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Need the ultimate lightweight combo
- Thread starter jessicabass
- Start date
Depending on your tonal preferance....I love my GK MB115 combo. It's one of the first generation models. That amp KICKS and then some.
Whatever you decide on I would also get a cart as others have highly recommended. I got one myself just yesterday and it's now a breeze moving that amp to and from.
Whatever you decide on I would also get a cart as others have highly recommended. I got one myself just yesterday and it's now a breeze moving that amp to and from.
with the kind of stuff that's being discussed here, stay away from GC - they won't carry much of it (only the GK combos and MB stuff). None of the super 12 cabs or other micro heads are sold by them.
+1!
The longer I own my Ibanez Promethean 5110, the more I love it!
I have three different fullstacks for three bands. But for sessions, jams and small gigs the Promethean is the perfect combo. I made good experiences in studio lately. And the Promethean gives you full 250 Watt in only 16 kg (that'll be about 35 lbs).
As I had to help out in a fourth band, I opened up the thumb-screws and took the head with me, because there was a Peavey TVX 410 in 4 Ohm available. So the Promethean could deliver the full 500 watts @ 4 Ohm. This soundet awesome!
If you're looking for the "ultimate combo" the Promethean is real close to this.
I had a SWR Redhead for a long time. A nice combo, fine sound, but this one was a real schlepp. So you have to think about if you want a combo:
Lightweight and versatile - or heavy and with an even fatter sound with more bottom.
Ciao
Uwe
+100
I've never understood why the Promethean P5110 didn't make it. For size/weight, power, and sound, the thing killed -- yet somehow never found a market. If you can find one used, jump on it. I won't be giving up mine ...
+1 The WA in 12" form is enough for most small venues and the tone is fantastic. Great choice.
Echoing a bunch of others here, I like lightness of the Genz Benz. Genz Benz 3.0 10T Shuttle has been working for me at church and small bars for several years now. Bass gig bag in one hand. Head and amp in the other. Extra gig bag over my shoulder for extra stuff like chord, strings, cables, soldering gun... (be prepared!).
-So- far it has been loud enough although I don't always play with drummers. I have an extra cab in the car just in case. However, I have been keeping an eye on the Genz 6.2. My Stingray likes the 3.0 amp head but 'Rays are really mid heavy and it could use a bit more low end push which seems to be the purpose of the new Genz Benz .2 edition.
-So- far it has been loud enough although I don't always play with drummers. I have an extra cab in the car just in case. However, I have been keeping an eye on the Genz 6.2. My Stingray likes the 3.0 amp head but 'Rays are really mid heavy and it could use a bit more low end push which seems to be the purpose of the new Genz Benz .2 edition.
I suffer from chronic back issues, and I have 2 lightweight rigs I use, depending on the circumstance:
- GK MB112 combo
- Ampeg PF-500 with Traynor (Yorkville) TC210NEO and TC115NEO cabinets
The MB112 weighs 28 lbs. The PF-500 weighs 11, and each of the cabs is just under 40 lbs. I play in a loud rock band with 2 guitars; the MB112 is plenty loud enough for rehearsals, and I've used it a couple gigs too. Both the MB112 and PF-500 have line out for the PA. If I'm playing a larger stage, I can run the PF-500 with one or both cabs.
Whether either of these will work for you depends on how your band sets up on-stage sound. We run a fairly quiet stage volume with split monitor mixes so we can all hear each other. If you've got a screaming guitar player with the volume cranked up, you may need something louder to keep up.
Also, make sure you point your cab or combo at your ears, not at your calves or knees. Get a stand so you can direct your sound where you need it.
When playing live, I run through a Tech 21 preamp with a DI output. This allows me to run separate eq for stage sound and PA sound. You don't always need more volume to hear yourself on stage; tweaking the eq on your "monitor" amp may do the trick.
As others have suggested, try out a few. Rent them if you can for gigs and rehearsals to see what works.
- GK MB112 combo
- Ampeg PF-500 with Traynor (Yorkville) TC210NEO and TC115NEO cabinets
The MB112 weighs 28 lbs. The PF-500 weighs 11, and each of the cabs is just under 40 lbs. I play in a loud rock band with 2 guitars; the MB112 is plenty loud enough for rehearsals, and I've used it a couple gigs too. Both the MB112 and PF-500 have line out for the PA. If I'm playing a larger stage, I can run the PF-500 with one or both cabs.
Whether either of these will work for you depends on how your band sets up on-stage sound. We run a fairly quiet stage volume with split monitor mixes so we can all hear each other. If you've got a screaming guitar player with the volume cranked up, you may need something louder to keep up.
Also, make sure you point your cab or combo at your ears, not at your calves or knees. Get a stand so you can direct your sound where you need it.
