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Double Bass Downsizing my rig

B

Bass_Machine

Oct 29, 2004
366
16
UK
#1
Hi all,

A little while ago, I moved from living out in the countryside to the city centre, linked with a new day job. Got some great gigs lined up, playing with a 4tet, 6tet, a few big bands and local jam sessions. Have also got a few trio gigs lined up. While this is all great news, I'm feeling like I need to downsize my rig: all my gigs I get to on foot.

More info: I'm playing mostly DB, but there are a few EB gigs for me as well. I'm currently using an Aguilar GS-410 with a Markbass LMK-II. Portability is my primary concern (I'd like to still be able to walk to gigs), but I'm willing to fork out a few hundred more than the second hand retail price of my current gear.

Anyone got any suggestions? Not even sure if I should go for a combo and, if not, whether I should keep the Mark head.

BM
 
#3
Yes, a 4x10 isn't a very flexible rig. If I were you I'd stick with the Markbass amp and trade out speakers. Two 1x12 cabs makes for a very flexible setup. One 12 has always been plenty for me on DB, but I roll with two when doubling or electric only. If you wanted even smaller you could go with something like the Euphonic Audio Wizzy 10 and throw it in a backpack, but that's getting pretty lean. I don't see any reason to go with a combo, all these class D amps are so small these days, why limit yourself? A decent cart is also a good thing to invest a few bucks in.

You can always explore other amps down the road, but start out by situating yourself with the right speakers.
 
#4
+1 on the GK 112MBX. It has a tight sound that I like on both slab and DB.
The LMII is a nice amp but you might check out the new GK MB200 head. It works so well with the metal cabinet that they are now joined with velcro. My 16lb 'rig' handles big band, combo and some quiet EB club gigs. I have used Markbass, AI, Eden, yada, yada, yada and am very happy now.
 
#5
In the spirit of full disclosure I think the MBX is just an ok sounding cab but for the size, weight, and money it can't be beat. I bought it to use as the extension to my GK 150MBs but it has made it out to some gigs as a stand alone cab. With that AI head it can put out some pretty big sound for such a small rig. For me, where it falls a little short, is in the higher frequencies. It kicks out a big bass sound and the mids are very present.
 
#7
Thanks for the advice chaps!

As luck would have it, I saw a second hand offer for a Wizzy 10 + bag from someone over here in the UK. Should be delivered today - can't wait! Got a few weeks before any gigs, so I can get comfortable with it before road testing.

Markbass LMK-II plus Wizzy equals days of sub-25lb rig. Crafty!
 

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