If you're looking for simple I'll suggest a Traynor SB-110 or a SB-112. However, I haven't seen many come up used in the TB Threads
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Need amp recommendations for jazz gigs
- Thread starter BioDriver
- Start date
I use a Warwick Gnome into a Barefaced One10T for that type of gig. Works great for upright or electric, as needed. Bonus points for being able to easily carry the whole rig in one go.
I’m not a fan of Markbass at all cause I play rock and blues but the best I heard for jazz is either a 210 or a 115 Markbass combo or any similar combinations with those yellow Kevlar woofers.
I would take a look at a Fender Rumble 500 combo , you could use a Rumble 100 if the venue(s)have good acoustics . 
Is that $700 for the whole assembly, including amp/cabinet/cables/etc?
I test-drove a bunch of amps and cabinets recently. Any relatively uncolored, modern class D amp should get you where you want to be.
While your tastes may differ, I really liked Phil Jones and Genzler. In the end, I picked the Genzler due to their reputation for outstanding support and a personal preference for the voicing. If you can find either used, they'll do well for you.
I’d second this recommendation.I would take a look at a Fender Rumble 500 combo , you could use a Rumble 100 if the venue(s)have good acoustics .
I got one for exactly this sort of thing.
You could probably use a less powerful version, but the 500 is light and loud enough for gigs.
I'd definitely want a light weight combo amp in your situation. The Genzler combo is very nice but perhaps above your budget. I'd also recommend Markbass. Also above your budget new but you can find them used within your budget. If you can go just above $800 you can get a Markbass CMD121P New on Sale at MF. Very popular, only 26+ lbs, very powerful and expandable.
Last edited:
Hi,
I've recently played several semi-acoustic gigs in small venues (flamenco cajón instead of drums, one electric guitar, one semi-acoustic guitar, and me on bass) with a Phil Jones 110. Depending on the drummer's playing style, it could be more than enough. If not, there are Phil Jones options that have a bit more power and can be paired with additional cabinets (a 120, expandable to 240 with another cabinet, I think).
The 110 has a very jazzy sound, weighs about 6-7 kg, and has a one-knob compressor that, when fully open, only cuts peaks, leaving a very natural and focused sound. It also has two channels with independent EQ, and one of them accepts XLR inputs. I've used it to connect my microphone, and it worked very well. A few months ago, we played at an outdoor beach pub, and it worked there too. However, due to the size of the 5" speakers and the physical limitations of the setup, I wouldn't boost the bass too much because it could distort the sound a bit.
I initially bought it to play at home and it's too powerful, but in the end I've found its place.
I've recently played several semi-acoustic gigs in small venues (flamenco cajón instead of drums, one electric guitar, one semi-acoustic guitar, and me on bass) with a Phil Jones 110. Depending on the drummer's playing style, it could be more than enough. If not, there are Phil Jones options that have a bit more power and can be paired with additional cabinets (a 120, expandable to 240 with another cabinet, I think).
The 110 has a very jazzy sound, weighs about 6-7 kg, and has a one-knob compressor that, when fully open, only cuts peaks, leaving a very natural and focused sound. It also has two channels with independent EQ, and one of them accepts XLR inputs. I've used it to connect my microphone, and it worked very well. A few months ago, we played at an outdoor beach pub, and it worked there too. However, due to the size of the 5" speakers and the physical limitations of the setup, I wouldn't boost the bass too much because it could distort the sound a bit.
I initially bought it to play at home and it's too powerful, but in the end I've found its place.
Attachments
Picked up that Gramma Pad used long ago when I had a bigger rig with a 2x12 Epifani cab. It's an amazing potent rig for it's size. I like having it being as modular as it is and so lightweight and easy to carry around. If I can get by with only the combo that's all I'd bring. It's plenty for low volume amplified or unplugged gigs.
I have a Markbass 102P combo, probably more than you need, but I would definitely look at Markbass single speaker combos. I also have Rumble 100 that I use for low volume rehearsals, I like the amp, but I can't imagine very many scenarios where it would be adequate for gigs. I would definitely be looking at the Rumble 500. Maybe overkill power wise, but nobody is ever sorry they have too much power as long as the package is the right size.
Mine's not listed for sale. You couldn't take it from me without shooting me first.
He might get a used MG 350 combo for somewhere around that number. $800 might be a bit closer.
How about a Fender Rumble 500. It is 350 watts rms, weighs about 36lbs and will go for about $679 at Guitar Center. Worth a look.
Are you in an urban area where there is decent turnover and product on the used market? At your price point, I'm not sure you'll find a new unit that will satisfy you in the long run. That said... I'm not a fan of the MarkBass speakers, but that 112P combo is a very useful unit - I had one for a while, and see and hear them sounding good in the hands of others. I've had some Rumble 200 experience, and find them boxy - they are voiced well for elementary play, but if you're going jazz and nuance, frustration may ensue. Gallien-Kreuger has made some interesting combos since the Class D era, that could work well. My combo of choice is Genz Benz. Across three locations, I have small practice combos in two locations that could do a coffeehouse jazz thing with one or two horns just fine. For gigging, I have larger combo with their 6.2 amp that's scalable to a 2x12" cabs, a Contour 1-15 combo, and 9.2 series amps running fearless cabinets in my main location. They are only available used, but mine (almost all purchased used) have been bullet-proof, going back to getting my first small combo around 2006, and former Genz Benz principal Andy Field (now with Mesa and findable on TB as Aged Horse) maintains a fantastic repair program that is tantamount to factory service. Let us know what you finally decide to do!
Last edited:
Does anyone still use the Polytone Mini-Brute? That's what I used to see jazz players with all the time.
i play in a 5 piece band with horns and use a polytone combo. if the people (drummer and guitar mostly) are decent with volume i've never needed to turn it up past noon. 100 watts is plenty. Its super light too (for being vintage it's pretty wild). cost me 300 used or cheaper if you look locally.
Jazz means all sorts of things to different people, so, grain of salt: I think of it as small ensemble, not extremely loud, and needing a tighter low frequency sound than the usual ported bass cab / combos present. Sealed combo like MB150S is ideal to me, or something in that vein.
