Compact Combo Opinions

[jar546]

Just dumped all of my playing out gear (800RB, cabs, rack tuner, mics, wireless, Hartke Hydrive 210C combo, etc) to make room in my house. I now have some cables and a few bass guitars left.

Anyway, I will not be routinely playing out anymore, I simply gave it up due to the smoking allowed in most of the venues and my focus has changed. I sit in with a few bands every now and then, using their equipment and at most, I will be playing small places, possibly as a duo. Most of my playing will be in my house.

Therefore, I am looking for a smaller amp, lightweight due to a bad back that can handle a 5 string, provide quality sound and be versatile enough that I can plug it into a PA system.

I was looking at the Markbass products but have been out of the market for so long, I really don't know what is out there.

As far as my sound. 70's classic rock, some 80's top 40 and some newer stuff. I can play TSO stuff by Liszt to Metallica.

Looking for opinions to meet my needs.

 

[JxBass]

There are lots of options these days and I expect you'll get a lot of good suggestions. Based on my Markbass experience, if I were to buy a MB combo today for the use you describe it would be CMD 121H or Jeff Berlin. The CMD 121P is a great combo but I personally am not a fan of the MB piezo tweeters.

For your application, Genz Benz and Carvin micro combos are also good choices, as are many other options.

 

[pasta4lnch]

The Berlin might be the way to go - add a Sans Amp and you'll be in tonal heavem. I have a minimark that is awesome too for lower volume.

I must say the new Ampegs are looking (and sounding) nice for a great price. Maybe get a smaller 1x12 to match w/ the head . . .

 

[jar546]

OK, 2 for the MB. Interesting. Thanks you and keep the opinions coming. Wish I kept my SansAmp.

Lightweight Ampeg?

 

[RickenBoogie]

Mesa Walkabout Scout 12. A bit heavier than some of the micro-combo's, but the greatest sounding little combo ever, imo. Check one out.

 

[iabssplyr]

I own a CMD121 and New York cab for playing out, but typically use just the combo at home. I love it because if it's neutrality. It's a blank canvas that I can add to as I see fit. Just add a Sansamp and voila, you've got some of the best bass tones around. Built like a brick too. Check it out.

 

[jar546]

Seems like all of the recommendations are also the most expensive. Is it truly, you get what you pay for?

 

[Joe Louvar]

Seems like all of the recommendations are also the most expensive. Is it truly, you get what you pay for?

Yes - but, you could save a little money by buying a used amp. Checkout the TB classified ads.

 

[RickenBoogie]

Yes, you get what you're willing to pay for. On the cheaper side, the GK MB combo's get alot of love around here. I've played with the MB115, and it's ok, but I wouldn't trade my Walkabout for it,..ever.

 

[JxBass]

Seems like all of the recommendations are also the most expensive. Is it truly, you get what you pay for?

In general, yes. The Carvins are pretty reasonable though. And I forgot to mention the smaller Ampeg combos, BA112 on down, great little combos for the money.

 

[socknroll1]

Ibanez Promethean.

 

[ksandvik]

MarkBass CMD121, 27lbs! If you ever need all the 550W, add a light-weight second 2x10 cab to it.

 

[joebar]

Mesa Walkabout Scout 12. A bit heavier than some of the micro-combo's, but the greatest sounding little combo ever, imo. Check one out.

this + 10

 

[RC52]

Ampeg B100R!

 

[JxBass]

Ampeg B100R!

A truly great combo and one of my all time favorites, but doesn't fit the OP requirement of lightweight to help with bad back. The BA112 a good compromise IMO.

 

[1954bassman]

GK MB150S/112 - still the undefeated champ - 100W of GK power, 26 pounds, 15.5 x 13.75 x 8.5. Great tone, and very easy on the back plus a small package. No carpet or vinyl to tear up, and no tweeter.

Plus, I just bought one on ebay in new condition for $325.

Winner.

 

[Glenn Harris]

The GK MB150S/112 is a great amp for all the reasons listed by 1954bassman. And, for those who decide to add an EUB or a full-size acoustic upright to their gear, the GK will still get it done for those instruments, as well.

 

[ksandvik]

The GK MB150S/112 is a great amp for all the reasons listed by 1954bassman. And, for those who decide to add an EUB or a full-size acoustic upright to their gear, the GK will still get it done for those instruments, as well.

Could be nice but personally I would go with a 350/500W amp rather than a 100W one.

 

[jar546]

Interesting comments and recommendations so far. Keep them coming.

 

[Ben Heard]

Genz 6.0-12T, if you play one you might just find they're worth the extra cash. I know I would if I had the green to spare