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Recommend a lightweight bass amp for a retiree

#181
1n3 said:
I own four bass combos, including a Bassman 150. It's ok, but compared to the MB112:
- it's substantially larger, and more awkward to carry due to it's size and shape;
- the speaker isn't as good;
- it doesn't get quite as loud, and the bottom end is weaker.

Since getting the MB112, I think the Bassman 150 has been out on a gig once. Will sell it eventually. The GK is an easier carry, and has more grunt. There are features I like about the 150, all on the preamp side. The kickback feature can be useful, but is also a major contributor to the awkward carry. The power stage isn't class D, like the MB112 and most of the amps recommended here. I'd prefer it in a smaller cab with a better 10" speaker than the cheap 12 it comes with.
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I'm certain you are right in all of your points. But, hey, it's $99 so a total investment of under $140 with a 45-day return policy. So it's not a gamble.
 
#182
Ralph124C41 said:
I'm certain you are right in all of your points. But, hey, it's $99 so a total investment of under $140 with a 45-day return policy. So it's not a gamble.
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Agreed. I edited my last post, but was interrupted, and didn't submit before your reply. BTW, I also have the Bassman 150's little brother, the Bassman 100. That one I will keep; occupies a different niche.
 
#183
1n3 said:
Agreed. I edited my last post, but was interrupted, and didn't submit before your reply. BTW, I also have the Bassman 150's little brother, the Bassman 100. That one I will keep; occupies a different niche.
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And if that doesn't work out there is still Door No. 2, which is a used MB115 I can get for about $180 to $200 from a private seller but I have to drive about 80 miles to get it.
 
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#184
well, now this is interesting. I am scheduled to get this used Bassman 150 amp tomorrow. I got the UPS notice. However, under the details of the notice UPS says the item weighs 15 pounds.

Fifteen pounds? Did my 39-pound bass amp go on a diet?

So either (1) the Guitar Center clerk made a typing mistake or (2) the store sent me something else, maybe a Les Paul guitar or something that weighs 15 pounds. Unlikely sure ... but still possible, right?

I will find out in about 20 hours when UPS delivers to the GC store.
 
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#185
Update: I am sorry for not getting back to this post. It was probably the fault of the GC staffer as the amp showed in a GIANT box. I played it at the store and at home and I think it sounds swell.

And wait ... there's more!

On Sunday I was able to retrieve my other two bass combo amps, the Hartke Kickback 10 and my TC Electronics BG 250. So I have gone from having no bass amps to having three ... and really no need to have any of them because I'm not in a band and I don't play bass very much at home.

I may try going to open mics again in my area and so the little Kickback is a great, lightweight option. However the last time I went to an open mic I didn't like the vibes but I will be trying another place that promises a "friendlier" atmosphere.
 
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#187
Ralph124C41 - glad you were able to recover your amps. Would be interested to know which of your three amps sticks around, though I have a hunch on that. :-)

Good luck finding a friendly (and bass-friendly) open mic or jam.
 
#188
1n3 said:
Ralph124C41 - glad you were able to recover your amps. Would be interested to know which of your three amps sticks around, though I have a hunch on that. :)

Good luck finding a friendly (and bass-friendly) open mic or jam.
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Certainly the Hartke Kickback 10 for two reasons ....
One, it's the smallest and lightest of the three at 30 pounds.

Secondly, the Shape control knob snapped off and disappeared. Because I'm no good at fixin' things I would have to pay somebody to fix it, a cost I just am not interested in doing . Luckily, it's not a "main" control such as volume and I can work around it by using a spare 7-band EQ pedal. It does work at one setting , I just can't change it. I think I would have a hard time selling it in this damaged condition.

Another thing I like about it that, although there is no speaker out, I can detach the cord from the internal speaker and connect it to an 8-ohm speaker cab. I know Hartke doesn't recommend this, but I've done it before and used a 15-inch cab or a 4x10-inch cab for a different sound. The Fender Bassman 150 has a similar feature. The BG 250 lacks that function.
 
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#190
Ralph124C41 said:
Btw folks I am amazed and delighted by your responses. You have listed several very good amps all within my price range. I would, of course, like to test drive some of them but where I live there are two retailers and very little supply.

Oh, btw, my first two bass amps were (you guessed it), Peavys. But HEAVY ... I hurt my back once trying to lift one. Does Peavey make any lightweight amps you could recommend?
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Peavey makes the Minimax. A lightweight head. It's less than $400. but I Don't remember exactly how much.
 

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