Micro basscombo

[SJan3]

@SJan3 thanks for your comment, Maybe its just a bet..... (And before pulling the trigger wanted to explore even non tradicional options). Tech 21 combo seems to have great tone, (the video I posted shows what I mean), comes from already known preamp/pedal brand: "sansamp", woofer 12"+ switchable tweeter, pre and post EQ DI out, spk powered output, 200w(4ohm), 28lbs, 499$, has everything, but belongs outside the "status Quo", also I read some interesting comments about it; and is at this point, that I wanted to hear your comments.....

Well, IMHO, the Tech 21 is way more versatile. EQ seems more responsive and it seems to be able to cop all the desired tones from, vintage to slap to modern finger funk to soft grind to all out distortion. The Samsamp pedals are used and applauded by many.
I'm not putting down the GK but it is a bit, how shall I say this, boring next to the Tech 21.
I'm sure both will be well built.
But if it were me buying, I'd choose the Tech 21.
Sorry GK fans.

 

[LUIS H RAMIREZ]

Well, IMHO, the Tech 21 is way more versatile. EQ seems more responsive and it seems to be able to cop all the desired tones from, vintage to slap to modern finger funk to soft grind to all out distortion. The Samsamp pedals are used and applauded by many.
I'm not putting down the GK but it is a bit, how shall I say this, boring next to the Tech 21.
I'm sure both will be well built.
But if it were me buying, I'd choose the Tech 21.
Sorry GK fans.

That's exactly the point I wanted to bring to the forum, both are great from each other's point of view, but there is only one bullet..... Is not easy decision.... Thanks again for your comments...

 

[Pilgrim]

I'm looking for the most portable posible bass combo for practice, rehearsal, and also small gigs, if it's possible speaker out connection in case you need to go louder, 400 or 500$ it's my limit, some advise??????

Any Genz-Benz Shuttle head docked on a Shuttle cab. Done.

 

[SJan3]

Any Genz-Benz Shuttle head docked on a Shuttle cab. Done.

The OP has a $499 max price point. Maybe he can find a used shuttle. He is in Venezuela so he may be looking for a warranty?

 

[Pilgrim]

The OP has a $499 max price point. Maybe he can find a used shuttle. He is in Venezuela so he may be looking for a warranty?

I noted the price, but not the location. Shipping might kill the deal. But if I had that price point, I'd be 100% open to buying used without a warranty - especially Genz-Benz, which is highly reliable and only available used. He may be able to find a Shuttle 3.0 with speaker cab at that price.

 

[SJan3]

I noted the price, but not the location. Shipping might kill the deal. But if I had that price point, I'd be 100% open to buying used without a warranty - especially Genz-Benz, which is highly reliable and only available used. He may be able to find a Shuttle 3.0 with speaker cab at that price.

That is another option.

 

[Bruno Maia]

EXACTLY

That would ne nice. Is there a video or an article to back it up, or maybe it is rumour?
Anyway, I have been oudated, I admit. I own a GK MB210 ii myself, and I love it. I can take a picture of the back plate written "Assembled in the USA". Maybe they are now writing " Made in the USA"? I could not find a picture of that, yet. However, in the GK web site they show this stamp:

Then in retailers, the specs come "Designed and Manufactured in the USA"

This story of "GK returned their manufacturing to the US" maybe not entirely true.

GK official website also mention that only "high performance speakers designed and manufactured by GK in the U.S.A."
MB Combos — Gallien-Krueger

The rest might not be exactly true.

 

[Bruno Maia]

Well, IMHO, the Tech 21 is way more versatile. EQ seems more responsive and it seems to be able to cop all the desired tones from, vintage to slap to modern finger funk to soft grind to all out distortion. The Samsamp pedals are used and applauded by many.
I'm not putting down the GK but it is a bit, how shall I say this, boring next to the Tech 21.
I'm sure both will be well built.
But if it were me buying, I'd choose the Tech 21.
Sorry GK fans.

I am a happy owner of a 500W combo with 2x10 ceramic speakers in a lightweight cabinet, the GK MB210 ii, a digital amp emulating the legendary RB800 340W in 8ohms with external speaker 8ohms output that yields the full 500W@4ohms, weighing less than 16 KG.

