Need help picking a smaller amp.

[squeally dan]

Playing in a wedding band that doesn't get too loud since we all wear in ears. The bass is running thru a PA with subs for 95% of gigs. I'm tired of carrying a 4x10 and Hartke head so I'm looking for a lightweight combo. Even though I'm almost always going thru a pa, it might be nice to have enough power for those times when I don't. What would you guys recommend?
I played through a TC Electronic BG 250 with 2x10s today and I thought it sounded great but I'm wondering what else is out there. I need to stay at $400 or less and don't mind going with something used.

 

[rodl2005]

Fender Rumble 500C is darn good for the $$ & is lightweight.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

If you like a clear bottom end well defined either a Markbass 112 or Gallien Krueger MB112.

 

[javi_bassist]

It also depends on your budget I think. If you want to spend $$$, Markbass is the best option. Awesome sounding and incredibly lightweight. For a more budget-friendly option, I'd go to the Ashdown Rootmaster or Fender Rumble.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Gallien Krueger is an excellent choice. American built and American support.

 

[Linnin]

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[Djadja]

In the lower price range the Rumbles are great except the line out is post EQ and volume which can make it tricky to take a line out to the PA. Don't touch any controls on the amp during the gig or the signal to the PA changes.

In the higher price range, the Genzler 350 combo is unbeatable IMHO. TheDI is as good or better than most stand alone DI's. The array cab is astoundly good and punches way above it's size and weight. It is a separate head and cab with an attachable saddle that holds the two together as a "combo" or can be removed and it becomes a head/cab rig. Unfortunately, the combo is well above your budget. You may want to look for a used Genzler 350 head and a small cabinet that holds the entire purchase closer to your budget with the plan of picking up the Genzler cab and a saddle at a later date...

 

[Doublesixes]

I think that 20 Watts RMS is plenty loud for, let's say a 1440 squarer foot room. Anything above that will force folks to talk uncomfortably loud to be heard by a person a few inches away. I'd get the combo that's lightest and most affordable. Most manufacturers offer combos starting at 10 Watts.