• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Small Combo Recommendations

AstroSonic

AstroSonic

Dec 10, 2009
2,460
1,830
rural New Mexico
#1
I've been invited to jam with a group of local 'acoustic' musicians. We will be jamming in peoples homes and plans are to play out in local coffee houses, restaurants and small bars. I have been using my smallest rig: GK Neo 115 with a 12w all-tube head (modified Grommes LJ-6: they like the tubes). The tone is a bit too middy (baked into the Neo 115) and the rig is pretty intrusive (large). I am looking for a small combo (preferably under 30 lbs with no dimension larger than 24 inches (preferably under 18 inches) that has a tone that is on the neutral side, with some real bass (good response to the 60-70 Hz range, (not peaked upper bass), and adequate spl for a small coffee house (audience of around 3 dozen). Lastly, I want minimal hum and hiss. I am looking for suggestions. My current short list includes the PJB Bass Cub, Ibanez Promethean P3110, Carvin MB10, and the GK MB150.

TIA

Astro
 
#3
AstroSonic said:
I've been invited to jam with a group of local 'acoustic' musicians. We will be jamming in peoples homes and plans are to play out in local coffee houses, restaurants and small bars. I have been using my smallest rig: GK Neo 115 with a 12w all-tube head (modified Grommes LJ-6: they like the tubes). The tone is a bit too middy (baked into the Neo 115) and the rig is pretty intrusive (large). I am looking for a small combo (preferably under 30 lbs with no dimension larger than 24 inches (preferably under 18 inches) that has a tone that is on the neutral side, with some real bass (good response to the 60-70 Hz range, (not peaked upper bass), and adequate spl for a small coffee house (audience of around 3 dozen). Lastly, I want minimal hum and hiss. I am looking for suggestions. My current short list includes the PJB Bass Cub, Ibanez Promethean P3110, Carvin MB10, and the GK MB150.

TIA

Astro
Click to expand...

I've been VERY happy with my little tiny G-K MB110 bass combo - it's perfect for that. Also checkout the G-K MB112-II.
 
#5
Something completely different that works: Gallien Krueger MB200 paired up with an Ampeg SVT210AV. Plenty small and light.

I do a fair amount of acoustic country, and run a bigger version of that very rig - a MB500 and a pair of the Ampegs and it works great. I'm also playing much bigger rooms. The smaller version would be killer for acoustic jams and small venues.
 
#7
Thanks to all the responders so far.

Will add the GK MB110 to the short list. I have not played the MB110, but have the MB115. Are they pretty similar tone wise?

The Peavey Max 112 is a little heavy, but worth a listen.

I like the idea of the micro head and small cab (that could be doubled for larger venues. I have an MB500, so a small cab like the svt210av would be a good fit. I enjoy designing and building cabs, so have given a diy cab some thought. A 3010LF in a 1.25 cf ported box would provide very respectable bass, but the crossover for that driver would be a significant challenge (response irregularities). Stlll mulling that one over.

My immediate need is for something very portable and capable with respect to jamming with the acoustic players and maybe coffee house size venues. Hence the PJB Bass Cub, Ibanez Promethean P3110 and The GK MB150.

There is plenty of information on the MB150 here on TB, but not very much on the Bass Cub and Promethean. Anyone have any experience with these? The Bass Cub seems like an awesome piece of gear, but would it be loud enough? The Ibanez Promethean P3110 seems to have a split personality, with some very positive comments on its capabilities while others have suggested that it farts out very easily. Its almost like there were two different amps with the same name. Maybe there was a design (driver?) change or a batch with out of spec drivers. Anyone know the story here?
 
#12
Looking for an amp for the same reasons as the OP, I tested an Acoustic B30 at Guitar Denter yesterday. It's 30 watts, and 1X12. It had good tone with a Jazz bass and was light weight. It would be perfect for a coffee shop gig. This is Green Tag month so the amp was marked down to $147.
 
#16
I like the feature set of the little Carvin BX250, but have read comments characterizing the tone of all three Carvin micro bass combos as 'middy' and 'mid-dominant'. With driver efficiency moderately high and a sealed enclosure, low end extension is likely going to be somewhat limited. Could anyone comment on how much low end can be EQ'ed. Can a full, fat tone be dialed in?

i like the 208 format and have looked into the BG250-208 and the Eden EC28. Very few comments on those here at TB.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the old school tone from the smaller Acoustic combos, but they are a little like the Ampeg BA combos in that they seem to be a 'one-trick' pony. I am looking for more tonal versatility and maximum performance from minimum size. Hence my 3 favorites so far: the PJB Bass Cub, Ibanez Promethean P3110 and The GK MB150.
 
#17
If you might consider going a little heavier, I would definitely recommend the 300w Mesa Walkabout Scout 12" combo. Dimensions are: 20 1/4—16 1/2—15, but it weighs in at 51 lbs. The tone however, is second to none in my humble opinion. And this little sucker packs some serious volume too, if you need it.

If you want to use your GK MB500 with a Walkabout Scout 12" extension cab (I do this as well, and it sounds awesome), the cab weighs in at 37 lbs.

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Bass_Amps/walkabout/WalkaboutScout/WalkScout.htm
 
#18
If you were to consider the Carvin MB combo I would suggest passing on the MB10 and getting the MB15.

And having owned several GK MB150's I would not recommend that amp at all.
 
#19
You might want to hit a guitar Center and check out the Markbass Mini CMD 121P 1x12 Bass Combo Amp . I tried one and was quite suprised at what that little cube could deliver. Pricy tho. I don't own one so I can;'t recommend. Just saying that this one deserves a look. I'm considering one, and I play in a full band. But I line out to the mains anyway, and this would provide plenty of stage monitor volume for clubs and weddings and such.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back