Let alone the propietary digital chain, on which up to 3 MBP powered cabinets 2x12 , 500W each can be chained using the combo pre amp settings, totalling 2000W RMS of pure GK wall of sound While that tech 21 is far away at home in the practice room , GK is boosting pure GK power and tone, most of the times disregarding the PA and cutting through the loudest drummers on stage and on the audience.
Although I like Americanmanufacturers, Tech 21 products mainly come from factories in United States, Korea Süd (Republic of Korea) and China. That combo is " Made in Korea".
It is about the same case as GK, cheaper manpower from the far East.

One might agree that 200W power and NO external speaker output combo is not so versatile, nor compatible with the GK tradition.

The history of the business Tech 21 USA, Inc. goes back to the year 1989. In .1968, Robert Gallien walked into his local music store, carrying an amplifier he had made in his garage. It had a unique design that impressed the storeowner, as well as a local club musician named Carlos Santana, who bought it the next day and took it to Woodstock.
History — Gallien-Krueger
https://www.thomann.de/gb/tech_21.html

I come from a time of 30Kg + combos like several 1x15 160W Peaveys I once owned. GK has the best solution at a reasonable price.

My BM210 ii combo I purchased for exactly £500 in 2017. It is worth that now as used! It is being retailed for £750 now. It is such a successful and top notch combo that GK is likely the only manufacturer that raises their prices of a model after a decade in the market.

Sorry.

 

[agedhorse]

The history of the business Tech 21 USA, Inc. goes back to the year 1989. In .1968, Robert Gallien walked into his local music store, carrying an amplifier he had made in his garage. It had a unique design that impressed the storeowner, as well as a local club musician named Carlos Santana, who bought it the next day and took it to Woodstock.
History — Gallien-Krueger

How does Tech 21 have anything to do with GK? I fail to understand the connection.

 

[Bruno Maia]

That's exactly the point I wanted to bring to the forum, both are great from each other's point of view, but there is only one bullet..... Is not easy decision.... Thanks again for your comments...

My advice would be lining them all up, shooting them all with the same bullet. That is where 30-day money back guarantee guarantees your satisfaction.

I forgot another another option, the Phill Jones Micro 7, WITH external speaker output, at less than £300.
For external speaker there is the Phill Jones Piranha, with 2x7, I believe.
Don't forget that GK's MB 210 ii has a 340W@8ohms/500W@4ohms digital head with an external speaker output, 16Kg.

 

[Bruno Maia]

How does Tech 21 have anything to do with GK? I fail to understand the connection.

No offence, it was you quoting "Sorry GK fans".

 

[agedhorse]

No offence, it was you quoting "Sorry GK fans".

Except that I didn't quote "Sorry GK fans".

 

[SJan3]

I am a happy owner of a 500W combo with 2x10 ceramic speakers in a lightweight cabinet, the GK MB210 ii, a digital amp emulating the legendary RB800 340W in 8ohms with external speaker 8ohms output that yields the full 500W@4ohms, weighing less than 16 KG.

Let alone the propietary digital chain, on which up to 3 MBP powered cabinets 2x12 , 500W each can be chained using the combo pre amp settings, totalling 2000W RMS of pure GK wall of sound While that tech 21 is far away at home in the practice room , GK is boosting pure GK power and tone, most of the times disregarding the PA and cutting through the loudest drummers on stage and on the audience.
Although I like Americanmanufacturers, Tech 21 products mainly come from factories in United States, Korea Süd (Republic of Korea) and China. That combo is " Made in Korea".
It is about the same case as GK, cheaper manpower from the far East.

One might agree that 200W power and NO external speaker output combo is not so versatile, nor compatible with the GK tradition.

The history of the business Tech 21 USA, Inc. goes back to the year 1989. In .1968, Robert Gallien walked into his local music store, carrying an amplifier he had made in his garage. It had a unique design that impressed the storeowner, as well as a local club musician named Carlos Santana, who bought it the next day and took it to Woodstock.
History — Gallien-Krueger
https://www.thomann.de/gb/tech_21.html

I come from a time of 30Kg + combos like several 1x15 160W Peaveys I once owned. GK has the best solution at a reasonable price.

