• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Combo Amp Advice?

thandy

thandy

Mar 29, 2011
23
16
Nipomo, CA
#1
Hey folks, I would love your opinion on combo amps.
Is there such a thing as a decent quality combo that provides a good amount of power for most small/medium size venues both inside and outside? I looked at a used Peavey BAM 210. I loved the sound and the various effects but the weight scared me away. (95 pounds) I play in mostly jazz groups with some light rock and blues gigs as well. I usually play on a Fender Jazz using flats. I am trying to get a really warm sound that is balanced both high, medium, and low. It would be nice to be able to use it with my stand up as well (I know that is apples v. oranges) My usual stand up rig is a Phil Jones set-up and it is great for small inside venues, but fairly worthless for anything larger or outside.

A lot to ask I know. I realize that there are tons of variables. I am a fairly new player and live in an area where there are not a lot of options to try combos. Price is not an issue within reason. I would love some advice. Thanks!
 
#2
You've got lots of options available for good combos, many of which weigh in at just a fraction of the Peavey's heft. For example, the Fender Rumble 500 is just 36.5 pounds.

Your "outside" requirement may pose a bit of a challenge though, because typically, without some sort of PA support, you'll probably want as many watts as you can afford, and, ideally, more than just one speaker. If possible, consider getting an amp that has an XLR out which can feed a PA when one is available.

I profess to not being an expert on combos, and some more knowledgeable folks will be along shortly. My only combo is a Fender Bassman 150, which in my opinion is only suitable for the smallest of indoor gigs. but I have heard several players using Markbass combos -- both inside and outside -- and I really liked what I heard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Imaginary Pony
#5
Thanks folks. To really focus, I guess I'm wanting a good BG combo that will give me some variables in sound. I have a little Workingman 100 combo that we mic for outside, but obviously, it's just not cutting it enough. Listened to the Fender 500 demonstration and it just seems too bright.
 
#6
I believe that a Fender Rumble 500 combo would suit all your needs remarkably well. Very flexible with the ability to add an 8 ohm extension speaker cabinet of your choice. The new Rumble 210 cabinet is a perfect match as it is the exact same size as the combo and contains the exact same compliment of drivers.
Invalid Link Removed
and
Invalid Link Removed
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mattrill, lowsideonacurve, Imaginary Pony and 3 others
#8
I'll second the Walkabout 12 combo.
Pro quality amp driving a very solid 12 + tweeter cab. 47lbs (amp is 13lbs), Great DI and ext cab out, runs stable down to 2 ohms. Amp section is removable. Great little tone machine.

Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2 combo is another possibility too. Not my thing personally, but solid amp technology mated to a good 1x12 cab.

Fender, Ampeg, GK all make very solid combo's as well. Plenty for you to consider.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MuthaFunk and vin*tone
#11
BlushResponse said:
I'm one of those Trace Elliot fan boys. The old combo amps are still out there. I recently picked up a GP12 SMX 2x10 combo for under $300 on Craigslist. It's on the heavy side, but most decent bass cabs will weigh you down some.
Click to expand...
I liked the British made TE's, but they were just too damned expensive for me to own. It will be interesting if Peavey can actually design and manufacture a true Trace tone machine.
 
#14
thandy said:
Thanks folks. To really focus, I guess I'm wanting a good BG combo that will give me some variables in sound. I have a little Workingman 100 combo that we mic for outside, but obviously, it's just not cutting it enough. Listened to the Fender 500 demonstration and it just seems too bright.
Click to expand...
Can't your existing cabinet use an external speaker?
Why not just get another cabinet for outside?
 
#16
I have a Genz Benz Contour 500 2x10 that I run with a Genz Benz 12t ext. It rocks
20150321_110702.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Joebone and matthewbrown
#17
Tried the Fender Rumbles, but liked the TC and GK combos much better. I now have one of each :)

I like the GK combos because they have powered extention cabs to go with them, which is much better than just driving an extra cabinet. You're not adding any power, just a speaker. So adding a powered cab is the way to go for when you need more volume. The GK 212-II with the powered cab would be fabulous. the 112 combo is tiny and weighs nothing so it's easy to carry around by itself.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Buzz E
#20
mmbongo said:
Tried the Fender Rumbles, but liked the TC and GK combos much better. I now have one of each :)

I like the GK combos because they have powered extention cabs to go with them, which is much better than just driving an extra cabinet. You're not adding any power, just a speaker. So adding a powered cab is the way to go for when you need more volume. The GK 212-II with the powered cab would be fabulous. the 112 combo is tiny and weighs nothing so it's easy to carry around by itself.
Click to expand...

I had Rumbles as well, both V2 and V3 versions and happily converted to the GK MB115 II with a powered cab. Soooo much more tone, character and versatility.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back