New Combo Amp For Rehearsal Space

[SOUTH PAW]

Hello, TB folk.
Been on the forum for a while, but this is my first OP. Anyhow, I just bought me a new combo amp, a Kustom KXB100 to keep at my bands (drummers) rehearsal space ( 15% off at GC ) so I paid just over $200 for it. The thing is, I thought for sure I would pick up something used between $100 to $200, heavy, but on wheels or add wheels. Peavey and Crate were mostly what I was looking at, but in the end decided to go with the Kustom KXB100.

Here's why I chose to go with new.

1. Weight, even with wheels, my neck feels the added 20 to 30lbs every time it comes off the ground (several discs jacked up). The KXB weighs 53lbs.
2. At first I thought my choices for new were limited to Acoustic or Rogue or something in that price range, and would have gone used first, for sure. Even tried out the Acoustic B100 (decent) but did not like the EQ much at all. Was looking online and saw the Kustom KXB100 and liked the EQ layout - bass, low mid, high mid, treble, just like my GK MB200 mini head I love, also it has features I like and use - DI with volume control, and external speaker jack to expand both ways - P.A. And second cab.
3. Preferred Tolex to Rat fur covering. Every combo I saw used was covered in rat fur.
4. Added info - 100 watts / 15" speaker is all I needed since the drummer uses Roland E drums.
5. Had a $50 gift card in the same wallet as my Shell GAS card.

Just curious to know, since I could see how one could go either way to achieve the goal of acquiring an inexpensive amp for rehearsal, what way did you go? And why?


Thx

 

[SOUTH PAW]

Anyone?

As I gave it more thought, I could see how with many, the choice was made by using an amp they already had, say, started with a combo and upgraded to a better head/cab setup and so hey, I'll keep this for band practice. No need to haul stuff around so much.
That's what I did prior to buying this combo amp. Before I upgraded my gear, I had a Fender Bassman 100 (early 2000's) and used it at a friends place ( guitar player ) where we would jam occasionally. I'm sure I would be using it had I not sold it to him when he picked up a bass himself and needed an amp. Single guy with half his house full of gear.

So, I could see that being the case for a lot of you.

Edit - 5. GC gift card

 

[Orpheus55]

Nice combo, and your reasons for its purchase are sound. I've been looking for a grab and go 15" combo at around 50 lbs. with a smple layout and might try it. We always have PA support, so the wattage doesn't concern me. Sure can't beat the price!

 

[gary mitchell]

nice

 

[FirewalZ]

..For me it would depend, a new project, folks i didnt know well, fully trust, etc, than i would either carry a rehearsal amp back and forth or leave a cheaper one there. If it was a more permanent long running group, folks i know well, I would be more comfortable leaving something a little better there. IMO, having a tone your happy with is important even in rehearsals. I recently picked up a GK MB112-ii for practices and "coffee shop" type gigs, its so lightweight and small its almost a non issue to carry back and forth to practice.

 

[Inara]

For my rehearsal space amp, I use an old Carvin BRX10.2 Neo 210 that I already had, and a TC Electronic BH250 head that I bought for this purpose. The cab is 4 ohms, and I have a SpectraComp in the Toneprint slot on the amp. With the built in tuner, that means I don't even need to bring pedals as that's usually all I use, compressor and tuner. I have all the volume I need, even with non-electric-drums. Weight is right about what you list for the Kustom combo, which is heavy for me, but I almost never move it. It's a great practice rig that also doubles as a solid backup in case something happens to my gig setup.

 

[filmtex]

For “living room rehearsals” and small duo/winery gigs I use my Ampeg BA-108, if I’m outside on a winery patio I just mic it. For most shows, with or withou FOH support I use my Ampeg BA-210 (also have in the truck a Harte HD150 for back up). If I am doing a show in a large room or outside at a large venue, I’ll bring out the heavy metal- GK 400RB and Ampeg 810e.
Seems like you evaluated your needs and resources and made a good decision. Wtg.

 

[SOUTH PAW]

Hello, OP for this thread here,
Sorry, I never replied to any follow up posts. I had checked in on it for a couple of months with no replies and hadn't checked back until today, seeing your great responses.
I don't have any idea why I didn't get the usual alert. Maybe they time out after so long ( it was the better part of two years ) would be my guess.

Anyway, I appreciate your responses, they confirm what I expected, that others have considered or made similar choices.

Update since then....the Kustom combo is now what I use and keep at Church...actually donating it to them as my wife and I are planning to move out of state very soon. I bought another combo ( TC - BG 250 ) for the rehearsal space where the Kustom used to be. I thankfully got to where I could afford to do that, and is much preferred to moving one back and forth.

Finally, let me know of how your ideas or situations changed.

Thanks,
SP