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Choosing an "almost all purpose" amp

#21
Thomann had a deal last year, Eden Terra Nova 500w head + 410 cab for €635. Can't see it avaliable now, but deals like that do exist. Take a look at the big retailers looking to shift stock. COVID is kinda your friend here, because with touring and gigging at a near standstill, demand for big speaker cabinets is WAY down and shops are keen to sell.

EDIT: here are a couple of options from Thomann currently avaliable:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] €728

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] €482

Peace,
SoundSupport
 
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#24
drpepper said:
"All-purpose" can certainly be different for different people...my circumstances are that essentially all full-band gigs are on ears, but I still want some amp with me. Over time, I've gone back and forth some as to the virtues of combos and separates.

Over the winter, I guess I was in a "convenience of combos" phase and considering Fender, Ampeg and Hartke and landed on the HD500. I totally dig the sound, clean, rich and punchy, and it has simple and effective controls/eq and a good DI. It's light (36 lbs) and compact enough and is a relatively easy carry. For me it has worked itself into the position of being "all-purpose". I haven't felt the need to run with a 112/head setup...the HD500 is bigger and heavier, but just not by that much and the the plug and go convenience puts it over the top. On the other end, I haven't and don't see myself feeling the need to run with a 212/head setup...the HD500 gets the job done, so why?
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I have a Genzler MG350/12T-V combo for my one hand grab and go. My gigs are about 95% DI/IEM. I've found that this little combo (27 pounds) is perfect for jazz combo gigs, singer/songwriter gigs, etc.

The reason I mentioned The B|Amp is because it really covers all the bass basics. I've debated going to one and using it for my In Ear gigs as well.
 
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#25
Just my $.02, but my Hartke HD508 is an absolute beast. It is really punchy and can get LOUD. It has a very useful EQ and also takes effects and preamps really well. If the HD 500 is anything like it, you will be loud and proud. @drpepper seems to really dig that HD500, and I have to agree about the convenience, weight, etc. I was truly surprised by the HD series. Might be worth checking out.
 
#27
Low Down Brown said:
Just my $.02, but my Hartke HD508 is an absolute beast. It is really punchy and can get LOUD. It has a very useful EQ and also takes effects and preamps really well. If the HD 500 is anything like it, you will be loud and proud. @drpepper seems to really dig that HD500, and I have to agree about the convenience, weight, etc. I was truly surprised by the HD series. Might be worth checking out.
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The wheels on it tempts me a lot. With the upright means two rides from the car to the stage but with EB gigs must be super comfy pushing it around.
 
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#29
No tolex or carpet in your price range narrows the options pretty fast. Offhand I can think of Peavey and Trace Elliot. In Europe I'd think an Ashdown Studio combo also would be worth a look. Lightweight and affordable but maybe not quite cat-proof.
 

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