• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Loudest combo under 30 pounds?

#41
I found a 2nd hand Genz Benz M-Line 112 combo in a shop some years ago for maybe $90. Super simple 3-band eq and the back has a diagonal cut that lets it either stand up straight or tilt back like a monitor. Not entirely sure, but this combo may run up toward 200 watts and when I compared it against one of my SWR Wkmn's 2x10's (half decent cab, but not a world beater) powered by a 400 watt amp, the GB combo definitely threw more sound.

My general point is that while I don't really think of using combos for loud settings, this one changed my mind. These combos weigh up around 40 lbs. - unfortunate for your wants 'n needs - but I've come to love this rig considering the bang for my buck I've enjoyed with it. I know that you're looking for a lighter option, so the GB Shuttle combos are probably a good call for your short list.
 
#42
What about the Trace Elliot Elf, and two of the Elf 2x8s? The amp will for anywhere you want, and if you had saddle bags or panniers to hang off the sides of the rack, your cabs could fit in those. That would feel really balanced on the bike, and keep the cabs and amp out of the elements.

EDIT: Never mind. I saw your price requirement! Carry on.
 
#46
I have a Promethean P5110 1x10 combo that I recommend. Officially it is 26.7 pounds and has an easily removable head. The combo alone is 250 watts. The 20-pound extension cab makes a compact 500 watt system. The main rub is you'll have to find a used one because it's out of production, but it's still formidable and would serve well for your size, weight, and volume requirements. There are deals to be had. It looks seriously bitchin', too.
 
#47
23D6CC78-8325-42AD-AA64-9D2A4F49980B.jpeg
Pretty loud, very light
 
  • Like
Reactions: AztecViking and electracoyote
#48
Gremson said:
I posted earlier about carrying a bass rig on a motorcycle, and I'm getting more serious about making it happen. In a couple weeks I ought to be able to pull the trigger on an amp and finally start looking for a band to play in after a seven month hiatus.
I'm looking for a small combo that could still keep up with a drummer in a rock-ish setting for rehearsal, and work as a monitor for gigs. I'm hoping for a pretty neutrail reproduction of my bass tone, or at least be able to EQ to be neutral. And under $400.
My prime contenders are the Fender Rumble 100, the Phil Jones Bass Session 77, and the Ibanez Promethean P3110. The first two boast 100 watts and look like they could hang, the Ibanez promises 300 watts, but only a single 10" speaker.
I'd love to hear what the personal favorite is of these three, or perhaps another I haven't considered.
Thanks kids!
Click to expand...

I use the Rumble 100 and the Promethean and love them both. The Rumble goes on more gigs just because the 12" speaker provides a little more oomph than Promethean's 10". I've used both amps with upright and EBGs and have never been disappointed about either volume or tone. Both are spectacularly good for the money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: EatS1stBassist and fermata
#49
Westsailor said:
This. Just an opinion but I would think it pretty dangerous to ride a motorcycle with such a substantially altered (high and to rear) center of gravity. You might be able to handle curves, etc. if everything goes right but what about having to suddenly compensate? Like someone pulling out in front of you or otherwise having to suddenly dodge something. I can easily envision unanticipated forces suddenly coming into play someone would likely be unable to counterbalance, that inability being compounded with speed
Click to expand...

It is hard sometimes to attach things safely, but if I put my p.a. speaker in a big duffle bag I have, I wouldn't have any reservations about being able to keep it on the back of a motorcycle with some bungies etc. Some sort of a rack would make it even easier. Bass combos might be a little more awkwardly shaped, but the eden ex112 would probably be fine.
 
#50
I'm amused by the people who say this can't (or shouldn't) be done. Riders strap luggage easily weighing 20-30 lbs. to bikes all the time. I have lugged my duffel/gig bag & my P-bass in a hard shell case on my Streetglide many times. Granted my bike has hardbags (where I put the bass) & a backrest to tie everything off to. It would just take some extra planning to do on a cafe style bike. And yes I would try a trial run with a similar sized load first.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jchrisk1
#52
mwbassace said:
I'm amused by the people who say this can't (or shouldn't) be done. Riders strap luggage easily weighing 20-30 lbs. to bikes all the time. I have lugged my duffel/gig bag & my P-bass in a hard shell case on my Streetglide many times. Granted my bike has hardbags (where I put the bass) & a backrest to tie everything off to. It would just take some extra planning to do on a cafe style bike. And yes I would try a trial run with a similar sized load first.
Click to expand...
Glad to know you are still alive.
 
