Small combo recommendations?

[devnulljp]

Friend teaches band at local middle school and needs a small, portable, good sounding bass combo.
It's a school, so budget is constrained. He likes my Acoustic Image Coda, but obviously the $2k price tag is out of the question. Any recommendations for a small, lightweight, great sounding bass combo that would fit in the $500 or less bracket? I already suggested a TH350 + 1x12, but he'd prefer a combo. Easier to haul around.

 

[Wfrance3]

Used for sure will get you there, but I tried one of these at a GC a couple of months ago on my lunch hour. I have to say, not terrible...
Gallien-Krueger MB112-II 1x12" 200-Watt Bass Combo
I figure the 112 would be at minimum good enough for instruction grade equip. - No offense meant, but your description let me to think we aren't shopping studio gear. And besides, people gig with these, so...
Other option might be a good 'ol rumble for more than $100 less.
Your idea is best with the TH350+cab, but the convenience of lightweight, one-hander is pretty compelling...
This could also be a good option that might have not been the first thought...
Traynor Amps

Hope this helps!!

 

[Linnin]

Fender Rumble 200 1x15" combo $499.99 Invalid Link Removed
Or the Fender Rumble 100 1x12" Combo $299.99 Invalid Link Removed

 

[filmtex]

Take a look at the Ampeg BA line. I have been using a BA-108 for a couple years and it's super. Looking at the BA-210 now.

 

[Jim Carr]

Friend teaches band at local middle school and needs a small, portable, good sounding bass combo.
It's a school, so budget is constrained. He likes my Acoustic Image Coda, but obviously the $2k price tag is out of the question. Any recommendations for a small, lightweight, great sounding bass combo that would fit in the $500 or less bracket? I already suggested a TH350 + 1x12, but he'd prefer a combo. Easier to haul around.

IMHO, a used, large, HEAVY, Hartke 115 Kickback combo would be ideal. Hard to steal, cheap, plentiful, simple.

 

[two fingers]

Fender Rumble 200 1x15" combo $499.99 Invalid Link Removed
Or the Fender Rumble 100 1x12" Combo $299.99 Invalid Link Removed

This

 

[Linnin]

This

^^^The WORD Has Been Spoken^^^

 

[Linnin]

Hard to steal, cheap, plentiful, simple.

^^^ ^^^ No one would steal it because no one wants it. That's why they are both cheap and plentiful. Do yourself a favor, and buy a Fender Rumble.

 

[dralionux]

but i can strongly recommend a fender rumble, either their 100watt 15" speaker combo, or if it going to be a large room or in a loud environment, upscale to their 500watt 210 combo. im referring to the "V.3" (what they are calling a version three).

the Fender Rumble 100 v3 is a 100 watt 12" speaker combo

 

[Hounddog409]

Friend teaches band at local middle school and needs a small, portable, good sounding bass combo.
It's a school, so budget is constrained. He likes my Acoustic Image Coda, but obviously the $2k price tag is out of the question. Any recommendations for a small, lightweight, great sounding bass combo that would fit in the $500 or less bracket? I already suggested a TH350 + 1x12, but he'd prefer a combo. Easier to haul around.

Hartke HD75 combo.
Way under the 500 budget

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

the Fender Rumble 100 v3 is a 100 watt 12" speaker combo

The Rumble 200 is the one with the single 15. I have one of these, and I think a couple other guys might own em?
It's 160 watts by itself, 200 with an 8 Ohm extension cab.
The 100 is a full 100 watts on its own, but no provision for an extension.

 

[AngelDeVille]

I picked up a crate for $45 at GC.

 

[Same]

I used a GK115MBP and that thing was awesome, Looks cool and sounds great I used it live for a bit. It's in your price range also, I think 450 or so brand new, and of course cheaper used

 

[fhm555]

The Rumble 500 combo might be too much but i sure like mine.
I got it used for three twenty five.

 

[ELG60]

The Rumble 200 is the one with the single 15. I have one of these, and I think a couple other guys might own em?
It's 160 watts by itself, 200 with an 8 Ohm extension cab.
The 100 is a full 100 watts on its own, but no provision for an extension.

I picked one up in as-new condition earlier this year for $175...still has the yellow cardboard placard on top. They're definitely decent little combos. (the 200)

 

[ZAR14]

Under $500...
Try a Fender Rumble 200, small, light weight and packs a punch.
If you can she'll out an additional $100, go with the Fender Rumble 500...Bang for your Buck

 

[Frank77]

If I were in his shoes I'd visit my local Long & McQuade and pick up a small Traynor combo. One of the studios I rehearse in had a SB112 or SB115 (can't remember). It sounded good, and it's certainly more affordable than any other brand you'll find in stores. Their gear is reliable and backed by a solid warranty, too. Given the situation, this is a no brainer, really.

 

[lug]

If he's teaching one on one or has a situation where a lot ov volume isn't needed, a Phil Jones Double 4 would be perfect.

 

[NathOBX]

This

I concur.

 

[Frank77]

If he's teaching one on one or has a situation where a lot ov volume isn't needed, a Phil Jones Double 4 would be perfect.

I'd have to disagree:

• If he teaches band as stated by OP, I'm assuming he's conducting several students playing simultaneously - The double four likely won't have enough ooommmph to keep up;
• Retailers for PJB are few and far between (at least in Canada);
• I've owned PJB stuff and it's quite nice, but it's definitely not school-budget friendly IMO.