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Best lightweight combo amp under 35 pounds

John D Harris

John D Harris

aka UFO
Jan 19, 2003
10,725
4,312
SW, OK
www.bandmix.com
#1
I'm looking mainly at the newer GK Fusion or Legacy 112 combos.

I'm just wondering what else is out there that competes with them, that has a decent DI out and can produce a decent, solid low 'B'.

The GK Fusion or Legacy 115 is right on the cusp at just over 40 and 39 pounds respectively.

The Quilter BassDoc 112 with a BB803 looks very tempting, but it's pushing up to about 41 pounds (sonically, I'm very tempted though).

I don't think I want a Rumble, they seem to not be put together very well (not saying they aren't decent combos or worth the money).

Thanks in advance!
 
#2
John D Harris said:
I'm looking mainly at the newer GK Fusion or Legacy 112 combos.

I'm just wondering what else is out there that competes with them, that has a decent DI out and can produce a decent, solid low 'B'.

The GK Fusion or Legacy 115 is right on the cusp at just over 40 and 39 pounds respectively.

The Quilter BassDoc 112 with a BB803 looks very tempting, but it's pushing up to about 41 pounds (sonically, I'm very tempted though).

I don't think I want a Rumble, they seem to not be put together very well (not saying they aren't decent combos or worth the money).

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
What are your budget constraints and tonal goals?

If weight is the main criteria, nothing can beat GR Bass:

AT Cube 350: 7,2 Kg - 15.9 lbs
AT Cube 500: 7,8 Kg - 17.2 lbs
AT Cube 800: 9 Kg - 19.8 lbs

They sound excellent, uncolored if it's what you're after. Very balanced accross all frequency spectrum, tight, detailed and articulate.

----------------

If you like the warm tone of the Quilter 803 but not the weight of the BassDoc 12, you can pair it with a Barefaced Super Compact and you stay well under 35 pounds, but will you still can that a combo?

----------------

The Fender Rumble offer great value for the money. I have no report of "no being well put together", they seem solid IMHO. I don't like their tone (I think they are too heavily mid scooped and sound a "muddy") - but a lot of people love them. Maybe you should try?

----------------

The Ampeg RB-112 is well under 35 pounds as well.

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Markbass also has several combos under 35 pounds.
 
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#3
MarkBass has a diverse line of combo amps, some well under 30 lbs with 500 watt power amps. They are competitive with GK or GR at a more reasonable price, IMHO. Well worth a good look.
I own Aguilar and Mesa amps as well as MarkBass. I love all of them BUT there is greater price/performance value in my MarkBass gear. Again, just IMHO so give a listen for yourself.
 
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#4
gtirard said:
What are your budget constraints and tonal goals?

If weight is the main criteria, nothing can beat GR Bass:

AT Cube 350: 7,2 Kg - 15.9 lbs
AT Cube 500: 7,8 Kg - 17.2 lbs
AT Cube 800: 9 Kg - 19.8 lbs

They sound excellent, uncolored if it's what you're after. Very balanced accross all frequency spectrum, tight, detailed and articulate.

----------------

If you like the warm tone of the Quilter 803 but not the weight of the BassDoc 12, you can pair it with a Barefaced Super Compact and you stay well under 35 pounds, but will you still can that a combo?

----------------

The Fender Rumble offer great value for the money. I have no report of "no being well put together", they seem solid IMHO. I don't like their tone (I think they are too heavily mid scooped and sound a "muddy") - but a lot of people love them. Maybe you should try?

----------------

The Ampeg RB-112 is well under 35 pounds as well.

----------------

Markbass also has several combos under 35 pounds.
Click to expand...
My budget is whatever I save up for, but it might take a while.

[I think my healthcare cost is going up this next year, so that will slow me down.]

Sonically, I like the sound of my bass guitar (Cort B5 Element w/EB Cobalt Flats), solid, punchy, and I run my on-board preamp to be on the warmer side with less zing.

I need to see what out there online, audio/video wise with regard to the GR Bass combos, as there's nowhere close to audition them.

If I were to spend Barefaced kind of money, I'd probably just go ahead and get something from GR Bass (I think the Super Compact is probably a bit more efficient and bigger sounding than the GR Bass comparable cabs, but the GRB's are just so dang light)!

I need to listen to Markbass as well. Their older stuff I wasn't that impressed with, but I would think they've improved since I last heard them (10 years back).

Thanks for the suggestions!
 
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#5
SJan3 said:
MarkBass has a diverse line of combo amps, some well under 30 lbs with 500 watt power amps. They are competitive with GK or GR at a more reasonable price, IMHO. Well worth a good look.
I own Aguilar and Mesa amps as well as MarkBass. I love all of them BUT there is greater price/performance value in my MarkBass gear. Again, just IMHO so give a listen for yourself.
Click to expand...
I will have to check out the newer stuff, it's been a long time since I listened to them.

Thanks for the suggestions!
 
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#7
I love my Genzler Magellan 350. It's about 23 pounds and puts out 175 watts at 8 ohms through a 10" woofer and 4 midranges in an array. Bought an extension cab for when I need all 350 watts.

Costs a little less than a Fender American Performer series jazz bass
 

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#13
I don’t know if they available in your area but a Darkglass combo would be awesome.

I own an Ampeg RB 112 and I’m very satisfied with it but the Darkglass is by far better in every aspect.

The GK would also be a good choice IMO. Not as good sounding as the Darkglass but good enough but more robust though.

www.darkglass.com

Infinity 500 Combo 112

The Darkglass Infinity 1x12 combo amp is a revolutionary bass amplifier that redefines tonal possibilities. 500W 1x12 digital combo amplifier Darkglass VMT, B3K, and Alpha Omega drive voices Sub octave with filter and blend Compressor with adjustable position (pre/post drive) Graphic EQ tuned...
www.darkglass.com www.darkglass.com
 
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#17
Gervais Cote said:
I don’t know if they available in your area but a Darkglass combo would be awesome.

I own an Ampeg RB 112 and I’m very satisfied with it but the Darkglass is by far better in every aspect.

The GK would also be a good choice IMO. Not as good sounding as the Darkglass but good enough but more robust though.

www.darkglass.com

Infinity 500 Combo 112

The Darkglass Infinity 1x12 combo amp is a revolutionary bass amplifier that redefines tonal possibilities. 500W 1x12 digital combo amplifier Darkglass VMT, B3K, and Alpha Omega drive voices Sub octave with filter and blend Compressor with adjustable position (pre/post drive) Graphic EQ tuned...
www.darkglass.com www.darkglass.com
Click to expand...
Does it sound better than the RB112?
 
#19
Lots of wonderful suggestions thus far, but +1 for GR Bass if you can save up for it. :)

Everything I've heard or read has been overwhelmingly positive, and there's no beating the weight. Plus a 5-year warranty is one of the best going. Oh, and they just look so damn cool to boot.

I am trying to save for either a combo or active cab (probably a 12" or 2x10"), and I'm certain it will take care of 98% of my gigging needs.
 
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