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Need a lightweight, low priced combo

D

dewey decibel

Jul 2, 2018
37
10
#1
I know it's been asked and I've searched, but I still have more questions than answers. I need a lightweight combo for small gigs/sitting in, but won't get buried on a bigger stage. I'm playing a short scale Fender type, the music is everything from straight ahead jazz to soul to classic and indie rock. Just your basic '60s-'70s sounds, no bright tweeter type stuff.

I was all set to pick up an Ampeg BA115 because I'm very familiar with them, like the sounds and that they can tilt back, and I can find them for like $200. But I'm worried about a) lack of power, and b) weight. I can carry it with one hand, but it's a pain. I have a bunch of others on my radar, mostly newer class D based stuff but haven't been able to try much in person. I went to Music-Go-Round the other day and they had the Gallien Krueger MB115 which was on my list (the older silver grilled version) but I couldn't get a decent sound out of it. It wasn't boxey, it just didn't have any guts to it, kind of woofy yet hollow might be the best description. But then again who knows if it needed repair, they had an Ampeg there that wouldn't even turn on.

Besides the aforementioned requirements here are some other specs I'd like in order (but aren't real breakers):
good line out for direct recording/FOH
extension speaker jack
some kind of onboard dirt/OD
tilts back


My budget is around $350 or so. I can go higher if I fall in love with something. I'm going to Guitar Center and maybe a couple local places today to try stuff. Most of this gear is out of my price range new but doable used, I see a lot of it on the GC used website. Anyway here's what I'm looking at:

newer GK MB series
Fender Rumble (I know you guys love these, but they're actually not that much cheaper on the used market compared to new)
Hartke HD500 and Kickback
Ashdown Rootmaster and Studio 15
TC Electronic BG series (not too sure about this one)

Honestly I was leaning towards the GK MB115 but my experience the other day left me cold. I'm also open to the new Ampeg BAs but something I found researching turned me off, don't remember what it was tho. I'm guessing the Rumble 500 is going to be right up my alley, but any help is appreciated!
 
#3
jlepre said:
Take a look at the Rumble combos. They are in your budget, and hit all of your marks, except tilt back. GC should have a nice selection.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing I'll prefer the Rumble 500 over everything else (although I'd like a 1x15" over a 2x10"), but they go for $600 new and around $450 used and the miser in me doesn't want to pay that much for a used one! But I could see trading in something to spring for a new one (and get that sweet, sweet warranty)...
 
#4
dewey decibel said:
I'm guessing I'll prefer the Rumble 500 over everything else (although I'd like a 1x15" over a 2x10"), but they go for $600 new and around $450 used and the miser in me doesn't want to pay that much for a used one! But I could see trading in something to spring for a new one (and get that sweet, sweet warranty)...
Click to expand...
Make sure you give the 210 a chance. You might be surprised.
 
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#5
Just (like, yesterday!) picked up an amp stand for $25 from GC for my Rumble 500c. Worked well in practice last night. Proof will be gig this Sat. Last gig the recording we got it sounded way boomy on the floor so got this to raise it up. Love my 500c and would trade it only for one of those new 800s. But even the best amp can go boomy if the stage causes that.
 
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#7
Got to try a couple things. At GC I first plugged into the Rumble 500. I was a little nervous because I lifted it first and it’s soooo light, but I gotta say -it sounded pretty good. Round but open, even response, plenty of juice. Didn’t like the vintage switch and the onboard OD was mediocre, but I could def do what I need to do with this thing.

Next they had a Mark Bass combo, used for $400. I had written off that company because I thought they were out of my price range, but I guess not. Anyway, it sound good too. I was surprised because I expected it to sound more “modern” (whatever that means) but I get the feeling it’ll put out whatever you put into it. And it was really light, too. That said, it’s a short but very deep cab, I feel like it might not be the easiest to transport. Also the aesthetics kind of put me off (yeah I’m shallow)...

After that I tried the Ampeg BA115v2. To be honest, I thought this one sounded the best (and I found some cool tones with the Scrambler circuit). But although it’s lighter than the older version it’s still pretty big/heavy, and I’m not sure it has enough juice. Hard to tell.

After that I plugged into the Rumble 200 and it sounded pretty much the same as the 500. Seemed to have as much juice too, but again it’s hard to tell out if context.

Went to another store and they had the TC Electronic 1x15” used for $400. I didn’t mess with either Toneprint settings but the basic amp sounded pretty good, and it seemed pretty light. Again, not sure if it has enough juice either, but I remember thinking I could make this work.

So even though I dug the Ampeg the best soundwise I think I’m leaning toward the Rumble, I just need to figure out if the 200 will do it for me or if I need to spring for the 500. Wish there was a GK locally for me to try


Blue Dragon said:
Just (like, yesterday!) picked up an amp stand for $25 from GC for my Rumble 500c. Worked well in practice last night. Proof will be gig this Sat. Last gig the recording we got it sounded way boomy on the floor so got this to raise it up. Love my 500c and would trade it only for one of those new 800s. But even the best amp can go boomy if the stage causes that.
Click to expand...

Didn’t even know about the 800s. It’s hard to tell anything from a (I’m assuming) phone recording, but yeah, decoupling it from the floor can help.

Stumbo said:
Whatever you end up with, add a HPF to your signal chain. Reduces mud(especially at higher volume) , protects speakers, and reduces room boom. See my TB Wiki for more info.

