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Best combo in the sub-$1k arena?

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by mrpillow, Jun 27, 2008.

  1. Jun 27, 2008 #1
    mrpillow

    mrpillow

    Jun 1, 2008
    Montgomery, TX
    It's finally come time that I need to get a decent amp for jamming, practice, small gigs, etc. For awhile I just played through the monitors in our studio but obviously that doesn't cut it for mobility.

    I'm looking to spend $1k or less, maybe a tad more if it's really worth it. I play alot of rock, progressive, with a smidgen of jazz and funk thrown in. I like something that compliments the mid-range growl of my Stingray, something that can OD a bit, get gritty, etc. Nice and thick in the mids, tight in the bass, with just a hint of shimmer in the highs. Dirty, but still clean and hi-fi if that makes sense...

    Needs to be loud enough for jamming with a drummer and a guitarist who rocks a Mesa Road King on a 2x12. I was thinking in the range of 600w or so. Needs to be able to handle a low B and still sound great.

    A built in compressor would be nice, but is not my top priority at this point.

    I was looking at the GK 1001RB/Neo 2x12, the Carvin BR610, the Ashdown 2x10 EVO II, and the SWR WorkingPro 2x10.

    I'm lusting for the Mesa M-pulse Venture 2x12, but obviously thats a bit more than I'd like to spend.
     
  2. Jun 27, 2008 #2
    jw319901

    jw319901

    Jan 29, 2008
    Cincinnati, OH
    Any reason why you're just looking at combos?
     
  3. Jun 27, 2008 #3
    mrpillow

    mrpillow

    Jun 1, 2008
    Montgomery, TX
    Hmmm, not really. However, judging from the prices of heads and cabs it seems I could get a better setup for the money with a dedicated combo vs getting a head and a good cab to match, or am I incorrect in this?

    If you have something thats not a combo to recommend, please, feel free.
     
  4. Jun 27, 2008 #4
    Joe Nerve

    Joe Nerve Supporting Member

    Oct 7, 2000
    New York City
    Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
  5. Jun 27, 2008 #5
    mrpillow

    mrpillow

    Jun 1, 2008
    Montgomery, TX
    Awesome! If I decide the GK is the way to go, I'll be sure to hit you a PM. Would still like some other input and opinions in the meantime though.
     
  6. Jun 27, 2008 #6
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    Well, if you're lusting after a Venture, why not a Walkabout Scout. It's in your range, does all the stuff you listed, minus the comp, and the head is removeable for use with other speaker cabs, an easy upgrade, later. Huh, (?), how about it? There's one here, (Dallas), for less than a grand, and I'm sure if you poke around a bit, you'll find one. Good luck.
     
  7. Jun 27, 2008 #7
    jw319901

    jw319901

    Jan 29, 2008
    Cincinnati, OH
    Maybe a MarkBass combo. Always more options with used gear if you're not opposed.
     
  8. Jun 27, 2008 #8
    GregC

    GregC Questlove, Black Thought, Hamilton Gold Supporting Member

    Jan 19, 2007
    NC
    +1. I love my Scout, and it really fits your tonal parameters--gets gritty (more than the Venture combo, I'm told) and can do plenty of mids. You can find used combos for under a grand, easily. There have been several sold in the Classifieds recently. This one might be still available.

    http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=441212&highlight=walkabout
     
  9. Jun 27, 2008 #9
    CBBass123

    CBBass123

    Oct 18, 2005
    Texas
    I recently bought a Fender bassman 250/210 and its a bad mama jamma. Its got a great EQ, especially for mids. It sounds nice...and gets really loud and if you wanted to go louder...its got a great DI with level output. I use it to practice quietly as well with its RCA CD inputs and headphone jack.
    CB