The Combo Club

[GonePlaid]

No, not at all, this is a really cool amp and it needed to be built!

It’s a really cool combo and I’m glad I commissioned to have built. I thought about selling it since I’m not really using it, but I haven’t really done anything with it at this point other than admire it since it’s such a cool innovation.

I built out a really cool little rack for my Subway+ DI and my IEM transmitter, which works out great for me and that’s what I use now for all of my gigs.
View attachment 7078169

All (amp, extension, rack)very cool.

 

[Deleted member 409896]

Any thoughts on whether an XLR output is truly necessary?

Some of the smaller combo amps have it, some don't.

I'm thinking I don't really need one on my "practice at home only" 40W amp. Don't own any gear that uses an XLR connector.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Any thoughts on whether an XLR output is truly necessary?

Some of the smaller amps have it, some don't.

I'm thinking I don't really need one on my "practice at home only" 40W amp. Don't own any gear that uses an XLR connector.

The DI on my combo is how I connect to the rest of the world. The signal goes to the DAW, and on to the computer. It's both my practice rig and my performance rig.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Any thoughts on whether an XLR output is truly necessary?

Some of the smaller combo amps have it, some don't.

I'm thinking I don't really need one on my "practice at home only" 40W amp. Don't own any gear that uses an XLR connector.

It mainly matters for recording or sending the signal to a PA. For a strictly home practice amp, it’s irrelevant.

 

[iagtrplyr]

The DI on my combo is how I connect to the rest of the world. The signal goes to the DAW, and on to the computer. It's both my practice rig and my performance rig.

+1000

CompleteHack, M is right with her point if you're not planning on recording and/or aren't penciling in big gigs right now. I don't like my amps without an XLR connection because it's one less option for the future. The Markbass combo I bought has one of the best tones coming into my DAW compared to my other amps, particularly the Rumble 40's, which recorded terribly without major tonal adjustments afterward.

 

[Barticus]

I would NOT but an amp without a built in DI. Sorry, just a hassle.

 

[RavenousPoe]

Any thoughts on whether an XLR output is truly necessary?

Some of the smaller combo amps have it, some don't.

I'm thinking I don't really need one on my "practice at home only" 40W amp. Don't own any gear that uses an XLR connector.

I agree with most others where it depends on what you plan on doing. I wouldn't own a combo without one personally, but you could always get a cheap separate DI/XLR eventually if you need it.

 

[Deleted member 409896]

Slept on it, pretty sure I won't suffer from lack of XLR/DI on this notional low-watt, home practice amp.

No plans to do any recording anywhere, or use outside home. No DAW. Never used the XLR out on my SWR combo.

In the unlikely event I do end up needing to connect to XLR, as mentioned there are these:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...-xlr-male-to-1-4-inch-female-balanced-adapter

as well as other ways to add DI/XLR. Sure, not as elegant as built-in XLR, but an option.

What got me thinking about it was, the Markbass CMB 101 Black Line 1x10 40W. About $50 less than the Fender Rumble 40, but it does not have a DI/XLR output. Local GC has both in stock.


No word yet on old SWR combo. I had some hope that the initial "5 to 6 weeks" estimate was one of those "underpromise, overdeliver" things, but it seems not.

Regardless of whether the SWR is practical to repair, I'm pretty sure I want to move it along out of my life. While I like the sound, It's SO dang heavy and such a PITA to move. Rather replace it with something more modern and much lighter, if lower watts. Can get a bigger combo amp later if needed.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Slept on it, pretty sure I won't suffer from lack of XLR/DI on this notional low-watt, home practice amp.

No plans to do any recording anywhere, or use outside home. No DAW. Never used the XLR out on my SWR combo.

In the unlikely event I do end up needing to connect to XLR, as mentioned there are these:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...-xlr-male-to-1-4-inch-female-balanced-adapter

as well as other ways to add DI/XLR. Sure, not as elegant as built-in XLR, but an option.

What got me thinking about it was, the Markbass CMB 101 Black Line 1x10 40W. About $50 less than the Fender Rumble 40, but it does not have a DI/XLR output. Local GC has both in stock.


No word yet on old SWR combo. I had some hope that the initial "5 to 6 weeks" estimate was one of those "underpromise, overdeliver" things, but it seems not.

Regardless of whether the SWR is practical to repair, I'm pretty sure I want to move it along out of my life. While I like the sound, It's SO dang heavy and such a PITA to move. Rather replace it with something more modern and much lighter, if lower watts. Can get a bigger combo amp later if needed.

Not an XLR on the Markbass you’re looking at, but it does have a 1/4” pre out that can be plugged into a mixer or an interface. You risk a little more noise, but considering the price of that combo right now, it’s very tempting. This the reason I bought the 151 that wasn’t on sale!

 

[Deleted member 409896]

I did end up getting the Markbass 40W job.

Almost as light as the Fender 40W (21 vs 18 lb), so it came down to some small things like being $50 less expensive and having the headphone jack on top instead of back. I'll be using headphones for practice semi often, so that last is a plus.

