Help me decide on a rehearsal rig

I'd go with a small cab to leave there and park under your GK head.....and use the volume knob. That'll likely be more useful in other contexts than a budget, low power combo.

 

Hard to argue. I'd go for something that, like me, is used and cheap.

 

Option 2 is the best of course. It's also more expensive but if you have the money, go for it. Get the GK NEO IV 112. Plenty of power in the head to add another 112, if you need one.

 

Hunt through VL and find a cheap 112, 115, or 210.

 

Super option IMO and adding a second matching cab later will give you a modular, killer rig.

 

Bang for buck champ in this range is the Acoustic B100C. It's loud, clear, has tilt-back design, and all the DI features of a pro amp. 280 bucks new. There's a whole thread on it where the OP goes into depth on why it's better than his Fender Rumble 100. Spend a few extra bucks on a replacement warranty. 40 reviews included.
Acoustic B100C 1X12 100W Bass Combo with Tilt-Back Cab Black | Guitar Center

 

Fender rumble 15 cab is only $300 to go with that GK head

 

If I were in your shoes, I'd be looking at one of these (in TB classifieds).You won't find a high-quality, lightweight 112 for less.

For Sale - REDUCED Raezer's Edge Basslite 12

No affiliation on my part, just an incredible deal that I've been looking at in the TB classifieds for the past few days.

 

I myself have a Hartke KB12 combo for quiet situations. In fact it's pretty good in some louder situations as well. It also has a kickback design for better near field monitoring. The only thing you have to watch out for is the zinginess of the aluminum part of the cone. Dial the treble knob back a bit unless you're Victor Wooten or Billy Sheehan.

 

This is what I've done from time to time. I have a shed full of amps and cabs and I just pick something that will be loud enough to do the job. My goto amp for practice these days is a Hartke kickback 110 I picked up somewhere (I can't remember).

 

For me, having a rehearsal rig that matches my 'gig-rig' as closely as possible allows me to dial everything in at rehearsal then pretty much transport it straight to a live situation. In my case, I have modular Ampeg gear that goes from a MicroVR head and cabs to a V-4B with a couple of 112s. Its been this way for a few years and it is just one less thing to worry about.

 

Get yourself the neo cab…having a small gig option is useful.

Another option is something like an old Peavey cab or similar cheap-because-it’s-heavy cab to leave there in the space and just bring your axe and your head.

 

As long as your buddy who's hosting is cool with it, I'd find a $100 pawnshop special and just leave it over there.

Someone gave me a Crate BX 100 that someone else gave them, it's a PITA to move and it stays in my attic. Another friend sold me a similar sized Fender combo for a $100, I split the cost with my drummer and it lives in his basement, where his kids can use it and he'll lug it to our gigs for me if needed. Easy peasy.

 

I voted the Fender Rumble 40. Shouldn't be a problem moving it back and forth. Let the kids sleep in peace. And give it to him to replace his Acoustic B20 you've blown or at least get him a Fender Rumble 25.

 

112 is the clear winner.

If I were you, I would try to match it as closely as possible to your 212. Three 12s would cover pretty much anything besides arenas. That is a very versatile rig, being able to choose between one, two, or three 12s depending on the situation.

This of course is dependent on whether your 212 is four or eight ohms and matching the load against the head.

 

The gk neo 112 is a nice option. I bought one here in the classifieds for that very reason. I leave my neo 112 at our rehearsal spot, and I leave an avatar 126 at my open mic that a couple of us from our band host weekly, and then my other cabs stay at home to take for gigs and outdoor use.

 

If used is ok I would go with the Rumble 500 to keep it in your price range

Best of luck

 

x2 on the Acoustic B100C. Loud amp that weighs in at under 40lbs... I actually have a B50C and loved the tone so much I bought the 100C. Definitely awesome little 12" amp that can deliver the punch with 100W. I bought one used for right around $150.

 

The GK CN210 is light (37 lbs.) and $389.00 (right in budget) and would be great for practice volume. Plus it would keep with the GK sound of your Fusion head.