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smallest/best sounding 100 watt (ish) combo?

#21
weren't you looking at markbass in your OP? especially in the new price range, there are loads of choices that should meet you needs, the 3.0 combos being among them (i paid 700 for my 3.0 10t new, 439 sounds good to me). GK has some good ones for sure, too. ampeg micro vr? acoustic b260 micro? 2 popular choices.


edit/add:
ALSO with a GB model, you can even sometimes get a little customer service right here! there are folks that work there on TB regularly.
 
#22
While "best sounding" is a bit subjective, if you're looking for the smallest 100W combo that sounds like a real bass amp, it will be hard to beat the Phil Jones Bass Cub. There are probably louder (and much larger) 100W amps available, but it's hard to believe how much sound this little thing can put out - and within that range it sounds amazing, IMHO.
 
#23
i'm pining.....have never HEARD a PJ, but am waaaaaay interested. i have read that they DO lack little bit for heavy rock bands, but hell i use a 15 watt tube amp with 2-1x12's for 4 pc punk! the right design can do alot for amps and cabs. is it overstepping any boundaries if i were to ask specifically what is your budget? that can help us give rec's that fit.
 
#24
I played the PJB Super Flightcase 6x5" combo and was pretty blown away. Something like just over 30 pounds, did fine with my low B string and could crank out some serious volume. I loved that thing. About $1k, though, but I'd look at the Flightcase as another option. 4x5" with 150W.
 
#25
Thanks for the help everyone! Obviously its it means significantly better quality, Ide pay a bit more but in this case its really mostly to have a compact small yet powerful combo. I dont mind if I lose out a bit on the sound quality. I wouldnt use it for gigs really. Say around the 200$-400$ range. That Carvin 110 looks really good. Anyone had any experience with it? If I see a GK mb112 or a micromark for sale, I problably buy it, but its interesting to hear of some of these options.
 
#27
The GK MB150S can be had used for pretty reasonable price sometimes, so if one turns up, i'd recommend it.
I love mine, and carry it in a shoulder slung rockbag...it still has (to me) more and better sound than some combos I've played/owned with twice as much power , size and weight.

Based on in store tryout only, i'd bet the 12 markbass could sound "beefier"...especially with 5'ers, but I typically only use the 5'er at church where the volume is quite reasonable....but at rehearsals, the MB150 and 4 string can be cranked quite loud (again, for it's size).

I don't know if I'd throw for a new GK MB150, as the prices are pretty high.....but they have been a consistent design for quite a while ! I think that speaks positively.
Good luck with your choice
 
#28
lomo said:
The problem with wattage in cheaper combos is that most of these boxes are not engineered to handle the power they can provide. Most fart badly when played near their capacity. 95% of top quality 12 cabs fart or compress the low end before they see 150 watts....and that applies to cabs that cost many times the price of a cheap combo. The B100 can actually use all its' 100 watts. I'd just go with a Peavey Max or Hartke, good for the price.
Click to expand...

That’s true but I get plenty of useful volume (and great punchy tone) out of my Carvin MB10 and it can power my Avatar SB112 extension for a 250w killer mini-rig. The two really go well together.
By itself though I have dial down the bass once I jack up the volume.
 
#31
Roland CB 100. Besides the amp models, has a "super flat" setting that actually is very neutral. It's a pretty loud 100 watts, and has a good DI. It'll hang with a quiet drummer on it's own, but can take an extension cab. Used can be found for around $200.

The only drawback to it, is that it is touchy regarding voltage issues. In other words, I wouldn't rely on it at a bar/club with a questionable electrical system.
 
#33
The GK MB 112 and 115 seem to be great values to me. i've played through the 115 several times and can get what I want from it.

I went a different route and buried a GK mb200 in a 1x10 combo cab. TB'er Singlemalt did the build for me. Not the cheapest alternative out there but it is the best sounding combo I've heard to date - mostly as it was based on a really good sounding 1x10 cab. We took that and designed the convenience features around it. Mark came up with a sweet hatch arangement for access to the rear of the amp that when removed becomes the tilt back.
 

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