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Looking for bass combo for small gigs, under $500

#23
Russell L said:
If 100w will do, can't beat the Rumble 100 v3 for price, weight, and tone.
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+1 here for the Rumble 100. But with the 200 I'd also consider that Markbass I've mentioned - it's smaller, equally powerful (or more), and its DI Out is switchable pre/post (and I think even adjustable in its output level), which the Fenders can't do - like Ampeg, EBS and some others I've looked at, their DI Outs are post everything.
 
#24
wjl said:
+1 here for the Rumble 100. But with the 200 I'd also consider that Markbass I've mentioned - it's smaller, equally powerful (or more), and its DI Out is switchable pre/post (and I think even adjustable in its output level), which the Fenders can't do - like Ampeg, EBS and some others I've looked at, their DI Outs are post everything.
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I quite agree, being a Markbass player myself, if the price is right. I have a CMD 121H combo that would do well, too, but is probably too expensive, even used. I got my Rumble 100 to cover stuff that 100w would do and because it weighs about 16 lbs. less than the 121H. However, at the same volume the Markbass outshines the Rumble for sound and tone, IMO. Plus, as you said it has more features. Mine is a 2008 model with the original "Combo Head" which is a Little Mark II. I only wish it had the line level control like the later LMIII version. But I also have a separate LMIII head and two 151P cabs. I also wish it had a headphone jack and aux. input, but the Rumble takes care of that. My 121H weighs 37.5 lbs. It also has a smooth-sounding compression driver.

So, yes, if a Markbass combo can be had for the right price, and if its weight is suitable, I'd highly recommend it over others. Markbass is really good stuff and sounds great.
 
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#27
aussie_owner said:
Pulled the trigger on a G-K MB115 II today. Should be here Friday. I wasn't sold on the Rumble, after playing a couple. The push button tones just weren't doing it for me.
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Congratulations, play it in good health. The MB series is a worthy line, and it fits what you were looking for. Though I like Ampeg, I definitely would've put GK ahead of the Rumble amps, though I admit they're very popular.
 
#29
iagtrplyr said:
Congratulations, play it in good health. The MB series is a worthy line, and it fits what you were looking for. Though I like Ampeg, I definitely would've put GK ahead of the Rumble amps, though I admit they're very popular.
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I looked at the Ampeg amps, and liked what I saw, but too heavy. My Hartke B60 weighs 49.5 lbs, and the Ampeg is 45 lbs. I got to play a smaller GK (MB 112) and liked the sound, but didn't care for the stripped down controls.

The Rumble amps were just too thumpy for my Rumblekat. Short scale bass with flatwounds already has plenty of thump, no need to add any.
 
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#30
aussie_owner said:
I looked at the Ampeg amps, and liked what I saw, but too heavy. My Hartke B60 weighs 49.5 lbs, and the Ampeg is 45 lbs. I got to play a smaller GK (MB 112) and liked the sound, but didn't care for the stripped down controls.

The Rumble amps were just too thumpy for my Rumblekat. Short scale bass with flatwounds already has plenty of thump, no need to add any.
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Maybe get a smaller size of the ampeg like the 108 or 110. Ampeg is good for the low mellow sounding based like a Rumblekat has.
 

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