The Combo Club

[iagtrplyr]

The picture is from someone else, but I use that same rig for small-medium venues. I live pretty close to the Mesa factory, so I've been talking to their repair department. They suggested replacing the 12AX7 tube and see if that helps. I just haven't been able to make it fail in a test at home.

Please keep us posted because now you have me super curious. Thanks!

 

[GwenOnBass]

And higher quality speaker brings me back a-wondering about the speaker "upgrade" for the BA-108. Because I was playing it moments ago and will return to it in moments. None of which is intended to imply an inexpensive practice amp is up to compete with the bigger guns. And yet, I can see it could definitely be fine on its own in some settings. For science!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Since we're talking about combos, what is the best combo (price no object) for small to medium venues? I may be looking for a combo to replace my Walkabout Scout 12 and would be looking for at least 500W. It would need to be light (50lb max) and capable of staying with a 5-piece classic rock and blues ensemble.

Seriously? Next to spending money on myself for bass gear, spending other people’s money is the next best thing!

Folks, he’s got a Mesa Boogie and says price is no object so let’s go BIG! bklee, start your shopping at $750 and don’t look back. The Stage 800 would be my entry level option if you get my drift. Super sweet though and my gigging rig.

But being there are so many high quality brands out there you can’t stop at just the big brands. Eden’s high end line looks interesting, while Expensive Markbass combos score favs reviews.

The AER brand is about as expensive as you can go and one of our recent members, if I remember, who lives in Germany, wrote about how great his combo is. Obviously, it comes down to your tonal objectives and personal taste.

Okay everyone, think big and make it good!

 

[iagtrplyr]

And higher quality speaker brings me back a-wondering about the speaker "upgrade" for the BA-108. Because I was playing it moments ago and will return to it in moments. None of which is intended to imply an inexpensive practice amp is up to compete with the bigger guns. And yet, I can see it could definitely be fine on its own in some settings. For science!

Tell ya what, M. I know you're thinking about it and I need a weekend project that offers more smiles and success than the thumb rest, so let's dive in together, Thelma and Lousie-style, and each purchase an Alpha 8-A speaker ($60 through Parts Express and Amazon) for our 108s. What say, Queen of the Island? Then we can do a simultaneous comparison as we "break" each speaker in. Also, we'll hang onto the original in case we wish to do a Battle Between the Brutes contest. Think about it and let me know.

 

[Greywoulf]

Just ordered an ebay used Fender Rumble v3 40W combo. Read so many good things about this combo I can't wait to plug in and get at it! For home use I've always preferred convenient combos over separate head/cabinet rigs; t'is easier to move one thing out from under my desk for playing than two, and a small head can easily get knocked offa the top of a speaker cab when moving things around too! I like to keep things simple and easy, y'know? ;>})
Greywoulf

 

[iagtrplyr]

Just ordered an ebay used Fender Rumble v3 40W combo. Read so many good things about this combo I can't wait to plug in and get at it! For home use I've always preferred convenient combos over separate head/cabinet rigs; t'is easier to move one thing out from under my desk for playing than two, and a small head can easily get knocked offa the top of a speaker cab when moving things around too! I like to keep things simple and easy, y'know? ;>})
Greywoulf

Congrats, G’woulf! That’s a great buy. Take a pic and post for everyone to see. If you don’t already have a membership number I’ll make sure to issue you one if you like. You’ll love the 40c.

 

[Greywoulf]

Sure, I'd like a club number. Will photo the Rumbler 40 when it arrives too.
Greywoulf

 

[TheBass]

Since we're talking about combos, what is the best combo (price no object) for small to medium venues? I may be looking for a combo to replace my Walkabout Scout 12 and would be looking for at least 500W. It would need to be light (50lb max) and capable of staying with a 5-piece classic rock and blues ensemble.

Well ... if price is really no object for you, then you might want to have a look (and listen) to the AER Amp Two. For me it beats every other combo I have ever played. The data says it's "just" a 240W RMS combo, but it's definetly the most serious 240W I ever heard. Here's what Ed Friedland says about the Amp Two:

 

[GwenOnBass]

Tell ya what, M. I know you're thinking about it and I need a weekend project that offers more smiles and success than the thumb rest, so let's dive in together, Thelma and Lousie-style, and each purchase an Alpha 8-A speaker ($60 through Parts Express and Amazon) for our 108s. What say, Queen of the Island? Then we can do a simultaneous comparison as we "break" each speaker in. Also, we'll hang onto the original in case we wish to do a Battle Between the Brutes contest. Think about it and let me know.

