Hey all.
I'm looking for some recommendations on a USED bass combo amp, preferably used, that can be transported easily (i.e. 65 pounds or less) but will still sound decent in small to medium sized venues. Basically, I don't want to have to drag my 95 (!) pound 4x10 cabinet and 30 pound head to every gig. Max budget: around $300 - $350, but I'd like to keep it as low as possible. Styles: Classic Rock, Alt-Country, Indie Rock, Post Punk. Basses: Fender MIM Jazz Bass, vintage Gibson EB-3.
Some combos I'm considering:
Fender Bassman 60
Fender Bassman 100
Hartke Kickback 12
Hartke Kickback 15
Ampeg BA-112
Ampeg BA-115
Ampeg B-50R
Ampeg B-100R
GK Backline 112
GK Backline 115
GK Backline 210
SWR Workingman's 12
SWR Workingman's 15
Ashdown MAG C210 (might be too expensive)
Ashdown MAG C115 (might be too expensive)
So, far the feedback I've gotten is that people really love the sound of their Ampeg combos, espcecially the BA-115 and the B-100R, but their weight and relative lack of some key features (ex. no balanced XLR out) are not appealing to me. The combo that is most intriguing to me is the Hartke Kickback 15, given its relative lightweight (47 lbs), high power, balanced XLR out and good availablity on the used market. The Fender Bassmans are also interesting.
My hope is that if I can get a way with a smaller, lighter combo that's easier to transport, I'd prefer that. But on the other hand I don't want to give up too much in terms of tone. As far as features, an balanced XLR DI output is pretty much a requirement, but I'm not too concerned about other bells and whistles (scoopable mid EQ, built-in compressor, etc.).
Any first hand experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ray
P.S. Yes, a small, lighter combo would be easier to transport than my cab and amp head (my cab alone is 95 lbs). Duh.
I'm looking for some recommendations on a USED bass combo amp, preferably used, that can be transported easily (i.e. 65 pounds or less) but will still sound decent in small to medium sized venues. Basically, I don't want to have to drag my 95 (!) pound 4x10 cabinet and 30 pound head to every gig. Max budget: around $300 - $350, but I'd like to keep it as low as possible. Styles: Classic Rock, Alt-Country, Indie Rock, Post Punk. Basses: Fender MIM Jazz Bass, vintage Gibson EB-3.
Some combos I'm considering:
Fender Bassman 60
Fender Bassman 100
Hartke Kickback 12
Hartke Kickback 15
Ampeg BA-112
Ampeg BA-115
Ampeg B-50R
Ampeg B-100R
GK Backline 112
GK Backline 115
GK Backline 210
SWR Workingman's 12
SWR Workingman's 15
Ashdown MAG C210 (might be too expensive)
Ashdown MAG C115 (might be too expensive)
So, far the feedback I've gotten is that people really love the sound of their Ampeg combos, espcecially the BA-115 and the B-100R, but their weight and relative lack of some key features (ex. no balanced XLR out) are not appealing to me. The combo that is most intriguing to me is the Hartke Kickback 15, given its relative lightweight (47 lbs), high power, balanced XLR out and good availablity on the used market. The Fender Bassmans are also interesting.
My hope is that if I can get a way with a smaller, lighter combo that's easier to transport, I'd prefer that. But on the other hand I don't want to give up too much in terms of tone. As far as features, an balanced XLR DI output is pretty much a requirement, but I'm not too concerned about other bells and whistles (scoopable mid EQ, built-in compressor, etc.).
Any first hand experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ray
P.S. Yes, a small, lighter combo would be easier to transport than my cab and amp head (my cab alone is 95 lbs). Duh.
