Best combo on the market

[bigou]

Actually I have a cheap 60's bass that I rebuild but I planned to bought a Rickenbacker as soon as I can find one in good condition at a fair price.
I'm looking for a combo (100 watts minimum) to fit with that kind of bass. Any suggestion/experience are welcome.

 

[57pbass]

The one that works best for me is the Mesa Scout combo..its not the best out there - but I love mine....

 

[bassteban]

There's probably a 'best for you', though.
I imagine the Scout would work very well w/a Ric; I loved the Eden CXC-110 I once had(long story involving changing gigs). 200 watts IIRC, 1X10, 50 lbs or so. Good DI, 2 ohm capable, awesome tone.

 

[chroma601]

I am loving my Markbass CMP-102. I hear great things about their other combos. Lightweight, powerful, and clean. Standard disclaimers apply - I'm just a customer!

 

[shoot-r]

Bigou, The new Acoustic amps and combos that are at G.C. are getting great reviews. Acoustic has a combo 200, 1-15" and horn, 200 watts, xlr out, ect., .... $349.00

 

[Lowbrow]

I'll second the motion that the new Acoustics are great if you're on a budget.

BUT I didn't even begin checking out the Markbass stuff as it's over my spending limit. I did demo a bass on a 2x10 model which I tried not to pay too much attention to (didn't want to get GAS), but its excellent sound got my attention anyway. With more money to burn, that's where I'd look (sorry, Acoustic B200 -- I still think you sound GREAT!).

 

[jschwalls]

I'm lovin my MarkBass Jeff Berlin combo

 

[bongomania]

So, the real question is "what's the best cheap combo", right? No shame in that at all, but it's very different from asking for "the best on the market".

What is your actual maximum budget?

 

[vintageampeg]

Am I actually the first to say it? The Ampeg B100R - used you can find them for $300 or so, and that, IMHO is a GREAT combo deal.

Oh yeah.

 

[swpyne]

It all depends on what you need out of a combo amp.

I have owned many (EBS Drome, Hartke, SWR, Ampeg, Eden, Line 6, Roland etc.) but have settled on the newer tilt-back Fender Bassman 100.

It's small, lightweight (very important), has enough power (for me), has a switchable tweeter as well as a good built in DI. It simply works well and it's 10" speaker handles the low B on my Rob Allen MB-2 fretless 5 just fine.

Fender also makes a 150 watt version of this combo with a 12" speaker. I would seriously suggest checking one of these out.

If you are looking for a combo to use for Rock gigs check out the Eden Metro or the SWR Redhead. Both of these kick some serious booty but they cost a lot more, and they are bigger and much heavier.

 

[ggunn]

Check out the Ashdown combos as well.

 

[kirkm24]

Am I actually the first to say it? The Ampeg B100R - used you can find them for $300 or so, and that, IMHO is a GREAT combo deal.

Oh yeah.

If you can get a US one. I would step up into the B200 though.

 

[Lobster11]

Am I actually the first to say it? The Ampeg B100R - used you can find them for $300 or so, and that, IMHO is a GREAT combo deal.

Oh yeah.

"Oh yeah" indeed, but I've never seen one for $300. At that price I'd probably buy two -- and I've already got one. Monstrous tube-like tone, and more volume than you'd have any right to expect.

I've also got a little B50R (which I don't use much since I picked up the B100R), and have been tempted to complete the set with a B200R. However, there have been so many problems with the latter -- some of which have been fixed and others not -- that I'd be reluctant to go that route unless I was buying from someone I really trusted and/or could check it out thoroughly myself before buying.

 

[Jeff K]

I am loving my Markbass CMP-102. I hear great things about their other combos. Lightweight, powerful, and clean. Standard disclaimers apply - I'm just a customer!

Definitely not cheap, but it's the best combo that I've ever owned.

 

[Lobster11]

I am loving my Markbass CMP-102. I hear great things about their other combos. Lightweight, powerful, and clean. Standard disclaimers apply - I'm just a customer!

Now that the Markbass, as well as the Ampeg, has garnered more support, this is a reminder that you've gotta start thinking about the kind of tone you want. The Markbass was described as "clean," whereas the B100R is anything but that: It is designed to emulate a fat tube amp (specifically, an old B15). If you want "clean" then the MB sounds like the right choice; if you want an old-school tube-y sound then the the B100R can't be beat (in a combo).

 

[Rickman]

Sorry, no answers, but I have a Rick 4001 that I`m currently playing through a Trace Elliot 1x15 combo. The amp has served me well, I get a good sound but not "that" sound associated with a Rick. Anyone got any ideas as a replacement? I understand Hartke has a few combos with tube preamps as well as solid state. Would this help? My budget is around $1000 or £500 . Any replies would be most welcome.

 

[BassyBill]

Definitely not cheap, but it's the best combo that I've ever owned.

Same here. Best I've ever owned or tried, in fact.

 

[BassyBill]

Sorry, no answers, but I have a Rick 4001 that I`m currently playing through a Trace Elliot 1x15 combo. The amp has served me well, I get a good sound but not "that" sound associated with a Rick. Anyone got any ideas as a replacement? I understand Hartke has a few combos with tube preamps as well as solid state. Would this help? My budget is around $1000 or £500 . Any replies would be most welcome.

Yeah, maybe a Trace is not the ideal thing to get that classic Rick tone - although I'm not knocking Trace stuff, it does a great job for people who are after that sort of sound. I'd certainly be looking for something with 10's or 12's rather than a 15 to bring those Rick mids out nicely. That's probably more important than the actual brand. Go and try some stuff out and see what sounds good to you.

 

[deckard]

Definitely the Markbass CMD 102P - I've had mine a year & love it!!

 

[Jazzdogg]

Though technically not a combo, I wouldn't overlook the new Genz-Benz Shuttle gear; sounds great, and way more versatile than a traditional combo configuration.