When playing live, I run through a Tech 21 preamp with a DI output. This allows me to run separate eq for stage sound and PA sound. You don't always need more volume to hear yourself on stage; tweaking the eq on your "monitor" amp may do the trick.
As others have suggested, try out a few. Rent them if you can for gigs and rehearsals to see what works.
If you are going to Guitar Center, they might/should have a TC Electronic BG250 to play through (ported 1x15 w/tweeter). I've been using one for the last few months in both rehearsal and gig situations with a 5 string and a very loud drummer, and it also sounds great in my low-volume Jazz Trio. It weighs ~35 pounds and has volume to spare.
It has a 'TubeDrive' control and the ability to host an onboard compressor (or other TonePrint effects if you must) which makes it handy for a little added versatility without having to bring pedals.
It has a 'TubeDrive' control and the ability to host an onboard compressor (or other TonePrint effects if you must) which makes it handy for a little added versatility without having to bring pedals.
I stopped by a GC the other day. They had Markbass, Ampeg, Mesa, GK, etc. all in stock. I finally got to try out the little Big Bang Markbass amp. I thought it sounded great. For a mini rig that could handle a lot of gigs, I'm thinking of two NY121 cabs and a Big Bang amp.
I used to own a Mesa Walkabout combo. It sounded great but it's not that light at 54lbs and a bit cumbersome to carry around. At the end of the day, it's still a single 12 so it can only do so much.
I used to own a Mesa Walkabout combo. It sounded great but it's not that light at 54lbs and a bit cumbersome to carry around. At the end of the day, it's still a single 12 so it can only do so much.
+1 here for the MarkBass 121P Combo amp. 32 lbs, and loud enough for ANY indoor club gig and even some outdoors with great tone. Plus there is enough power to run an add-on cab for larger gigs.
Before they came out with the matching cab I found a Schroeder 1212L with 2x12s that is only a little larger than the MB and also about 30 lbs. So I end up with 3 x12s and 500W of power that is nearly too loud at 1/2 volume! AND - it all fits in the trunk of my car.
Before they came out with the matching cab I found a Schroeder 1212L with 2x12s that is only a little larger than the MB and also about 30 lbs. So I end up with 3 x12s and 500W of power that is nearly too loud at 1/2 volume! AND - it all fits in the trunk of my car.
Only heard good things about them. Assuming the Puma Combo 212 sounds like the Puma 500 and 212 cab, it's killer.
I believe the 210 is ~$2,000 and 212 is ~$2,200.
Used Puma heads come up fairly regularly, so someone has to be selling them in the US. Combos are pretty rare, but they do turn up used once in a while. As far as digging in to who and exactly how much, I never had a need beyond curiosity.
Again, if it's something that's interesting enough to investigate further, take a look at the owner/club thread(s).
Went out to the music stores yesterday and tried out some things they had.
Didnt like the markbass stuff, wasnt my cup of tea.
Absolutely loved the GK MB212 they had. Wow
Tried the TC 250 combo, thought was interesting but didnt seem beefy enough to me.
Tried GK MB 112 and i loved it but didnt think it could cut it volume wise.
Tried a peavey max 112II and i really loved the sound of it but considering the troubles my brother went through with these amps i just dont feel confident.
The GK MB212 is on my list for sure but am going to make th longer trips to other places and some craigslist stuff too.
Didnt like the markbass stuff, wasnt my cup of tea.
Absolutely loved the GK MB212 they had. Wow
Tried the TC 250 combo, thought was interesting but didnt seem beefy enough to me.
Tried GK MB 112 and i loved it but didnt think it could cut it volume wise.
Tried a peavey max 112II and i really loved the sound of it but considering the troubles my brother went through with these amps i just dont feel confident.
The GK MB212 is on my list for sure but am going to make th longer trips to other places and some craigslist stuff too.
Sounds like you are on the right track with the GK 212 MB combo.
I have not tried the 212 but I have tried the 210-II and it sounded great! I would get the series II because they have the chain out feature so you can add another cabinet if you want to. They are also made in the USA.
You might also look at the Carvin BR combos:
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I have not tried the 212 but I have tried the 210-II and it sounded great! I would get the series II because they have the chain out feature so you can add another cabinet if you want to. They are also made in the USA.
You might also look at the Carvin BR combos:
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You asked for ultimate lightweight combo, and in my opinion, this is the one.
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Under 30 pounds, fantastic tone (assuming you don't want super-bright modern slap tone), and volume that completely defies it's size.
Mine has kept up with a loud drummer and two loud guitars without breaking a sweat.
Only downside is price, but it is in your stated budget.
You can order through several online retailers, but I would recommend contacting Dean at Manny's Music Stop in NYC, which is where I got mine.
