most reliable small amp to use as backup?

Small amp or small combo?

Also define small, physically small or low wattage?

 

Well seen more than a couple MarkBass show up with major trouble too so look to Genz-Benz.

 

http://www.genzbenz.com/?fa=detail&mid=2262&sid=610&cid=95 or http://www.genzbenz.com/?fa=detail&mid=2821&sid=715&cid=95

 

Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0 would be my choice. 3.75 pounds, 375W peak output into 8 ohms.

 

Peavey!
I have a series 300 that puts out a super loud 150 watts at 4 ohms.

good price, special for you:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/msg/3919668749.html

 

Tone difference. The GB's are about the most reliable current production heads you'll find. (I'm a G-K guy so that says A LOT for me to recommend them).

 

My Eden gear has been really reliable but it's not particularly popular on this site. I've owned WTX500, WTX260, WTX264, WT400, WTDI and none of it has left me hanging. There doesn't seem to be many threads indicating there's anything but reliable products from Eden in the last 8-10 Years. There was a bad period around 2003 when ownership changed hand and quality suffered but it appears those days are behind them.

Just wanted to post an alternative to Genz as it often seems like Genz, GK, and Ampeg are the only recommendations anyone makes here despite a tonne of great gear made by others.

 

My back up is a Genz Streamliner 900. I think it's like 4 pounds. Plenty of warmth and almost too much bottom.

 

Anything Markbass would be plenty reliable.

 

What's your main amp?

 

Shuttle is the 'modern' hi-fi tone, the Streamliner is more vintage, tubey 'warm' tone. This according to what I've read on TB and from other sources.

 

+1 - Never seen a problem with MB. Of course it happens - there are no 100% problem free devices of any kind.

 

I know you said you weren't interested in GK or Ampeg but my PF350 has been a tank for 2 years now, even having survived being dropped a couple times.

 

backup amp?

but why?

one great rig should do you fine- have a DI box on hand at the gigs incase of disaster.

i generally leave my minimark in my car, honestly i forget its there. plenty of times i've gone to a gig with my real rig and the minimark in the trunk. i suppose thats good for a backup... it's so damn tiny i forget its there.

 

I'd look at the Carvin amps. They're reliable, easliy serviced in the USA, and cheap.