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Best combo in the ~25 lbs / ~12 kg class?

S

SneakerTrigger

Mar 12, 2013
27
0
#1
Hello!

So, i'm looking for a combo to fill in the gap between headphones and my 20Kg-Setup (Markbass LM3 + 1x15" Cab)

I had a Phil Jones Bass Cub, but i sold it because i didn't really like the sound ...

Desired Specs:

~150W (more would be ok, but not necessary)
~12kg/26lbs (the lighter the better, but there don't seem to be many around) ... absolutely no more than 13kg.

There are some around, but i don't really know any of them, so i'd just like to ask if anyone got some good advice ...
 
#8
Hmm the Carvin line seems cool, but you can't get it anywhere here in Germany, unfortunately ...

I also thought about trading in my Head and 15" for the MarkBass, but then again, the MarkBass might be a little too much for some situations ... like, if you play with an acoustic guitar and a violin only, or the like ...

@Joe Louvar
How does the MB110 hold up against other (predominatly un-amplified) Instruments?
 
#9
SneakerTrigger said:
@Joe Louvar
How does the MB110 hold up against other (predominatly un-amplified) Instruments?
Click to expand...

Good. Its not enough oomph to keep up with LOUD hard hitting rock/metal type drummers, but it hangs with dynamic mined drummers, percussion, and it easily hangs with un-amplified acoustic instruments, and etc. However, I've never used my MB110 in a concert orchestra setting, if that's what your asking. Its really powerful, but you can only ask so much from any ported 10" driver cabinet.

PS: Also I'm pretty sure the G-K MB110 is the smallest in size and lightest weighing high powered (100W) 10" speaker bass combo being sold on the market today.
 
#12
SneakerTrigger said:
Yeah, it's really compact ... the Phil Jones Bass Cub was rated 100W as well, but it couldn't really keep up to louder percussion and the like ... which is why i asked.
Click to expand...

Neither will the MB110, but my MB115 bass combo will - however, its 35lbs and much larger too. Your asking for to much from the really tiny lightweight combos.

Anyway, good luck with your search.
 
#14
I have owned several PJB/Phil Jones setups, including the Super Flightcase, a D600 head with (2) C4 cabs, and a bass cub for practice at home. I have previously owned a Markbass 121P and a GK 112. I had also tried the Markbass 1 x 8" combo for home practice and didn't like it at all.

A Phil Jones Flightcase or Super Flightcase will do a great job for many gigs, but all of this is really subjective based upon the type of music, other instruments/amplification, and the venue size. Can you give us a better idea of these things?

The Promethean line is a good value for small combos.

I've also heard an Eden "WTX264 & EX110 260W 1x10 Bass Amp Pack" that sounded amazing for the size. I've also heard the very rare 1 x 8 version and it was equally great. I'm not sure how the size/volume falls with your needs, but there is also a 1 x 12" version.

Good luck
 
#16
porterbass said:
based upon the type of music, other instruments/amplification, and the venue size. Can you give us a better idea of these things?
Click to expand...

Well, mostly for the smaller occasions ... basically where the bass needs to blend in with other un-amplified instruments to create a balanced sound without a PA.

So, not rock-oriented styles ... more like contemporary chamber music, klezmer, folk, and the like ...

Oh, and i mostly play 5-String, fretless. But i don't expect an amazing Low B, of course ;)

Think i'll try the TC BG250-208 next, seems most sympathic, apart from the Carvin MB10, which is not available in Germany, seemingly.
 
#19
If you already have a LMIII head, why not get a NY121 cab and use your current head with it? It'll offer you an adjustable tweeter and simular performance / low weight offering as the combo.
You can always add the NY121 to your regular rig and add another 3db plus the extra output headroom from your LMIII running into 4 ohms. I think it's probably the smartest thing to do in your circumstance. It also keeps your existing sound across all three load outs (1x12 / 1x15 / both)
 
#20
I've been revisiting this thread the last week or so.

I bought a G-K MB110 earlier this year, and it's a great micro-combo. The woodwork is much better than I would expect in this price class, and the cab is fully lined with fiberfill. The 4-band EQ is easy to dial in, and the amp has all of the features you would expect plus some nice extras (pre/post switching on the DI, switchable pad, and a scoop switch).

That said, I'm still on the fence about its performance with my 5-string basses. The B string is a little light, which I actually appreciate in some echoey venues where I use it. Also, the bass control doesn't have the same satisfying response as it does on my MB200 and MB800 heads. I've determined that this is due to the limited LF response of the lightweight 10" ceramic driver and the tiny 0.8 cu ft cab.

As I result, I've been revisiting this class, looking for another option.

To the amps already mentioned, I would add the 10" Fender Rumble V3 40, the 10" Traynor Small Block SB110 and SB112, and maybe the Ampeg BA108. All of these uber-lightweight small combos provide more tone per pound than you would expect, and extend our list to cover a price range from about $100 to over $1,000.
 
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