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GK Backline 110 or SWR LA12 - which one?

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by zagnut, Jan 6, 2009.

  1. Jan 6, 2009 #1
    zagnut

    zagnut Guest

    Jan 4, 2009
    Back in Detroit
    Yup, I'm new to the forums. Gotta say, best bass site I've found yet.

    Anyways, it's time to get a new, small, practice combo. Looking for opinions on which one. Here's my criteria - Must have a 10" or 12" driver (15 is too big), at least 50 watts, a line out (to run to my amp and 18" when I want to really go low) and no more than $250 USD.
    Now, I know a lot of you will say, "Look for used." I don't want used. I live out in BFE (closest guitar store is about 2 hours away) and have looked at classifieds, nothing anywhere within a reasonable driving distance. Local GC doesn't have anything used for combos in this size or price range.

    So, I've narrowed my choices down to these 2 -
    GK Backline 110
    SWR LA12


    Looking for input and opinions, preferably from personal experience with either of these.
     
  2. Jan 6, 2009 #2
    uaudio

    uaudio

    Apr 11, 2008
    Arizona
    Why not check the classifieds here on TalkBass? Many people will ship you an amp. Anyway, those are all solid practice amps. I had a LA10 a while ago...serial #000001. Great little amp, but nothing I'd mic up. It felt like a practice amp, no bells/whistles. At that end of the spectrum, I'd concentrate on something durable and solidly made and not trying to get an effects loop, or a 5 band EQ, etc. SWR makes great stuff.

    Oh yes, and welcome!
     
  3. Jan 6, 2009 #3
    zagnut

    zagnut Guest

    Jan 4, 2009
    Back in Detroit
    I'm leary about buying anything used that I can't check out first. More times than not, I've wound up with other peoples problems in the past. :meh: Also, my budget of $250 would have to include the shipping. I will take a look though.
    I don't plan to ever mic this, as it is going to strictly be a practice amp. This is really just a hobby of mine. I've been playing on and off for 10+ years and never been in a band, so I'm not looking to do any gigs with this. Something small I can move around the house to play with my son when he's playing his acoustic.
     
  4. Jan 7, 2009 #4
    Swift713

    Swift713 Supporting Member

    Dec 4, 2006
    Florence, Ma
    SWR La 12. I sold an older one recently. I really liked it. It did have a slightly boxy tone sometimes but I think just about anything that size is prone to that. It was a good, solid, clean amp. I played in a trio with an amplified acoustic guitar and a jazz drummer and it kept up just fine. Of course, that wasn't just any drummer, he was a musician.
     
  5. Jan 7, 2009 #5
    yamaha

    yamaha Guest

    Apr 7, 2006
    Montreal
    Of those 3, I would also choose SWR. But if I had 250.00$ for a combo, I would probably go Yorkville.
     
  6. Jan 7, 2009 #6
    zagnut

    zagnut Guest

    Jan 4, 2009
    Back in Detroit
    If I can find a dealer, I'll throw the Traynor DB50 combo in the mix. I still have to drive almost 2 hours to get he rest of my parts, so it's really on the bottom of the list unless I can find a dealer here in BFE.
    I know I could just mail order everything, but I haven't been to a GC in about 4 years :bag: (I know GC doesn't carry the LA12, but a shop my friends dad owns which is close to GC does)
    I'm taking the fender out of my choices. I've always wanted a GK or SWR combo, so that leaves pretty much just those 2.
    SWR LA12
    or
    GK Backline 110
     
  7. Feb 4, 2009 #7
    zagnut

    zagnut Guest

    Jan 4, 2009
    Back in Detroit
    Decided to get the Fender Rumble 100/210. While the LA12 sounded just sweet, it couldn't do the volumes I sometimes like to play at. I could hear it starting to break up at about half volume.
    The 2x10 Rumble sounds good and gets loud. Now all I have to do is get a new 18" for my big cab and finish putting my bass back together so I can use it.
     
  8. Feb 4, 2009 #8
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    Consider a 15" cab instead. Easier to find, less money, and it'll prolly match up with your 210 combo just fine. Just a thought.
     
  9. Feb 4, 2009 #9
    zagnut

    zagnut Guest

    Jan 4, 2009
    Back in Detroit
    Yeah, but then I'll have 2 big cabs. 1 that works and 1 that doesn't. The cab my 18 is in I built a few years back, and although the carpeting is in dire need of replacing, it's built solid. I'd hate to throw it in my fire pit with the cupboards I just ripped out. Besides, a decent 18 inch replacement driver is more financially viable at the moment, plus I can tune it for the kind of sound I want.