I'm looking into purchasing an elf as well for a bedroom amp. I am more than happy to have my markbass combo 3 10s and 500watts in a portable package XLR and effects loop i didn't see a point in spending more for the exact same thing but a loose head sitting on top of a cab with excess cords and cables.
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Combo or head+cab for beginner
- Thread starter Taz302
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I'm looking into purchasing an elf as well for a bedroom amp. I am more than happy to have my markbass combo 3 10s and 500watts in a portable package XLR and effects loop i didn't see a point in spending more for the exact same thing but a loose head sitting on top of a cab with excess cords and cables.
Combos used to make sense, but now that a head fits in a gig bag, and weighs 1.5 kilos, heads make more sense.
Concerning overkill- Every amp has a volume control.
Concerning overkill- Every amp has a volume control.
Ampeg BA 115 Version 1, or better yet version 2. You will most likely have it forever and it will serve you well, trust me.
JeezyMcNuggles
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- Feb 23, 2018
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TC Electronics BG250-112 combo TC Electronic BG250-112 250W 1x12 Bass Combo Amp Toneprint Black NEW! #BG250112 | Blues Angel Music | ReverbHello! This is my first message on this forum and English is not my main language. Thank you!
I have been learning bass for a few months. I currently have a Fender Rumble 25 but I mainly use a Digitech module to play with headphones and my computer. I would like to use another amplifier but I can't decide if I should take a combo or a head + cab. Mainly, I would like to use the head with my computer and the headphones to have a better "tone". In the future, of course I'll add a cab when necessary.
On the other hand, if I need to play at home without headphones I am afraid that the head + cab is overkill.
I also wouldn't want too small a combo if I play with friends (including a drummer). I don't want to buy stuff that won't last for my needs, I prefer a good choice first.
I have no problem buying used.
What do you think? Will a cab (not a big one) sound nice at home even at low volume?
D
Omg, first thing is first,
It doesn’t matter your preferred bass or pickup setup, find a pre amp that your happy with. I found the ampeg src di. It gives that nice ampeg sound for recording first off. Secondly it blends well with my carvin red line amp and my SWR amp that i run in tandem with each other.
The point is is that my pre amp sets my tone for whatever bass i play and carries through to either my DAW OR my amp speaker system.
It doesn’t matter your preferred bass or pickup setup, find a pre amp that your happy with. I found the ampeg src di. It gives that nice ampeg sound for recording first off. Secondly it blends well with my carvin red line amp and my SWR amp that i run in tandem with each other.
The point is is that my pre amp sets my tone for whatever bass i play and carries through to either my DAW OR my amp speaker system.
This + the whole expandable dynamic..combo is a step but then why take a small step when you take a giant leap for the same money..(used)
If you enjoy the fender tone then I suggest a rumble 200 and later an extention 1x15 cabinet, but i doubt you'll be able to find that rig for $500. If you aren't set on fender tone and are looking for a good quality and value product, i suggest finding a used Traynor yba200-2 and a Traynor 1510 cab, later if you need more volume add another 1510. It's safe to run this head at 2 ohms on the 4 ohm setting, but not all heads can do a 2 ohm load, and these cabs only come in a 4 ohm configuration.
This Traynor rig could realistically be the only rig you would ever need, keep the rumble 25 for house use and the Traynor for band practice and gigs. Always have a cabinet attached to this head, it will blow up otherwise. An average price on the used market would be about $300 for the head and $350 for the cab.
There is a trend lately in bass gear that makes you think that your head should weigh 4 pounds and your cabs should be 20. I don't agree. Class d sounds sterile to me. But use the trend to your advantage, buy gear that is a little heavier (41 lbs for a 200 watt all tube head is nothing) and save money in the process. Ignore those that say don't mix driver sizes, who cares about some frequency cancelation? I promise these cabs sound great. Enjoy!
This Traynor rig could realistically be the only rig you would ever need, keep the rumble 25 for house use and the Traynor for band practice and gigs. Always have a cabinet attached to this head, it will blow up otherwise. An average price on the used market would be about $300 for the head and $350 for the cab.
There is a trend lately in bass gear that makes you think that your head should weigh 4 pounds and your cabs should be 20. I don't agree. Class d sounds sterile to me. But use the trend to your advantage, buy gear that is a little heavier (41 lbs for a 200 watt all tube head is nothing) and save money in the process. Ignore those that say don't mix driver sizes, who cares about some frequency cancelation? I promise these cabs sound great. Enjoy!
Good point about the small size of new heads. It's a lot easier than it used to be.
I was torn between a Rumble 500 and an Ampeg BA-210. Both sound great - but i went with the Ampeg, for a few reasons - front controls, tilt back option, which IMO, really makes a difference with room sonics, a tougher front grill cover and the scrambler option. However, it's about 10-12 lbs heavier than the Fender, so if weight is a concern, the Rumbles are a lot lighter, and sound really good. If you have a bad back, the Rumbles are a good move.
Nah, 350 watts is way more than plenty. I'm not trying to hurt anybody.
