Need the ultimate lightweight combo

[StuartV]

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.

I also have a Bergantino NV610 - and a 37 pound 1x10 combo (the Promethean P5110). For me, anyway, there is no way it is easier to get around with my gig bag, micro head and 610 then it is to get around with my gig bag and Promethean combo. The carrying case for my Promethean has a shoulder strap. Depending on the situation, I put on the gig bag as a backpack and carry the combo on its shoulder strap, or I carry the gig bag in one hand or on one shoulder and put the combo shoulder strap on my other shoulder. WAY easier than, for example, trying to drag my 610 across a gravel parking lot to get into where I'm playing. Much less up any stairs.

And, the Promethean has all the advantages your mentioned in terms of having a separate micro head and cab, because the head detaches for use by itself. When the 1x10 combo is way too small, I can just pull the head off it, put it in its own carry bag (or a gig bag pocket) and then take just the 610, if I want to.

Sure, if the OP is never going to want/need a smaller cab than a 410 or 610, then it could make sense to just get a micro head and a 410 or 610. But, seriously, who NEVER wants/needs a cab smaller than a 410 or 610? I'm sure there are some that don't. But, based on the OP, she is not one of those.

 

[StuartV]

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

No, I have not heard one. But, I am so satisfied with my Promethean that I have had no desire to check out anything else - even if it cost the same money.

And I'm totally not trying to pick a fight or anything, but I am just curious, have you heard the Promethean P5110? If you have played one and still felt like the AER was worth 3 1/2 times the money then I admit that would pique my interest to check out the AER some time just to see what it's got in the sound department that anybody would feel like was worth that much extra money. I'm open-minded. Maybe it would make me decide to work on getting one.

Looks like we're actually pretty close. Maybe we should get them in the same room sometime and you can show me what I'm missing.

 

[tombowlus]

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.

+1 I own an AER amp one, and it is flat-out amazing. I also Link Removed, and it is equally impressive.

The TecAmp combos are also super sweet. Talk to Glenn Kawamoto at Invalid Link Removed about them.

For the money, though, I think it's really hard to beat GK.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I also have a Bergantino NV610 - and a 37 pound 1x10 combo (the Promethean P5110). For me, anyway, there is no way it is easier to get around with my gig bag, micro head and 610 then it is to get around with my gig bag and Promethean combo. The carrying case for my Promethean has a shoulder strap. Depending on the situation, I put on the gig bag as a backpack and carry the combo on its shoulder strap, or I carry the gig bag in one hand or on one shoulder and put the combo shoulder strap on my other shoulder. WAY easier than, for example, trying to drag my 610 across a gravel parking lot to get into where I'm playing. Much less up any stairs.

And, the Promethean has all the advantages your mentioned in terms of having a separate micro head and cab, because the head detaches for use by itself. When the 1x10 combo is way too small, I can just pull the head off it, put it in its own carry bag (or a gig bag pocket) and then take just the 610, if I want to.

Sure, if the OP is never going to want/need a smaller cab than a 410 or 610, then it could make sense to just get a micro head and a 410 or 610. But, seriously, who NEVER wants/needs a cab smaller than a 410 or 610? I'm sure there are some that don't. But, based on the OP, she is not one of those.

Hmm, not looking to argue, but I can't imagine doing 99% of the gigs I do with a 110 speaker. OP is looking for something loud. And god bless you if you can carry around 37 lbs on your shoulder with a gigbag on your back and whatever else you carry around. I'm in pretty good shape, and while I probably could do that, there's no way I would or would want to. I carry lots of 40 boxes of cat litter, and I know for certain that that that feels a lot heavier than it sounds.

 

[Brad Johnson]

No, I have not heard one. But, I am so satisfied with my Promethean that I have had no desire to check out anything else - even if it cost the same money.

And I'm totally not trying to pick a fight or anything, but I am just curious, have you heard the Promethean P5110? If you have played one and still felt like the AER was worth 3 1/2 times the money then I admit that would pique my interest to check out the AER some time just to see what it's got in the sound department that anybody would feel like was worth that much extra money. I'm open-minded. Maybe it would make me decide to work on getting one.

Looks like we're actually pretty close. Maybe we should get them in the same room sometime and you can show me what I'm missing.

Not trying to pick a fight either.


If you don't know what you're missing and don't want to know it's perfectly alright. When you hear the possibilities...


Yes, I've tried the Promethean combo and the head. It's nice for what it is. It would not suffice for what I need for my gigs. The head itself would be okay. Since most folks have never heard of AER let alone heard one it was a safe bet that you hadn't either.

I didn't buy mine because they were expensive. I need gear that works, period. And I didn't buy mine new which IMO makes AER amplification a much better look. I'm in Maryland if you want to check one out.

