• 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 Recommendation?

#23
A couple years ago I was looking for a used combo for band practice. I stumbled upon a great local deal on a used Fender Bassman 150.

I was shocked at how good it sounds, and I've never had any volume issues with it (loud or soft). Even played some decent-sized gigs with it, and it always delivers.

It has a compressor, 3-band EQ w/ dual parametric mid, contour knob, DI with level control, 3-position tweeter control, headphone and aux jack, effects loop, and dedicated tuner out. It also has a kickback/monitor design, which I find especially useful.





Invalid Link Removed
 
#24
KenD said:
That's a really nice rig and some great players use them (e.g. Gary Willis) but I'm thinking much smaller and more compact.
Click to expand...
Its interesting. I did the same search you’re doing, looking for something smaller with good tone. I ordered a Phil Jones combo a while back since there’s not much smaller than that. Turns out, that tiny little amp weighed 40lb! It was uncomfortably heavy for such a tiny amp. The tone was just okay. I ended up just using my Aguilar rig with only 1 cabinet on its side (did I mention that a single cab is 25lb?) when space was limited. It’s hard to find anything much lighter than the SL112 cab that has any decent tone.

I also tried the GK combos. The MB112 combo wasn’t bad but it couldn’t keep up at loud volumes. A slightly smaller footprint than one Aguilar speaker set on its side, but still 30lb.

Some of the Markbass combos are also smaller footprint but still in the 30-35lb range.

Good luck with the search. It’s not an easy one.
 
#25
The Traynor SB112 was suggested, but I actually prefer the Traynor SB110 - smaller form factor and sounds better IMO. I've had both. I use the SB110 with my electrics and my double bass. When I purchased it I was actually intending to buy a GK MB150, but the Traynor sounded so much better IMO.

One caveat - you can't add an extension speaker to either of the Traynor SB's.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dralionux
#26
I upgraded my Ampeg BA115v2 to a BA210v2 when the Rocket series was phasing them out. Since COVID I've only gigged it a few times, but it's been rock solid. I've used the 115 for about 9 years with a five piece, 2 drummers and a sax player (small and medium gigs) and it's been great. I went for the 210 for a little more punch. I did try a Rumble 100 as a lightweight practice amp, ended up returning it - just couldn't keep up. Loved the size and weight of the Rumble. The BA series has the wedge option, I haven't used it yet. I play some guitar in my band and set my guitar amp on top of the Ampeg. It's pretty basic and works well. I get a useable sound from the XLR DI for recording in the studio (I plug a headset into the headphone jack to bypass the speaker - works great).
 
#30
@Bent77 won't recommend the Rumble v3 series, but I will. I own three of them -- 40, 100, and 500 -- and think they're the best value on the market today and definitely light weight. If you like 15" speakers, check out the Rumble 200. I know you said money is no object, but why spend more than you need to?
 
  • Like
Reactions: logdrum and FronTowardEnemy
#31
tb-player said:
Would you consider only combos? Because my Aguilar TH500 with 2 SL112s is compact and lightweight. With my bass in a gig bag, I can load in with one trip (the cabs are 25lb each). And the tone is spectacular. I’ve owned Bergantino, Genzler, Hartke, Phil Jones, Vanderkley, GK and SWR. None of them hit me like the Aguilar did.

View attachment 4673696
Click to expand...

How big of a gig do you need 2 for vs 1 of these? I am considering getting one
 
#32
BobDeRosa said:
@Bent77 won't recommend the Rumble v3 series, but I will. I own three of them -- 40, 100, and 500 -- and think they're the best value on the market today and definitely light weight. If you like 15" speakers, check out the Rumble 200. I know you said money is no object, but why spend more than you need to?
Click to expand...
Three fender amps I had failed, so I moved on. They are cheap when you have to buy a replacement
 
#33
I had a Rumble 100 (1x12, 100W) combo that I thought sounded really nice. I haven't tried the bigger Rumble combos, but that line seems to have really good tone, lots of EQ options, is lightweight, and won't break the bank. Sure, it totally lacks the "cool" factor of the more boutique amps, but it's a great amp for the price (or for even a much higher price, IMO).

I should say that I've always had a soft spot for the lower power Fender bass combo amps. I have read a bit about reliability concerns on these Rumble amps, but know some folks who've been using them for a while without incident. As they say, YMMV.
 
#35
I use a cheapy ampeg ba108 as as my practice amp and love the tone and the simple controls and features...they have larger ones for a few bucks more. They can also be placed as a wedge facing up. For live with a band I need a tube amp though.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back