Is there that much of a difference going from a $500 to $1000 combo (2x10)

[FirewalZ]

+1 to the GK MB212-ii, it in my main gigging rig. I tried the Ampeg, Acoustic, Rumble, Mark Bass and GK, side by side test with eq's set flat. The GK and the Mark clearly sounded better to me, but IMO the Mark Bass stuff is waaay overpriced. The GK sounded as good or better and is made in the good old USA.

 

[MoeTown1986]

I'd rather have any of the 3 cheaper combos you mentioned before spending that much on a Markbass combo. I actually have a GK MB212 and gigged with this past Friday. I bring it out every now and then when we have a small stage to setup on. Never lets me down.

 

[Joebone]

Some experience here…first, why 2x10 instead of 1x15 or 2x12?

That said, the GK combos, 2x10 or 2x12, are great deals, sound good, and thread a lot of needles on ergonomics and practical usability.

An NOS Genz Benz Contour combo would rule - they were getting blown out at around $350 when Fender pulled the plug on GB…I have one, which I use periodically in a remote location, and it gets great feedback for small/medium bar gigs.

Markbass is not for all - Me, I like the amps, but can't get with the enclosures.

There are luxo combos that probably sound great, but I have no experience.

So based on GK pricing, if you can get to around $700, you should be quite satisfied.

 

[InnerBass]

How does the Mesa Walkabout compare as a combo?

I have a Fender Rumble 500 and I'm wondering if the tube preamp on the Mesa makes a huge difference in thump/tone?

Thump being relative for a combo w/no extension cabs.

Any advice?

Thanks!

 

[Freekmagnet]

Of the amps mentioned by the OP, the GK MB212 you can't real beat in terms of size, weight, power and price. However the MarkBass has power, light weight, and it's built to last. The GK is housed in a cab that looks like it's made of 1/4" plywood. Both amps sound great in their own way.

 

[B-string]

The G-K is not 1/4" and is built in the US instead of Indonesia.

 

[someguyfromNC]

If it's not 1/4" how thick is it? Anyone have any pictures or measurements? IME Usually quality cabs/amps state their thickness upfront.

I have a 2x12 Orange guitar cab that is made out of some of the nicest thickest baltic birch ply available. 18mm ( approx .71") and that sucker weighs 70+ lbs. My 2x12 avatar cabs are 15mm (approx .60") baltic birch pushing 65 lbs.

I really don't see how the MB212 combo can be anything but 1/4" ply or less and be 37 lbs.

GK RHB and Neo cabs are 11 ply (.43")
MB cabs are "lightweight plywood" with no thickness stated.
Ampeg cabs are 15mm (nice!)

...does make me wonder on its durability.

 

[B-string]

There is no RHB G-K cabs, RBH yes. RBH cabs are 3/4" ply, don't remember the wood. MB combos are braced 1/2"(last spec given) Poplar (lightweight, very low void) only lighter material would be okume at 3 times the cost. It was engineered to be sturdy, lightweight and at an affordable price point. Use of SMPS, class D and neo drivers are substantial weight savings.

 

[someguyfromNC]

can you link me to any GK site that shows the thickness specs? I can't find anything other than 11 ply poplar.

11 ply for the RBH in commercial plywood is 12 mm which is .47". This is only avg which is why I'd like a link if someone has it

 

[B-string]

can you link me to any GK site that shows the thickness specs? I can't find anything other than 11 ply.

11 ply in commercial plywood is 12 mm which is .47"

Yes 30 thousands of an inch from 1/2". You can confirm with [email protected] or "rag" (Robert A Gallien) here on TB through "Start a conversation".

 

[DD Gunz]

The 1000 dollar combo is better than the 500 dollar combo if you believe it is. I don't think anyone can say what would be better for you. I don't think a 2500 dollar all tube head is is 1700 dollars better than a GK 1001rb, but that is irrelevant if I am not the one playing it.

That being said, the recent combos from most of the major manufactures priced in the 500-1000 dollar range are way better than they used to be. Just about any of them will get you in the 500 watt range which is obviously enough for most situations. I have played the Rumbles and GK's in that range and both produce a variety of usable tones at adequate volume levels.

 

[someguyfromNC]

Yes 30 thousands of an inch from 1/2". You can confirm with [email protected] or "rag" (Robert A Gallien) here on TB through "Start a conversation".

Well by all accounts a 3/4" cab and 1/2" cab are much different in durability. you stated it was 3/4 of an inch when it looks like it is 1/2 inch. I'm just trying to figure out what exactly I would be getting for $700.