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Under 30 pounds, fantastic tone (assuming you don't want super-bright modern slap tone), and volume that completely defies it's size.
Mine has kept up with a loud drummer and two loud guitars without breaking a sweat.
Only downside is price, but it is in your stated budget.
You can order through several online retailers, but I would recommend contacting Dean at Manny's Music Stop in NYC, which is where I got mine.
You must be rich! $1700 and it's only 200W! I would ask if the head detaches, so you can use it separately but it really doesn't matter (to me). I would not take a 200W solid state head as a backup on a gig anyway.
The Promethean P5110 is totally comparable. 37 pounds versus 30. But, it's 500W (with a 4ohm load). And the head detaches from the cab so you can use it separately. And I paid $525 for mine, shipped in the factory carrying case. And it sounds GREAT.
A few things come to mind...
Have you heard one? The Ibanez is comparable on paper. Everyone doesn't have the same gig. I gig my 240w AER combo on some of the same gigs I take my 1500 rack setup. 200w with PA support can be plenty for lots of gigs
I own a couple of AER combos and no I'm not rich. Would someone who bought a $1700 car need to be rich? Of course not. It's the same $1700 a person like that could spend on ANYTHING. Including a well designed compact combo. Aimed at working bassists.
- Oct 7, 2000
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- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
I've been through a whole lot of combos (Fender, Ampeg, GK, Hartke, Behringer, Peavey, and others I can't remember), and most of them have cost me btwn $600 - $1600. Best I can do is share from my experience, as I (and most people) was is search of the same as you. Loud, decent sounding, and portable. Given what you're accustomed to, I don't think you're going to be happy with a combo.
My experience:
A combo isn't any easier to lug around than a head and bottom. Espceially these days with all the micro heads available. My Carvin BX500 weighs 4 lbs and fits in my napsack. It's much easier for me to wheel a Bergantino 610 behind me with the carvin in my shoulder bag, than it was to carry a 30 lb gk in my hand, or to strap that gk onto a luggage carrier. Loading and unloading from a car might be easier on the combo, but for moving around, many combos don't have wheels... and when they do, they're 4 on the floor which still takes a bit challenging to maneuver. Epecially if you have something in one of your hands Also, combos are bigger and heavier than single cabs. A 1X15 speaker by itlself is generally smaller and lighter than the same speaker from the same company with a built in head. Bottom line, and I guess what I'm trying to say here is I think you might be a lot happier with a head and speakers than you will with a combo. Heads are ridiculously small and light, and not an issue whatsoever to carry around anymore. By purchasing sepreate bottoms you're open to adding, changing, subtracting speakers to no end. AND- most importatntly for me -you have the ability to show up at a gig with just your head. Just about every gig I play these days has a backline, or at least a speaker bottom. I can always feel comfortable having my own head, and I get saved from lugging an entire amp more times than I can even tell you.
If you're hell bent on getting a combo however, and volume is what you're looking for, the only 2 combos I ever owned that cut it (even as a monitor) at every gig I played were a Peavey TNT, and a Fender Bassman. The wattage on both those amps was way lower than the other combos I owned (Fender was 250 and I don't remember the Peavey), but they both cranked out a lot more volume than the others. I owned 2 GK combos, and even with extension cabs hated them both. A neo 212 that had a 1001rb head and distorted, rattled and farted past 2. Added another 212 bottom which didn't help much at all. Thankfully they discontinued that model. And I bought a micro 210 combo with an added 15 which was blown away by a tiny 115 Yamaha combo at the studio I was rehearsing at. It had no thump whatsoever, and couldn't get loud enough to hold up with the rest of the band without distorting, and farting. This has been my experience with just about every combo I ever used, except for the Peavey and the Fender.
Lots of people have different experiences here, but this has been mine. I urge you to research with your own ears before dropping any cash. Amps are a lot more difficult to trade, swap, and/or resell than basses are. If you get something you don't like, you're probably going to lose a bit of money in your search for something new. Again, IME, the dream rig we're looking for still does not exist. After lots of lost money I am finally completely happy with my 4 lb head, an NV610 for big gigs, and GK neo 212 cab for the little places.
The promethean has always interested me, jsut to see how much it can take. But I have to echo the sentiment here- the lightest and msot versatile combo is a separate micro head and cab(s).
I do both the TC bh250 and the Ashdown CTM15, with various cabs, and it is quite versatile. Low practice I can use the CTM15 with a 210, gigs I can use the BH250 with a 210 and another 110 or 112. , both are great.
I do both the TC bh250 and the Ashdown CTM15, with various cabs, and it is quite versatile. Low practice I can use the CTM15 with a 210, gigs I can use the BH250 with a 210 and another 110 or 112. , both are great.