I don't think you can go wrong with either amp. 40W is plenty power for solo practice, I found.

If the big SWR can be fixed, great. In the meantime at least I have a real amp. The headphone amp wasn't quite scratching the itch.

 

[Timmah]

Oh, man, there’s a combo club?? I’ve been gigging combos forever (though I do dabble in head/cab setups from time to time). I love that they’re easy to move, quick to set up, and don’t require a mess of extra cabling, bags, etc… just throw em where they need to go and flip a switch. On the little bar gigs I usually play, they’re perfect. Here’s a few:

Current gig amp: Ampeg RB210. Sounds like an Ampeg, stays clean and put together all the way through the sweep of the volume knob, dead simple, light, and surprisingly loud. Really solid bare bones amp.

Previous amp: Markbass Players School combo. Another solid and incredibly light amp, just didn’t have the cojones for the occasionally rowdy blues rock I frequently play. Really nice neutral sounding amp and so easy to fling around.

Mesa Walkabout Scout 12: I’ve still got this one, but it stays at home for the most part. The amp sounds AWESOME and I’ll occasionally fish it out of the combo to use with a big cab on big gigs. It sounds bigger and more detailed than either of the previously mentioned combos. But the single 12” speaker is a massive limitation on SPL, and the weight makes it awkward to move. The tone can’t be beat, but the volume and the schlep sure can.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I did end up getting the Markbass 40W job.

Almost as light as the Fender 40W (21 vs 18 lb), so it came down to some small things like being $50 less expensive and having the headphone jack on top instead of back. I'll be using headphones for practice semi often, so that last is a plus.

I don't think you can go wrong with either amp. 40W is plenty power for solo practice, I found.

If the big SWR can be fixed, great. In the meantime at least I have a real amp. The headphone amp wasn't quite scratching the itch.

Hey hey, congrats on your purchase! It's been a while since I helped anyone out with their decision, but really, it didn't take my recommendation for you to make that decision. Those Markbass sale prices on the 101 and 121 combos sold themselves. Like I need to do, put on your to-do list your thoughts towards your new combo and stick your comments right here so others might benefit from it. I'm gonna fire mine up and do some practicing on a song before bed. Again, congratulations, CompleteHack, I'm confident you'll be pleased.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Oh, man, there’s a combo club?? I’ve been gigging combos forever (though I do dabble in head/cab setups from time to time). I love that they’re easy to move, quick to set up, and don’t require a mess of extra cabling, bags, etc… just throw em where they need to go and flip a switch. On the little bar gigs I usually play, they’re perfect. Here’s a few:

View attachment 7080011
Current gig amp: Ampeg RB210. Sounds like an Ampeg, stays clean and put together all the way through the sweep of the volume knob, dead simple, light, and surprisingly loud. Really solid bare bones amp.

View attachment 7080012
Previous amp: Markbass Players School combo. Another solid and incredibly light amp, just didn’t have the cojones for the occasionally rowdy blues rock I frequently play. Really nice neutral sounding amp and so easy to fling around.

View attachment 7080013
Mesa Walkabout Scout 12: I’ve still got this one, but it stays at home for the most part. The amp sounds AWESOME and I’ll occasionally fish it out of the combo to use with a big cab on big gigs. It sounds bigger and more detailed than either of the previously mentioned combos. But the single 12” speaker is a massive limitation on SPL, and the weight makes it awkward to move. The tone can’t be beat, but the volume and the schlep sure can.

Very cool! Would you like a club number?

 

[G-Dog]

I did end up getting the Markbass 40W job.

Almost as light as the Fender 40W (21 vs 18 lb), so it came down to some small things like being $50 less expensive and having the headphone jack on top instead of back. I'll be using headphones for practice semi often, so that last is a plus.

I don't think you can go wrong with either amp. 40W is plenty power for solo practice, I found.

If the big SWR can be fixed, great. In the meantime at least I have a real amp. The headphone amp wasn't quite scratching the itch.

Yo, Hacky! Welcome to the Combo Club.

Oh, man, there’s a combo club?? I’ve been gigging combos forever (though I do dabble in head/cab setups from time to time). I love that they’re easy to move, quick to set up, and don’t require a mess of extra cabling, bags, etc… just throw em where they need to go and flip a switch. On the little bar gigs I usually play, they’re perfect. Here’s a few:

View attachment 7080011
Current gig amp: Ampeg RB210. Sounds like an Ampeg, stays clean and put together all the way through the sweep of the volume knob, dead simple, light, and surprisingly loud. Really solid bare bones amp.

View attachment 7080012
Previous amp: Markbass Players School combo. Another solid and incredibly light amp, just didn’t have the cojones for the occasionally rowdy blues rock I frequently play. Really nice neutral sounding amp and so easy to fling around.

View attachment 7080013
Mesa Walkabout Scout 12: I’ve still got this one, but it stays at home for the most part. The amp sounds AWESOME and I’ll occasionally fish it out of the combo to use with a big cab on big gigs. It sounds bigger and more detailed than either of the previously mentioned combos. But the single 12” speaker is a massive limitation on SPL, and the weight makes it awkward to move. The tone can’t be beat, but the volume and the schlep sure can.

