Buying a new amp and could really use advice!

[SuzyCreamcheese]

Hi all,

I've got quite a dilemma I'm torn between three combo amps and could you really use some help choosing I'm not much of an amp expert;

No. 1: Marshall MB4210

I tried it, liked the sound and price but noone seems to use Marshall is there a reason for that?
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Oh and I dont get the specifications ... Has it got a tube pre-amp or not?


No. 2: Ampeg BA300/115

It sounded good aswell but will the wattage be enough for gigging?
http://www.ampeg.com/products/bassamp/ba300/115.html

No. 3: Markbass Mini CMD 151P

Ugly as hell and price wise a bit more expensive. Although the sound it produces is astounding and unbeatable in portability and a nice "neutral" sound... Still ugly as hell
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Well what would you choose?

Thx in advance

 

[sleepy_monkey]

I would say Ampeg or MB...can't go wrong with either

 

[rappa29]

What's your intended usage? Casual jams, rehearsals, gigs, etc.

I don't care much for combos personally, but providing those details should get you some useful replies.

 

[etoncrow]

Please check these owner reviews:

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Bass+Amp

You might keep in mind the Ampeg B100R or B200R; it rated higher in user reviews than the BA series

 

[SuzyCreamcheese]

You might keep in mind the Ampeg B100R or B200R; it rated higher in user reviews than the BA series

That are those heavy grey "new" vintage Ampegs right? They look good but are very heavy and I heard there were some problems with them also will the watage do for decent gigging?

EDIT: The bass I use is a MIA Deluxe Fender Jazz Bass don't know if that changes anything

 

[etoncrow]

I believe they had some problems with the 200 series at first; the weight is comparable to the BA series. Anyway, check out the harmony central user reviews link I posted for you.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I've had a B-100R for years now. Love the amp but I don't use it for gigs. Too easily buried with the wrong musicians.

Sounds like you were impressed with the MB combo, if the looks bother you that much...

 

[SuzyCreamcheese]

I had a question concerning Marshall? amps. Has anyone owned one? Because the guy in the store told me that Marshall bass equals bad quality but then again he said the same about Ampeg and Markbass ...

 

[allexcosta]

Hmmmm... Between Marshall, Ampeg and Markbass?
I say GK.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I had a question concerning Marshall? amps. Has anyone owned one? Because the guy in the store told me that Marshall bass equals bad quality but then again he said the same about Ampeg and Markbass ...

Does he sell any of those brands?

 

[Fretlessboy]

will you be gigging or practicing with the amp purchased?

 

[SuzyCreamcheese]

will you be gigging or practicing with the amp purchased?

Gigging ... And to answer the question above the salesmen actually did sell those brands

 

[purfektstranger]

I just bought a used Markbass lm 151 combo (similar to the Jeff Berlin signature amp by Markbass). The thing has sound for days and is light and compact. I am not crazy about the one in your original post. To be honest, if I was buying new I would go for the Markbass Jeff Berlin or that Ampeg. Wattage will be plenty for gigs with either amp.


ps.....find another salesman because that one is full of it big time.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Gigging ... And to answer the question above the salesmen actually did sell those brands

And what is his recommendation?

 

[Haroldo]

What's got into you?

Why a combo?

Cheers, Haroldo

 

[SuzyCreamcheese]

And what is his recommendation?

A huge Hartke 400 Watt beast (amp and cabinet, no combo). But it was way too heavy and wasnt really fond of the sound it produced.

What's got into you?

Why a combo?

Well I need the portability for gigging since most of the time I take the public transportation ... That and I find it easy having the 2 in 1 thing

 

[Brad Johnson]

A huge Hartke 400 Watt beast (amp and cabinet, no combo). But it was way too heavy and wasnt really fond of the sound it produced.

Because of the quality advantage?

 

[dvh]

The Marshall is pretty big and heavy to be taking on public transit (33 kg = about 70 lbs). Dimensionally it's big too.

The Ampeg is 60 lbs. which is a lot to carry with one hand as well.

 

[SuzyCreamcheese]

Because of the quality advantage?

Apparently yes. He claimed that Ampeg and Marshall we're expensive junk and that you just pay for a name. Come to think of it he is not a good salesman ... at all. He did mention me that he bought himself a Hartke so maybe he was justifing his buy. Well the lesson in all of this is, never trust a 40year old man with a ponytail.

I also saw the Markbass mini CMD 112 in the store is that the same as the 15inch one just in 12inch?

 

[Luke73]

I'd get the MarkBass - hands down.