My .02¢, an Ampeg Micro VR half stack would be perfect for your situation. Though not a combo, it's very easy to carry, looks really cool and sounds great!
J!
J!
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Cheap, new, loud enough combo suggestions...
- Thread starter Inconnu
- Start date
I tried those a few times... the problem is... well, it tries to sound like my SVT, but it doesn't quite make it, so it seems frustrating to pay 6-700$ for it... Wouldn't be frustrating if I didn't have the SVT, though (if you follow me).
Hi!
I'm looking for something portable and affordable, to where the SVT is too big to carry...
I've tried quite a few amps and liked the Hartke A100 and the Gallien Krueger MB112 quite a bit, but I wonder if I should look into other models before making a move. Your suggestions, within the same price range NEW (I ain't got no patience for shopping around used gear, nor a good experience in that field), would be appreciated. My criteria : loud enough for a semi-quiet 3 piece band (amplified acoustic guitar and mellow drum), rather small package (no 24 inch wide combos please!), I'm not too picky on the weight (I'm in my mid-thirties and still strong enough).
well, perhaps the Carvin MB210 might work -here's a link [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Well, I'm going into territory you asked to avoid. You like the tone of the SVT. Anything that is inherently modern sounding just won't do for you then. I know you said stay away from used, but a Mesa Walkabout Scout 15" version is really hard to beat. But to stay under a grand you'll need to look at used. I own a vintage Ampeg V4, and have owned a Magnavox era SVT as well. Does the Mesa sound exactly like them? Nope. But it cops a vintage tone better than any modern combo I have come across.
The issue I have with Carvin is that the price seems low, then I most add the shipping fees to my home (I'm not in the States), which makes their amps, well, the same price or pricier then other amps I can actually try before buying... That's unfortunate...
I think you're going to have to bite the bullet and set your sights lower. SVT in a combo? Fuggetaboutit. Combos are by definition, a compromise between sound and portability. If you are unwilling to compromise on the sound, just forget about portability. I'll chirp in that I think the TC is a very reasonable compromise. Perfect? No. Reasonable? Yes.
A vote for one either the GK MB112 or 115. Yes, I know they are small, but the direct out makes so much sense. I own the 112 and I'm very happy with it. it also weighs NOTHING.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
I just saw a Carvin combo on sale it was a 2x10 and looked really nice I think it was on sale for less than $400.00
I love my Ibanez Promethean 5110. Alone there are 250 Watts, this is enoung for bar gigs and small venues. Together with the extension cab I have a much beefier sound, full 500 Watts and enough power for bigger venues.
For Ampeg - tone I use a Visual Sound "Jeckyl and Hyde" - stompbox, this one has a bass boost on the overdrive-section and a fine sound control. You can dial in every ammount of grit you want - and: real organic sounding!
The Promethean 5110 is about 16 KG, that'll be about 35 lbs.
For Ampeg - tone I use a Visual Sound "Jeckyl and Hyde" - stompbox, this one has a bass boost on the overdrive-section and a fine sound control. You can dial in every ammount of grit you want - and: real organic sounding!
The Promethean 5110 is about 16 KG, that'll be about 35 lbs.
I've got both the GK MB112 and a tc BG250. For smaller gigs and with the semi-quiet trio you described the MB112 would perfect. Great sound and a very small footprint for tight spaces. That's how I use mine and the BG250 gets the bigger louder gigs with a full scale band. I would suggest putting it up on an amp stand though instead of on the floor. You'll hear yourself much better.
You have been bitten badly by the tube bug and will not likely be satisfied with anything less. Unfortunately tube amplifiers are not cheap. I have a similar malady and have found the GK MB115 and Ampeg B100R to be usable. However, compared to tubes, both sound less full, less responsive and harmonically threadbare. They are just less so than most other non-tube small amp alternatives.
You could pick up a small tube guitar amp (20-30w) and use it with a bass cab. I have seen this done and it works quite well. With an efficient cab (GK 112 neo or Ampeg PF 115he). Such an amp can lay waste to 100-200w non-tube combos, especially in the setting and type of band you are talking about.
You could pick up a small tube guitar amp (20-30w) and use it with a bass cab. I have seen this done and it works quite well. With an efficient cab (GK 112 neo or Ampeg PF 115he). Such an amp can lay waste to 100-200w non-tube combos, especially in the setting and type of band you are talking about.
If you you really want tube and weight isn't an issue, how about the Orange Bass Terror Combo. It's 500w, 2x12, in an isobaric cabinet (ie, in a 1x12 footprint - one speaker in front of the other).
All good suggestions here! I play a Hartke A100 with satisfaction. Mostly in small rooms but have use the direct out to PA for outdoor gigs. If I were to replace it with another 1x15 combo, I'd probably go GK to save 15 lbs.
The TC BG250 looks tempting, but it's got too much "stuff" I don't need. I need simple -- A hammer has too many moving parts for me.
The TC BG250 looks tempting, but it's got too much "stuff" I don't need. I need simple -- A hammer has too many moving parts for me.
Yeah, the A100 just became not such a good deal... local dealer's retail price went up, in a signifiant way. I might check out GK or maybe those new Peavey Max... or go fishin' for a used deal somewhere...
