The Combo Club

[GonePlaid]

So what was everyone's first bass combo and first (if you have one) gigging bass combo?

My first bass combo (or amp) was a Kalamazoo Model 30. The sealed 2x10 cab is OK. It's marginal on a low E and fairly useless below that. It was my practice amp for maybe a month before I bought a Rumble.

I needed something for both practice and gigging (or so I thought), so I went straight to the R100V3. I got a used one in like new condition for between $50 and $100 off the price of the new ones at the time. Then I found out our church's main sound guy and stage manager wanted a "clean stage", so I just went into a DI for several years. At our new church, that's not an issue, and the Rumble does a great job there (as well as at home, of course).

My first combo(meaning self-contained head and speakers)was the 1970 Kasino. Still have it ~15' to my left. First bass amp was a 63 piggyback 7ender Bassman. Wish I still had one(I had 2). I sometimes ran one head into both 2x12" cabs. Sa-weet!

[file pic]

 

[Greywoulf]

First stuff? -So long ago I can hardly remember... I'm pretty sure t'was a tiny {who-knows-what-brand?} 15W combo and a no-name Asian-made bass purchased from a since long closed small hole-inna-wall music shop on Rt 9 across from Pep Boys in Howell NJ. ~Bass was glossy black and it's strings were about 1/2" above the fretboard, but I was immediately thrilled (and absolutely stunned!} with it's wonderful soul awakening sounds!

 

[twinfallsbass]

I posted this on the Orange Club, but wanted to post this here as well. It’s my new to me Orange TB500C and matching SP212 extension cab. Loud loud loud and full of Orange juiciness!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Beauty!

 

[twinfallsbass]

Beauty!

Thanks!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I posted this on the Orange Club, but wanted to post this here as well. It’s my new to me Orange TB500C and matching SP212 extension cab. Loud loud loud and full of Orange juiciness!

View attachment 4784928

That's a thing of beauty!

Would you like a Combo Club membership number? It's worth its weight in gold or orange!

 

[twinfallsbass]

That's a thing of beauty!

Would you like a Combo Club membership number? It's worth its weight in gold or orange!

Yes please, I would be honored to join your club!

 

[RodRy]

So what was everyone's first bass combo and first (if you have one) gigging bass combo?

My first bass combo (or amp) was a Kalamazoo Model 30. The sealed 2x10 cab is OK. It's marginal on a low E and fairly useless below that. It was my practice amp for maybe a month before I bought a Rumble.

I needed something for both practice and gigging (or so I thought), so I went straight to the R100V3. I got a used one in like new condition for between $50 and $100 off the price of the new ones at the time. Then I found out our church's main sound guy and stage manager wanted a "clean stage", so I just went into a DI for several years. At our new church, that's not an issue, and the Rumble does a great job there (as well as at home, of course).

My first bass combo was a Gorilla. I don't remember the amp size, but I'm pretty sure it had a 12" speaker. Edit: Internet search indicates it was probably a GB-30 and had an 8" speaker. I quickly found out it was not enough to practice with a drummer, and so I ended up getting a Hartke 7000 amp and a single Carvin 18" cabinet.

The Gorilla served me well for many years as a practice amp, and even as a coffee shop amp for about a year. Then I sold it and got my GK MB150E-112. Cool little amp, love the built-in effects and ability to add an outboard cabinet to really move some air.

When it started going wonky, I got a replacement (slightly newer, but much more roughed-up) and never bonded with it.

Then got my PJB Double Four and have just been loving that sweet little amp!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Yes please, I would be honored to join your club!

You are member #296! Details are in a link off the membership page below. Meanwhile, we recommend putting your number in your TB signature. We'd love to hear anything you'd like to share about your combo journey, bass journey, and life journey.


Combo Club Membership | TalkBass.com

 

[JohnMalay]

My trusty Line 6 Lowdown 110 is finally giving out after 12 years of cars, gigs, etc. It seemed to have a great EQ for both my short scale F-type basses as well as my Hofner. And it was loud enough for my cafe gigs.

