Smaller Bass Combo/Wedge Amps?

There was a used 2x10 Mesa Buster combo on sale in the TB classifieds. That would be perfect.

 

Try one out first, but the GK MB 150 S (or 150E) is certainly light enough to carry in one hand. 25 lbs. Great sound too. It is not a loud amp though, but it will get considerably louder with the matching extension cabinet which weighs about 16 lbs. It has a direct out that works well plugged in to the PA if you need more out front volume.

I have one and I've been using it for about a year now. I couldn't be happier.

Another idea is the new Traynor 300 watt combo amp available in either 1x12 format or 2x8 in a wedge style cabinet. Less expensive that the GK but pretty light and pretty loud for its size.

 

The Mesa Buster is a great sounding amp for sure, but it weighs a ton. It's okay if you have no stairs to climb and you can haul it a considerable distance with the optional dolly system.

Nothing beats the Mesa Walkabout Scout though in my opinion. I used one for 4 years and only sold it last year because I don't have to play that loud any more. But it won't come in under $1000 new.

 

It hasn't ben sold. I need to replace the preamp tubes and haven't got around to it yet. And unfortunately, I'm not looking to ship it.


The weight of the buster is REALLY not a big deal - the shape is kinda awkward but you move your rig in one trip, and it's LOUD enough (in terms of "perceived sound") that it can easily compete with rigs twice its size.

 

The Markbass 121P combo might be a good call for you. It has
lots of headroom. (300 watts @ 8 ohms) A very small box with
a single 12. It works for many styles of music and sounds full
at a low volume. 29lbs. I put a 15ft power cord on mine and
leave it on the amp.
There is a slightly used one in the classifieds for about $750.
A totally pro piece of gear.

 

Genz Benz shuttle 3.10 combo... 175 watts at 8 ohms and super light!!
I wouldnt go with the 8", but the 10" is good!!

 

Ampeg BA112, small, relatively cheap, and sounds great.

 

Hartke Kickback 12 or 15 comes in WELL under $1K and would fit the bill perfectly
http://tinyurl.com/lcxxrt

 

Here are some links that you may want to check out:

COOL RIGS, EQUIPMENT, INFO
30 light weight cabs,amps, combos
1 Buying a combo
2
Combos vs Head/Cab
Opinions/experiences-great small combo amps
The ultimate custom built combo?
1 Happy with my rig
2
Micro-rigs of doom
Mini-rigs of doom

 

If you can find a used Mesa Walkabout Scout they have amazing tone!

 

I like mine just fine when I go direct out with it and only use it as a monitor. Price and weight are good. Doesn't fit all situations though, and I will probably wind up with a Little Mark and either 4x10 or their 2x10 and 1x15.

 

Can I just say that you impress the heck out of me with your quick links and lack of "this has been asked a million times, use the search feature" attitude. I have benefited greatly from your expertise. Thanks

 

Markbass Minimark. Very small, lightweight and great tone. Plus it really is much louder than you would think from such a small amp. Hint: don't be afraid to turn it up all the way and let your fingers do the talking.

 

For well under $1,000, you could get the Roland Cube 100 or SWR WorkingPro 1x12 combo, either of which would be great. The Roland is much louder than its 100 watt rating and small size indicate, and I love the tone. The Ampeg BA112 has excellent tone, but I think the Roland will give you more volume, and it sounds just as good IMO. The Markbass 1x12 combo is in another league, but I wouldn't spend the extra cash unless you might want it for larger gigs, possibly with an extension cab, or maybe for recording. If that's likely, go for it. I have the Roland, but if I were starting from scratch, I'd consider something more powerful like the Markbass.

 

LDS has a 1x8 based three way wedge or a 4x6.5 based three way cab.

 

I really like my SWR WorkingPro 1x12 but if you are looking for one handed portability you better be fit as it tips the scales at ~50lbs . Plus it is a bloody awkward shape to carry with the kickback design.

At 200 watts its just fine for playing with drums and guitar at reasonable volumes, and great tone!

 

+1000000000000

Shuttle 3.0-10T all the way