Best combo amp under 25 pounds?

[nybassist]

It is pricy but you cant go wrong with the Markbass Mini CMD 121P. Thats what ive been using this past year. I see you dont need that much power but if you ever do need more it will come in handy.

I think mine is right around 26lbs. And it is very compact as opposed to my Epi 12" cab which is much more bulky. I like the idea of going with a 12" instead of a 10" also

 

[MakoMan]

For the uses you describe I don't see how you could beat a Fender Rumble 100. Stupid light, fantastic tone, looks great and has a 5 year warranty (but you won't need it...).

 

[Joebone]

Try to find a used Genz Benz 3.0-10T. 175 watts into a really smart 10" cabinet that can tilt back, and only 19 pounds. I've had one for 5-6 years, and it would be perfect for what you describe, including giving you access to a clean tone, and a great DI out if you need it. I've had it side by side with the Minimark and the GK MBE-150, and the GB was the winner, although I also liked the GK 150 quite a bit. Not as convinced by the MarkBass product - the Minimark didn't provide breadth of coverage like the other two, and at one time I owned the Little Mark/1-12 - wanted to love it, loved the concept and capability, but found the tone kind of cardboard and nasal - not my thing, but YMMV.

Used, I'm guessing these would be in the $400-500 range if you can find one.

If you have to go new, the GK MBE-150 is pricey due to aluminum body, but great. Can''t speak to the Rumbles, but folks seem to like them. Otherwise, the GK 1-12, with a 200 watt Class D head, might be worthwhile. Briefly tried one at a GC and thought it was a quality unit.

But for quick in-and-out for cocktail sets, with an MTD 535 to boot, I don't think you can do better than the GB...my own use is primarily 5-string, and the 3.0-10T is surprisingly capable.

 

[Funkabilly]

I played out of a friend's Markbass CMD 102P last weekend. It was very light, had a great tone, and plenty of power.

 

[Chris Stevenson]

I need to get a lightweight combo amp that can be actually be used for gigs. The majority of my gigs are either weddings or corporate events which have a main set with full band that we do with no amps on stage and in ears, and a cocktail hour set with a jazz trio during which we use amps. Those sets aren't anywhere near loud enough for me to bring my main rig, which is an Aguilar Tonehammer 500 into a TecAmp S212. I have an Eden EC10 combo that I've been using for the cocktail sets. It's done a decent job. Usually I'm playing with a sax player and a guitar player. But recently there are times that we've added drums to this and it's been a quartet, and that little 50 watt Eden won't keep up. We still aren't playing loud, it's basic jazz standard stuff, but that's more than that 50 watt 110 combo was intended to handle.

I've done some basic research and found some options like the GK MB112 and MB110, the Markbass Mini CMD121p and MicroMark, the Phil Jones combos, etc. But is there anything I'm missing? Anyone else using a small combo for a similar application?

For extra context on what I might like, I prefer a pretty transparent tone from my rig so I can control tone from my fingers and the bass itself. I play an MTD535.

I play very similar gigs to you. Have you tried PHIL Jones Bass? I use a briefcase model for jazz sets - very clean sound, small & easy to carry & not D class.

 

[devnulljp]

Acoustic Image make amazing tiny combos, no bigger than a hatbox, and I gig with one regularly.

 

[seamonkey]

I need to get a lightweight combo amp that can be actually be used for gigs. The majority of my gigs are either weddings or corporate events which have a main set with full band that we do with no amps on stage and in ears, and a cocktail hour set with a jazz trio during which we use amps.

Since your other gigs use FOH you may want to consider that a Powered PA Cabinet is essentially a FOH scaled down.
Many good brands and lightweight. Transparent. Some are outstanding.

Walk over the PA section of the store and try some out. You may be surprised

 

[nutdog]

Rumble 112. You might get by with the 110. I wouldn't spend big bucks on a small rig unless it needed to get loud. It's not that hard to get good tone from just about anything at low volume.

 

[lsabina]

I'm going to add to the Phil Jones Bass suggestions. It seems like folks don't realize that these small light combos can do the job. Maybe not necessarily by packing a punch, but certainly via presence, sonic fullness, and tonal clarity.
Anyways--for trio gigs I use the 100W Bass Cub and for larger or outdoor gigs I use the 250W Super Flightcase.

