I want a 2x10 combo and I don't know why.

[Bassaga]

The combo part is easy enough: I like simplicity. One box, boom, done. But I'm still working through the other bit.

Whenever the question of a new amp comes into mind, I think to myself, "Okay, step one, we can narrow it down to 2x10s." Realized recently that I have no idea how I got that in my head. I've got this notion that I prefer the sound of them in general, but no idea why I would think that, or what sonic experiences led to that. Frankly my real-life experience with different rigs' sounds is pitifully limited.

As a bedroom bassist who hasn't even turned on my 40-watt 1x12 Peavey VIP 2 in a year and a half except a few times with headphones, I clearly don't need a 2x10 for the volume, head room, etc.

Part of it almost seems like a mid-life bass crisis. I've been playing for a while now, and having a big ol' heavy ol' powerful ol' 2x10 would make me finally feel like a "real" bassist, even if it's just to look at and then attenuate. I'll never be a fridge sort of guy, sure, but a lot of real actual bassists use 2x10s, so look at me, I'm legit! Anyway, that'd honestly be nice, but it's still a dopey reason to spend way more than is necessary on way too much power. Plus I'd have to use it as a nightstand because I don't even have room for it, and that's just... that's a sign something went funny, I think.

So all I can figure, really, is that I just plain want one. It would occasionally pop into my head that I play through a Katana-210 or a Blackstar U500 or something and I would smile and heave a pleased sigh. Having often been described as a Vulcan, facing this motivation that can only be explained by passion or vague desire is super foreign to me, and I don't know what to make of it; is there in fact some logical, reasonable path I once went down where I realized a 2x10 was the way to go? or is it just plain emotional and I'll raise an eyebrow at myself whenever I look at the amp?

Having typed all that out, I can't really tell if I'm looking for advice or just thinking out loud. But there it is, so if you got this far and you've got some counsel, hey, lay it on me!

 

[ctmullins]

Well, we want what we want because we want it. It doesn’t have to be rational.

But really, my advice is: get one and find out. Sometimes the wanting eclipses the having, and if that happens, well, you’re cured. And if not, then you have an amp you always knew you would bond with. Win win!

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Ahhh. I do the same thing. Maybe worse? I think I need something bigger because it would be so cool to look at.
I'm talking Fender 6x10 with a Bassman 300 head kind of jonesin. Or and old Tuck and Roll Kustom.
I don't know when you were born, but I grew up in the 60's and the big cool bass amps imprinted on by brain, like a hatchling duck to his mother.

Can I afford it now? Sure. Can I justify it? No way ever. The chances of me ever playing out again are about as good as winning the Power Ball. And even less likely since I've almost used up my ration of sunshine.

So being realistic against every fiber of my being, I am seriously considering a downgrade from my 15" combo, to Rumble Studio 40. Don't need to be loud. The built in modeling would be fun. And when the time comes I'll pass along something more suitable to grandkiddo, and hope she might take it up. If not, it won't take up much space in a closet somewhere.

May you find piece in whatever you end up with today, tomorrow, and for many days of sunshine to come.

 

[evs]

It's called GAS.
We all got it....especially if you hang here on TB.

 

[joelns]

I think it's just the nature of the beast. Right now I'm lusting after a 2x10 cab. I have a couple of heads, 2 cabs (a 1x12 and a 1x15), and 2 combos. Yet I want a 2x10. I'll get one eventually. I don't need it. I'm just curious.

Go for it. Scratch that itch. You can always sell it later.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

The combo part is easy enough: I like simplicity. One box, boom, done. But I'm still working through the other bit.

Whenever the question of a new amp comes into mind, I think to myself, "Okay, step one, we can narrow it down to 2x10s." Realized recently that I have no idea how I got that in my head. I've got this notion that I prefer the sound of them in general, but no idea why I would think that, or what sonic experiences led to that. Frankly my real-life experience with different rigs' sounds is pitifully limited.

As a bedroom bassist who hasn't even turned on my 40-watt 1x12 Peavey VIP 2 in a year and a half except a few times with headphones, I clearly don't need a 2x10 for the volume, head room, etc.

