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Warwick BC80 or Carvin MB Combo?

medgeking

medgeking

Aug 9, 2012
82
22
Minneapolis, MN
#1
Ok people, I need some help deciding what to pick up here. I'm looking at purchasing a new combo amp to use for practice, rehearsal and hopefully small gigs.

I'm very interested in the Warwick BC80 which seems to have the features I want (including a good deal of mid-range flexibility) without anything I don't need. However, I'm a bit concerned that it wouldn't keep up in a band rehearsal or small gig.

The carvin MB combos are rated at 250 watts and they seem to have a lot of good features. I've never been all that impressed with Carvin bass amps in the past, but I've never tried an MB.

Anyway, what do you guys think? When I say small gig, I'm talking maybe 50 people max, so "very small".
 
#2
Carvin has more power plus the ability to add an extension. It’s a big difference, although I do like the Warwick.

The MB210 or the MB115 should fit the bill, depending on what speaker configuration you like.
 
#5
medgeking said:
So, what exactly is the effective difference of the 210 vs the 115?

I imagine you get a tighter sound with the 210, right? I'd probably prefer that.
Click to expand...

I personally tried all of them at the Carvin store EXCEPT the MB210, because it wasn't out yet. I bought an MB10 (:bassist:) but I wanted a living room amp.

The consensus around here is the MB210 puts out more sound because there's more speaker area and the port. The MB115 is not ported and since it's a small box, doesn't put out big low end. I like it though, plenty for rehearsals, jamming and small gigs. I would lean towards the MB210 if I was looking for a standalone amp.
 
#7
I had a Warwick CCL-210 ND that was the Older GERMAN CCL-210, not the Newer China made. I Have Never played on a BC80, though...
I now have a Carvin MB10 (single 10") and the Carvin has a Much Fuller sound, IMO, than the Warwick ever did.... The Warwick sounded very thin, to me, no matter what I did. I am Much Happier having the Carvin instead of the Warwick. All just my opinion... :)

There is also a Carvin MB (Micro Bass) Combo Club in this forum now. Some Great info there on the MB's.... CHeck it out! :)
 
#14
Why would you buy a lesser amp when the more powerful amp is priced competetively? The Carvin MB15 is 200w by itself and 250w with extension. Better safe than sorry IMO. Sounds like you may have wanted the Warwick all along, which is fine, but the ensuing arguments don't lend support to favoring the Warwick. Keep in mind that the chances of injuring an amp are greater if you are forced to pushed it to it's limits just to be heard.

Carvin MB15 is 369.00 + free shipping.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#15
jeff7bass said:
Why would you buy a lesser amp when the more powerful amp is priced competetively? The Carvin MB15 is 200w by itself and 250w with extension. Better safe than sorry IMO. Sounds like you may have wanted the Warwick all along, which is fine, but the ensuing arguments don't lend support to favoring the Warwick. Keep in mind that the chances of injuring an amp are greater if you are forced to pushed it to it's limits just to be heard.

Carvin MB15 is 369.00 + free shipping.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

I'm not sure where madevil21 is based. If it's Europe, the Carvin is not $369.00 with free shipping. You can safely double the price at a minimum. Carvin has quoted me $900 for an acoustic amp that sells for $399 in the states. As a result, Carvin never makes my radar, ever.
 
#16
bmc, in case you missed this post - you may not find it helpful anyway, but just in case:
HaphAsSard said:
^ Buying it from the Netherlands? For some reason (not a mistake I'd hope) the 210 is the cheapest of the lot here:

http://www.carvin.nl/amplifiersbassmicrobasscombos.htm

(They ask €795 for the AG100D, 395 for the TB favourite, bass capable extension cabinet.)

But yeah, Carvin ceases to be a budget/value/bang4buck/whatever brand this side of the pond.
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And this other one:
HaphAsSard said:
Alas, Carvin is not a budget brand this side of the Atlantic. It's been a while since I looked, but the best deal I could find is from Germany, 279 €:
Link Removed
Not on their website, but worth enquiring, Carvin Netherlands might get one and price it decently (the 115 is):
www.carvin.nl/amplifiersbassmicrobasscombos.htm
Click to expand...
Mostly about the cabs - combos do cost limbs here: I can only find the 110 one in Italian stores - 400-ish euros...
 

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