#54
If playing with a rock drummer, the Genz Benz. 3.0-10T won't quite do. I have and love this unit, and it's the most potent 19 pounds that you could imagine, but it won't do that job.

the 31 pound GB 6.0 or 6.2 would do it, with a 1-12 cabinet. I have the 2.2 series 1-12" saddled to a GB Shuttle 9.2, and have been amazed how well it's done in a 5-piece latin/rock/folklorical with a moderate drummer. I have owned the MB 1-12" combo, and it does not come close to the old GB in terms of real-world punch, and I way prefer the sound of the GB cabinet. Only problem: GB is dead and gone, so you're stuck with trying to find used units.

Otherwise, you might be best off building around the Audiokinesis Hathor 1203 cabinet: 12" with a paper mid-range, 25 pounds, and the Audiokinesis thread here on TB is replete with evidence that this cab is capable way beyond its size, yoked to any of the Class D amps that do at least 300 watts into 8-ohms. And folks seem to love the voicing of these cabinets in rock settings.

If you have larger gigs still, where you'd want to use a second cabinet, then I'd suggest using an amp that can push 500 watts or more into a 4-ohm load. Unfortunately, small unitary combos, other than the small Mark Bass, generally don't offer that kind of power. Maybe one of the GK Neo-cab combos?

EDIT: Post #14 praises the larger MB 12" combo - I'm happy with what I have, but have often thought that this larger combo might address the issues I otherwise had with the smaller 1'12" combo's cabinet. Worth considering, if not too large for your motorcycle.
 
Last edited:
#56
electracoyote said:
I play this amp a lot. It will keep up with a loud azz rock drummer, no problem.

I tried to envision it strapped to a narrow motorcycle seat, buzzing down the road, hitting bumps and taking corners. Each time I tried, my sphincter tightened up.
Click to expand...

Is that the 44-pound, 1-15 combo? NO way on a motorcycle doing more than 35 miles an hour!
 
  • Like
Reactions: electracoyote
#57
Joebone said:
Is that the 44-pound, 1-15 combo? NO way on a motorcycle doing more than 35 miles an hour!
Click to expand...

Agreed. But it's not the weight, it's the dimensions, and the non-human cargo has to be locked down tight so it won't slip loose through turns and bumps. Surely a bike seat can handle an extra 44 pound load, but will it stay put?

And my contention is, to get a combo small and light enough to actually strap down tight and stay on the back of a motorcycle, it will NOT keep up with a loud rock drummer IMHO, IME, YMMV.

I know we're all simply speculating here, and until someone comes in with proof positive they've done such a thing, this is starting to sound like an episode of Mythbusters. ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Joebone
#58
electracoyote said:
I play this amp a lot. It will keep up with a loud azz rock drummer, no problem.

I tried to envision it strapped to a narrow motorcycle seat, buzzing down the road, hitting bumps and taking corners. Each time I tried, my sphincter tightened up.
Click to expand...
I guarantee it. Probably couldn’t get a pin in there with a jackhammer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: electracoyote
#59
I see too many restrictions to get the job done properly.

A setup that is so light and small it will fit on a motorbike that has to keep up with a rock drummer will cost serious cash.
The minimum speaker surface we're talking about is 112, but only the absolute top shelf equipment will handle a drummer and fit on a bike (the usual suspects come to mind: Audiokinesis, barefaced, Greenboy) and they will still require a head that can pump at least 300W into them. If I recall correctly, these cabs have 8 ohms, so a 500W class D head would have to fit into the gigbag.
That's more than 600 for the cab, plus a class-D head of your choice and you're looking at a four figure price tag.
 
  • Like
Reactions: electracoyote

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back