And, add tilt back to any cab:Stage folding, adjustable wedge
Click to expand...

Thing is, I’m trying to reduce the amount of sh!t I carry, not add to it!
 
#8
I've certainly got nothing bad to say about any of those other amps - because I've no experience with them. I know only what I've touched. Heard good things about the Rumble 200 too, but when I bought my 500 it wasn't much more and if it buys me more louds, I can always turn it down. Also weight was negligible difference IMHO. But I feel you as to carrying less stuff. With this amp stand I now have another thing to cart, and no way around that. I've got an old Hartke combo that does the tiltback thing, but it's HEAVY. Would rather lug the 500 and have more power anyway. Plus I've come to love the 2x10s rather than 1x15 but everyone's different on that front. I know little about Markbass, but at $400 that seems like a good deal compared to their new price tbh. And if you like black-and-yellow. :) Still, something to be said for new and warranty too. Your call I guess!
 
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#10
I'd lean towards the fender rumble, only on reputation alone. I picked up a Carvin MB210 dirt cheap knowing the customer support was going to be non existent if it ever died. I've been pleasantly surprised. I lucked out and found a carvin extension cab so if I ever needed the extra umph it was there. More than anything it just gets a couple speakers closer to ear level.

They're probably tough to find... but it looks like they might have most of what you need. Just be forewarned... when I bought it I viewed as a potentially disposable purchase. I do really like the Pre out to the foh on this unit... as does my soundman.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#14
Just chiming in of course,but might want to consider TC Electronic amps,and cabs. Light weight and decent prices,if you look around. Managed to get this setup for $360,shipped. Cab RS210 weighs 44lbs even thought advertised 46lbs,and BH250 weighs 4lbs. Check them out,for yourself.
IMG_0127.jpg
 
#15
I've played Ampeg exclusively since '88. Never cared for Fender bass amps. Played a used Rumble 500 2x10 and was pleasantly surprised. I turned off the horn, turned on the vintage button and plugged in a P bass. Very round, even tone with plenty of low end. Really dug it. Would totally buy it if I needed a new amp. Could pick it up with one hand, 30 something pounds.
 
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#16
I would definitely go for the GK MB115. I have used them in small and medium venues and even outdoors. You will get a good boomy sound from the 15" speaker if you eq it right. Used, the go for around $350 and they weigh about 35 lbs. They are definitely worth a look, especially where they are USA made.:D
GK MB115.jpg
 
#17
Stranger Danger said:
Light, Loud and Cheap. You can only get two out of three usually.
Click to expand...

I don't believe you are going to find anything that comes close to the Rumble Series in checking all of these boxes. Anything cheaper will either be heavier or not as loud. If you absolutely have to go cheaper, the
Ampeg BA 210v2 can usually be had for around $350 used. They are a little heavier, and not quite as loud as the Rumble, but they can usually be found cheaper and can tilt back.
 
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#18
Am strongly leaning towards the Rumble now. Was considering saving a couple bucks and going for the 200, but that really does seem silly as they're the same size and practically the same weight. Would really love to find a GK in town to try tho...

TheReceder said:
I'd lean towards the fender rumble, only on reputation alone. I picked up a Carvin MB210 dirt cheap knowing the customer support was going to be non existent if it ever died. I've been pleasantly surprised. I lucked out and found a carvin extension cab so if I ever needed the extra umph it was there. More than anything it just gets a couple speakers closer to ear level.

They're probably tough to find... but it looks like they might have most of what you need. Just be forewarned... when I bought it I viewed as a potentially disposable purchase. I do really like the Pre out to the foh on this unit... as does my soundman.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

Oh, if I see one locally I'll definitely give it a spin.

Stranger Danger said:
Light, Loud and Cheap. You can only get two out of three usually.
Click to expand...

LOL. But we're living in the age of cheap class D power!

Chrome Dome said:
Just chiming in of course,but might want to consider TC Electronic amps,and cabs. Light weight and decent prices,if you look around. Managed to get this setup for $360,shipped. Cab RS210 weighs 44lbs even thought advertised 46lbs,and BH250 weighs 4lbs. Check them out,for yourself.View attachment 3555386
Click to expand...

I did try the BG115, thought it was decent but at $400 used I'd probably just go for a Rumble 500. If it was more like $300 it'd be a different story.

Dana R Gregory said:
I would definitely go for the GK MB115. I have used them in small and medium venues and even outdoors. You will get a good boomy sound from the 15" speaker if you eq it right. Used, the go for around $350 and they weigh about 35 lbs. They are definitely worth a look, especially where they are USA made.:D
View attachment 3555432
Click to expand...

I really want to try one, but I think I'd lean towards the MB210 as it has more juice.
 
#19
I love the ampeg sound, but I’ve read enough reliability/quality complaints about the BA line to steer me away. And yes, they do run heavier.

I’m using Rumbles now, I find I can get a decent Ampeg tone by cutting bass and boosting low mids. Personally I like the 500 over the 200, it’s a little clearer (and I’m like you, don’t like the bright tweeter-y amps)

I tried a GK MB 112 ii, and was highly impressed. I had a hard time getting a super warm smooth tone I could use for my bluegrass/country band, but it had some real girth and grit I’d use as my rock amp. Itching to try the 210! Worth a drive to check em out, IMO
 

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