Small Class D head as backup

[T Bassman]

Traynor Small Block 500H. The 200 Watt version sounds great as well and is even smaller. No nonsense tone

 

[Interceptor]

I'd be pretty darn trusting of that Genzler.

I switched over to tube amps this year. I keep a Thunderfunk in the truck as backup. I want my backup more reliable than the main and capable of pulling the full weight needed to pull off the gig well enough to leave the audience happy.

About ten years ago, I was a happy to be at a festival in NOLA as a dude drinking beer in the crowd. The SVT supplied as backline went poof. The sound company replaced it with a GK 800RB and the show went on. Yeah, to my bassist ears it wasn't as sweet, but the player was so darn good I didn't care after a song or two. The GK was a perfect substitute, it was loud enough and basically had a decent tone. And that's my point, have a good enough back up that the show goes on.

 

[RexxRokket]

Ampeg PF 350 or PF 500

 

[bluesblaster]

GK 200, small, light, sounds good

 

[SLO Surfer]

GK MB200. As loud as most 300-350watt amps, and tiny.

 

[Bassquest]

Definitely the GK MB200. My soundman also likes the clean built-in DI, he doesn't bother hooking me up to a separate one anymore. Gig last week, I had the GK MB200 with Eden EX112 8ohm cab, all EQ settings at 12 o'clock, Gain 1/4 way, Contour engaged, using Squier ll P bass, stock pickups and DI'd out of the back with 'Pre' button engaged.

 

[beaglesandbass]

GK MB500 Fusion. Can probably get one used for around $500 or so.

 

[Buzz E]

All you need to know...!

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

GK 200, small, light, sounds good

and best of all, for a backup - CHEAP.

 

[Nickweissmusic]

Thanks for those options, but I'm looking for 300-500 watts at 8 ohms. Too bad the elf doesn't have more power, as it's pretty cute.

I haven't used the Elf, is it even out yet? But I have used and own the MB200 and you'd be making a mistake by not at least trying it out if you're anywhere near a guitar center or other dealer. Heck, buy it and return it if you don't like it (does GC still have some stupid restocking policy? Then go Amazon.) Watts are a very deceptive term in the amp business, and many brands exaggerate that number. GK tends to undersell and overdeliver. They're only $300 new. It definitely pushes my 8 Ohm Bag End 15 enough to cover any gig that I'd be expected to carry the room with... that would be a fairly small gig, no stupidly loud drummer of course, and anything bigger, I.e., sports bar or bigger, you'd have FOH, so it's moot. Now if it's just not enough to push the 3 way Fearless, I'd look elsewhere. Puma? Darkglass? Uh, sure, but that's not what I'd consider a low cost backup . GK's bigger amps are still gig baggable. the Bass Block is absolutely killer for what it is too, a colleague has one and through his old Bergantino 112 it's so damn nice. Actually, I'd love to hear the bass block through a fearless, you can't get much cleaner than that, I'll bet it's pretty sick.

 

[bassbooty]

WOW!
This is PERFECT! Thank you. I believe I've made my decision. Even with the great deal that I could have on a new Quilter 800, I'm going for the almost new Puma 900 in the TB classifieds.

So did you end up buying the Puma 900 in the Classifieds?

 

[bordinco90]

GK MB500. That is all...

 

[chris_b]

I've seen reports that the Fearless F112 need lots of watts to open up the sound.

If this is true, I'd start looking at amps with 500 watts at 8 ohms.

 

[jlepre]

So did you end up buying the Puma 900 in the Classifieds?

Yes. It should be here next Friday. Can't wait

 

[jlepre]

Thanks for the info. I never said that I was looking for a cheap backup. After much consideration I've decided that I was really wanting that Puma 900 thanks to @popgadget.

I haven't used the Elf, is it even out yet? But I have used and own the MB200 and you'd be making a mistake by not at least trying it out if you're anywhere near a guitar center or other dealer. Heck, buy it and return it if you don't like it (does GC still have some stupid restocking policy? Then go Amazon.) Watts are a very deceptive term in the amp business, and many brands exaggerate that number. GK tends to undersell and overdeliver. They're only $300 new. It definitely pushes my 8 Ohm Bag End 15 enough to cover any gig that I'd be expected to carry the room with... that would be a fairly small gig, no stupidly loud drummer of course, and anything bigger, I.e., sports bar or bigger, you'd have FOH, so it's moot. Now if it's just not enough to push the 3 way Fearless, I'd look elsewhere. Puma? Darkglass? Uh, sure, but that's not what I'd consider a low cost backup . GK's bigger amps are still gig baggable. the Bass Block is absolutely killer for what it is too, a colleague has one and through his old Bergantino 112 it's so damn nice. Actually, I'd love to hear the bass block through a fearless, you can't get much cleaner than that, I'll bet it's pretty sick.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I would look here in the classified.

I like my GK-mb500. Small, good sounding and pretty bulletproof.

Trace Elliot has a new 300 (that's 300 TE rated) watt head that will fit in YOUR pocket. $300. If you get it, report back.

 

[el murdoque]

WOW!
This is PERFECT! Thank you. I believe I've made my decision. Even with the great deal that I could have on a new Quilter 800, I'm going for the almost new Puma 900 in the TB classifieds.

Careful. If you use the Puma too much, it might easily become your main amp!

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Thanks for that heads up, but I already have the Rumble 500c combo, so I'm looking for something different.

When I got a backup head I deliberately went for something the same!

 

[Funkyputz]

I love my little mark bass 250. It's only 250watt but it gets plenty loud with my SWR 2x12" or Genz Benz 4x10

 

[bassbooty]

So did you end up buying the Puma 900 in the Classifieds?

Yes. It should be here next Friday. Can't wait

Thanks for the info. I never said that I was looking for a cheap backup. After much consideration I've decided that I was really wanting that Puma 900

Careful. If you use the Puma too much, it might easily become your main amp!

^^^^^Let us know once the Puma becomes your main amp...

Once you go Puma, it's hard to go back to anything else......I acquired my Puma 900 in October. Prior to that, my main amp for years and years was a Demeter. Now my #1 go-to amp is my Puma. Congrats @jlepre and enjoy that Puma!!!