Part of it almost seems like a mid-life bass crisis. I've been playing for a while now, and having a big ol' heavy ol' powerful ol' 2x10 would make me finally feel like a "real" bassist, even if it's just to look at and then attenuate. I'll never be a fridge sort of guy, sure, but a lot of real actual bassists use 2x10s, so look at me, I'm legit! Anyway, that'd honestly be nice, but it's still a dopey reason to spend way more than is necessary on way too much power. Plus I'd have to use it as a nightstand because I don't even have room for it, and that's just... that's a sign something went funny, I think.

So all I can figure, really, is that I just plain want one. It would occasionally pop into my head that I play through a Katana-210 or a Blackstar U500 or something and I would smile and heave a pleased sigh. Having often been described as a Vulcan, facing this motivation that can only be explained by passion or vague desire is super foreign to me, and I don't know what to make of it; is there in fact some logical, reasonable path I once went down where I realized a 2x10 was the way to go? or is it just plain emotional and I'll raise an eyebrow at myself whenever I look at the amp?

Having typed all that out, I can't really tell if I'm looking for advice or just thinking out loud. But there it is, so if you got this far and you've got some counsel, hey, lay it on me!

Buy a GK MB210ii.

 

[Andy Marshman]

I understand lust for gear.
You say 'but I don't know why' - it's probably the influence of hanging around this site too long. People's opinions, particularly ones you read frequently, can put an idea in your mind...and so it begins.

 

[RattleSnack]

Very generaly speaking, 2x10 cabs or combos sound different than typical 1x15 to me. Again very generaly, they have more low mids that, to someone, sounds thicker.
I gravitate more towards 1x cabs or combos, typicaly 15", they have more "flat" low mids and sound more "monitor-like" to me.
Just get what you like and need.

 

[BobDeRosa]

"How do I know what I think until I see what I say?"
-E.M. Forster

 

[Tim Skaggs]

I have the same disease, but it’s a NEO 2x12 that has me. I have a few 15” cabs, a 410, a 210, and even a 112, but I still want a 2x12.

Good luck with your wants…

 

[GreggBummer]

A 40w combo amp is great for bedroom playing. A 300w to 500w combo might be a little overkill... but not so much as to make a purchase unreasonable. If you decide to play in a group, the combo may (depending on situation) be useful to you.

When searching for a combo amp I strongly suggest you purchase one with a DI out. This is handy for sending the signal to the FOH and for recording, should you need to do so.

Good luck!

 

[tb-player]

The combo part is easy enough: I like simplicity. One box, boom, done. But I'm still working through the other bit.

Whenever the question of a new amp comes into mind, I think to myself, "Okay, step one, we can narrow it down to 2x10s." Realized recently that I have no idea how I got that in my head. I've got this notion that I prefer the sound of them in general, but no idea why I would think that, or what sonic experiences led to that. Frankly my real-life experience with different rigs' sounds is pitifully limited.

As a bedroom bassist who hasn't even turned on my 40-watt 1x12 Peavey VIP 2 in a year and a half except a few times with headphones, I clearly don't need a 2x10 for the volume, head room, etc.

Part of it almost seems like a mid-life bass crisis. I've been playing for a while now, and having a big ol' heavy ol' powerful ol' 2x10 would make me finally feel like a "real" bassist, even if it's just to look at and then attenuate. I'll never be a fridge sort of guy, sure, but a lot of real actual bassists use 2x10s, so look at me, I'm legit! Anyway, that'd honestly be nice, but it's still a dopey reason to spend way more than is necessary on way too much power. Plus I'd have to use it as a nightstand because I don't even have room for it, and that's just... that's a sign something went funny, I think.

So all I can figure, really, is that I just plain want one. It would occasionally pop into my head that I play through a Katana-210 or a Blackstar U500 or something and I would smile and heave a pleased sigh. Having often been described as a Vulcan, facing this motivation that can only be explained by passion or vague desire is super foreign to me, and I don't know what to make of it; is there in fact some logical, reasonable path I once went down where I realized a 2x10 was the way to go? or is it just plain emotional and I'll raise an eyebrow at myself whenever I look at the amp?

Having typed all that out, I can't really tell if I'm looking for advice or just thinking out loud. But there it is, so if you got this far and you've got some counsel, hey, lay it on me!

I totally get it. I have an Aguilar rig that is amazing. But sometimes I wonder if 10s might be better. I always come back to this Ashdown 210 kickback. Maybe someday I’ll pick one up.

