New amp recommendation

[DanAleks]

So I’ve got a very nice situation here…

My wife retired about 2 years ago & asked for a laptop for a retirement gift.
I bought her one for about $600 - $700.

I retire next month & she asked what I’d like as a retirement gift & specified it should be a “big ticket” item comparable to her laptop. I’d like to get a combo amp that would be a little easier to transport.

It would be for playing smaller venues on electric and I’m auditioning for a big band on upright.

What combo amp would you buy?
I’m currently using an Ampeg PB250 with a Carvin BR210 cab and would like a smaller, lighter unit.

If it’s OK with the mods; I’m cross posting this to the DB amps topic.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

I have an Ampeg RB 210, but I am really G.A.S.sing for a BOSS Katana 210 (it has a great little feature for my BOSS GT1-B).

That said, I am really very impressed with the Ampeg (as long as you're not looking for the amp to provide you with any usable distortion).

 

[InkCow]

I bought her one for about $600 - $700.

Is this the rough budget?

 

[DanAleks]

Is this the rough budget?

Yes it is.

 

[Marko 1]

My wife retired about 2 years ago & asked for a laptop for a retirement gift.
I bought her one for about $600 - $700.

I retire next month & she asked what I’d like as a retirement gift & specified it should be a “big ticket” item comparable to her laptop.

Too bad you didn't buy her something far more expensive.

 

[DanAleks]

Too bad you didn't buy her something far more expensive.

Poor planning on my part.

 

[Marko 1]

My wife was happy with something I bought her recently (less money than you spent), and told me to buy ANYTHING I WANT!

Needless to say, my wife isn't as smart as your wife.

Oh, I have no recommendation for a combo, sorry

but happy to bump your thread.

 

[MadJack]

I'm going to throw my suggestion in here with the Ashdown Studio 115. It's 300 watts (without the need of an extension cab to get full power), 15" NEO speaker, just a hair under 25lbs, classic looks and all the modern features found on most modern combos.

Of course I'm biased, just as anyone else will be. I just got one of this amps predecessors (AAA FF125 Five 15) and I'm loving the tones I'm getting from it! This one is almost three times more powerful, nearly half the weight and a little more flexible. At $699.99, it also sits at the top of your wife's budget for your retirement gift.

 

[InkCow]

I don’t have any idea if an Ampeg RocketBass would work for double bass, but it’s probably worth looking into. However, if not, and you can stretch the budget just a little, I would recommend the GK MB112.

 

[calypsocoral302]

If it were me in your situation, I'd find a decent powered cabinet and consider a Phil Jones PE-5 preamp pedal. It has inputs for both bass guitar and upright piezo.
Link Removed

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

I'm going to throw my suggestion in here with the Ashdown Studio 115. It's 300 watts (without the need of an extension cab to get full power), 15" NEO speaker, just a hair under 25lbs, classic looks and all the modern features found on most modern combos.

Of course I'm biased, just as anyone else will be. I just got one of this amps predecessors (AAA FF125 Five 15) and I'm loving the tones I'm getting from it! This one is almost three times more powerful, nearly half the weight and a little more flexible. At $699.99, it also sits at the top of your wife's budget for your retirement gift.

Would you know if that line-in jack would enable me to plug my GT1-B into the amp, completely by-passing the pre-amp section (making the amp basically a P.A.)?

 

[InkCow]

Would you know if that line-in jack would enable me to plug my GT1-B into the amp, completely by-passing the pre-amp section (making the amp basically a P.A.)?

You could run it into the effects loop return.

Of course you could also do that with your Ampeg.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

So I’ve got a very nice situation here…

My wife retired about 2 years ago & asked for a laptop for a retirement gift.
I bought her one for about $600 - $700.

I retire next month & she asked what I’d like as a retirement gift & specified it should be a “big ticket” item comparable to her laptop. I’d like to get a combo amp that would be a little easier to transport.

It would be for playing smaller venues on electric and I’m auditioning for a big band on upright.

What combo amp would you buy?
I’m currently using an Ampeg PB250 with a Carvin BR210 cab and would like a smaller, lighter unit.

If it’s OK with the mods; I’m cross posting this to the DB amps topic.

Thanks,
Dan

It seems I have an Ampeg RB210 (used three times for rehearsal; not gigs). Definitely under your price range. Message me, if you like.

 

[MadJack]

Would you know if that line-in jack would enable me to plug my GT1-B into the amp, completely by-passing the pre-amp section (making the amp basically a P.A.)?

Yes.
From the user's guide, "Line In - For use with a line level instrument
or audio device such as an MP3 player"

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

You could run it into the effects loop return.

Of course you could also do that with your Ampeg.

Thank you, sir!

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

Yes.
From the user's guide, "Line In - For use with a line level instrument
or audio device such as an MP3 player"

Thank you, also, sir!

 

[jmmyoh]

Trace Elliott elf combo has had my eye for a while.

 

[aproud1]

I am shocked by how much I like my Traynor SB112. Sounds really great, light, powerful and an EQ that makes sense. Right in your budget too.

 

[Stewie]

I am using an Ampeg RB210 for both Ender basses and my Krivo equipped upright. I like it a lot, the 115 is a little lighter. It was a toss up between them. Not really sure why I bought the 210 over the 115

 

[skyline_01]

+1 for the Ashdown Studio 15. Lightweight, sharp looks, good power.

They offer other variants (10" 12" 2x10") and currently have anniversary editions (tweed covering/burgundy grill).