Yes, Timbo, there's a club for that! Check here for many more TB clubs. Fr'instance, see the Lefty Union - they're all in their right minds!

Welcome to the Combo Club!

 

[Deleted member 409896]

My den of iniquity.

 

[RavenousPoe]

Oh, man, there’s a combo club?? I’ve been gigging combos forever (though I do dabble in head/cab setups from time to time). I love that they’re easy to move, quick to set up, and don’t require a mess of extra cabling, bags, etc… just throw em where they need to go and flip a switch. On the little bar gigs I usually play, they’re perfect. Here’s a few:

View attachment 7080011
Current gig amp: Ampeg RB210. Sounds like an Ampeg, stays clean and put together all the way through the sweep of the volume knob, dead simple, light, and surprisingly loud. Really solid bare bones amp.

View attachment 7080012
Previous amp: Markbass Players School combo. Another solid and incredibly light amp, just didn’t have the cojones for the occasionally rowdy blues rock I frequently play. Really nice neutral sounding amp and so easy to fling around.

View attachment 7080013
Mesa Walkabout Scout 12: I’ve still got this one, but it stays at home for the most part. The amp sounds AWESOME and I’ll occasionally fish it out of the combo to use with a big cab on big gigs. It sounds bigger and more detailed than either of the previously mentioned combos. But the single 12” speaker is a massive limitation on SPL, and the weight makes it awkward to move. The tone can’t be beat, but the volume and the schlep sure can.

Wow, I love that P Bass. What a cool and unique finish.

Also loving that Mesa combo. I've never seen one of those before, but I bet it's a tone monster.

 

[MadJack]

Wow, I love that P Bass. What a cool and unique finish.

Also loving that Mesa combo. I've never seen one of those before, but I bet it's a tone monster.

While I don't have one, the finish is call Antigua. It's supposed to be a mustard yellow with a grey burst. There have been variations on some of the shades and they photograph, often coming out in different colors, from the mustard/grey to various shades of grey, green/olive, yellow or brown.

The finish was originally used on the Fender Coronado in the early 1970's.

When I first sew the finish , I wasn't quite sure what to think to almost an eww feeling on it. Over time I've grown to really like it. It's definitely a '70's look, but that is cool now!

 

[RavenousPoe]

While I don't have one, the finish is call Antigua. It's supposed to be a mustard yellow with a grey burst. There have been variations on some of the shades and they photograph, often coming out in different colors, from the mustard/grey to various shades of grey, green/olive, yellow or brown.

The finish was originally used on the Fender Coronado in the early 1970's.

When I first sew the finish , I wasn't quite sure what to think to almost an eww feeling on it. Over time I've grown to really like it. It's definitely a '70's look, but that is cool now!

Thank you so much for teaching me about the finish! That gives me something else to GAS over.

 

[G-Dog]

Oh, man, there’s a combo club?? I’ve been gigging combos forever (though I do dabble in head/cab setups from time to time). I love that they’re easy to move, quick to set up, and don’t require a mess of extra cabling, bags, etc… just throw em where they need to go and flip a switch. On the little bar gigs I usually play, they’re perfect. Here’s a few:

View attachment 7080011Current gig amp: Ampeg RB210. Sounds like an Ampeg, stays clean and put together all the way through the sweep of the volume knob, dead simple, light, and surprisingly loud. Really solid bare bones amp.View attachment 7080012Previous amp: Markbass Players School combo. Another solid and incredibly light amp, just didn’t have the cojones for the occasionally rowdy blues rock I frequently play. Really nice neutral sounding amp and so easy to fling around.View attachment 7080013Mesa Walkabout Scout 12: I’ve still got this one, but it stays at home for the most part. The amp sounds AWESOME and I’ll occasionally fish it out of the combo to use with a big cab on big gigs. It sounds bigger and more detailed than either of the previously mentioned combos. But the single 12” speaker is a massive limitation on SPL, and the weight makes it awkward to move. The tone can’t be beat, but the volume and the schlep sure can.

Wow, I love that P Bass. What a cool and unique finish. ... ... ...

That is a very cool finish on Timmah's P-bass, but hardly unique. It's called Antigua and is sometimes controversial among some tastes.

​

And, from the looks of that serial number, it appears to be an Antique Antigua!

Antigua Finish by Fender
Antigua Finish by Squier in 2024

 

[Timmah]

Wow, I love that P Bass. What a cool and unique finish.

Also loving that Mesa combo. I've never seen one of those before, but I bet it's a tone monster.

As Jack said, that’s Antigua. This one (a 1978) spent a lot of years in smoky Long Island bars and then a lot of years in somebody’s garage, so it’s very yellow. Most examples are more towards the green/gray end of the spectrum.

The Walkabout combos were well-regarded on TB for a lot of years and still seem popular for stationary studio rigs. The amp was popular enough to be the design inspiration for Mesa’s current WD800 offering. This old one is only 300w, but with the tube preamp and FET power it really does sound excellent