I use a very lightweight fold flat aluminium cart so portability is not an issue. I don't want bottom wheels on cabs. I wouldn't want to carry any rig, including even my 32 lb. Glasstone Lil G for any appreciable distance. My Mono dual bag and a light load on a cart are a piece of cake. I typically carry two amps on top of my cart because it's so easy.

My AERs are one of the few combos I'd recommend, based on personal experience if volume AND sound quality are important. It's never let me down. But if you need something to seriously bang heads with on a regular basis...

as mentioned, a micro head and neo cab are usually a big leap forward in performance and flexibility.

 

[jessicabass]

Thanks everyone for your opinions.
Ive been trying out everything i can get my hands on from local music stores and craigslist.
I just cant pull the trigger on something that i have to order online never playing it, although there were a few here that tempted me.
I have tried out alot of what was mentioned here.
The genz benz stuff is awesome and was seriously going to pull the trigger but i kept going back to the GK MB212II that i tried out.
This amp is just amazing to me. My brother used to play through the original series and he was a gigging monster and always praised it.
I was in awe of how i could get a fat thick smooth tone out of this and then with the turn of a few knobs i could get growly and nasty with it.
And the price is perfect on these for $800 new.
I found one about an hour away used for $600 where the guy was going back to tube and it was only a few months old.
Thanks again everyone.

 

[Freddels]

Get what works for YOU and what YOU like. If the GK combo is it, then get it.

MF has a $100 off right now.

 

[butcher]

Glad to help. I was surprised by the MB212II as well. Wasn't expecting what I heard, and it may be something they just got right with that model.

Good luck!

 

[butcher]

FYI, always need to check the excluded manufacturers on those MF and GC $xxx off your $xxx order deals.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pages/special-offer-details

Sometimes if you call them they can work with you a bit even if the manufacturer of the item you want is excluded from the offer.

 

[Jason Hollar]

If the difference in price is only like $100-200 and you have the budget - I'd consider buying new. At least you'd get a one year warranty plus the option to extend that at a big box retailer.

 

[gjbassist]

Also check RMC Audio. Their prices on GK gear are always better than GC, MF, etc.

 

[jessicabass]

Will look into those ideas

 

[tombowlus]

Thanks everyone for your opinions.
Ive been trying out everything i can get my hands on from local music stores and craigslist.
I just cant pull the trigger on something that i have to order online never playing it, although there were a few here that tempted me.
I have tried out alot of what was mentioned here.
The genz benz stuff is awesome and was seriously going to pull the trigger but i kept going back to the GK MB212II that i tried out.
This amp is just amazing to me. My brother used to play through the original series and he was a gigging monster and always praised it.
I was in awe of how i could get a fat thick smooth tone out of this and then with the turn of a few knobs i could get growly and nasty with it.
And the price is perfect on these for $800 new.
I found one about an hour away used for $600 where the guy was going back to tube and it was only a few months old.
Thanks again everyone.

Hard to go wrong with GK, IME/IMHO.

Where are you located within Ohio? If you are anywhere close to Fremont (north central Ohio, just off the Turnpike), you can stop by and check out any of the gear in my profile, if that would help.

But again, the MB212 is a killer option.

 

[jessicabass]

Hard to go wrong with GK, IME/IMHO.

Where are you located within Ohio? If you are anywhere close to Fremont (north central Ohio, just off the Turnpike), you can stop by and check out any of the gear in my profile, if that would help.

But again, the MB212 is a killer option.

Wow that is a long list of gear!
Guess your job gives some good benefits
I was looking at a trace elliot 600h before i got the sunn 300
One hell of an amp, but a beast.
Thanks for the offer but im pretty far away.
That would be fun though.

 

[tombowlus]

Wow that is a long list of gear!
Guess your job gives some good benefits
I was looking at a trace elliot 600h before i got the sunn 300
One hell of an amp, but a beast.
Thanks for the offer but im pretty far away.
That would be fun though.

Well, if you are ever up in the area and want to stop by, just hit me with a PM.

FWIW, myself, Vic and Chef all write for Bass Gear Magazine, and we all gig out with GK (at least part of the time).

 

[Dan55]

Also check RMC Audio. Their prices on GK gear are always better than GC, MF, etc.

+1

Dan

 

[jessicabass]

Got the MB 212II for $550 used.
I told him i was going to order one and he knocked an extra 50$ off.
This sounds even better than it did in the store, i heard it needs a little break in period to settle in.
Now i have money in my pocket still and an awesome amp!
Thank you GK for making an incredible product.
And bonus is that american workers were paid to make this.

 

[Nephilymbass]

If you don't mind spending a little money the swr headlight and - golight cab would be my pic. Super compact and light weight. The head is small enough to fit in the accessory pouch on most bass gig bags.

 

[bgavin]

Well, if you are ever up in the area and want to stop by, just hit me with a PM.

How is the drive on 23/53 between Dublin and Fremont?
I get into Dublin a couple times a year on business.

 

[drews.anderson]

how about this one? Any comments?
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