my self a little and get myself out there playing.

Yes, all you need is a mic cable to connect the cabs. If you're going to do the combo + external cab, don't even bother with anything that does not a dedicated amp for the external cabinet. Most combos just have an extra speaker out, but that divides the power to each speaker so you don't gain any power. In other words, GK is the way to go if you do the combo + external cab.

I considered the GK MB212 as well, but I didn't want to lug that thing around everywhere when all I need is the 112. Don't get me wrong, for a 212 it's very light and easy to move around, but compared to the 112 it's a monstrosity and I can just bring the other 112 for when I need 2 12's.

 

[Armsdealer]

I jacked it for sure. But good information was flowing and I didn't see a reason to start a new discussion. The OP was in here too.

I ordered the GK112 and the add on speaker even though I have NO NEED for anything like that right NOW. I feel it is a better tool that the little Fender 25 I got from GC, and I know me being me I will ultimately want a separate head and cab... but will also want a single unit practice amp, and I am the kind of guy that brings a back up... Seriously considering picking up a Guitar and half stack or combo since they are so cheap used. I could always use the bass stuff for keyboard, my wife has expressed interest in getting one. She played piano for years.

 

[Armsdealer]

Yes, all you need is a mic cable to connect the cabs. If you're going to do the combo + external cab, don't even bother with anything that does not a dedicated amp for the external cabinet. Most combos just have an extra speaker out, but that divides the power to each speaker so you don't gain any power. In other words, GK is the way to go if you do the combo + external cab.

I considered the GK MB212 as well, but I didn't want to lug that thing around everywhere when all I need is the 112. Don't get me wrong, for a 212 it's very light and easy to move around, but compared to the 112 it's a monstrosity and I can just bring the other 112 for when I need 2 12's.

I ordered the MB112 and a powered 112 and a short mic cable.

 

[The Regulator]

Take a look at your local Craigslist, you never know what you can find. For around $700 you can usually get yourself a good rig that can cover most gigs like a used GK 700 RB with an Ampeg or SWR 410.

 

[blastbass]

Preamp pedal + poweramp + 210 cab (4ohms)

 

[mmbongo]

I ordered the MB112 and a powered 112 and a short mic cable.

Wise choice, my friend! Like I said, I've got a lot of amps....TC's, Ampegs, other GK's....but the dual GK 112's is the most versatile and easy to transport setup I have and it sounds incredible.

 

[Augie50]

Here are some amps I went and found on Musician'sFriend.com in my price range before I posted this thread (fyi - never heard of Sweetwater.com but after looking it looks like that is a much better source for gear so thanks for that suggestion). I think the idea of the GK - MB112 + additional 112 cabinet sounds intriguing ands adds to convenience. Some people on hear are saying stay away from combos though, any more insight? I'm not sure I'm really into used gear unless people think that is the way to go.

I really just want ever is going to produce the best sound for my budget and I don't anticipate ever upgrading or adding on so whatever I get I'd like it to last me for 15+ years since bass is not my main instrument (but who knows, I'm kind of hooked!)

Combo
1. $999.99 - Markbass CMD 102P 300/500W 2x10 Tilt-Back Bass Combo Amp view
2. $799.00 - Gallien-Krueger MB212-II 500W 2x12 Bass Combo Amp view
3. $749.99 - Acoustic BN6210 600W 2x10 Neodymium Bass Combo Amp view
4. $599.99 - Gallien-Krueger MB210-II 2x10 500W Ultralight Bass Combo Amp Invalid Link Removed
5. $599.99 - Fender RUMBLE 500 2x10 500W Bass Combo Amp view

Head/Cabinet
1. $349.99 - Acoustic B300HD 300W Bass Amp Head view
$499.99 - Acoustic BN210 600W 2x10 Bass Speaker Cabinet view
2. $799.98 - Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex and PF-210HE Stack view
3. $599.99 - Ampeg Micro-VR Bass Amp Head and SVT210AV Bass Stack view

 

[Doner Designs]

Here are some amps I went and found on Musician'sFriend.com in my price range before I posted this thread (fyi - never heard of Sweetwater.com but after looking it looks like that is a much better source for gear so thanks for that suggestion). I think the idea of the GK - MB112 + additional 112 cabinet sounds intriguing ands adds to convenience. Some people on hear are saying stay away from combos though, any more insight? I'm not sure I'm really into used gear unless people think that is the way to go.

I really just want ever is going to produce the best sound for my budget and I don't anticipate ever upgrading or adding on so whatever I get I'd like it to last me for 15+ years since bass is not my main instrument (but who knows, I'm kind of hooked!)

