Thoughts on a New Amp?

[coy garcia]

I find having a separate head and speaker makes it much lighter and portable.

 

[rtslinger]

The Peavy 75-Watt amp I've had for years, is just getting too heavy (70-75 pounds) to go up and down stairs with anymore (yes it sucks getting old).
So, I've decided to trade it in a new lighter amp this weekend.
Here is what is available I'm considering at the stores locally:
Ampeg RB-112
Ampeg BA-112
Fender Rumble 100
Peavey MAX-100
Acoustic B100C
Any thoughts either for or against these amps?

if you're sticking with combo amps the Rumble would be a good choice nice tonal qualities

 

[TheReceder]

I recently ran across a Rumble 100 at sam ash in Phoenix... I didn't play through it... but I did lift it... I almost bought it on the spot.

 

[mike buzzetti]

you didnt mention $$ but I just got a MB 112 combo 27 lbs 300 watts 500W with ext. cab. and it kills for the weight . FYI good luck finding your amp.

 

[BobDeRosa]

I'm a big fan of the Rumble 100. Mine goes almost everywhere with me except for very large rooms. It has never let me down for either volume or tone, and you can't beat its lightness -- 22 lbs.!

 

[CallMeAl]

I like my Rumble 100. based on my PF350 I’d be inclined to try the Rocketbass (just like that Ampeg thing a bit more.)

But if they’re local, best thing to do is go try em out and see what tickles you!

 

[InhumanResource]

Why limit yourself to a combo? A separate head and cab would be easier to lug up and down the stairs, and it would be more flexible (if that is a concern).

So this is a good question and honestly, after switching TO a combo after various stack and half stack setups…I find myself asking why anyone would go with a head/cabinet these days. Sort of needing a TON of stage volume I can’t find any practical reasons.

 

[g-dude]

A nice class D head is the way to go. Pair it with an 8x10 cab and a neighborhood kid that you pay $10 to move it, and you’re ready to go.

 

[Bill Murray]

The Peavy 75-Watt amp I've had for years, is just getting too heavy (70-75 pounds) to go up and down stairs with anymore (yes it sucks getting old).
So, I've decided to trade it in a new lighter amp this weekend.
Here is what is available I'm considering at the stores locally:
Ampeg RB-112
Ampeg BA-112
Fender Rumble 100
Peavey MAX-100
Acoustic B100C
Any thoughts either for or against these amps?

Personally haven’t had a great experience with Peavy. I find there amps to be hissy and heavy.

My vote is for the BA-112 that was one of the first combos I owned buuuut it’s not exactly light either haha.

The Fender Rumbles are a breeze to move around just know that the more Watts the better these sound (IME).

 

[ryco]

Might want to check out the GK Fusion series,
either just the head and your fave cab or one of the combos.

Just bought a GK Fusion 800 210 combo, weight 35 lbs,
and running with an old GK 410MBE ext cab, 45 lbs.

LOUD!! punchy TONE MONSTER!!

 

[Dave TB Killer]

 

[mike buzzetti]

View attachment 4647060

that weighs more then my AMP ! by far

 

[Geogio]

I have a rumble 500 that I'm very pleased with, I hear good things about the 100 however those are RMS 100 Watts not actual.

Someone recommended for a small combo stay away from one 10 in and go with one 12 in. I sort of agree, I have an A35 Kickback that has 10 in and it's great in the living room combo setting but weak in an electric group setting.

 

[dave64o]

The only amp I've used that's similar to any of the ones on your list is a Rumble 500 that was the house amp at an open mic. I was pleasantly surprised by it. I liked the tone I got from it and, despite the variety of bassists, basses, and styles that the various bands played that night, they all sounded really good through it. It does have a darker, more woody and vintage tone to it, which is a big part of the reason I liked it. So if that kind of tone works for you, I can recommend a Rumble.

I've also owned all three of the MB series G-K amps and still own my MB800. I'm a big G-K fan and, though I haven't used one of the MB combos, I would bet the G-K combos would be great for a more modern, rock-type of tone if that's what you're looking for.

 

[GreyBeard]

I played an Ampeg RB-110 today, it sounded great with plenty of volume

 

[JW56789]

I'm no fan of single 10's, and would want no less than 200w w/12" speaker. 100w and 10" makes a great door stop.

 

[Queue]

I'll add to the GK combo recommendations.
MB112-II 200 Watts, less than 30 pounds is probably all you'll need. I've seen some really good deals on used ones recently.

 

[Titch]

If I was in your position, I'd be going for something like the Trace Elliot ELF and a 4 ohm 210 cab. That'd be perfect for your situation.

 

[Katoosie]

From the ones listed I have had the pleasure to own the rumble. Light as a feather, plenty loud for house jamming and bedroom playing, sounds pretty good. Cant go wrong with one, especially used. I would recommend it.

 

[AlexanderB]

The Peavy 75-Watt amp I've had for years, is just getting too heavy (70-75 pounds) to go up and down stairs with anymore (yes it sucks getting old).
So, I've decided to trade it in a new lighter amp this weekend.
Here is what is available I'm considering at the stores locally:
Ampeg RB-112
Ampeg BA-112
Fender Rumble 100
Peavey MAX-100
Acoustic B100C
Any thoughts either for or against these amps?

Do you have any specific budget limits? Those are fairly budget oriented combos, and while many think they are OK, there are more capable and flexible units, and lighter as well, if you are willing to spend more.
There have been some reporting about the cost cutting in the Rumble series, as cabinet is light but not well executed, and the drivers are at bottom of the price range. There are equally sized combos that sound much cleaner, and that can reproduce deeper bass, and go louder without being cumbersome to handle. (And I agree about the Peavey - no way...)
Good luck.