Anyone have experience with the Phil Jones Bass Double Four? Seems inexpensive, lightweight (a big thing for a geezer like me), but can I get any real bottom from 2x4"? Volume?? My Hofner seems very picky about what it can play through. I had that Lowdown dialed in...

Or the Hartke HD75? 12" speaker is more my style.

 

[Mark Ambler]

I tried the Double Four before buying the Markbass Micromark 801. The Micromark also has the option of using an extension speaker, but the internal one is surprisingly capable, anyway.

 

[RodRy]

My trusty Line 6 Lowdown 110 is finally giving out after 12 years of cars, gigs, etc. It seemed to have a great EQ for both my short scale F-type basses as well as my Hofner. And it was loud enough for my cafe gigs.

Anyone have experience with the Phil Jones Bass Double Four? Seems inexpensive, lightweight (a big thing for a geezer like me), but can I get any real bottom from 2x4"? Volume?? My Hofner seems very picky about what it can play through. I had that Lowdown dialed in...

Or the Hartke HD75? 12" speaker is more my style.

I have a D4, and I love it. Pros: super light, super small, clear very transparent tone, surprisingly loud for being 2x4 speakers. Cons: no built-in tone shaping, cannot power external cabs. It supports all 12 of my basses well, and that includes the two 5-strings.

I play with an acoustic guitar player, and it holds up well when we are playing together. Can fill a small room at levels comparable to an un-amplified acoustic guitar. If you need more than that, I suggest one of the Elf combos. Significantly louder, and not hugely heavier.

Best of luck!

 

[Mark Ambler]

I tried the Double Four before buying the Markbass Micromark 801. The Micromark also has the option of using an extension speaker, but the internal one is surprisingly capable, anyway.

I should add that I’m currently using the Micromark 801 with a Fender bass in a Piano / Bass duo, it’s a loud grand Piano and the Micromark has plenty of volume to spare without even using an extension cab. The Double Four would have been inadequate in this situation, although ideal for adding a bit of volume to a double bass. I’ve thought about getting the Elf combo, but the Micromark is plenty loud enough for these type of situations, and I’ve got bigger gear when I need it. I did the Micromark with a Elf 10” cab and it was considerably larger, but not really necessary for my usage. if I get an extension cab, a 2x8” would be a nicer fit, albeit heavier.

 

[JohnMalay]

I should add that I’m currently using the Micromark 801 with a Fender bass in a Piano / Bass duo, it’s a loud grand Piano and the Micromark has plenty of volume to spare without even using an extension cab. The Double Four would have been inadequate in this situation, although ideal for adding a bit of volume to a double bass. I’ve thought about getting the Elf combo, but the Micromark is plenty loud enough for these type of situations, and I’ve got bigger gear when I need it. I did the Micromark with a Elf 10” cab and it was considerably larger, but not really necessary for my usage. if I get an extension cab, a 2x8” would be a nicer fit, albeit heavier.

I have the Elf head/2x8 cab. Too much for this situation. I also have a Line 6 Lowdown 150 that I split into a head and cab (removed about half the weight by getting rid of the fiberboard) but I want a one-hand combo. Didn't consider a MarkBass. Anyone using the Hartke?

 

[RodRy]

I have the Elf head/2x8 cab. Too much for this situation. I also have a Line 6 Lowdown 150 that I split into a head and cab (removed about half the weight by getting rid of the fiberboard) but I want a one-hand combo. Didn't consider a MarkBass. Anyone using the Hartke?

The friend I play with on occasion has the Hartke kickback which I think you are talking about. I've not heard it plugged in, but it's about the size of 4 Double Fours stacked up. He said he was glad I brought my D4 so he didn't have to worry about bothering his neighbors (he lives in an apartment). If the Elf 2x8 is too much, then the Hartke probably is too.

 

[JohnMalay]

The friend I play with on occasion has the Hartke kickback which I think you are talking about. I've not heard it plugged in, but it's about the size of 4 Double Fours stacked up. He said he was glad I brought my D4 so he didn't have to worry about bothering his neighbors (he lives in an apartment). If the Elf 2x8 is too much, then the Hartke probably is too.

