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Need help!! Which 112 combo?
- Thread starter midichlorine
- Start date
In my honest opinion, I'm all for GK, but NOT the lower tiered amps. They have a poor reputation of breaking down longterm. If you just look at resale of GK MB-II series, you see a lot reselling (at a decently lowered price I might add) but not nearly as many Rumble resells, and there's a reason for that. Rumbles tend to last longer and people tend to be more satisfied for the long run. Again, not knocking on GK. Great company with great customer service. I just GK's should only be played as a head/cab (especially fusion/RB with Neo cabs but that's another conversation).
Pbassmanca
In the pocket n' thumpy. So woody, so greasy...
Sometimes I feel like practice amps are kind of a waste of money. If you're going to buy a 112 combo you might as well buy a fairly smokin' one that you can actually gig with in a serious way , otherwise it's just hundreds of dollars spent that you can't really do much with other than noodle in your basement......
As no-one's mentioned them yet, and I really like mine, Ampeg Ba112. (The first version - I didn't like how they 'improved' with V2.)
I tried the 115 V2 and WANTED to like it. To me, it sounded harsh and could not get a sound I could deal with. That could have something to do do with it being a 15 vs 12 or 10.
That said, Sweetwater seems to be cool on ordering and returning if you're honestly not satisfied with whatever. I ordered the GK 112 and was able to try it next to the Ampeg and send the one I didn't prefer back at no cost.
As mentioned,
I have an amazing gig rig!!
Just looking for small ( auxin/ headphone out) amp for home use and very snail gig use.
Honestly,
If the walkabout had headphone capability I'd be there
I have an amazing gig rig!!
Just looking for small ( auxin/ headphone out) amp for home use and very snail gig use.
Honestly,
If the walkabout had headphone capability I'd be there
Yes! I've had a BA112V1 for over 4 years, both as a practice & small venue amp. The sound appeals to me, as do the quirky switches. The only thing I like in the V2 (in theory) is that it has a balanced, XLR output. But my "unbalanced" output is fine onstage with a DI. I sometimes use the combo as a monitor that way. As long as the signal doesn't need to travel farther than the DI, no problem. I may just buy another Ampeg combo.
Specifically, I'm eyeballing the BA210V2 drool. OP, you might want to check it out. It is light and powerful! It has all of the features of a practice amp, but it also goes to eleven
Check out the specs. Pretty close to "eleven."Disclosure: I'm a combo enthusiast with a good back. Helps, since one of my combos tops 100 lb.
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I use a Hartke KM 60 (Keyboard Monitor). It has an 8" speaker. I was in a jam and bought it at a pawn shop for a keyboard, but I have been using it for gigs with a Fender Jazz bass with Aguilar pick ups. You wouldn't believe the sound.
I loved the 115 V2. Didn't need such a big amp so I bought the 110 which I liked even more. I also tried several Fender Rumble amps when I bought my Ampeg and hated them. To my ears I found them very trebley with no low end. Ampeg on the other hand (IMO) has a very full sound all around to it.
For a 112 I'd recommend the Ampeg BA-112.
That's $1,700, so you get just about anything you want for that kind of $$$. I think the German made AER 110 is something like $1,800 if you can find one.
There are many many more Rumbles for resale than GK MB series. The Rumbles haven't been around long enough to say they "last longer" (which sounds like "fake news" lol).
GK had issues with the Chinese made combos but have since moved production back to the USA and the QC is top notch. I'm a Fender guy, but none of things you said resonate as actually true. You certainly have a right to your own opinions however.
Considering your needs, the GK 112 would be perfect. It has a 1/8" headphone out, 1/8" line in for your iPhone or MP3 player, and is a very high quality American made piece of equipment. I own the separate head version-- the MB200, and it is fantastic! And FYI even the little GK MB108 25 watt combo is excellent for the size. I couldn't believe how much thump it put out for a little guy!
There is no issue of reliability for the GK's, you'll find the least amount of reliability complaints about them here on Talkbass. And the Fender Rumble series is too new to cite any reliability studies. GK is an American company dedicated to the bass player and Fender (bless their hearts) is a multinational corporation that contracts out its products to Asian countries. But a lot of TB'ers here like their Rumble series. I just don't happen to be one of them.
Good luck and please let us know what you chose...
Hartke KB12
Hartke KB12 Kickback 500W 1x12" Bass Combo
This easy carry 12.6 kg light weight combo sound great and good enough from practice to small gig.
Don't fool by somebody claim about the Hydrive speaker sound Metallic.
I picked the Hartke KB15 instead KB12 just because i prefer warmer low end and i am 15' driver fans.
Hope Help
Hartke KB12 Kickback 500W 1x12" Bass Combo
This easy carry 12.6 kg light weight combo sound great and good enough from practice to small gig.
Don't fool by somebody claim about the Hydrive speaker sound Metallic.
I picked the Hartke KB15 instead KB12 just because i prefer warmer low end and i am 15' driver fans.
Hope Help
Then why not just get a GK Plex pedal to run in front of you Walkabout? It'll give you a tuner, an aux in, phones out, and can be handy at a regular gig as well.....and it's cheaper than any really good 112 combo IMO......and you'll still have that totally tonally satisfying, thick Walkabout amazingness!
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