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Ridiculously tiny lightweight combos...

vin*tone

vin*tone

Oct 19, 2008
4,685
1,024
Ballaarat, Ostraya
#1
Hey folks. I'm looking for opinions on the various mini combos out there. ATM I'm running a pretty modular gigging rig - Mesa WA, 2 x Aggy DB112's which covers pretty much any situation I've thrown at it so far. BUT - it'd be really cool to have a little light weight combo which is a walk in, plug-in & play for practicing, jams, and rehearsals; one trip to the car, can be taken on holidays etc...

So I'm after something lighter and smaller than a DB112 - 43lbs, 19"x19"x16", Gives a decent tone, small, doesn't necessarily need to be fully equipped for gigging but thats a bonus, preferably has a Headphone out.

*edit* Size, volume, tone, weight are all subjective. For the purposes of this exercise we want the best amp you can rock up to a barbecue with - with bass in one hand, amp in the other and hopefully a 6 pack and bag of sausages. I'm using my DB112 as a yardstick because it's borderline uncomfortable to carry in one hand - and if you're carrying it 50m or so you'd start breaking a sweat. We don't want to be mucking around with head/combo leads. Particularly after drinking the 6 pack. :D.

Power ratings given @ 4Ω and usually require an extension cab...

Candidates are:

Ibanez Promethean P5110
12.8"W x 13.1"H x 14.2"D, Weight: 27.6lbs, 500W
Looks interesting

GK MB150e
13.5"W x 16"H x 8.5"D - Weight: 26lbs, 150W
For me probably the cheapest option (there's a used one available). This seems to be the 'Ampeg SVT' of mini combos but I've played one a few times and found it pretty middy. Maybe technology has moved on from this? Maybe I expect DB112 tone much from a tiny 112?

*GK MB112 - not out till Aug?

Markbass CMD121H
15.3"W x 23.6"H x18.3"D, Weight: 39.5 lbs, 400W

Markbass CMD121P
15.3"W x 17"H x14.1"D, Weight: 29.3 lbs, 400W
Packs a 1" compression driver vs. the CMD121P's Piezo tweeter

Markbass Minimark
8.9"W x 17.24"H x 15.3"D, Weight: 20.72, 150W

3.0 Genz Shuttles
8T --> 13 1/2" x 11 7/8" x 10 3/4", Weight: 13lbs, 300W
10T --> 15 1/2" x 14" x 11 3/4", Weight: 18lbs, 300W

Probably ruled out:
- Phil Jones Briefcase - gets a bad rap for being too quiet.
- Roland Cube 100 - heavy, bulky. But amazing bang for buck.
- Ashdown Perfect 10 - Sounds great but heavy/bulkier than other contenders

Thoughts, recommendations anyone?
 
#10
I have had my Minimark for a couple years now and unless the band is crazy loud it has worked great. People are dumbfounded by how loud it gets and how good it sounds. You can run it into a PA if needed and use it as a personal monitor, I have done this on occasion.
 
#12
Genz-Benz, GK, Markbass, Ibanez. Looks like you have most of the candidates covered. The Phil Jones Flightcase BG-150 is a great sounding combo, but yeah, it's not going to be as loud as some of the others.

Definitely don't write off that Promethean without giving it a listen! :D
 
#13
tombowlus said:
Definitely don't write off that Promethean without giving it a listen! :D
Click to expand...

Tom...I have a Roland Cube 100 and agree with the OP's comment about weight. Great great little unit, but as small as it is, I can find myself three blocks from the car at 2 in the morning and it gets prgressively heavier.

I realize the Promethean is a different sounding and different configured amp. But, knowing that I'm using the Roland for small pub gigs with a drummer and a guitarist, do you believe that the Promethean would stand up nicely beside it? I have no way of A/B'ing the Promethean.
 
#15
bmc said:
Tom...I have a Roland Cube 100 and agree with the OP's comment about weight. Great great little unit, but as small as it is, I can find myself three blocks from the car at 2 in the morning and it gets prgressively heavier.

I realize the Promethean is a different sounding and different configured amp. But, knowing that I'm using the Roland for small pub gigs with a drummer and a guitarist, do you believe that the Promethean would stand up nicely beside it? I have no way of A/B'ing the Promethean.
Click to expand...

I did used to own the Roland combo (personally, I sold it because of the noise/hiss), and I do own the 2x10 Promethean combo. I played the 1x10 Promethean at NAMM Shows only, so I can't make a real informed decision as to how the 1x10 combo would compare to the Roland. But my gut tells me that it would hang just fine. And it can drive another cab, if need be (4-ohm total load).

Tom.
 
#18
GB Shuttle 3x8, 13 lbs, full-featured, enough power to gig with on a larger cab. Park the combo on a 112 or 210 to rehears or even gig with. A superb piece of gear IME.
 

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