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Interesting Small but Gigable Amp?

nagelfoundation

nagelfoundation

Mar 31, 2010
392
57
Austin, TX
www.youtube.com
#1
Hey Guys,

I'm searching for opinions on the most interesting light but gigable amp. I'm not delusional, I know no amp that is tiny is going to really cut through a full band. I mean gigable in the sense of like stage volume enough for an acoustic gig where I'm going through the house system. Preferable something I could carry with one hand and something tonally appealing. This will mostly be a stay at home practice amp so I don't want to have a ton of money invested in it. I've had small amps that are just horribly unfulfilling sonically. I know its a fairly specific question but I'm interested what you all have to say. Also I'm really turned off by Mark bass. Its just really not my thing too sterile sounding to me. I love Aguilar and so wish they would make a TH250 4ohm DB 1x12 combo. I guess setting that as an ideal dream combo I'd like to hear your suggestions. Thanks!
 
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#2
Phil Jones Bass Suitcase Compact, PJB Super Flightcase, PJB Flightcase.

They all REALLY shine in a mix. They are big and warm, but crystal clear and project very well. They have a lot of punch, too. To be honest, they sound a little odd when solo'd, but they totally work in the mix - MUCH MUCH better than the Markbass I bought and returned years ago.
 
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#3
nagelfoundation said:
Hey Guys,

I'm searching for opinions on the best light but gigable amp. I'm not delusional, I know no amp that is tiny is going to really cut through a full band. I mean gigable in the sense of like stage volume enough for an acoustic gig where I'm going through the house system. Preferable something I could carry with one hand and something tonally appealing. I've had small amps that are just horribly unfulfilling sonically. I know its a fairly specific question but I'm interested what you all have to say. Also I'm really turned off by Mark bass. Its just really not my thing too sterile sounding to me. I love Aguilar and so wish they would make a TH250 4ohm DB 1x12 combo. I guess setting that as an ideal dream combo I'd like to hear your suggestions. Thanks!
Click to expand...

What is your budget?
 
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#8
nagelfoundation said:
Looking for a combo. Budget around say $500ish. Weight max maybe 50lbs.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately... "$500ish" doesn't come close to obtaining: Best Small but Gigable Amp.

I have both the PJB Super Flightcase and the Acoustic Image Ten2. Can't decide which is better. The AI does have 2 channels - DB and Elec.

I did get the PJB amp for $750 NIB. But that's like a lottery-win.
 
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#10
Ok, I'll clarify: I have an Aguilar AG500 2x12 Combo (that's actually for sale here: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/aguilar-ag500-2x12-combo.1074773/#post-16434600), a still bigger H&K/Crown 1500w rig, and a Peavey TKO 1x15 (also for sale at the moment: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/peavey-tko-1x15-400w-newer-model-250.998120/) pardon the shameless plugs. What I am looking for is a practice amp more or less that could be gigged in a pinch that sounds good. My bigger amp needs are covered. I understand that I could spend $1000+ and get an amazing sounding little amp but I don't want to have that much invested in an amp that's primary application will be practicing at home. I guess I could rephrase to ask are there any amps at or around $500 new or used that sound pleasing and are at all inspiring to play through?
 
#11
AER is the best out there for this kind of gig. Too bad about the price.

The Phil Jones Briefcase is an excellent next option, but also a touch out of the price range. I've used one for lots of gigs with and without drummers. It gets lost when the drummer gets heavy handed.

Maybe you can find a used GK MB150s in that price range? I've used this one for lots of gigs too. It holds up better against drummers and the sound is a little more beefy than the PJB.
 
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#12
nagelfoundation said:
Ok, I'll clarify: I have an Aguilar AG500 2x12 Combo (that's actually for sale here: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/aguilar-ag500-2x12-combo.1074773/#post-16434600), a still bigger H&K/Crown 1500w rig, and a Peavey TKO 1x15 (also for sale at the moment: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/peavey-tko-1x15-400w-newer-model-250.998120/) pardon the shameless plugs. What I am looking for is a practice amp more or less that could be gigged in a pinch that sounds good. My bigger amp needs are covered. I understand that I could spend $1000+ and get an amazing sounding little amp but I don't want to have that much invested in an amp that's primary application will be practicing at home. I guess I could rephrase to ask are there any amps at or around $500 new or used that sound pleasing and are at all inspiring to play through?
Click to expand...

Well that makes my last post pretty uselss, I will go back and delete it :roflmao:

Personally I have an old polytone for that purpose, it's not the greatest amp but it's super easy to carry around not being very deep and with the controls on top makes for a nice seat too. I haven't tried one but the Carvin MB series seems like it has a similar design, if this puppy died that's probably what I'd get. I've left it in the pit at a local playhouse for weeks, brought it on gigs when it snowed out or I thought I'd plug into a DI but wasn't sure of the situation or when I want to jam with a piano or a singer or acoustic guitar at the last minute. I acutally keep it next to the stairs in my basement most of the time.
 
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