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Looking for a Combo Amp Replacement

H

HoosierBassist

Dec 18, 2010
132
1
#1
Hello,

I've had a Fender Rumble 75 for about 2-3 years now, and while there is nothing wrong with the amp, I just can't seem to get any amazing tones out out of it. I know I shouldn't expect anything mind-blowing out of a combo amp, (paid 215$ for it new) but I think I wanna get an upgrade.

I want something more alone the lines of an Ampeg SVT, but not the Ampeg SVT price tag, or size. I want something maybe like one of those Ampeg Micro stacks. Any good?

I play rock, blues, punk, alternative, etc. Mostly a fingerstyle player but occasionally use a pick. I need to learn how to slap. I play a Sterling RAY34 bass and I am paying off a Squier Classic Vibe Precision 60's in Fiesta Red. Planning on putting Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pounds into it.

I don't have the cash to pay for a sweet tube amp. I don't gig anymore really, and don't need something huge. I just kinda think that the Rumble is just meh. Any good replacement options? Looking for an SVT type sound.
 
#4
If you can be more specific on your budget, we might be able to make better suggestions?

Not knowing your budget and knowing you want an Ampeg sound, I'll suggest checking out the new Ampeg Portaflex gear, specifically a PF500 and PF115HE. I've been totally impressed with mine for the price and there's lots of "Ampeg sound" in there.

5sg.
 
#5
HoosierBassist said:
Hello,

I've had a Fender Rumble 75 for about 2-3 years now, and while there is nothing wrong with the amp, I just can't seem to get any amazing tones out out of it. I know I shouldn't expect anything mind-blowing out of a combo amp, (paid 215$ for it new) but I think I wanna get an upgrade.

I want something more alone the lines of an Ampeg SVT, but not the Ampeg SVT price tag, or size. I want something maybe like one of those Ampeg Micro stacks. Any good?

I play rock, blues, punk, alternative, etc. Mostly a fingerstyle player but occasionally use a pick. I need to learn how to slap. I play a Sterling RAY34 bass and I am paying off a Squier Classic Vibe Precision 60's in Fiesta Red. Planning on putting Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pounds into it.

I don't have the cash to pay for a sweet tube amp. I don't gig anymore really, and don't need something huge. I just kinda think that the Rumble is just meh. Any good replacement options? Looking for an SVT type sound.
Click to expand...

You could try a Markbass CMD102P - amazing tones for pick and fingers, line out for recording and lightweight 300 watts 8 ohms / 500 watts 4 ohms
 
#8
If I was looking strictly for a combo, I'd have to strongly think about the T.C. Electronic BG250. And it's very likely how I'd go. 250 RMS w/15" driver. Lightweight & capable of pretty decent volume. On board tuner. Has XLR out for recording.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/tc-electronic-bg250-250w-1x15-bass-combo-amp

If I was looking at more money, I'd likely do a Class D amp & separate cab. And I'd look used first (for a combo or separates), like right here on TB.

You mention Ampeg. Don't know where you are (see Hoosier, but are you living there now or is just your heart there on the banks of the Wabash & among the Sycamores?), but here's one in NJ... http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/fs-ampeg-ba115-ba-115-bass-combo-pick-up-only-nj-979066/

Here's a Line6 110 combo for just $175 shipped... http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/fs-line-6-lowdown-studio-110-a-975323/

If you're in Oregon, look at these two 115 Kustom cabs, $130 each. If I lived there I'd snatch them up in a heartbeat. And I don't even need them, lol... http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/fs-2-new-kustom-de115neo-deep-end-bass-cabs-971002/

Here's one more I ran across. If you can swing the bucks, it's a pretty nice choice... http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/wizzy-iamp500-combo-977273/
 
#9
The SVT 210av cabs are a little lighter in the lows and a little lighter duty than an SVT 810, but they have the sound, and you can boost the lows with the head a little bit and get the low end right.
 
#10
For a nice light weight combo I would look at:
TC Electronics BG250
Carvin MB Series
GK MB115II

If you don't mind a bit more weight check out the Ampeg PF series. Although not a true combo the head does mount to the lid of the cabinet and flips inside for easy transport.
 
#11
I've been using a GK MB210 combo with a Sansamp Bass Driver on the front end. I'm able to dial up a pretty convincing Ampeg-like sound.

I like the MB210 because its VERY light (33lbs), puts out a respectable volume and has most of the features I'd want on an amp. Its 350 watts as a stand alone amp, but is bumped up to 500 watts with an 8 ohm extension cab.

About the only thing I'd change about the GK would be to add an effects loop, but that's really not a deal breaker.
 
#12
If you're looking for an Ampeg-type sound, there are very few amps listed so far that will get you that. If you're really on the cheap, it might be worthwhile to pick up a used Tech21 BDDI or VT Bass and get your (kinda sorta) Ampeg-like tone from that. That will really open up the field of possibilities for a bass amp.
 
#14
No on'es mentioned the Ampeg BA115 or BA112. You can get them anywhere almost, and although they have a few quality issues, you can get some nice bottom from the 115. Look for other Ampeg BA posts and they'll tell you how to fix the QA issues. Otherwise, they have your Ampeg tone!
 

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