Small combo recommendations?

[lug]

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.

That's why I mentioned "one on one" training and the Double Four is close to the $500 budget he mentioned. If he's trying to play "with" the band, the Double 4 probably won't do. But it is the best sounding tiny portable bass amp around.

 

[Rip Van Dan]

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.

I'd suggest you take a look at an Eden EC210 combo. It's a 180-watt combo with bass, semi-parametric mid, and treble control, along with enhance. The Enhance is great for bedroom practice, but since it boosts the bass and treble and cuts the low mids, you get lost in the mix using it with a group...so don't. It also has a simple 1-knob adjustable compressor which works well. Also has a tuner out, effects loop, and DI. It uses whizzer cones (smaller cones within main cones) for the highs instead of a horn. Also has a 3.5mm stereo input jack so you can plug in your outside music source to play along with it. Street price is $399. You can play both small and medium sized clubs with it.

If you prefer a single 15, the Eden EC15 is the same price with the same features but just a single 15" speaker. The 210 pushes more air though and would be my recommendation.

 

[Bassamatic]

I have heard good things about the Acoustic B100 and B200 15" combos from GC. The B100 was just on sale for $179.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

I have extensively used to amps that match your requirements: GK MB110 and [This invalid link has been removed].

Between those two, I recommend getting the MarkBass. It has about the same weight but has 3x the power & volume.

 

[Ender_rpm]

Even if he chooses a light weight combo, a hand truck is going to be his best friend.

 

[Paul Corrosion]

+1 on the Hartke Kickbacks. I use a KB12. It's tiny, light, cheap and packs a heck of a 500 watt wallop.

 

[devnulljp]

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.

I might have to go to LnM with him and have a looksee. I've always loved Traynor

 

[Frank77]

I might have to go to LnM with him and have a looksee. I've always loved Traynor

Yeah, they make good stuff. I bought one of their 200W 1x15 "rat fur" combo (branded "Yorkville" back then) second hand and used it for like, 15 years. It already had some "mojo" when I got it - one or two cigarette burns on the rat fur. It was often transported in less-than-ideal conditions to/from rehearsals and gigs, was snowed/rained on, dropped, etc. It now lives my buddy's garage, and he uses it regularly. This thing won't die.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

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.

Good lord this is an absolute no brainer for someone in Canada looking for a well made, relatively inexpensive combo. And since L&M rents tons of Traynor combos getting a used rental amp for even less is extremely likely. Not to mention the 30 days no questions return policy. I think they might even do an education discount on new stuff. L&M is a pretty community minded company.