My BM210 ii combo I purchased for exactly £500 in 2017. It is worth that now as used! It is being retailed for £750 now. It is such a successful and top notch combo that GK is likely the only manufacturer that raises their prices of a model after a decade in the market.

Sorry.

Well, that was quite the history lesson. I'm glad you're so pleased with your GK amp and thanks for expressing your opinion.

 

[telecopy]

I'm looking for the most portable posible bass combo for practice, rehearsal, and also small gigs, if it's possible speaker out connection in case you need to go louder, 400 or 500$ it's my limit, some advise??????

It may not be what you're looking for but the GK MB108 does pretty good. Surprising.

 

[Frampton]

The smallest with best sound is the Phil Jones Double 4. Very pricey though. You can use it's line out to a powered speaker if more umph is needed.

The Double 4 really is a great option.

 

[Bruno Maia]

It may not be what you're looking for but the GK MB108 does pretty good. Surprising.

When I opted for buying the Mark Bass Micromark 801 as a second amp for small pub gigs, the GK MB108 or MB 110 were my first choices, then Hartke, Ampeg, Fender... None of them come with an external speaker or line out output, and will leave the owner stuck with a little driver, which is not enough to cut through when playing with a drummer.
So I opted for my last alternative, the lightest one up to £400. In fact, not even the Fender Rumble 100 has outputs, go tell why.

There is another alternative, the TC Eletronics BG208 with 2x8 and a powerful 250W amp, the only combo in the series with speaker output.
I am not sure why not include speaker output in the whole series. That is the same with all manufacturers, from Ampeg, Fender, Hartke, GK, etc. The little combos miss that feature.
Nowadays there is also the Phill Jones M7.

My point being, the external speaker and line out are the most important features in a small combo.

I hope it helps.

 

[LUIS H RAMIREZ]

When I opted for buying the Mark Bass Micromark 801 as a second amp for small pub gigs, the GK MB108 or MB 110 were my first choices, then Hartke, Ampeg, Fender... None of them come with an external speaker or line out output, and will leave the owner stuck with a little driver, which is not enough to cut through when playing with a drummer.
So I opted for my last alternative, the lightest one up to £400. In fact, not even the Fender Rumble 100 has outputs, go tell why.

There is another alternative, the TC Eletronics BG208 with 2x8 and a powerful 250W amp, the only combo in the series with speaker output.
I am not sure why not include speaker output in the whole series. That is the same with all manufacturers, from Ampeg, Fender, Hartke, GK, etc. The little combos miss that feature.
Nowadays there is also the Phill Jones M7.

My point being, the external speaker and line out are the most important features in a small combo.

I hope it helps.

Bruno, thanks for your comments, in fact I have read about TC electronic 208, and it's affordable, powerful and versatile : connectivity wich I think it's important, even if you don't need it often... About the question "why usually other models and brands don't bring with CONNECTIVITY", IMHO it's a fact of marketing, "if they give you THIS, they take away THAT...", To push the bet higher to a more expensive model/brand (it's the same history than in cellphone), there is a model from Markbass: CMD 101 Marcus Miller 10" + tweeter , 3 band equalizer, full connectivity, nice looking, light weight, 449$.... BUT... 60w in 4ohm, 30 or 40w in 8ohm , (which it's the real power by itself)... A side of this numbers, I wonder, in practical point of view , how loud is it???, And in what sizes venue can I play with?(very sure small ones), would be loud enough to perform with soft percussion? What about on stage: enough for monitoring????. I think this combo would be perfect with some more juice inside... Maybe 100w...
This amp I have it in my list since the beginning my doubts the power... And the next model (cmd 121 12" 300/500), in the brand it's expensive out of my budget....

