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Best Lightweight Single Amp Solution

J

Jerk Store

Dec 10, 2008
34
0
Chicago
vids.myspace.com
#1
Here's my dilema. I'm moving into a new apartment soon, and the building does not have an elevator. I currently have an Ampeg SVT-3 Pro and AMpeg SVT410HLF cab. I love this rig, but I don't know if I can handle this thing up and down the stairs alone. My budget would be whatever I could sell the SVT-3 Pro and cab, plus a SWR Workingpro 15 for. I have been intrigued by the new GK Neo 1001/212 combo, but have never seen or heard one really.

Can anyone tell me if the GK combo would yield similar tonal possibilities to the Ampeg rig? I have been poking around all over TB and other online sites looking at amps, but can't seem to really find anything that might strike my fancy. Are there any other combos aside from Markbass, Eden, SWR, and Ashdown that I might have missed?
 
#2
GK and Ampeg are pretty divergent tone wise. They can make some of the same sounds, but typically are going to sound very different.

No cabinet on the market is going to sound quite like an SVT-410HLF, in my experience. The 610HLF sounds kinda similar. An Eden 210XST might come close to as low, I am not sure.

I would recommend you get a light head like a Shuttle, and a custom 115/6 from LDS. It's tough to do any better, and the Shuttle can do some similar sounds to the Ampeg. Get an airhead put in, and the rack kit for the Shuttle (or a LMII or whatever).
 
#3
Jerk Store said:
Here's my dilema. I'm moving into a new apartment soon, and the building does not have an elevator. I currently have an Ampeg SVT-3 Pro and AMpeg SVT410HLF cab. I love this rig, but I don't know if I can handle this thing up and down the stairs alone. My budget would be whatever I could sell the SVT-3 Pro and cab, plus a SWR Workingpro 15 for. I have been intrigued by the new GK Neo 1001/212 combo, but have never seen or heard one really.

Can anyone tell me if the GK combo would yield similar tonal possibilities to the Ampeg rig? I have been poking around all over TB and other online sites looking at amps, but can't seem to really find anything that might strike my fancy. Are there any other combos aside from Markbass, Eden, SWR, and Ashdown that I might have missed?
Click to expand...

Here's another one: http://www.traynoramps.com/products.asp?type=7&cat=64&id=413
These are described as being affordable and loud while having a somewhat thin bottom. I'll be getting one this summer (after I've read a few more reviews) and fattening it up with a Tech 21 VT Bass (a 'B-15N/SVT-in-a-box'): Invalid Link Removed
 
#7
Have you heard a Phil Jones Bass amp? They are th ultimate in lightweight equipment. I have the PJB Flightcase- 24 lbs. & 150 watts rms. Its pretty impressive. One word about them. They are very transparent. The sound coming out of your bass will be the sound coming out of the amp. They are also tiny. it has 4- five inch drivers. If your looking for portability you should check them out.
 
#8
Some have compared the LMII to ampeg tube type tone... though to me they are different. You might want to look into a LMII though warm and loud and only 6LBS.

However if you have to move gear up and down stairs I'd be more concerned with the cab since that will be quite the hassle to move.
 
#9
MIJ-VI said:
Here's another one: http://www.traynoramps.com/products.asp?type=7&cat=64&id=413
These are described as being affordable and loud while having a somewhat thin bottom. I'll be getting one this summer (after I've read a few more reviews) and fattening it up with a Tech 21 VT Bass (a 'B-15N/SVT-in-a-box'): Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

I tried the Traynor DB 300 combo with the matching 1x12" extension cabinet a little over a week ago. I also wrote a review of sorts in another thread as did another TBer.

In short and in my opinion, it's a very loud and quite light and easy to handle combo (45lbs. for the combo-25 lbs. for the extension cabinet), but it is a little shy on rumbling deep bass, if that's what you want. This combo and the extension will really stick your sound up front, which might be a good thing if you have to be heard on stage. The lack of really deep bass can be a big plus also.

It looks to be very well built and has the unbeatable Traynor warranty and being a Traynor, it should last a long time and be capable of taking some abuse. I'd buy one for regular gigging if I needed something that loud for the gigs I play these days. It's not in the same league as the Mesa Walkabout Scout for tone but it's a lot less money and the 1x12" combo is much easier to carry up a flight of stairs.

The GK combo is a nice sounding one too. I'd prefer its sound over the Traynor, but it too is more expensive and will be harder to handle on stairs.
 
#10
Thanks for all the excellent opinions, very helpful. After some research on the Tech 21 Bass VT, I decided to order one just because they seem very cool.

The Mesa Scout and Phil Jones combos seem interesting. Does anyone know what kind of volume I could expect from them. I usually gig at samll to medium sized bars (50-100 people) and sometimes outside events such as summer festivals and charity deals. I'm not sure if these combos would be able to crank out enough volume to be heard since PA support is not really an option.

Thanks again everyone.
 
#11
Here's my two cents...
I make a living playing music as a Church Music Director and gigging musician. I use a Ampeg Portabass 250 head and 210 cab day in and day out to a congregation of up to 600 people at a time. The Portabass rig is a workhorse, sounds great and has never failed me. Four, five, six, fretless, upright doesn't matter. And, I don't go through a house system. Sometimes things can be over thought. Man, just keep it simple. I use a separate Ampeg Portabass 800 and 210 cab on my secular gigs. Again, a workhorse powerhouse and I go through the PA with that setup. But, it still rocks the stage on its own. There are other great lightweight amps out there and I'm not even sure if the Portabass stuff is still made. I just know that some people are gearheads and they spend more time trying to get their sound from endless equipment acquisitions and less time getting their tone from their hands, heart and mind. Does the average church goer, bar fly, wedding guest, bar mitzvah guest give two shakes about our rigs? I doubt it. Just go with a quality, name brand and economical light weight rig, save your money and your back and then practice everyday. This comes from a guy that actually has worn out gear...SWR, Eden, Hartke, Ampeg, you name it, I've probably worn it out or fried it. It all breaks eventually, and I guarantee you that know one that heard you will ever remember or appreciate the fact that you vacillated or split hairs over the minimal differences in the sound of those amp/speaker choices. Hopefully, they were moved by the dynamics and note choice of your playing style! Now go play your bass...
 
#12
Jerk Store said:
Thanks for all the excellent opinions, very helpful. After some research on the Tech 21 Bass VT, I decided to order one just because they seem very cool.

The Mesa Scout and Phil Jones combos seem interesting. Does anyone know what kind of volume I could expect from them. I usually gig at samll to medium sized bars (50-100 people) and sometimes outside events such as summer festivals and charity deals. I'm not sure if these combos would be able to crank out enough volume to be heard since PA support is not really an option.

Thanks again everyone.
Click to expand...
Between the Mesa Scout and the phil Jones I'd definitely choose the Mesa Scout. YMMV
 

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