"High-end", tiny, light, combo rec?

[burgerdj]

For small and transparent: Phil Jones
Small and kinda old school: I remain astonished by the tone and output of my little Ibanez Promethean 3110. The coax tweeter is smooth, and the 10” combo can drive another speaker at 300w.

PS. Big fan

 

[Beej]

Hey my friends,

Typically I'd be the last person looking for this particular recommendation, but here I am nonetheless...tube amp/old school solid state snob barging in here, hat in hand, for your generous, and preferably experienced, thoughts!

What I need is this: something tiny, light, punchy, and balanced-sounding with some real lows (that aren't weirdly resonant and artificial) that can vaguely approximate a "reasonably old school" tone, and also take pedals ok. Probably at least 50 watts. A fine enough sound that one could throw a mic on it in a pinch and make other engineer/producers happy. I have an old GK150 that's been ok, but now possibly not healthy in the speaker department. I've tried the AER Amp One (returned it - something strange in the midrange for me, though I suppose I could try again) and a Rumble 40 (couldn't dial it to my taste - has some of those weird resonances that I was talking about). Same goes for one of the new ampeg 1x10 combos...something just wasn't quite right for me.

What's out there for me to check out? The only restriction on this is I can't do one of those yellow-festooned amps that shall not be named....the aesthetics incite an involuntary gag reflex, sorry. The only other one I've thought of that seems to probably have decent volume/balance, with the right feature set and size is the PJB Bass Cub Pro, though I likewise find the aesthetics a bit...challenging.

Anyway....alright. A penny for your thoughts?

Cheers,
JMJ

I'll also vote Phil Jones Bass.

And I just want to say I'm very glad to see you posting here - I'm a huge fan!

 

[Boldaz-Lepton]

I had the same issue with the Rumble 40 and replaced it with a GK MB110 and the difference was night and day, really. It's responsive, snappy and can be dialed to almost any tone you might need. It also has pre/post DI out which is always nice.

 

[fnp5150]

If I had your reputation and street cred, I would just call a boutique builder and tell them what I wanted. I suspect they would trip all over themselves trying to build your perfect combo exactly how you want it to sound.

 

[Queue]

Phil Jones leads the pack for tiny and transparent. If you really like your GK, they make some really nice combos, though the 112's (MB, Legacy, Fusion) aren't really tiny, but they are quite portable.

 

[Zach77]

fender adam clayton amp? heavier at 55 lbs , but all tube. also, expensive. 50 watts.

I second this recommendation. Just purchased mine. Holy crap. I've found my amp! Loud as you could want to get as a monitor. Expensive, but my hunt for tone is now, over!!

 

[MrLenny1]

I need something small, light, loud, DI out, sounds like a bass amp
and expandable if needed. I do not like the yellow amp
but I'm going down to try one today. It fits all my needs so
I may go yellow. New GK's are nice but $$$$$.

 

[Jim C]

Another vote for GR Bass.
Stupid expensive but awesome tone and the lightest weight all things considered.

 

[agedhorse]

Find a used walkabout scout. It's overkill for what you are describing but it is still the best sounding combo I've heard.

Hardly tiny or light weight however.

 

[Kael]

Hardly tiny or light weight however.

Agreed, hence the overkill disclaimer.

 

[Roland GR 88]

SB106 – Traynor Amps

 

[3rdcurve]

Hey JMJ, big fan! I can wholeheartedly suggest Genzler's MG350 with a new Series 2 BA10-2. I have an extra cradle i would give you just because I have enjoyed your playing so much over the years! I currently run 1-3 cabs depending on the need. My favorite rig to date.

Magellan 350 Combo - Genzler Amplification

 

[klyph]

I have two somewhat outside the box recommendations that I liked but may or may not fit your bill- neither are bass amps!
The first is my busking machine, the Bose S1 pro (v1). I don’t think you will find anything smaller with that much output, especially battery powered! Very useful for many situations.
The other is a Henriksen Bud ten, or a twelve. Very transparent and responsive. Aimed at guitarists, but I borrowed one and played through it- fantastic.
Of course, you could just carry a QSC k12, but that’s probably edging into too heavy or large territory…

 

[basscooker]

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/genz-benz-shuttle-3-0-8t-combo.1624542/

One of these or the 110 version sounds like a winner. Factor in the easily removed amp and the kick-stand these are hard to beat.

Factor in the support program too. Easily repaired for very reasonable rate and quick turn-around.

 

[Cube Bass]

I am very satisfied with Eich BC112 combo. Very capable, versatile, made in Germany..

 

[gotly]

Hey JMJ! Big fan, your signature mustang is always in my rotation.

The MarkBass 121P replaced hundreds of pounds of gear. It's crazy loud for the size/weight. Any time I need more, I'm usually getting front-of-house support. The front grille comes off with 4 screws. I did it to rip off the gaudy badging. Maybe consider a custom front? Replace it or add some acoustically transparent fabric?

I got used to the orange cone once the badging came off. Worth a shot!

 

[mcrawfordmusic]

Have you looked into GR Bass, Justin? They're making some very cool little amps.

 

[MrLenny1]

Just got back from GC with a Mark Bass CMD 1x12.
Size to power ratio & tone got me.
I like Phil Jones but they sound very bright.
Happy hunting JMJ.

 

[BAG]

If you can find one the Schertler B10 is an amazing amp. Small size but big sound with 300w and lots of clarity, possibly not old school enough but it does sound great (to me) with a Pbass and flats. Quite expensive though.

Schertler | Bass Fidelity

 

[J Wilson]

JMJ, I'd see your posts in The Alembic Club from time to time. Hope this finds you well and busy.

IF you were to ask me, I'd go more watts (reserve power to push through the low notes) and a single 12 in a cabinet properly built to handle a full range bass.

Off the top of my head . . . .

1. A suitable Mesa Subway head and the Subway single 12. The head packs in its own travel bag with the cables, and the cabinet is 32 lbs and fits inside a 19" cube dimensions. Travel lightest with the D350 head, 3.5#, XLR out, pedal loop, 1/4" headphones, 175w/8 ohms, 350/4. No fan, no noise. Easily fits the tone profile you're asking about. The larger heads have even more control for little sacrifice for a few pounds more. If the need ever arose, it will drive four of these cabinets.

These are best sellers for a reason: They're really, really good, and built like a tank.

Mesa/Boogie | Subway D-350 Ultra-Compact Bass Amp (Metal Head) (mesaboogie.com)

Mesa/Boogie | 1x12 Subway Bass (mesaboogie.com)

All the Best,

JW