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Double Bass SWR WorkingPro 12 Combo vs. GK Backline 210 Combo

Jazzin'

Jazzin'

...Bluesin' and Funkin'
Jul 12, 2004
5,319
12
38
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
#1
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I'm looking for a nice small but powerful combo amp in my price range that I can easily fit in my car. Because right now I have two amps, a tiny 8" 15W combo, and a big heavy 1200W head with a 210 cab and a 212 cab. I need something that I can transport more easily for smaller gigs and jams at my friend's houses. I think the GK and the SWR are the best bets. They are both in my price range, they both have 200W and both are relatively small. They also both have the tilt-back, which is good. I'm going to be using it primarily for DB, and I know both of these companies are near the top for DB amps.

I just want to hear a bunch of your opinions on each of these amps. Recommend me other amps in that price range as well.

Thanks.
 
#3
Jazzin' said:
... and I know both of these companies are near the top for DB amps.
Click to expand...

I don't think that these two companies are near the top for DB in terms of popularity or consensus.

The GK MB150s have been very popular DB amps for several decades now and it is a very good DB amp (preferences aside). The other GK amps have not had the same adoption rate by DB players. Not to say that it's a bad choice, just challenging your assumption.

SWR, while a very good company has never had an amp that was universally loved by DB players, except maybe the Baby Blue, which isn't made anymore. I know some people who have used the WM 10 and 12 amps with good success, so it's not a bad choice, but not a universally accepted good one either.

For $500, it's tough. You might look for a used MB150 (GK) or a Polytone. At the risk of contricting myself, the SWR California Blonde's are good DB amps and can be had just north of that price range or used right there.

The "top" DB combos start around $800 and go up to $1,500 or so. I hear "in my price range" so, I'm not pushing them. I believe in living with a budget and good amps can be had in any pricerange.

It's just your "at the top statement" that I wanted to clarify.

-tk
 
#4
I've used the GK MB150, the SWR Workingman 12, the SWR California Blonde and the Polytone MiniBrute III. The Poly blows them all away and isn't bad for low volume electric either. I use AI stuff now but the Poly is the only amp that I used to use that I keep for back up. I gave the Workingman 12 away. I sold the CA Blonde and the GK is stuck in storage.
 
#6
I really dig the SWR Working Man 15. Sounds great for both upright and electric. I really dig GK, but NOT the Backline models. They have just too many bells and whistles for their price, and about two or three heads on sale at the local Guitar Center are sitting on the shelf, out of order.

Nick
 
#9
While not classically considered doublebass amps. I saw Christian McBride play a straight BeBop gig with a SWR Super Redhead combo and I saw Ray Brown play with Regina Carter with a WM 15 (probably provided for him by the venue). They both sounded amazing.

I wouldn't like my tone through those amps, but it didn't slow them down at all.

-tk
 
#12
Both good choices, but I lean toward GK. I owned an SWR Workingman's 12 about 10 years ago (I think that was what it was called then). Good amp, but I just didn't like the sound -- of course, I was playing electric back then, so that may have been a factor. I sold it to a keyboardist. Presently, I use a GK Backline 112 and I like it. It accurately captures the sound of my DB. Most of my work is in small clubs, restaurants and combo sessions, so the GK works well for me.
 

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