 

[matthewbrown]

I love how like half the recommendations are not COMBOS!

Add some velcro and any cab + a micro head is a combo!

 

[pbass2]

I have the GK MB112 and used to own the Markbass Mini CMD121P. I think the GK is a bit louder and girthier in sound, but the Markbass never ceased to amaze with how loud it could get. I'd say the Markbass was "tighter" sounding, while the GK is a little bigger/wider sounding, but still a fairly modern sound(as opposed to a Rumble for example). I think the GK is heavier than 25 lbs though, pushing 30 possibly...
I think they're both quite excellent! EDIT: as far as actually using them for gigs---yes, indeed both of these amps have covered me in situations ranging from small to medium with no PA support for the bass, to bigger rooms when there's PA support for the bass and the amp is purely an onstage monitor.

 

[bassliner50]

The answer is Fender Rumble 100 v3. 21lbs. or Traynor SB110, SB112 or SB-115. I have a Rumble 100 and Traynor SB115. Both have very good tone, can get loud when you need it and are a snap to transport. You won't be disappointed by either.

 

[james condino]

There is a nice acoustic image ten 2 cab in the DB classifieds right now; pair it with any micro head and you are way better for bass than a coda.

 

[CJL]

I am in a similar situation since I have the TH500 and cabs and wanted a combo for certain situations. I bought the Promethian and it has been amazing. In fact in the rare instances that my band rehearses I take it with me and it keeps up with the guitar player and drummer with no problems since it pumps out 300 watts. It also has a kick stand on the bottom for tilting it back.

 

[Whippet]

I love how like half the recommendations are not COMBOS!

But combos suck not because of their tone or anything. But the fact that if the amp breaks, you can't use the cab. If the cab breaks you can't use the amp. I have two combos and both the Warwick and the TC Electronic both crapped out.

I had to send them both back due to electrical failure and thank god the store paid for the shipping because it would have been so much money due to the weight.

I learned that the best is to get a light head and a light cab.

 

[elgecko]

But combos suck not because of their tone or anything. But the fact that if the amp breaks, you can't use the cab. If the cab breaks you can't use the amp. I have two combos and both the Warwick and the TC Electronic both crapped out.

I had to send them both back due to electrical failure and thank god the store paid for the shipping because it would have been so much money due to the weight.

I learned that the best is to get a light head and a light cab.

Well, that depends on the combo. You can divorce some combos and use them separately. I've used separates in the past and still own them but with the exception of an extension cabinet I pair with a combo, they never leave the house.

 

[Nightman]

I love how like half the recommendations are not COMBOS!

I'm surprised how many 'bass players' are confused about a 'combo' and a 'amp & cabinet set/rig'.

 

[Whippet]

Well, that depends on the combo. You can divorce some combos and use them separately. I've used separates in the past and still own them but with the exception of an extension cabinet I pair with a combo, they never leave the house.

The divorce thing. Which makes me want to buy the Mesa Walkabout Scout. It's 50 odd pounds though....... I bet this thing is one of the better combos out there.

 

[Scott C.]

You may have a hard time finding any amp for 25 quid.

.... oh wait

 

[Bassheart365]

The separate cab with my Aguilar is a good idea and I may end up going that route. However I'd like to go with a combo if possible so I can have the easiest possible load in and out. I'd like to Walk in to these weddings and corporate gigs with my bass on my back and a combo amp in one hand with me not needed to use a cart or have separate bags. I could bring the TH500 in it's bag on a strap and carry the combo in one hand, but then I'd still have a bit of extra setup with connecting the separate head. I'm sure it sounds silly, but I really try to streamline that load in and out. As soon as the gig is over I'm walking right out even before the singers who have no gear at all lol...

BUT...if there isn't a good lightweight combo out there the separate setup may be the way I end up going.

There are Class D micro amps out there that will fit in the front pocket of a soft bass case. My Puma 500 easily fits there and weighs 2.5 lbs. So no load-in advantage for a combo.