 

[Stewie]

The Ampeg RB series have NO FANS thus making them not only excellent gigging amps, but also perfect bedroom gear. Mine is a little tall to be a coffee table, but right now it fills all of my amp needs

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I've had many many cabs. I discovered a preference for cabs with at least two drivers. There's something about a pair of speakers sounding much more "musical" than just one. You can always get more than two in a box if you want to explore sound. This cab has six ... and it's smaller than a 2x10!

 

[MrLenny1]

If you try the Mesa Subway 2x10 you will want one.lol
Time to go shopping.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

The combo part is easy enough: I like simplicity. One box, boom, done. But I'm still working through the other bit.

Whenever the question of a new amp comes into mind, I think to myself, "Okay, step one, we can narrow it down to 2x10s." Realized recently that I have no idea how I got that in my head. I've got this notion that I prefer the sound of them in general, but no idea why I would think that, or what sonic experiences led to that. Frankly my real-life experience with different rigs' sounds is pitifully limited.

As a bedroom bassist who hasn't even turned on my 40-watt 1x12 Peavey VIP 2 in a year and a half except a few times with headphones, I clearly don't need a 2x10 for the volume, head room, etc.

Part of it almost seems like a mid-life bass crisis. I've been playing for a while now, and having a big ol' heavy ol' powerful ol' 2x10 would make me finally feel like a "real" bassist, even if it's just to look at and then attenuate. I'll never be a fridge sort of guy, sure, but a lot of real actual bassists use 2x10s, so look at me, I'm legit! Anyway, that'd honestly be nice, but it's still a dopey reason to spend way more than is necessary on way too much power. Plus I'd have to use it as a nightstand because I don't even have room for it, and that's just... that's a sign something went funny, I think.

So all I can figure, really, is that I just plain want one. It would occasionally pop into my head that I play through a Katana-210 or a Blackstar U500 or something and I would smile and heave a pleased sigh. Having often been described as a Vulcan, facing this motivation that can only be explained by passion or vague desire is super foreign to me, and I don't know what to make of it; is there in fact some logical, reasonable path I once went down where I realized a 2x10 was the way to go? or is it just plain emotional and I'll raise an eyebrow at myself whenever I look at the amp?

Having typed all that out, I can't really tell if I'm looking for advice or just thinking out loud. But there it is, so if you got this far and you've got some counsel, hey, lay it on me!

I have an Eden 320 watt 210 combo, pretty much a quality weekend warrior type rig. A little heavy by today’s standards. The sound however is fantastic. If you can find one of these in good shape, and most for sale are not, there are a great little rig.

 

[HardNHeavy]

Well my vulcan friend i too have been thinking about 2x10's. I had a SWR 1x15 for yrs until i broke the power connector off the back tryingto load it into my 95 saturns trunk, looked for the parts, then SWR folded and that was that! If it's lighter than my 4x10 hartke i'm all for it.

 

[Thumpin6string]

IMHO 10s are a great choice. After playing through 18s. 15s, 12s and 10s, I prefer the punch and low end of 10 inch drivers. The others are a good add on if you want to round out your tone. I currently use an Epifani UL210/UL112 stack and it hits the spot. If I use only one cab, it's the 210. The 112 is smoother and lacks the punch on its own, but it adds a little warmth to the 210.

 

[Kaa]

Questions:
1. Do you have the money to spare without pain?
2. Are you willing to sell the 40 watter to make room?
3. Is there any chance you might find a casual jam group to play with in the future?

There doesn't necessarily have to be an actual "reason" to get something. If this is your mid-life crisis buy, it's a hell of a lot less expensive than a sports car.

 

[CallMeAl]

I get it. GAS! I get the 210 conclusion too. It’s a very great all-purpose size. Would definitely qualify as “all the amp you ever need” for a whole heap of bass players. If you have any desire at all to jam with others, it does make sense.

for home use , I find an 8” combo is enough, and a 12” is more than enough. I don’t really crank it, but I know a lot of folks get satisfaction out of a larger amp for home. For me though, it’d be overkill.

I got a nice, small tube guitar amp for home, maybe 6 months ago. I like it, but rarely get to realize it’s full potential. Sometimes I think why did I buy this?, and the money could’ve been better spent on lessons tbh. As fun as it is to say “give into the GAS!” I’ve definitely experienced the buyers remorse and doubt after a GAS indulgence.

best of luck