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Recommend a lightweight bass amp for a retiree

#47
Ralph124C41 said:
Hi, I haven't been here for a few years as I haven't been playing in a band for a few years before the Covid madness.

I'm 73 and I'm down to two basses. I have two amps, a Hartke Tiltback 10 and the first-generation TC Electronics BG 250, but for the moment I don't have access to them due to a conflict with the owner of the space I've been keeping them in for several years.

So I have no amp now and don't know when ... or if ... I will get access to those amps again.

However I do have the chance to do some jamming and attend some open mics. There is a tiny chance of getting back into a band and I've got feelers out, but who knows?

So what would you folks recommend?

I know one question is about power. For several years I played in your typical local cover band just using an Ampeg BA-115 with its 100 watts. However there were a couple of larger bars that the Ampeg just couldn't cut it. And I was generally playing at full volume so I assume the sound wasn't great but I did play gigs and didn't get much criticism.

One good thing about the BG250 is it weighed about 35 pounds and had that power. However I never liked its sound. I much preferred the sound of the Ampeg unit. (Which I still have but it doesn't work; I assume the power unit is blown. But like my other two amps I no longer have access to it.)

So any thoughts? I need an amp that is lightweight, with at least power for jams (I have no idea if the drummer will be loud or not) and maybe, just maybe, enough for a gig or seven. I like the cost, new or used, to be around $500 to $600.

I wouldn't be amiss at getting a head and a cab, too ... as long as I can afford them.

Sorry for being so wordy, folks.
Click to expand...

I'm not as up to date on my budget friendly combos as I once was. I just swung by to say welcome back!
 
#49
Ronky said:
You could try getting these:

TC Electronic BAM200 200-watt Compact Bass Head -$169 - 2 lbs
TC Electronic BAM200 200-watt Compact Bass Head

Hartke HyDrive HD112 300-watt 1x12" Bass Cabinet - $399 - 34 lbs
Hartke HyDrive HD112 300-watt 1x12" Bass Cabinet

Or this Combo

Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 1x15" 200-watt Bass Combo Amp - $549 - 34.2 lbs
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 1x15" 200-watt Bass Combo Amp

Meets the budget and is lightweight.
Click to expand...
I second your first choice--- I'm using the BAM200 + 2 BC208 cabs. If you're not playing
insanely loud, they work fine and are lightweight. I use 'em at outdoor winery gigs when
I have to carry gear a long way down a dirt path, etc. The amp is 2 lbs, and the cabs each
are 20 lbs. Easy on the back, and small footprint that works well indoors where the venue
jams the band into a coat closet sized area. But, I haven't played an RB-115, so I can't
compare your two suggestions.
 
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#50
Get the Rumble 500. I have one. Love it.
Go to an online dealer and you can get 10-15% off. Just ask for it. I think it list for $650 but don’t pay that.
The Rumble 500 is 350 watts at 8ohms. Plenty loud. Weighs 35lbs. It’s a 2x10 setup. And if ya ever need more get an extension cab and it will get you 500 watts at 4ohms. And it has a line out so you can go direct in to a PA if needed. They are reliable generally last a long time and are a good value.
 
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#55
Ralph124C41 said:
You're right. After playing bass for 30 years I guess I don't know how to set up an amp. Sorry, I'm so, so sorry.
Click to expand...
Well, after 50+ years of playing, I might know a thing or two, too!
Don't take offense. Often times people not familiar with MarkBass filters misuse them.
Once made aware, their opinion usually changes.
 
Last edited:
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#56
I spent quite a while at GC comparing the Rumbles and the Rocket Basses.
I like the Ampegs a lot better . The Fender heads are nice but to me the combos sounded boxy. The RBs suited me better. The 210 was enough nicer that I went for it. It’s something like 300 watts into its own speakers. I’ve stood it on top of super 1 15 cabinet and it was dangerous. My blues/roots band can get fairly loud and the Amp doesn’t even break a sweat. I can carry it in one hand too. I would eat Kraft macaroni for a week and step up to the RB210
image.jpg
 
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#57
Ralph124C41 said:
Hi, I haven't been here for a few years as I haven't been playing in a band for a few years before the Covid madness.