Has all the feeling of a cold rainy autumn day project to me!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Well ... if price is really no object for you, then you might want to have a look (and listen) to the AER Amp Two. For me it beats every other combo I have ever played. The data says it's "just" a 240W RMS combo, but it's definetly the most serious 240W I ever heard. Here's what Ed Friedland says about the Amp Two:

Yes, it’s TheBass! This is one of our latest members who posted some AER goodness. Could be your next amp. Thanks, TB!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Has all the feeling of a cold rainy autumn day project to me!

We need to shop around though to find the perfect driver. The Baby ‘Peg runs 4 ohms with the original, though at the volume I play it at, that may be a moot point. This is gonna be fun!

 

[iriegnome]

NAD!! My TC Electronics BG250-208 is being delivered today. Should be a great little amp for some of these very small "Supper Club" gigs I have been playing. I have a single 12 to go under it for a bit bigger small shows! 1 trip rig. That is the goal!

 

[bklee]

Seriously? Next to spending money on myself for bass gear, spending other people’s money is the next best thing!

Folks, he’s got a Mesa Boogie and says price is no object so let’s go BIG! bklee, start your shopping at $750 and don’t look back. The Stage 800 would be my entry level option if you get my drift. Super sweet though and my gigging rig.

But being there are so many high quality brands out there you can’t stop at just the big brands. Eden’s high end line looks interesting, while Expensive Markbass combos score favs reviews.

The AER brand is about as expensive as you can go and one of our recent members, if I remember, who lives in Germany, wrote about how great his combo is. Obviously, it comes down to your tonal objectives and personal taste.
Thank you, TB'ers.

Okay everyone, think big and make it good!

 

[bklee]

Thank you for the suggestions. I like the AER amp's sound, for sure, but I am concerned that the overall power rating might leave me short on firepower in semi-loud situations. I know power ratings are deceptive, though. I may go over to the city and see if they have one in stock that I could try. What about the GK MB212-II? It looks like the right size and power level I'm looking for.
Also, the Rumble Stage 800 has too many electronic gizmos that may go wrong. I don't need all those options for sound. The Rumble 500 looks good, I will try one.

 

[LoveJackBruce]

Thank you for the suggestions. I like the AER amp's sound, for sure, but I am concerned that the overall power rating might leave me short on firepower in semi-loud situations. I know power ratings are deceptive, though. I may go over to the city and see if they have one in stock that I could try. What about the GK MB212-II? It looks like the right size and power level I'm looking for.
Also, the Rumble Stage 800 has too many electronic gizmos that may go wrong. I don't need all those options for sound. The Rumble 500 looks good, I will try one.

The Rumble 500 with a 2x10 extension cabinet is the same price as the GK 2x12. Something to keep in mind. I definitely want to know your opinion of the GK and anything else you try.

 

[iagtrplyr]

NAD!! My TC Electronics BG250-208 is being delivered today. Should be a great little amp for some of these very small "Supper Club" gigs I have been playing. I have a single 12 to go under it for a bit bigger small shows! 1 trip rig. That is the goal!

Fantastic! I’m so curious about these
2 X 8 combos and if they can truly deliver the bass. Please report with exacting detail about your new combo and don’t leave out a thing. What’s the band like equipment-wise? What’ll it be competing against? Very cool, iriegnome!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Thank you for the suggestions. I like the AER amp's sound, for sure, but I am concerned that the overall power rating might leave me short on firepower in semi-loud situations. I know power ratings are deceptive, though. I may go over to the city and see if they have one in stock that I could try. What about the GK MB212-II? It looks like the right size and power level I'm looking for.
Also, the Rumble Stage 800 has too many electronic gizmos that may go wrong. I don't need all those options for sound. The Rumble 500 looks good, I will try one.

I don’t argue with you, the Stage 800 is feature-Landen to be sure. The GK combo might be just the ticket for you. Testimonials I’ve read explain that there’s a full 500 watts to play with and a lot of authority over lower frequencies.

 

[SJLee]

Just curious how many of you out there use an extension cab with your combo? I use a 1x 12 extension cab with my WA. Tell us about your set up.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Just curious how many of you out there use an extension cab with your combo? I use a 1x 12 extension cab with my WA. Tell us about your set up.

Four 5 inch Piranha drivers in the Phil Jones C4 extension cab are matched to the four drivers in the BG-400 combo for 500 watts at 4 ohms. That's all the oomph I feel is needed for any indoor gig (also not playing at death metal volume). I find the extension adds some "authority" even at low volumes.

 

[bklee]

Just curious how many of you out there use an extension cab with your combo? I use a 1x 12 extension cab with my WA. Tell us about your set up.

I use a Mesa Subway 1x15 with my Walkabout Scout 12. It works great...when the Walkabout is working.