I know that watts ≠ volume, but my Elf is 200w and the Hartke is 75w. The 2x8 Elf cab and the head running at 8 ohms/130w is loud enough for band with a drummer. Once I ran it at 4 ohms/200w by adding the 1x10 extension cab and it was really loud.

The Hartke is pushing a 12" speaker with, I assume, modern efficiency. The 110 Lowdown is fairly low volume for its design, back however many years ago that was. But Will Lee used one so I got one. It was fine for duos or trios in a bar or restaurant, had a headphone out, modeling, compression, DI out and aux in, so it was very versatile for its day. I got used to it. Maybe I will just look for another one used until I can test out the Hartke and the Mark Mini.

 

[Phfat]

Ooh, a Marshall combo. That’s a pretty rare bird around here since they (as in Marshall) purchased Eden. Without looking, you’re already a member, right Phfat?

Your name sounds familiar but the Marshall doesn’t. If you’d like to join us as a member, and haven’t yet, boy do I have an awesome deal for you. Let me know!

I think I need a combo club member number...

As an aside, I just replaced my factory strings on the Squier pj I have with labella deep talking flatwound mediums and man, what a difference in sound!

I went with flats originally hoping they would be easier on my fingers, which they are, and for things like that solo in "All Right Now", "Badge", and other slide type passages, and all this sound came out!

I think I might be able to play small venues with this rig, as the Amp has a line out jack on it, which I think would feed into a sound board, or I could mic the speaker....only question is if it would be loud enough on stage....

I say this because I saw a bass player backing a name guitarist, can't remember the name, using a combo as small as mine, with what looked liked a 2x8 or some other very small extension cab.....

 

[G-Dog]

My Rig of RoomDoom...all rompin', stompin' 30 watts of it...

Purchased a few years ago during my 7th childhood...

Phfatcat

Ooh, a Marshall combo. That’s a pretty rare bird around here since they (as in Marshall) purchased Eden. Without looking, you’re already a member, right Phfat?

Your name sounds familiar but the Marshall doesn’t. If you’d like to join us as a member, and haven’t yet, boy do I have an awesome deal for you. Let me know!

I think I am a member. I can sign in and post things and stuff...

I just don't pay any dues...

I think I need a combo club member number...

As an aside, I just replaced my factory strings on the Squier pj I have with labella deep talking flatwound mediums and man, what a difference in sound!

I went with flats originally hoping they would be easier on my fingers, which they are, and for things like that solo in "All Right Now", "Badge", and other slide type passages, and all this sound came out!

I think I might be able to play small venues with this rig, as the Amp has a line out jack on it, which I think would feed into a sound board, or I could mic the speaker....only question is if it would be loud enough on stage....

I say this because I saw a bass player backing a name guitarist, can't remember the name, using a combo as small as mine, with what looked liked a 2x8 or some other very small extension cab.....

Wow, Phfatty! Two years long time, no see! We've got a new Fearless Leader since you last visited. But, surely he'll be along anon to welcome you.
.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I think I need a combo club member number...

As an aside, I just replaced my factory strings on the Squier pj I have with labella deep talking flatwound mediums and man, what a difference in sound!

I went with flats originally hoping they would be easier on my fingers, which they are, and for things like that solo in "All Right Now", "Badge", and other slide type passages, and all this sound came out!

I think I might be able to play small venues with this rig, as the Amp has a line out jack on it, which I think would feed into a sound board, or I could mic the speaker....only question is if it would be loud enough on stage....

I say this because I saw a bass player backing a name guitarist, can't remember the name, using a combo as small as mine, with what looked liked a 2x8 or some other very small extension cab.....

Fantastic! Thanks for posting a reminder. Miles will take good care of you with a number. We must be getting close to 300, right? I’ve been trying to send as many new combo owners over here as I could. We must hit that goal!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I think I need a combo club member number...

And you now have one: 297! See the
Combo Club Membership Notes | TalkBass.com
for details on membership.

We'd love to hear more about your combo journey, bass journey, and whatever else you want to share. Welcome to the (mostly) portable (mostly) musical (mostly) party!