It's just as big of a difference going from 1/4" to 1/2". If it's not listed it does make me wonder why the MB is listed as "lightweight plywood"... makes me wonder a bit more since their top end cabs are 1/2".

 

[B-string]

Email Jason or contact RAG they can answer any concerns you have.
The web site is known for some errors on occasion. The RBH owner's manual states 3/4" Birch Link Removed

IIRC that box on the web page used to be the MBE series and the contracted web service did an improper copy and paste on the RBH description.

 

[bssplr]

How does the Mesa Walkabout compare as a combo?

I have a Fender Rumble 500 and I'm wondering if the tube preamp on the Mesa makes a huge difference in thump/tone?

Thump being relative for a combo w/no extension cabs.

Any advice?

Thanks!

I recently (1 year ago) traded in my Walkabout for a Rumble 500. The main reason was weight, with injuries comes the inability to haul heavy gear. I had origonally purchased the walkabout for it's weight 10 years ago there was really nothing to compare it to. I found over time that the walkabout was not capable of putting out the kind of stage volume I required at the larger rock venues we were playing so I had to invest in an extension cab. Nothing can give the thump that the walkabout delivers short of an SVT, just realize that to get thump at volume on stage you will need the extension cab. If I were 20 years younger / healthier I would still be playing the Mesa, in my opinion the preamp on the walkabout is one of the best there is. Grit to full distortion, Thump to pristine clarity the walkabout has it all.

So if you are playing small to medium sized venues and "thump" is really what your looking for then upgrade to the walkabout.

 

[CL400Peavey]

Something that can hold up to a loud rock drummer in a rehearsal setting

Then a combo shouldnt be your goal, as IMHO it wont suit you.

I have a 2x12 Orange guitar cab that is made out of some of the nicest thickest baltic birch ply available. 18mm

My 2x12 avatar cabs are 15mm (approx .60") baltic birch pushing 65 lbs.

I see those kinds of specs and I cringe. Just means they used thicker ply wood to save on labor. The dont brace the cabs, so you end up with a heavy, and weak cab.

Well by all accounts a 3/4" cab and 1/2" cab are much different in durability.

Not really. I would bet you lunch that a cab made out of 1/2" with bracing is more durable than a 3/4" cab with out.

 

[iualum]

Only buying new.

After 20 years of buying/selling guitar amps and sometimes running into amps that are supposed to be "like new no problems"... many show signs of problems within days. I'm not taking that chance again and will take advantage of the warranty if needed. ESPECIALLY solid state amps.

If I was in the market for a tube Ampeg (which I likely will be down the line) I'd go used no problem.

Wish I was the salesman when you came into the store .

 

[Bassplayer315]

I have owned the GK MB210, great combo but if you touch the outside of the cab with anything it will chip off. I had the combo for 2 months and it looked like it was 2 years old. Just loading in the trunk. Great tone but I think they got away from that spray on cover. I have the Rumble 500 now and the 112 extension cab. Well under a grad with the extension cab and has everything I need, combo alone for small- medium gigs, and Add the cab for large and out door. Plenty of power and tone. The Markbass stuff if now made in Indonesia so it's way over priced. I have tried every combo mentioned here and feel the Rumble was the best bang for the buck. I had gas for a Mesa Scout and found a nice one used for about a grand so that is a option if you can find one used. The Mesa rules the small combo offerings as it just has that killer tone that you can hear in the mix, the others sound great played alone but not a big difference in the mix.

 

[jthisdell]

For $1000 I would look at a separate head and cab. Gives you many more choices and more flexibility.

 

[BaltBass5]

The Ampeg BA210 v2 is pretty sweet for the price.
Having said that I loathe Markbass amps.

 

[Gearhead17]

someguyfromNC: Something that can hold up to a loud rock drummer in a rehearsal setting
CL400Peavey: Then a combo shouldn't be your goal, as IMHO it wont suit you.

I think you need to re-read the following advice. A loud rock drummer in rehearsal is an even louder drummer at a show. Go for a separate cab and head setup. Go used too. I understand you have been burned in the past, but buying some gear on TB or off of Craigslist is a great way to find bass players who have taken great care of their bass gear. I prefer Craigslist since I can see the buyer in person and get an idea quickly as to how well they took care of their gear. TB is another great choice as most of us want other bass players to be happy with the gear we are selling. You can be assured you are not buying a glorified paperweight....