Purchasing a new combo on Saturday. Last minute comments accepted!!

[Craig22221]

Ok. I have to get something on Saturday. Have a large church gig on Sunday. 800+ people. Playing very traditional music. Using a passive Fender AM Pro jazz bass.
1. Fender Rumble 500
2. GK MB210ii
3. Markbass 2x10 or a 12" combo. Take your pick which one you like best at GC.

Leaning hard towards the GK 210 for clear traditional bass tones. Will be playing most other types of music in the future. Jazz, rock, country, blues, latin and more church.
Which one would you buy. $800+ budget

 

[scuzzy]

Your initial preference is correct. Better in every way than the other two options. GK ftw. Made in America, and more versatile eq, ime. A couple years ago I was on the same search. There are tons of good options out there. The GK is a great one.

 

[abarson]

I've yet to meet a Markbass that I like, but that's just me.
800+ people makes me think that you need to take a DI out to the PA and the combo is just your onstage monitor, which means any of these choices are more than adequate.

 

[seamonkey]

Rent if it's so soon that you can't try the amp out for a while.

It's rare - but if something were to go wrong with a combo it usually is going to happen when it's brand new. Not enough factory testing. Some not at all.

If you rent the rental place should be testing the gear in and out of rental, and likely have a spare if there's any problem. Read the terms of service. And check your insurance.

 

[Wfrance3]

GK has those great powered cabinets that match their stuff. I don't know if they have a 210 one, but there is more than one type. If you go that route, you could have a nice little scale-able setup.

 

[Bassdirty]

Markbass 2x 10 or 12" combo.
(Id go w the 12, and add an extension 12" to that.)

T$

 

[mmbongo]

GK for sure.

 

[two fingers]

GK. You can always get one of their powered cabs to go with it later if you need to move more air.

 

[Clap Trap]

Ampeg PF 500 + 210 or 115HE (or both)

 

[bhendrix]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the combos you've listed. Bring your bass, try em all and leave with the one that works best for you!

That said, I LOVE my Rumble 500!

 

[craig0316]

Fender... I have a Stage 800 & I love it

 

[carsbybigd]

Ok. I have to get something on Saturday. Have a large church gig on Sunday. 800+ people. Playing very traditional music. Using a passive Fender AM Pro jazz bass.
1. Fender Rumble 500
2. GK MB210ii
3. Markbass 2x10 or a 12" combo. Take your pick which one you like best at GC.

Leaning hard towards the GK 210 for clear traditional bass tones. Will be playing most other types of music in the future. Jazz, rock, country, blues, latin and more church.
Which one would you buy. $800+ budget

# 2 excellent choice plus if you need more , you can get the powered brother !

 

[Relsom]

I've yet to meet a Markbass that I like, but that's just me.
800+ people makes me think that you need to take a DI out to the PA and the combo is just your onstage monitor, which means any of these choices are more than adequate.

I'm not sure about the others, but the Rumble's DI level is controlled by the master vol.. Not the best senario if using it with a PA.

 

[Giffro]

I'm not sure about the others, but the Rumble's DI level is controlled by the master vol.. Not the best senario if using it with a PA.

I have a Rumble 500 Combo and am happy with it but the previous poster @Relsom made a good point if you intend to use onstage through a PA using the LINE OUT at the rear of the Rumble 500 Combo. I haven't had the need myself as I run my R500C with an additional Rumble 115 ext. cab. but his comment is worthy of note if you do intend to run through the PA also. The info below is taken directly from the Manual.
LINE OUT — Balanced output to connect to external
devices such as PA systems and recording consoles.
The level and tone of the LINE OUT signal are affected
by all preamp controls, including GAIN. Pressing the
GND LIFT button IN may eliminate hum or buzz resulting
from connection to improperly grounded equipment.

 

[bordinco90]

I love the fender rumble, but I would get the GK. US made and more versatile IMO.

 

[Giffro]

I love the fender rumble, but I would get the GK. US made and more versatile IMO.

The GK do get a great wrap here on TB.

 

[Orpheus55]

I've been surprised and happy with my Hartke HD75 combo in a ten piece classic rock band. I use a Radial DI (no onboard xlr out) to the board and get all the volume and heft I need as a stage monitor.

 

[JakobT]

I have a Rumble 500 Combo and am happy with it but the previous poster @Relsom made a good point if you intend to use onstage through a PA using the LINE OUT at the rear of the Rumble 500 Combo. I haven't had the need myself as I run my R500C with an additional Rumble 115 ext. cab. but his comment is worthy of note if you do intend to run through the PA also. The info below is taken directly from the Manual.
LINE OUT — Balanced output to connect to external
devices such as PA systems and recording consoles.
The level and tone of the LINE OUT signal are affected
by all preamp controls, including GAIN. Pressing the
GND LIFT button IN may eliminate hum or buzz resulting
from connection to improperly grounded equipment.

A lot of noise has been made here on TB about XLR Out on the Rumble 500 being post-master, but in practice it matters very little. A word to the sound guy at the soundcheck is usually all that's required. Well, that and leaving the controls alone on stage.

If you think about it, it's very similar to having your cab mic'ed, and nobody complains about that. If the sound guy is desperate for a direct signal he'll set you up with a DI box - never met a sound guy who didn't have a few of those handy.

 

[Ekulati]

G.K. For several reasons.

 

[theduke1]

You I’ll get many responses to your question
My 2 cents play them all and choose the one that sounds best to you
I currently use a Fender Rumble 500 I find it to be all I need for giging and it is light weight
In my 50+years of playing I have played through almost every bass rig known to man
So my advice
Pick what you like
Not what someone else does
Good luck in your quest
Duke