GK Backline 110 for gigging monitor?

Problem with all those small amps is you won't be able to hear them onstage. If everythings going to the PA, just use a DI box, since all you're going to hear is what's in the monitor mix anyway. In order to have an amp, combo or otherwise, that can actually be used as an on stage monitor, you must be able to hear it. Those little amps are meant for practice, not pro gigging bass amps. I hope this makes sense to you. Point is, you're better off with a DI box over any of those amps for your purpose, unless you get a rig capable of being heard over the noise level of your band. (usually 300+ watts, 2x12, or 4x10, etc.)

 

This particular amp is fairly worthless. I ordered one and the speaker bottomed out at about 1/3 volume. Very dissappointing. I ended up with a SWR workingman's 10 -- much better choice.

 

You can't expect a low powered amp with a 10" speaker to cut it on stage even if you're going through the PA if you're playing rock. Maybe if you use duct tape and tape one to each ear.

You need a few hundred watts of power and a pair of speakers in a good cabinet.

Even the expensive and high powered 1x10 combos won't cut it for you. I have a 150 watt GK MB150S combo with a 12" speaker. I'd never use it for an onstage monitor with a loud rock band. It sounds fabulous when played at the volume it was intended for. They cost considerably more than that little Backline too.

Unfortunately, if you want to play loud and still hear yourself, you have to spend more on your gear. The Backline is entry level gear. That little one is designed for sounding okay in a small room at home. It's not a gigging amp.

 

I blew the speaker on my GK Backline 110 when I was using it as simply a monitor. It's a great practice amp, but won't cut it on a gig.

 

It takes a hell of a lot more wattage to push a bass to the levels of a guitar.

 

In the rock band I play in, both guitar players use 15 watt fender amps and they can be plenty loud. I have to use about six times as much wattage for bass. Its a totally different set of circumstances which means that you need more power for bass.

 

Guitar and bass are completely different instruments in regards to the stress they place on the speakers and the need for amplifier power.

I played in a 3 pice group for a year with a guitarist using a Peavey Bandit. I needed a 300 watt amp to keep up. Bass puts big demands on an amplifier.