Combo
1. $999.99 - Markbass CMD 102P 300/500W 2x10 Tilt-Back Bass Combo Amp view
2. $799.00 - Gallien-Krueger MB212-II 500W 2x12 Bass Combo Amp view
3. $749.99 - Acoustic BN6210 600W 2x10 Neodymium Bass Combo Amp view
4. $599.99 - Gallien-Krueger MB210-II 2x10 500W Ultralight Bass Combo Amp Invalid Link Removed
5. $599.99 - Fender RUMBLE 500 2x10 500W Bass Combo Amp view

Head/Cabinet
1. $349.99 - Acoustic B300HD 300W Bass Amp Head view
$499.99 - Acoustic BN210 600W 2x10 Bass Speaker Cabinet view
2. $799.98 - Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex and PF-210HE Stack view
3. $599.99 - Ampeg Micro-VR Bass Amp Head and SVT210AV Bass Stack view

I would pick Markbass, but not the one you listed. I would suggest the 1x12 combo or a 1x12 cab and Little Mark III head. Then, add a second 1x12 cab when you can afford it (IF you need to move more air). The 2x12 modular setup gives you a ton of flexibility. A lot of the time you won't need the second cab and in those cases you pack some major punch in a very small and light package.

 

[InhumanResource]

I think you would be best suited with a small-to-medium sized cabinet and head setup. This way you have room to grow later if you want to add an additional cabinet, or more powerful head..etc. More flexibility. As far as brand goes, you should go try some stuff out and see what you like.

As a rule of thumb, I like to buy used because the savings can be significant (especially with certain brands and models) but you may think differently. Do what you think is best!

 

[jlepre]

I have the Rumble 500 combo and the 210 extention cab. Great setup

 

[StuartV]

Peavey MiniMega 1000 amp. $500, new, from an authorized dealer, on eBay. I have 4 tube amps and a Class D already. My new Peavey is Out For Delivery as I type.

$500 (or less) for 1000W RMS with a warranty, 4-band semi-parametric EQ, and built-in compressor just can't be beat. You would never NEED to buy another amp.

With the rest of your money, I would find a used 210 or 410 cab, depending your need for volume and your size constraints for transportation.

With a 1000W head and a 210 or 410, all you'd ever need to buy in the future is possibly a bigger or smaller cab (depending on what you start with) to cover all possible gigs from the biggest to the smallest. I think having a 210 and an 810 is a great way to go, if you have the room to haul an 810. Any gig that needs more than a 210 will not be "too small" to use an 810. A good 210 will go pretty dang loud. If it's not loud enough, then an 810 will handle it without looking out of place.

Alternatively, starting with a 112 or a 115 and then getting a 410 or a second 115 later would be another way to go. Especially if you don't see yourself ever wanting/needing an 810. A 410 or 2 x 115 will also get very loud and handle the vast majority of gigs.

Remember, there is nothing at all wrong with driving a cab rated for 200W with a 1000W amp. Just use your brain and your ears and don't drive the cab too hard. It is safer to crank a 200W cab with a 1000W amp that is pushing 200 clean watts than it is to drive it with a 200W amp that is starting to clip.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Two good options are Carvin and GK.

GK MB-500 ($499),
For cabinets, a GK 212 is ($599), a 112 is $449 (add a second if/when needed)

Carvin MB-500 is about $350, check their cabs.

Even better, look used.

 

[Benjamin Earl]

The best purchase I ever made was an Avatar B210 4ohm cab. Put a 300-500watt head on it and you are set. I used a Hartke 3500 for 10+ years, but now I use a Markbass Big Bang. The cab has lasted for ever, and sounds great. It will keep up with a very loud band, but is small enough to bring to your acoustic gigs.

I also own a Markbass CMD 121P. It is awesome, but probably needs the NY121 extension cab to keep up with a really loud gig. I have both, and love the option of one small combo for acoustic and the stack for loudness.

 

[JackANSI]

All I can do is just shake my head when I read about people recommending two 1x12's or two 1x10's... such a waste of money.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I suggest avoiding a combo. If you have the money to do so (and you do) avoid getting locked into a rig that combines your cab and amp. Browse the classifieds here and you can easily put a great rig together for under 1k.

Why?

 

[Crazyeelboy]

I've been very happy with my GK MB212 for practically all purposes. Not big, really light (one hand carrying with the handle), sounds good and good power. The only downside is it does not take an extension cab, so if you are playing a bigger place and are not going through the PA, you may be underpowered. For all of my purposes, though, it works great.

 

[StudioGC]

this would be the one i'd get. the extension cab is a huge plus, and you can dial in a nice variety of tones with the GK.

What they said:
GK MB212 II is a good option too. 500 watts and under 50 pounds.

 

[devnulljp]

That's a $1400+ rig new. And would be lucky to even get it for $1000 used.

Save some cash and get the DB112.
I put mine together with a pair of 112s for less than $1000



There's a DB112 in the B&S forum for $385 and TH500 for $500
Perfect rig for $885 that you can add to later if you ever need more.

 

[logicman69]

For the lower end of the price spectrum, go with the TCElectronics BG250 combo. I'm using that in the band I am in now and it is great. I can get over the drums fairly easily and its light weight enough not to be a hassle. On the upper end I was looking at the GK MB-410 combo. Tons of power and I always loved the sound of 10's with my bass. I'd avoid Markbass, not because of the sound or quality, but I think that yellow color is just ugly.