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Looking for sub $1k combo that can hit open E

LowerBeef

LowerBeef

Jan 16, 2009
145
27
Lower Suwanee, Georgia
#1
Howdy,

I'm looking for a small combo for learning/practice that can realistically get down to open E. I bought a Line 6 Studio 110, but it isn't really cutting it. I'm thinking I'll need something with a 15". I've found a decent deal on an Ampeg BA115HP (~$500) or a Fender Bassman 250/115 (~$425).

I can spend $1000, but I'd rather not if I don't have to.

Thanks.
 
#2
You don't need a 15 for open E IMO. Take your pick from most high quality 112 or 210 or 115 (if you like) combos. That little Line 6 gizmo is more useful for recording or rather low volume practice IME. I vote for a used micro head (now easily available in mint shape for 500, and will likely drop in price as the newest wave hits stores) and a good 112 cab of your choice. More versatile and modular than a combo (unless the combo is a GB Shuttle).
 
#4
If you have $100 to spend you will be better off IMO getting a seperate cab and head. Unless you just have a strong preferennce fo combos for some reason.

That budget will go quite a ways in the TB classifieds. You would be looking at a substantial improvement over your current combo.

Any decent multi-10, 12, or 15 loaded cabinet should handle an open E just fine.
 
#6
They haven't been made for several years, but if you can find a Trace Elliot BLX80 or BLX 130, you have a great amp. They use a single 10" speaker in a band-pass enclosure, meaning the speaker fires into a chamber which has a vertical slot port from which the sound radiates. Looks odd, sounds great. Fantastic low E, even down to low B.
 
#7
I use a BA115 at one of the churches I play at. I will do reasonably well but I think the fidelity is REALLY poor.

It does an open E but the B string is muddy at best. In fact muddy is an accurate description of the amp. I have a "new to me" SWR Workingman 10 which seems okay with the lower notes but again its really heavy for what it is. I like the Line6 Lowdown 110 in fact I'd prefer one of those to my SWR. Low volume practice and living room jamming is all I'd ever use it for though. Maybe you should give it a little more time?

For a grand you should be able to get a smokin' combo. Any of the Eden combo's would suite you well even the Nemisis line is supposed to be pretty good.
 
#9
$1000 to hit an open E? WHAT!
I have a Crate BT25 combo that cost like $119 new and it hits open E just fine and sounds great.

At any rate if you are willing to spend 1k I would recommend a seperate head and a cab. Once I switched it was had to go back.

There are a TON of possibilies for $1000 and under.
 
#10
You say you have as much as 1000, but you can do a LOT with 5-700 in the used market. I would strongly second the advice to pass on a combo and get a separate head/cab.

2 minutes of ebay search turned up this gem. Not endorsing or recommending these items/sellers per se, just pointing out how much stuff is available to you, and well below your price point. That being said, the BIN on the Genz-Benz head is a steal, and you wouldn't need more amp for a looooong time.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Genz-Benz-GBE-6...ryZ64397QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


And just to show a little in-house TB love, put the GB on top of this Eden Nemesis 212 I found in the for sale forum and you will rattle biscuits for YEARS to come: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506243


That's a total cost of less than $800 shipped, not even counting if the GB auction comes in under the BIN.

The point being, take your time and don't jump on the first new thing you see at your local shop. The wait will be worth it in your bang for buck. None of the combos mentioned is a zit on the bum of what these two pieces would do for you. A Fender Rumble is a joke compared to that miniature pile of thunder I just found.
 
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#11
Thanks for the recommendations. Seems like most of you would say to get a separate head and cab, but I was really hoping to stay with a combo, although some of the micro-size heads are interesting. I'd also like to get something new. After seeing how the equipment is "demo-ed" at some retailers I don't even want the floor sample.

The ex-hifi nut in me has been looking at the specs of various cabs and it seems that many (most?) are down 6dB or more near 42Hz.
 
#15
Markbass 102p. It's a LMII with 2 10's. Igot mine for $950 out the door. My band insists I bring this rig every time. I also have a full SVT rig and a mesa pulse 600 rig. The markbass is the best for live. I use the other rigs only for occasional recording.
 
#16
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#18
LowerBeef said:
I'd also like to get something new. After seeing how the equipment is "demo-ed" at some retailers I don't even want the floor sample.
Click to expand...

I hear you, but something purchased on TB will probably have received much better treatment than the music store demo amps. Those things tend to be abused by people who don't have a clue.

LowerBeef said:
The ex-hifi nut in me has been looking at the specs of various cabs and it seems that many (most?) are down 6dB or more near 42Hz.
Click to expand...

I can understand where you're coming from here, but most of what you are hearing with the open E is harmonic overtones rather than the fundamental. Really just about anything in your price range is going to handle a low E with aplomb. Try not to get too caught up in the specs. For example: I run two Bag End S15-Ds. The specs on these indicate that there is a 6dB rolloff at 50 Hz, yet these cabs easily handle a low B (~32 Hz). I run my EQ flat (and no bass boost from an onboard pre) and my band will tell you that there is no shortage of low end coming from my rig.
 
#20
LowerBeef said:
I'm looking for a small combo for learning/practice that can realistically get down to open E. I bought a Line 6 Studio 110, but it isn't really cutting it.
Click to expand...

What environment are using using that Studio 110 in? Loud rock band? I ask because I have that same amp and I'm even happy with its low B performance. That said, I use it to rehearse with a relatively quiet jazz group.
 

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