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Downsizing to Combo

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Bassline_Delux, Nov 24, 2005.

  1. Nov 24, 2005 #1
    Bassline_Delux

    Bassline_Delux Guest

    Dec 24, 2003
    London, England
    Hello there. I used to have a Peavey Firebass->GK210-SWR115

    I sold it all so I could buy a stingray (4 string, 2 band eq, wee!).

    Anyway, now I'm lookign for a cheapish combo amp to play through. I'm i the UK, so the options are, shall we say, limited. I've basically narrowed it down to the GK Backline112 combo, or the Ashdown Electric Blue 112 combo. I'm going with the twelves cause being used to 10's and a 15, I figured it would be a good compromise.

    Anyway, so. I'll be playing the Stingray through it, and I'm not planning to gig with it, so the Gk's 100W vs. the Ashdowns 180W aren't that much or a deal to me. And since gigging isn't the aim, weight, size etc.. don't really matter. I guess I'm just lookign for the one with better tone...

    Otherwise, be it casue of the DI or whatever, I'm kinda swinging towards the Ashdown. Anyone wanna talk me out of it?
     
  2. Nov 24, 2005 #2
    Dincrest

    Dincrest

    Sep 27, 2004
    New Jersey
    GK and Ashdown are different tonal animals entirely. I have an Ashdown MAGC210 that I use for gigs and a GK Backline 110 I use for practice.

    I LOVE the tone of my Ashdown. It's fat, warm, accentuates the low mids, and is more of a "thick and fleshy" type vintage tone that sits well in the mix, but with presence. The tone just pounds me in the chest like a sledgehammer.

    The GK on the other hand is a totally different tonal monster entirely. It has a more modern "rip paper off walls" tones that cuts through the mix and IMO would be better served in modern hard rock/metal where the more razor-sharp tones are favored.

    I play a Warwick Corvette Standard through these amps. The tone is great on both, but I prefer it through my Ashdown because of the fatness and warmth. Through the GK, my Warwick lacks warmth.
     
  3. Nov 24, 2005 #3
    SteveC

    SteveC

    Nov 12, 2004
    NE ND
    I would say Ashdown.

    I've never been able to go to a combo. Nothing seems to be as nice as separates. It's easier to haul separates as well. Combos can get heavy.

    I do like 12"'s though. I use a Bergantino HT112 and an Eden WT550. Works well.
     
  4. Nov 24, 2005 #4
    azsfcsh

    azsfcsh Guest

    May 31, 2005
    Gilbert Arizona
    I did the switch from a combo, to a head and cabinet, to once again back to a combo. And i must say, this combo is louder than my head/cabinet. The combo i have is the Eden Nemesis 4x10. Very nice, and very loud, plus i have an extention cabinet so, if i want, i can have it as a 8x10". Anyways, for most stores selling it, i think they over charge, but i got mine brand new for $640. If you have the chance to try one out, do it, and if it is cheap enough for you, you might like it.
     
  5. Nov 25, 2005 #5
    LowNote

    LowNote

    Jan 31, 2002
    Edinburgh, Scotland
    If you're willing to look at GK gear--which is pretty widely available in Britain--I would look at the GK MB150. Either the S or the E. These amps are tiny and amazingly loud with a very complete set of controls, including a line out to take it to a PA for big venues. Adding one of their MB 150X speakers--only weighs 12 pounds!--gives you a 2-12 that runs a full 150 watts that is both light (under 35 pounds for both) and compact (small enough to put in the overhead compartment of a plane.) They are also OK for string bass but they are better bass guitar amps. Although I own all kinds of other gear at my principal residence in Los Angeles, I rely on the GK MB150 plus extension cabinet when I'm at my holiday flat in Scotland, and it works very well. I have gigged with it in rooms of all sizes with bands of all sizes, mostly playing jazz and pop.