 

[Bruno Maia]

Bruno, thanks for your comments, in fact I have read about TC electronic 208, and it's affordable, powerful and versatile : connectivity wich I think it's important, even if you don't need it often... About the question "why usually other models and brands don't bring with CONNECTIVITY", IMHO it's a fact of marketing, "if they give you THIS, they take away THAT...", To push the bet higher to a more expensive model/brand (it's the same history than in cellphone), there is a model from Markbass: CMD 101 Marcus Miller 10" + tweeter , 3 band equalizer, full connectivity, nice looking, light weight, 449$.... BUT... 60w in 4ohm, 30 or 40w in 8ohm , (which it's the real power by itself)... A side of this numbers, I wonder, in practical point of view , how loud is it???, And in what sizes venue can I play with?(very sure small ones), would be loud enough to perform with soft percussion? What about on stage: enough for monitoring????. I think this combo would be perfect with some more juice inside... Maybe 100w...
This amp I have it in my list since the beginning my doubts the power... And the next model (cmd 121 12" 300/500), in the brand it's expensive out of my budget....

That theory about marketing makes a lot of sense.
The whole idea of combo is having a single portable box. No output for small comnos makes people like me buy two combos. One for each ocasion.
Maybe TC Electronic had something in mind making that combo the only extensible i nthe whole series? I just do not get it.

That TC Eletronic is realy a good cost/effective solution. 200W is all you will ever need on stage.

If only the head were detachable. Many people do not know, and it is not advertized (marketing?) but the MarkBass CMD 112 head is detachable. One can end up with a Little Mark head in the hands by simply unscrewing a few bolts and unpluging the cab from the head.


I could talk about my experience with the MarkBass Micromark 801. I did a gig in Leicester, a van picked us up at the meeting point, no room for my GK MB210 in the van, with congas and the whole band. So I took the Markbass 801 instead.

The gig was outdoors, exactly outside the Leceister City Football Club home. Large PA, poor stage monitors. The 801 did well the job as an amp head, but I could only hear myself from back of the PA tower. The singer wasn't out of tune all the time, and I glued to the drum kit.

In IMHO no big gigs for the 801, unless you can guarantee another source of stage monitors, or headphones. Not even an external cab would have helped there.

At bars/pubs, light percussion or brushes on drums, it is fine. I take it often to Jazz gigs, plugged to my double bass, all good.

For two full percussion sets in night clubs, I would take a larger combo, if the PA were had only small club speakers.

Check out a video of a gig like that in London, recorded by a Sony small camera. I took the GK MB210.



My GK was standalone there, no connection to PA. Its volume knob was like 30% of the 340W of the native cab, about 100W.
That is a case where a bassass combo is too much, and a small combo 50W would have been too little. I prefer to err on the safe side.
Hassle to move the GK in/out of that basement, even on a 4 wheel trolley and elevator. There is always a few steps here and there to climb. With a decent PA with subs and whatnot, a small combo would be alright.

My point is, if one opts for having one sinble combo at about £300, TC Eletronic 208 seems to tick all the boxes. I am not sure about how it sounds, though. I've never heard one from close.

I would run to a local store and try it out before buying.

All the best!

 

[agedhorse]

It's really about buying the right combo for your needs... just sayin'

 

[juggahnaught]

If you can squeeze out another $100 there is still nothing that can compare to the MarkBass CMD121P. 1x12, 350W, 500W with external speaker and scary loud. I can play ANY indoor gig with mine by placing it against a wall or even better in a corner. It is only a 14" cube and 32 lbs. so it is easy to use for rehearsal as well as small acoustic gigs. So many bass players have come up to me after a gig asking were my "stack" is! I see them used for around $600 and they are well worth it. The only piece of gear I own that I would absolutely replace if lost or stolen.

Came here to say the same thing. I have one that I paid wayyyy too much for (needed an amp, bought it new from Guitar Center) but they can be found used for good prices. I'm a player in Seattle and I don't drive anymore - but I have routinely walked down the road with my bass on my back and my combo in-hand. It's so good that I'm considering the extension cab. (There was a time that I thought I'd let it go because I use a Line 6 Helix through a powered speaker with one of my bands - but the Markbass has been handy for my other group and as a home practice amp at very low volume.)

It will hold its own with a drummer - it's surprisingly loud.

If you see one used in your price range and it's portable enough for your needs, I'd say grab it.