Recommend a lightweight bass amp for a retiree

[bassdude51]

You should be able to find a decent head for cheap via TalkBass classified. Cab? Check your local Craigslist. I saw a couple of Bergantinos in our area. Those usually are light weight.

Buy used. Save!

 

[Stewie]

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.

I sold my big Ampeg stack because I was tired of carrying two sixty pound cabinets and a twenty five pound head. Compared to that rig, the 210 is very light, I never considered the 1 12, probably should have, I’m just so used to slogging big gear around.

 

[mrperkolator]

on the weight thing..... Have you considered making/having a little dollly made for transportation? Why pick it up when you can roll it..... Buskers have some interesting setups as they need to break down fast sometimes. Might be a worthwhile rabbit hole to explore. I was helping my brother figure it out for a guitarist.... it's a very interesting rabbit hole. lots of MacGyver engineering going on

 

[Max Headroom]

Had the Rumble 500 and liked it at first, but had some issues with it clipping out randomly. It’s light, but kinda bulky.
I’ve got a Traynor sb112 as a practice/rehearsal amp and absolutely love it. Super easy to lug around and loud enough for any gig. For bigger stages or outdoor fests there’s always PA and monitor support anyway. I’ve got Mesa Subway, Genzler, and Aguilar gear that I prefer to gig with, but sometimes I just grab the Traynor combo and am beyond pleased with its performance.

SB112 Lightweight Combo Bass Amplifier (1x12, 200w)

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I sold my big Ampeg stack because I was tired of carrying two sixty pound cabinets and a twenty five pound head. Compared to that rig, the 210 is very light, I never considered the 1 12, probably should have, I’m just so used to slogging big gear around.

Yeah, ha! Me too

 

[lug]

I used to be a snob about Rumbles until I used them. Without factoring price, I actually like them tone wise. Go Rumble. Just get the 200 watt version. If @lug comments on his sensible non-disruptive mode, I usually take it seriously. You should too and avoid confusion later on

The two thoughts of "Listen to Lug" and "avoid confusion" have never been put together in a sentence before. Some would call this idea an alternate reality!

 

[MustangWally]

I'm turning 70 in a few months and my Rumble 500, at around 35 pounds, is a good combination of tone, power and lift-ability for me. YMMV but I would suggest trying one out. Plenty of punch, good tonal range and probably lighter than some of my old racked amps were by themselves. Edit: 2 x 10". MSRP is $649 so at the top of your price range but some haggling or buying used would get that down to a more comfortable level. Good luck!

 

[sporadic29414]

Haven’t tried an Ampeg Rocket bass yet, but in your shoes I’d be inclined to buy one blind. They’re getting rave reviews! Looks like the 115 should meet your budget, weight and volume criteria. Extension cabinet out would give you a little room to grow in those situations the BA115 wasn’t enough.

I have a Rumble 100 and an Ampeg PF 350, much prefer the Ampeg sound over my Rumble.

Does your Rumble 100 have that "boxy" or "blanket thrown over it" sound? If so, try throwing a bag of polyfill in it. Did wonders for my Rumble 100, really helped with the definition and tone.

 

[skycruiser]

Here are some Peavey Combos in your budget, they all appear to have a speaker out for an extra cab (not the 2x8):

Peavey MAX 300 2x10" 300-watt Bass Combo Amp - $499 - 46.4 lbs
Peavey MAX 300 2x10" 300-watt Bass Combo Amp

Peavey MAX 250 1x15" 250-watt Bass Combo Amp - $449 - 44.4 lbs
Peavey MAX 250 1x15" 250-watt Bass Combo Amp

Peavey MAX 150 1x12" 150-watt Bass Combo Amp - $399 - 29.2 lbs
Peavey MAX 150 1x12" 150-watt Bass Combo Amp

Peavey MAX 208 2x8" 200-watt Bass Combo Amp - $399 - 32.2 lbs
Peavey MAX 208 2x8" 200-watt Bass Combo Amp

Yeah take a close look at these. I really liked the sound of the ones I played at guitar center. I went with the Rocket Bass but these Peaveys are nice and have a good Watts/$ ratio. You can.probably get that 300W 2x10 from Sweetwater for around $450.

