Best combo amp under 25 pounds?

[vision]

But I think the Briefcase weighs more than 25 lbs. The Bass Cub is only 13. And I totally forgot about their new Session 77. I believe it too is lighter than a Briefcase. (Oops, just checked--it's 28 lbs.)

Yep, the Briefcase is also 28 I believe. But that's close enough to make it work since the form factor is so portable. The Bass Cub looks awesome at 13 lbs. But I would really need to try out something like that to see if it could work for a jazz trio. I know there are a couple online retailers with return policies that sell it though so it could be a possibility for me.

 

[Robert B]

I love how like half the recommendations are not COMBOS!

That's just the nature of Talkbass. Invariably, if someone asks, "Should I get A or B", they will get a multitude of replies suggesting C, D, E, F, G etc.

 

[Jason Hollar]

I also gig with the markbass 112 combo. It's like the new cube amp these days. I'm impressed by how powerful & loud it is. However, it's not the lightest amp for a one-handed schlepp. I need one of those foldable magna cart things If there's any distance involved.

Although I've never owned one, I've always liked the classic GK aluminum lunchbox combos for portability. They have a nice looking gig bag w shoulder strap too I think.

 

[fermata]

Ibanez Promethean P3110. 21 lbs, 300 W. Soundwise, it punches above its weight (and size). With my bass in one hand and the amp in the other, it's a one trip load-in for me.

 

[mc900ftj]

Just my observations re: The Fender Rumble 100 v3...

I have been very happy with this amp for the limited set of scenarios in which I use it:

• Rehearsals (full bands with drummers but reasonable rehearsal volumes)
• Live performances with low-volume ensembles in fairly small rooms (think small pubs/restaurants with acoustic trios, etc)

Here's what I like about it for these scenarios:

• It's really lightweight. I can literally lift and carry it with one finger...the smallest finger on my hand.
• Versitile EQ if you take the time to get to know it.
• Engaging the "Vintage" circuit and dialing up the "Gain" control gives me a really nice (I'll call it "tubey") character of tone. Fattens it up but doesn't muddy it up.
• It can get pretty loud. Loud enough for the scenarios I mentioned with some headroom left over.
• The price is right.
• I like the way it looks.

What I don't like:

• The "DI" output level changes when you change the "Volume" control.

Your mileage may vary. I suggest going and playing one...preferably somewhere where you can spend a little time with it.

Hope this helps!

 

[stringthrough]

Probably already suggested, the GK MB110 at 21 lbs.

 

[jthisdell]

Just my observations re: The Fender Rumble 100 v3...

What I don't like:

• The "DI" output level changes when you change the "Volume" control.

That is why it is advertised as a "line out XLR" and not a DI. Looks like a DI but works differently. I have a Rumble 150v2 head and used the "line out" successfully many times but it is good to keep in mind that changes you make after set up go through to the FOH.

 

[Nightman]

Forgot to mention check out Ed Friedland, the bass whisperer on YouTube for a review. He thinks they're great, therefor they are! I was surprised to see GC is carrying them. Though I doubt you'll see too many in stores.

I just saw the video on these combos and I was amazed at what they can do!! Yep, gonna sell some of my gear to get me one!!! Price is no object but my back sure is!!

 

[vision]

What I don't like:

• The "DI" output level changes when you change the "Volume" control.

Wait - the DI output changes when using the Gain or the master Volume? I understand the Gain, that would make it just a post EQ DI. But changing with the master volume could definitely be a problem. It's rare that I'm using the DI in these situations but it does happen...

 

[jthisdell]

Wait - the DI output changes when using the Gain or the master Volume? I understand the Gain, that would make it just a post EQ DI. But changing with the master volume could definitely be a problem. It's rare that I'm using the DI in these situations but it does happen...

I think the line out on all of the Rumbles is post everything. It is less of a problem if you understand it and are careful with any adjustments during a gig.

 

[heynorm]

When I don't feel motivated to lift I'll take my GK MB112 to use with a three-piece classic country band. It holds its own quite well. I do often use a Sansamp to give it a little beef.

 

[mc900ftj]

That is why it is advertised as a "line out XLR" and not a DI. Looks like a DI but works differently. I have a Rumble 150v2 head and used the "line out" successfully many times but it is good to keep in mind that changes you make after set up go through to the FOH.

Yes. It's definitely a variable line out. I don't use the Rumble for anything that has bass through the FOH, so it's not a big deal for me...but could be for others.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Fender Rumble 100 IT IS A COMBO
22 lbs. Great tone, plenty of volume.

 

[Tom Howland]

Rumble V3 200.
200 watts
1x15 speaker.
22 pounds.

 

[tallboybass]

Rumble V3 200.
200 watts
1x15 speaker.
22 pounds.

34 pounds.

 

[Eugene B]

TC Electronics. I play outdoor venues with it and records well direct.

My most-used amp for the past couple of years has been the TC Electronic BG250-112. It sounds pretty good on electric and surprisingly great on upright, and it's pretty light for its size. Issue is that it's ~35lb so still a bit heavier than you're looking for, and a bit bulky. Either way, I've been using it on the types of gigs that you mentioned and it has always been an easy time.

 

[JakobT]

Wait - the DI output changes when using the Gain or the master Volume? I understand the Gain, that would make it just a post EQ DI. But changing with the master volume could definitely be a problem. It's rare that I'm using the DI in these situations but it does happen...

The XLR out on the Rumble series is post-everything, including master volume. The idea behind it is that it should emulate mic'ing your amp as closely as possible. So it's not a DI, just think of it as mic'ing your amp.

 

[TheDominoKid]

My vote is for the TC's. Great lil' amps.

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Plus you get the added bonus of a footswitch (bought separately) and all the toneprint capabilities.

 

[fourtet102]

My most-used amp for the past couple of years has been the TC Electronic BG250-112. It sounds pretty good on electric and surprisingly great on upright, and it's pretty light for its size. Issue is that it's ~35lb so still a bit heavier than you're looking for, and a bit bulky. Either way, I've been using it on the types of gigs that you mentioned and it has always been an easy time.

Here's quick demo of its DI capabitilies. I think I only used compressor tonerprint there.

 

[PJ Bassthumper]

I had a chance to play a Markbass CMD 151P Jeff Belin with a full drum kit, 3 guitars, a keyboard player, and a sax player. I was so blown away. 300W @ 39lbs. It put my Ashdown Mag 300 to shame and the Ashdown weighs 89lbs. If it was me in your situation that is the amp I would buy. They aren't cheap at around $1100 but wow that is without a doubt the sweetest combo I have ever heard.