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Looking for a new, large combo

Woody1999

Woody1999

Dec 13, 2015
224
190
26
UK
#1
TL;DR - old combo broken by vandals, need a new one.

So I popped into school the other day (I've finished now but I'm going back for sixth form college in September) to check over the Warwick BC150 that I leave set up there. I normally leave it in the corner of one of the storage rooms, tidy and out of the way so it doesn't bother anyone. Well, when I walked into the music block I noticed it in one of the rehearsal rooms, smashed up, speaker torn, flat on its back. Tried turning it on but was met with a large bang and it hasn't turned on since. Obviously, some kids thought it would be fun to take my gear and mess with it and then just pointlessly wreck it. No idea who, but I've let the school know - it was the school that bought the amp anyway. From now on the amp I keep at school will be going under lock and key.

Anyway enough of that story, I need a new combo. My school have kindly offered to help buy this one as well, as it's not my fault it got wrecked. Ideally, I'm aiming for something around 100-200W, solid state, and under £350 here in Britain. Also ideally, I'd like something versatile enough to suit different music styles as I do a lot of different stuff at school. My Fender Rumble 30 can do that quite well but it simply isn't loud enough when you're backing a full orchestra and a drummer. I've got a few new ones lined up...

Fender Rumble 100 - £240
TC Electronic BG250 115 Mk2 - £273
TC Electronic BG250 208 - £345
Laney RB4 Richter 160W - £299

Obviously I've used Fender Rumbles before and I like their sound, and especially the versatility of them. They can suit nearly every genre with tweaking. On the other hand, regarding my general tone, I'm moving towards a more mellow sound and as far as I know the TC Electronic amps do that well. Question is, do you guys prefer a 1x15 or a 2x8, and is the 2x8 worth that much more money? Finally the Laney is something I've seen, but I've not heard much about. It's claimed to be versatile, which is ideal, and I'm willing to push the boat out a little bit and explore, but I'm hoping you guys know more about it than me!

Any suggestions/input/opinions/whatever?

Thanks in advance,

Woody
 
#12
Jeff Bonny said:
+1 to all CL400Peavey says here. In your price range I'd be looking at used amps. Markbass, Trace Elliot, Ashdown......
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As much as I would like to go for used amps, here in the UK there is not a huge selection of used amps on the market, and I'm not sure exactly when I'll be able to bid on an amp. The buying process isn't down to me, it's not like they give me the money and say "go buy something" - they simply ask me for recommendations. Thanks for your advice on the TC Electronic amps, and thanks to @CL400Peavey too.

beans-on-toast said:
It would be worth your while to contact the manufacturer and retailers and enquire if they offer an educational discount. You never know.
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Possibly. Once I get the go ahead from my school I'll contact Fender or whoever I go for and see if they offer such a discount. With any luck, they will. Thanks for the advice!

Mattrill said:
Rumble - cheap, loud (in certain context), reliable, looks good and weighs hardly anything. If you liked the sound of your Rumble I'd stick to what you know :thumbsup:. If you've got the extra cash, go for more watts.
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I do like my Rumble, and it's a solid amp to go with. Despite this I'm slightly inclined to push the boat out a little bit, considering it's not really my money I'm spending and I'm unlikely to have an opportunity like this in the near future. It's a difficult choice. I am definitely tempted by the TC Electronic 115 - I like the tone and like the different effects (especially as I have a very small amount of effects pedals). I seriously don't need anything too loud, I'm not playing in large band scenarios often.

Woody
 
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#14
Woody1999 said:
Any opinions on the TonePrint functions on the TC Electronic amps? I'm watching some YouTube videos on them and they sound pretty great.

Woody

Edit: not such a massive fan of the 2x8, it doesn't seem as full sounding as the 1x15.
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The toneprint function is a good way to experiment with some basic effects IF you already have a TCE amp, but the effects are pretty crappy and very limited. If you really want to play with effects on the cheap, buy a Zoom MS-60B or Zoom B1on.
 
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#18
I love the rumbles a lot, been gigging mine the last 4-5 years now. If your budget allows I definitely second the motion towards the rumble 200 because with a second 115 cab added it is a monstrous sound. And if you're moving in a mellower direction I'd definitely buy that over the TC stuff. The TC's aren't bad amps in my opinion bit they do start off very mellow, and its harder to go from mellow to bright than bright to mellow. The toneprint is a little overrated IMO as well. Since it looks like you're a younger guy too I'd say get an amp that you wont have to upgrade from in a few years, and the rumble will be able to keep you going for a long time.
 
#20
I LOVE all of the v3 Rumble series amps. IMHO, IME, etc the TC amps don't cut the proverbial mustard. I had a BG250 (?) with a 15, and returned it after a week. Underpowered, with poopy effect. The Rumbles have a GREAT and versatile onboard overdrive, as well. They are also very loud and very light, as others have stated.
 

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