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Good bass combo amps

N

NickeLaos

Apr 16, 2012
4
0
#1
Hey y'all, I 've recently come into the market for a combo amp (Mainly for the mobility of it). I was wondering if anyone could recommend me a few models to look at (~$650). I've been admiring the Fender Rumble 350 thus far but have heard some negative things about the volume.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also could anyone advise a head and cab alternative for a similar budget? As I mentioned, mobility is key for me and so a heavy rig isn't ideal. Thanks.
 
#2
The Rumble is a decent amp, and is plenty loud for a quiet drummer.

If you are going to be playing louder than that, you could go with a separate head/cab. Hartke's HA2500, Ampeg PF350, Fender's Rumble 150, GK MB200 all are inexpensive and nice. Even Guitar Center's house brand Acoustic head is decent. Add a 2x10 or 1x15 8ohm cabinet, and it will be easy enough to move. You can then add another cab later, if you need more volume.

Also, there are some lightweight combos that will accept an extension cab. The GK MB210 and Carvin Micro series come to mind. In fact, Carvin's combo with the 3 way speakers may be all you need---but you should ask someone who owns one.
 
#3
If mobility is key, you might want to reconsider separates as lighter weight and smaller overall than an equivalent combo. If you get a micro head, its small and light, and then the cab will only need enough wood for the speaker enclosure itself and not also for the amp, so it will be lighter. Lots of good Eden 2x10 or 1x15 cabs in the market at a good price, or SWR, GK, Ampeg, etc. That size cab will be a good starting point although eventually if you play loud you'll want to add another, similar cab. But since you stressed mobility I won't suggest a single 2x15 or 4x10.

As far as combos go, something like the GK MB212 has good tone and 500 watts going thru a 212. No room for adding another cab but you probably won't need to with a 212. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], Or the Ampeg BA115 [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Or a SWR Workman's Pro 15, if you can' find one - those things are tanks and have a pleasing rock tone.

And always, look at the used market to maximize the value of your $650 budget.
 
#6
If you like the tone of GK amplifiers, you should really go check them out. The MB series in particular is an amazing value for the money. Those are very solid little combos for a small amount of cash.

If you want the Ampeg tone I recommend the PF300with its pairing PF115 cabinet.They also make a 210 version. If you shop around Im sure you could find them both for 600 new.
 
#7
I am still working with this and collecting my ideas.. I have been out on gigs using my larger Genz gear.. But here is a thread that i started regarding my Genz Benz CONTOUR 500 210 Combo if you are looking for something Loud and precise.....
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/genz-benz-new-contour-500-combo-series-866797/#post12386362

Genz Benz also make matching Extension cabs for these 210 or 115s.. You could essentially mix and match.. So lets say you had a 210 Combo that you want to add a matching 115 extension cab. You can do that with this set up.

These are super lightweight Combos with traditional Ceramic Mag Speakers and 500 watts.. 115 and 210 boxes. super incredible clear clean DI... and Lightweight form that puts out enough punch that is shakes a room..
I am still experimenting with mine and its working out real good... I only have about 3 gigs on it now as i stated earlier..
 
#9
A few years back, while I was recovering from a hernia surgery, my wife suggested buying a combo.

We listened to every combo at GC. Criteria was to use an active bass and not fart-out on B-string.

Overall winner was GC house brand Acoustic 200B combo. Every brand except Acoustic farted out on B string. I loved the Mark Bass tone, but at nearly 4 times the $$$$ and nearly blew it up with an active bass??..And forget the B String?? NO WAY.

GC Acoustic is best bang for the buck; has active input and no fart-out on B string at performance volume. 15" speaker plus horn [ with defeat switch] Loud, portable, DI-out.

Hindsight being 20-20, probably the B200 head and 1-15w/horn neo cab would actually be more portable, with 2 carries as opposed to one with combo; same wattage, etc, but better capability to use addditional cabs if needed. Downside of Acoustic separates is that they cost a little more.

Frankly, whether the head or combo, Acoustic has plenty of power and if more is needed, go DI into PA, if portability is still an issue. I have had no issues and still love mine.
 

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