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ELF 10" Combo vs Rumble 100 vs Ashdown Studio 12

Mark Ambler

Mark Ambler

Nov 18, 2017
1,474
1,875
London, UK.
#1
Must be less than 23lbs, good quality, reliable, doesn't have to be super loud.
The Rumble at 22lbs is only 4lbs more than the Elf, but may sound better at lower volumes? Maybe someone has tried both of these, also the Ashdown Studio 12 is a contender. With no music shops open, I thought I'd ask here. Reliability is very important. TIA
 
#2
I have a Rumble 100 for my rehearsal amp. It’s definitely heavily colored (“warm, vintage”) but a real powerhouse, I love it. 2 years of gig service, 2 more at rehearsal ( and I bought it used.) so it’s been very reliable for me. Would be more than enough for home

the Trace is going to be more towards clean and modern sound, so “sounds better” may be subject. Might come down to what tone profiles you like, or the features might decide for you.

cant comment on ashdown
 
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#3
This isn't what you're asking, but I have a Tone Hammer 500 and an Elf 110 cab. The pair comes in at 20-21 lbs, and I have the flexibility of using the TH to power bigger rigs, too.

I'm actually taking this combo with me on a trip to Pigeon Forge where I'll be jammin' with a buddy, and then up to my in-laws' in Kentucky for Easter. I'll be using this and a Sterling Ray35 at their church's Easter service. Small church, just singers and a piano. It will be my first outing with this setup and I'm looking forward to it.

While the little 110 is no match for the Mesa Subway 115/210 stack, it has a cool sound of its own, and I kinda like it! I use it at home when wifey fusses about me being too loud with the Mesa stack.

Good luck!
 
#4
Thanks, I guess the Elf wins out on portability. Portability is very important as I need something for trains, etc.
I'd probably prefer the Rumble 100 and the TH500 sounds like a nice setup, but keeping this as small and light as possible has got to come first, I guess. In this case I can't really see there is any competition for the Elf combo.
 
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#5
I got a rumble that I like. The elf has a much more clearer uncolored kind of tone that you'd usually pay a lot more for. And the elf DI is a lot better designed. You can't go wrong either way. Rumble does the vintage thing perfectly at half the price. If I redid things I might go with the elf. Not sure anyone gets better tone out of amps that small. Maybe Phil Jones but those are a lot more.
 
#7
I have a Markbass Minimark 602 - I love the upright form factor of 2x6 (the newer ones are 2x8) configuration. Lightweight, ergonomically easier to carry than a cube. Mine has been on countless rehearsals and gigs and has held up well. For the ELF, the 200 watts is at 4 ohms so without an extension its actually 130 watts - the Markbass is 150 watts or 250 with an extension. The drawback to the Markbass is no traditional low-mid-high EQ controls just their proprietary VLE and VPF knobs which are harder to get used to.
 
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#9
Understood - the older 602 version like mine is only 20.7 pounds so more in line with your criteria. Its tough - I've been looking for a more powerful amp in the same weight range of 20 +/- pounds and have not found a suitable alternative yet. If the ELF were actually 200 watts into 8 ohms I'd definately be interested.
 
#15
The Markbass Mini CMD 121P is the same form factor and has over 2x the rating at 500 watts 4 ohm and 300 watts 8 ohm and only weights 27 pounds which I know is outside the OP criteria but I used to have one and its a workhorse for sure but the low cube form factor was a deal killer - felt like all the sound is going across the floor and tilting or putting it on a stand it lost something so I always ended up with an extra 1x12 cab to sit under it which defeated the purpose of shooting for a 1 trip load in.
 
#16
I've set a limit at 23lbs, but lighter would be my preference. If I'm commuting on public transport carrying a bass, amp, and Music, leads, etc, I want to travel as light as possible. Although a combo would be preferable, Barefaced do a very light 10" with a horn that's only 18lbs, so that and a Elf head or similar would work.
 
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