 

[Huw Phillips]

I have a Genz Benz 900 streamliner that I got new old stock for your price range super happy with it and the service has been amazing the sound is great too with lots of options to sculpt it as you wish

 

[CallMeAl]

Does your Rumble 100 have that "boxy" or "blanket thrown over it" sound? If so, try throwing a bag of polyfill in it. Did wonders for my Rumble 100, really helped with the definition and tone.

I tried plugging the ports, and thought about the lining, bracing and/or speaker mods. But I finally concluded to just move on and get something I like out of the gate. I leave the Rumble in the rehearsal room and it’s fine for our low volume jams. It’s really only an issue when I push it.

 

[Babydave]

on the weight thing..... Have you considered making/having a little dollly made for transportation? Why pick it up when you can roll it..... Buskers have some interesting setups as they need to break down fast sometimes. Might be a worthwhile rabbit hole to explore. I was helping my brother figure it out for a guitarist.... it's a very interesting rabbit hole. lots of MacGyver engineering going on

Yes! I've got an inexpensive, collapsible hand truck that works well. Stairs, however, are still a problem.

 

[joenoone]

Check out Trace Elliot. They have some great ultra-light combos. You can get a Invalid Link Removed

I use a 400w Trace Elliot 2x8" cab that's 27lbs and a used GK MB500 head. With as small as my Steinberger is, I can put the whole kit in the trunk of my Miata

 

[Jack Butler]

There's a GK MB210 in the classified's right now for $399 shipped. I don't know that I've seen a better bang for the buck in bass amps. It's a modern, light class D amp with plenty of power for your needs as you've stated them. I have no affiliation with the seller.

 

[Analogeezer]

I guessed on the low side to be safe. Great amp though, although with that head I would buy two of those cabs so yada yada, pretty penny.

Yeah lo and behold a $3,000 rig then

Sort of like "I'd like a fun to drive car for commuting to work and trips on the weekend" answered with...

"You should get a Porsche 911 Turbo S, don't mess around with just the regular 911 Turbo, make sure it's the Turbo S as that one only costs $225,000" LOL

Analogeezer

 

[mrperkolator]

Yes! I've got an inexpensive, collapsible hand truck that works well. Stairs, however, are still a problem.

problem or an engineering challenge?

I saw a 3 wheeled one that did stairs better... 6 inch wheels mounted on ends of 3 poles that rotated when going up stairs....so I guess it was 6 wheels. 3 on each side.

 

[Stock]

This is what I use and I'll be 72 in May. All the volume I need. I would imagine that the Ampeg 210 combo would be comparable.

I've owned both. I always liked Ampeg and my old B2R was my gig go to for many years. But the newer Ampeg 210 was haunted, I just couldn't ever get it dialed in and it had intermittent power problems. I gigged with it, maybe 50-75 gigs but I simply got tired of the inconsistencies and moved on to a Rumble 500. The Fender has been a much better amp for me.

 

[bassliner50]

I am retired also. 71. I strongly can recommend Traynor SB115. 31 lbs. Does the job of 2X12. Refined tone and build. (There is also a SB112 and SB110.) Amazing combo there.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I would go to Sweetwater, find the bass combo section and sort by descending price. Skip over the ones that are outside your budget and then you're probably going to be looking at Fender, Ampeg Rocket or GK. Since you're limited on retail availability in your area, just check out the YouTube videos and make an educated guess on which tone you like better. They will all sound a little different when you are playing them with your bass and your playing style, but it will get you in the ball park. The upside is that there aren't that many "bad" choices today.

 

[Bassiclees]

Not mentioned yet- TC 208 head+cab:
TC Electronic BC208 2x8" 200-watt Bass Cabinet
TC Electronic BAM200 200-watt Compact Bass Head
People swear by this setup, it's under $400, lightweight and expandable as needed.
Thomann ships fast if US distros don't have the gear (SW has the cab but not the head at the moment, the head is available domestically from a few places it seems).