Help me choose amp rig options under $1000

Hard to pick out what someone else wants in an amp. What kinds of tones are you looking for? You picked a handful of amps that have different vibes. Of course you could be perfectly functional on all of them and get a variety of tones from each, but they don't sound or operate all that much alike, and one you might vibe with over the others due to your music choices and favorite tones from favorite players.

 

OK, so it sounds like you don't want a tweeter or you want to be able to kill those tweeter frequencies. Some cabs sound better than others with the tweeters off, and some smaller and less expensive cabs have crap tweeters that won't allow you to turn them off, so bear that in mind when shopping.


Since I can't recommend brands I endorse I'll work with your list as it stands. LM Blackline 250 would clearly be my choice. Has a slightly better EQ than the Nano 300 due to the VLE knob being something you might find useful, and you won't really miss 50 extra watts (just stay away from the VPF filter---midscoop). Elf has a mid control at 400 hz, and while it's somewhat workable, I like the Blackline's 800 hz hi mid center better for the vibe you want, which tends to be a vibe I go after a lot of the time as well, although I don't use a Stingray. TC has lots of nifty features and gadgets and could likely cop that tone easily enough, but I don't dig the sound of budget digital, and the GK's high mid is 1k, which I don't dig at all for what you want (a former regular called it the gank frequency and I tend to agree). If you dig Bernard and Joe Dart on MM's and flats, it's not even arguable that the Blackline's the best choice. Out of those choices you listed, that is. I think you feel me.



EDIT: A guy who doesn't slap much calling himself SlapPopBass?

 

Dont have it yet, but I just did some testing and I've got my heart set on a Rumble 500. 350 watts at 8 ohms, 500 @ 4. I have the 100 combo, love it and want a bigger one now!

What I like is they are cheap, powerful, and light. I also like the tone and simplicity of controls. The biggest complaint I hear about them is the "baked in" fender tone, that you either like it or not. But definitely worth adding to the list!

I went in thinking I would prefer the 15, but i really liked the 2x10. So crisp and clear!

 

How about this? I just gigged it the other night, and it was more than I needed for stage volume. With FOH support it would really pump!
Elf + Elf 2X8 + BC208

 

Judging by your choices a combo might be the best option. Why? Cab+head options are more expensive. For instance getting a cab + head that can perform like the Fender Rumble 500 combo (600 dollars) might cost you 800 dollars or more.

 

Based on my personal preference I would go:
1: TC BH250
2: GK MB200
3: Markbass Blackline 250
4: Trace Elf
I have no experience with the Nano.

Based on the tonal goals you later added, I would then recommend:
1: TC BH250 / Markbass Blackline 250
2: Trace Elf
3: GK MB200
And again I have no experience with the Nano.

 

GK all day.

 

GK MB212. Takes extension cab. More than enough stage volume

I just picked up a markbass Jeff Berlin player school 115 combo that hammers and weighs all of 30 lbs!

 

Consider an Aguilar TH350 or 500 with a revsound 210 cab.

 

i was going to suggest at Tonehammer 350 or 500 with a good cab will be all you will ever need

 

Can't go wrong with Genzler:
Homepage - Genzler Amplification

 

I just bought and returned a GK MB200 (had some hiss which drives me nuts - but most don't). Really liked the sound but might be too scooped for you. I found myself wanted to slap a lot (especially on my Stingray). I guess I'd describe it as a clear, bright, modern tone overall.

Then bought a tc BH250. Initially didn't love it but I'm warming up to it. The eq is not like other heads but I think it works. And the toneprint business is actually really fun. I do find it more mid-heavy so you might dig that.

Both are plenty loud but neither can hang with a big loud band.

As for cabs. Check out Revsound's little ones. I have an RS28 and and RS210. Both are great and David is great to work with! Maybe check out the 28 or 112 or 115?

Bass Cabinets | RevSound

You can do all of these options new for under $1k and used for much less!

Happy hunting!

 

Second

 

I would agree with this. From your description of what you are looking for I think a combo would be a better option for you. Cheaper and more convenient.

 

I have the TC BH250 and it sounds really good. It has great features and a nice simple EQ. I also have the Markbass Little Marcus 250 and it sounds great as well. It is tonally darker than the TC, but is more powerful than the TC. I've also owned the Markbass Nano Mark 300 and it was better than both the TC and the Little Marcus. I sent it back due to the DI not working, but to me it sounded better than the TC and Little Marcus. If you can get one with the DI working, I would get the Nano Mark or the Blackline 250.

 

On less expensive side I’ve purchased GC house brand Acoustic and on higher end I bought Bergantino Forte’ with 1-12 h d n

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Aguilar tonehammer 500
Hartke tx600

 

Rumble™ Stage 800 Combo Bass Rig

"The 39lb. Fender Rumble Stage 800 is an ideal digital bass amp for the stage and the studio.

The Rumble Stage features 800 watts that drive two powerful 10" drivers along with a compression tweeter that can be easily switched on and off, allowing adjustment for an ideal treble response.

Bassists are especially fond of the Rumble Stage 800's veritable vault of classic amp and cabinet tones from the onboard modeling made famous by Fender's Mustang GT amplifiers.

Dial in anything from '50s Bassman tones to mammoth stadium sounds of the '70s/'80s to extended modern-day low end — the options are nearly endless.

This versatile amp also features stellar compression and EQ effects, reverbs, delays, octave effects, and a cool 60-second looper, which is great for practice and songwriting."

Add another 2x10 later along with a HPF. You can play pretty much any gig.

Features

• 800-watt WiFi-equipped digital bass amplifier
• Two 10" Eminence® ceramic speakers; compression tweeter
• Free, exclusive Tone App for one-touch preset access, management and editing
• New models and effects with “spillover”
• Bluetooth audio streaming and control
• Stereo send and return; AUX input; XLR line outputs; USB output; headphone output
• Onboard 60-second looper; setlist support
• MGT-4 footswitch for control of presets and effects, tuner and looper access