I'm 73 and I'm down to two basses. I have two amps, a Hartke Tiltback 10 and the first-generation TC Electronics BG 250, but for the moment I don't have access to them due to a conflict with the owner of the space I've been keeping them in for several years.

So I have no amp now and don't know when ... or if ... I will get access to those amps again.

However I do have the chance to do some jamming and attend some open mics. There is a tiny chance of getting back into a band and I've got feelers out, but who knows?

So what would you folks recommend?

I know one question is about power. For several years I played in your typical local cover band just using an Ampeg BA-115 with its 100 watts. However there were a couple of larger bars that the Ampeg just couldn't cut it. And I was generally playing at full volume so I assume the sound wasn't great but I did play gigs and didn't get much criticism.

One good thing about the BG250 is it weighed about 35 pounds and had that power. However I never liked its sound. I much preferred the sound of the Ampeg unit. (Which I still have but it doesn't work; I assume the power unit is blown. But like my other two amps I no longer have access to it.)

So any thoughts? I need an amp that is lightweight, with at least power for jams (I have no idea if the drummer will be loud or not) and maybe, just maybe, enough for a gig or seven. I like the cost, new or used, to be around $500 to $600.

I wouldn't be amiss at getting a head and a cab, too ... as long as I can afford them.

Sorry for being so wordy, folks.
Click to expand...
Rb112

It has a di, it's 20lbs, it sounds killer, and it keeps up with a drummer just fine.

The 115 is louder though, but also heavier.
 
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#58
Stewie said:
I spent quite a while at GC comparing the Rumbles and the Rocket Basses.
I like the Ampegs a lot better . The Fender heads are nice but to me the combos sounded boxy. The RBs suited me better. The 210 was enough nicer that I went for it. It’s something like 300 watts into its own speakers. I’ve stood it on top of super 1 15 cabinet and it was dangerous. My blues/roots band can get fairly loud and the Amp doesn’t even break a sweat. I can carry it in one hand too. I would eat Kraft macaroni for a week and step up to the RB210View attachment 4550049
Click to expand...
The 210 is a great little amp, b7t as far as a grab and go combo is concerned, it's too much. Too big, too heavy, and the volume is about the same as the 12. No ext out on the 12 though, but with di, that's still not a problem.

I've had both. I'd pick up the 12 again. I wouldn't pick up the 210.
 
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#59
Ralph124C41 said:
Hi, I haven't been here for a few years as I haven't been playing in a band for a few years before the Covid madness.

I'm 73 and I'm down to two basses. I have two amps, a Hartke Tiltback 10 and the first-generation TC Electronics BG 250, but for the moment I don't have access to them due to a conflict with the owner of the space I've been keeping them in for several years.

So I have no amp now and don't know when ... or if ... I will get access to those amps again.

However I do have the chance to do some jamming and attend some open mics. There is a tiny chance of getting back into a band and I've got feelers out, but who knows?

So what would you folks recommend?

I know one question is about power. For several years I played in your typical local cover band just using an Ampeg BA-115 with its 100 watts. However there were a couple of larger bars that the Ampeg just couldn't cut it. And I was generally playing at full volume so I assume the sound wasn't great but I did play gigs and didn't get much criticism.

One good thing about the BG250 is it weighed about 35 pounds and had that power. However I never liked its sound. I much preferred the sound of the Ampeg unit. (Which I still have but it doesn't work; I assume the power unit is blown. But like my other two amps I no longer have access to it.)

So any thoughts? I need an amp that is lightweight, with at least power for jams (I have no idea if the drummer will be loud or not) and maybe, just maybe, enough for a gig or seven. I like the cost, new or used, to be around $500 to $600.

I wouldn't be amiss at getting a head and a cab, too ... as long as I can afford them.

Sorry for being so wordy, folks.
Click to expand...
A used trace Elliot 110 elf combo. 17lbs and loud enough for small/bar gigs
 

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