Combo amp vs. stack

[Lex Slade]

So far I've been lucky in my time as a bass player - Every practice space and almost every gig I've played has had some kind of bass amp, usually an Ampeg 8x10 with something like a Hartke or GK head. But there have been a few gigs I've played where I needed to bring my own amp, which is a crappy Rogue 50 watt combo (Mic'd or DI'ed through the PA).

I'm playing in two bands now (A punk band and a metal band) and getting more serious about my gear and I'm looking to upgrade my amp. I'd love to have a 4x10 or 8x10 Ampeg cab with an Ampeg or GK head, but living in NYC I have a few problems: Lack of space and lack of car, meaning getting my gear to and from gigs is a pain in the ass.

I know Ampeg makes combo amps, and seeing as I'd mainly be using it for bedroom practice and the occasional live gigs that seems like a good choice. But sound-wise do these combo amps hold up to even a 4x10?

 

[kdogg]

Really, any of the modern combos should do you better in, weight, tone, and over all volume compared to the Rogue you are currently playing. Fender, GK, and Ampeg all come to mind as manufacturers offering high quality, light weight, and powerful combos that you can one hand into a gig or up a flight of stairs. The Fender Rumble 500 Combo has two ten inch speakers, is crazy loud for its size, and weighs in at 36.5 lbs.

 

[Lex Slade]

Really, any of the modern combos should do you better in, weight, tone, and over all volume compared to the Rogue you are currently playing. Fender, GK, and Ampeg all come to mind as manufacturers offering high quality, light weight, and powerful combos that you can one hand into a gig or up a flight of stairs. The Fender Rumble 500 Combo has two ten inch speakers, is crazy loud for its size, and weighs in at 36.5 lbs.

36.5 pounds for a 2x12 isn't bad at all! I heard a demo on Youtube of the Fender Rumble and it sounds pretty badass. All my guitar amps are Fenders and it'd be cool to keep up the tradition with bass, but this is definitely a scenario where I'd have to go to a store and sit down and play with the different models.

And the hell, Ampeg makes a mini stack? Has anyone played this before? It's an interesting concept but I'd imagine you could get a lot more power out of a standard combo (If the mini-stacks Marshall made in the late 90's are any indication).

 

[JimmyM]

I've got one of the little Micro VR Ampeg rigs and it kicks ass and gets pretty decently loud. Might suggest subbing out the PF350 instead of the Micro VR, though...same price, same sound, more wattage. There are some combos out there that go louder, and Ampeg just released a 210 combo that will do like 285w as it sits and 450w with an extension cab. You're best just to go hit up the local music stores and play what they've got.

 

[iualum]

But sound-wise do these combo amps hold up to even a 4x10?

Really? No, really, I mean really? Uh ... no, they don't.

 

[iualum]

Really, any of the modern combos should do you (***edited by iualum*** ... much, m-u-c-h, much) better in, weight, tone, and over all volume compared to the Rogue you are currently playing. Fender, GK, and Ampeg all come to mind as manufacturers offering high quality, light weight, and powerful combos that you can one hand into a gig or up a flight of stairs. The Fender Rumble 500 Combo has two ten inch speakers, is crazy loud for its size, and weighs in at 36.5 lbs.

Or a Genz Benz Contour, 115 or 210. Absolutely excellent.

Also a T.C. Electronic BG-250, 115 or 210 (although it doesn't support an extension cab).

 

[Alexander]

If I were in your situation, I'd go with a small head that I could throw in my gig bag and a Bergantino CN212. You'll certainly get pretty close to 410 presence with that rig. Spendy - but worth it

 

[scottfeldstein]

If I were in your situation, I'd go with a small head that I could throw in my gig bag and a Bergantino CN212. You'll certainly get pretty close to 410 presence with that rig. Spendy - but worth it

Brands aside, I think I might do the same. A micro solid state head and a light 212 would get you more than half way to a 410 while still being able to fit in a cab.