Combo Bass Amp Question

[Ericgh]

Hi all!!! Longtime member. I have a question for you....

I'm looking for a small, but powerful combo bass amp. I have a MarkBass 15-in, but I'm missing the high end from it when I want that snap. I figure it's because it doesn't have a tweeter.

So I'm looking at another option. The Hartke amps (either the 500-watt 1x12 or 1x15) seem to be perfect, but neither has a tweeter. Reviews say that the type of cone they have gives you the crisp high end you want, but does it really?

Or.....should I investigate adding a MarkBass cabinet to my combo that HAS a tweeter (that's how my big stage rig is.....a combo 1x15 with a cabinet that has 2x10 cones and a tweeter)?

Thank you all in advance. I enjoy the information we all get here.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Hi all!!! Longtime member. I have a question for you....

I'm looking for a small, but powerful combo bass amp. I have a MarkBass 15-in, but I'm missing the high end from it when I want that snap. I figure it's because it doesn't have a tweeter.

So I'm looking at another option. The Hartke amps (either the 500-watt 1x12 or 1x15) seem to be perfect, but neither has a tweeter. Reviews say that the type of cone they have gives you the crisp high end you want, but does it really?

Or.....should I investigate adding a MarkBass cabinet to my combo that HAS a tweeter (that's how my big stage rig is.....a combo 1x15 with a cabinet that has 2x10 cones and a tweeter)?

Thank you all in advance. I enjoy the information we all get here.

Hey Ericgh, if you don't get an answer here, which you likely will, stop by the Combo Club thread and post your question there. Combo experts are standing by, well they're actually fingerpainting right now, waiting to respond to your question. I'll give it a try,

I used to own the famous 1-12 Markbass combo and the piezo tweeter was so hissy and unmusical, I cut the wires from it and said goodbye forever. I'm guessing you have the Jeff Berlin non-tweeter model, correct? If so, that was intended as JB doesn't believe in tweeters, but I do believe Markbass does produce a 1-15 combo that includes a compression tweeter and probably sounds a lot nicer than the cheapy piezo. So a trade-up might suffice.

Otherwise, if you're looking for a newer, different tone, there are plenty of brands who do include a working tweeter, Ampeg and Fender being just two of them. I've not had the pleasure of playing through a Hartke yet, but understand the hydrive combos are fairly articulate in the higher frequencies and don't need a dedicated tweeter. You'll have to audition one to find out if you like it or not.

I'd say if you love the Markbass tone, look at the many models they offer to find one more to your liking. If you're looking for something else, begin lurking TB, read opinion articles, and try to play a few if you can. You're entering a fun time in the hopes of finding an improvement to what you currently own. Swing by the Combo Club and display a picture of your amp. I'll give you a membership number, and if you hurry, it's a very special one!

 

[musicman7722]

I too use a MB 15" amp. It is the inexpensive Jeff Berlin players model. very light.
I play a Steinberger Synapse 5 string with a humbucker and the treble it puts out is fine. Have you tried a guitar through if. It is possible it isn't the speaker but the bass signal?

Maybe.

[This invalid link has been removed]

 

[Djadja]

check out the Genzler combos. You can choose between the 110 bass array (very cool) or the MG12T more traditional with a great tweeter.

 

[Al Kraft]

I own some GK amps and cabs, but not one of their combos. However, I suspect the basic component/combo voicing is similar. GK might not be your sound, but it usually has upper presence you can dial up or down and IME GK gear is specifically voiced to not get lost in a mix.

 

[SJan3]

Hi all!!! Longtime member. I have a question for you....

I'm looking for a small, but powerful combo bass amp. I have a MarkBass 15-in, but I'm missing the high end from it when I want that snap. I figure it's because it doesn't have a tweeter.

So I'm looking at another option. The Hartke amps (either the 500-watt 1x12 or 1x15) seem to be perfect, but neither has a tweeter. Reviews say that the type of cone they have gives you the crisp high end you want, but does it really?

Or.....should I investigate adding a MarkBass cabinet to my combo that HAS a tweeter (that's how my big stage rig is.....a combo 1x15 with a cabinet that has 2x10 cones and a tweeter)?

Thank you all in advance. I enjoy the information we all get here.

I'd absolutely add another Markbass cab with a teeeter. They have at least 3 different 2x10"s with a tweeter. And don't buy into the harshness of the piezo on an extension cabinet as they have a variable control and your head has the VLE, both which can attenuate the tweeter to your liking. Or, you can add another Markbass 15" with a tweeter.

 

[Al Kraft]

...as they have a variable control and your head has the VLE, both which can attenuate the tweeter to your liking

Excellent points if the cab is essentially to your liking but the tweeter voicing is a little more present or harsher/brighter than you want. I would say this advice applies to buying any cab and not just a Markbass cab.

 

[Yahboy]

Tech 21 VT200 bass combo.

The bite button + hissless horn tweeter cover those upper mid to treble voice range beautifully.

 

[96tbird]

You want “snap” right? Forget the tweeter question and Boost mids. All that lies in the top end is a bit of clarity. All the grunt is in the mids.

Everybody scooping mids because it sounds cool in the woodshed. It doesn’t cut through in the mix. Heavy mid bumps sound kinda bad alone but in the mix you’re killing it.

 

[SJan3]

Excellent points if the cab is essentially to your liking but the tweeter voicing is a little more present or harsher/brighter than you want. I would say this advice applies to buying any cab and not just a Markbass cab.

The Markbass 102P is a wildly popular cabinet. It has a piezo with a variable attenuater.
Super light, handles lots o power and supplements a 15" nicely.
If you really can't live with the piezo, look to the MM 102 or the
102HF.

 

[SJan3]

Also, the NY151 or NY121D2 should stack perfectly with the Berlin combo. Both have tweeters.

 

[BarfanyShart]

Fender Rumble ... I'll show myself out ...

 

[TrevorG]

[This invalid link has been removed]

Had the same question once and this was the answer! Tight and punchy enough for me and everyone that's heard it. Tweeter suits me but I'm old and don't find tweeters shrill at all(so you'd better decide for yourself).
I use it with a 102P but it will sit with anything well IMHO!

 

[RabidMusic]

Just a way out of the box suggestion, but you could consider adding a 2 way powered PA cabinet.

 

[Chapster]

You want “snap” right? Forget the tweeter question and Boost mids. All that lies in the top end is a bit of clarity. All the grunt is in the mids. Everybody scooping mids because it sounds cool in the woodshed. It doesn’t cut through in the mix. Heavy mid bumps sound kinda bad alone but in the mix you’re killing it.

I think that's one of the hardest truths that a bassist discovers with time. I mean, guitarists need to learn that too, but who the hell cares about them...

Fender Rumble ... I'll show myself out ...

My Ampeg BA-210 works pretty well too. Please hold the door for me as I follow you out...

 

[bassliner50]

I really like my Traynor Small Block 115. SB115. Lightweight, refined tone. 200 watts RMS. Comes in 10", 12" and 15" models.$500ish.

 

[LowActionHero]

I'll put in a vote for the GK MB115 (or the MB112).
I own 2 115s, my friend has a 112. Both are plenty loud and light.

 

[jmon]

Fender Rumble Stage 800. Telling you. This amp kills it. Especially with the 210 Ext Cab. Horns have attenuators which helps. This Rig retired my SVT-CL and 410. Light and powerful.