Looking for a light bass combo amp that can thump

[Stringmaster]

Hey TB,
I'm looking for a combo amp that I can carry with one hand that can replicate my low-end well. Power does not matter! This amp will be mic'd, so I really do want as small as I can get while not sounding like a little amp.

For reference, I don't think my bass has ever sounded as good as it did when I played through a MarkBass CMD 151P. I liked how it could snap and bark while also shaking the floors. But, that amp is bigger than I want and a little pricey.

What have you guys used?

 

[CL400Peavey]

Sounds like you might want a good DI box and a decent set of In Ear Monitors.

I say this, because if the MB is too big/heavy, you might be better served with components that cab get tossed in to a back back.

 

[dalkowski]

I know it's not a combo, but my GK MB200 + Ampeg 210 AV delivers estimable thump with very light weight.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Hey TB,
I'm looking for a combo amp that I can carry with one hand that can replicate my low-end well. Power does not matter! This amp will be mic'd, so I really do want as small as I can get while not sounding like a little amp.

For reference, I don't think my bass has ever sounded as good as it did when I played through a MarkBass CMD 151P. I liked how it could snap and bark while also shaking the floors. But, that amp is bigger than I want and a little pricey.

What have you guys used?

I've been very happy with my little tiny 21lb, 100w, GK MB110 bass combo amp. It sounds great and its loud for a single 10" 4ohm speaker too. I literally can carry my MB110 with one finger and it has a nice built in DI, plus headphone/line and chain outputs too. Good luck and best wishes with your little bass combo hunt. Cheers

 

[J_McKim]

Try out the new Fender Rumble. They sound great, very light, affordable, and they have a range of options for wattage to choose from. I just got the 500 myself and I love it.

 

[Slevage]

Get the same Markbass amp in a 112. I love mine. For louder gigs--- I add another 12" cab,

but it sounds great with a single 15 too.

If you want cheaper---- GK 115 or 112 combo.

For best value---buy used.

john

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I agree with CL. Get an amp with a good D.I. or just a good D.I. You don't have any need for a cabinet from the sounds of it. I wouldn't bother with one if I didn't need one.

 

[heynorm]

GK-MB115 has plenty of thump. And, it's a breeze to move.

 

[swamp_bass]

Best lightweight combo I found with a solid, true bottom end was the TC BG250-115. I ended up sticking with separates, so I didn't buy it. But if I ever need to fill that niche, that's the one I'd get. I tried it side by side with the Markbass 112, and I felt the less expensive TC beat it in the low frequency department.

 

[MrLenny1]

GB Contour combos are nice, lightish and a real combo.
They are being discounted as low as $350 on the net.

 

[maestrovert]

Get the same Markbass amp in a 112. I love mine. For louder gigs--- I add another 12" cab,.../...

john

Agreed, entirely; the combo's great for informal jamming/low volume situations, adding the extra cab handles most everything else, and on the rare occasions that's not enough, i add the Carvin rig (in stereo):

 

[Kukulkan61]

GK MB112 II,,28 pounds more power than you need if your miking so it makes for a good monitor as well and it also has a DI built in...

 

[AMJBASS]

I know it's not a combo, but my GK MB200 + Ampeg 210 AV delivers estimable thump with very light weight.

That rig is one of my all time favorite small gig setups. Its super portable and sounds great.

 

[Sparkdog]

GK MB112 II,,28 pounds more power than you need if your miking so it makes for a good monitor as well and it also has a DI built in...

Yah, dat's goot. I have one that I use for recording, coffee house/acoustic gigs and even pretty loud jams with a full band. It's just stupid loud for its size and the low end is amazing, I often have to roll the bass EQ back on it. Perfect for a monitor/mic situation like the OP is describing.

 

[1stnamebassist]

Carvin Microbass amps are great. 250watts with 10",12",or15" speakers. Line out to PA, and a compressor built in. Right around 30 lbs. and pretty inexpensive. Sound great!

 

[George Mann]

Only a large woofer can really deliver what you are looking for. Most 15's will do it. Even a 12 can struggle with it. I have yet to hear it from a 10!

 

[SirMjac28]

My vote goes to the M3 Carbine Combo just sweet window shaking lows and that's before you activate the deep switch

 

[StayLow]

Boogie Walkabout or the new Fender Rumbles (relatively cheap, light, fantastic).

Probably some smaller/lighter GK and MarkBass will work for you. I haven't tried those so can't personally attest to those.

 

[dmac1961]

On a recent back line supplied show, I played a GB Shuttle 6.0-12T and it blew me away. Compact, powerful and expandable. You can also easily remove the head from the cab. I never imagined a single 12 could fill a modest size stage and keep up with 2 guitars and drums. Might be a little pricey unless you find a good deal on a used one.

 

[JimmyM]

Only a large woofer can really deliver what you are looking for. Most 15's will do it. Even a 12 can struggle with it. I have yet to hear it from a 10!

Well you need more than one to get any real volume but one need only look at the Ampeg SVT 410hlf to see that cabs with 10"s are fully capable of delivering gut busting lows. It's all in the design of the speaker and the mating of the proper cab.