What combo is right for me?

[Big Hoss]

Carrying a combo in one hand onto the bus is harder than having a real light cabinet, while carrying a 3.5 lb. micro head in your gig bag.

One hand has cab, but the bass with cables, strap, head, etc. are in the gig bag on your back.
The other hand is free to pay fare, wave "Hi" to the girls, and hold on tight.

Skip the combo. They are cumbersome and lock you in. If the amp dies, the whole thing is a boat anchor. If the speaker dies, what, you are gonna carry the crippled combo AND another cab? No. Skip the combo. Upgrading is a nightmare. Go modular. Keep looking.

Okay, explain for us how say a head and 2x10 cab is easier than carrying for example a Rumble 500 V3 combo?

I totally get the heads die thing, and this is true, but speaker failure would seem to be a bigger issue than an amp head croaking... If the speaker dies, simply replace the speaker. What's so hard about that?

I have the Rumble V3 500 combo, and can't say enough good about it, although I am not the most experienced or skilled player out there, it DOES make me sound better...

It is EASY to move around even with my bad back... Demand for them is so high that they are on back order. I think soonest ship on them is mid February.

Not having a car is somewhat troublesome when trying to move gear. Having said that, I have seen a guy with a decent sized guitar combo amp strapped to a platform on the back of a motorcycle, going up the Gulf Freeway with a guitar in a backpack style gig bag strapped on... You CAN make it work, you just have to be creative about it...

 

[buldog5151bass]

A cab is lighter and smaller than a combo. Even better, when you have two cabs, you can leave one at the practice site, and just carry your head to practice. I actually have a Kustom 15" PA cab (about $100 new, probably about $40 used) that works for the rehearsal site. My 2x10 is at home, and smaller gigs, and my 2x12 I bring to bigger gigs.

 

[Smoove-Groove]

Go and audition the rumble 500 combo. You'll be pleasantly surprised. It would be easy to carry on a bus. I can lift mine with one finger. And it probably wouldn't be too hard to schlep a rumble 2x10 ext cab if you end up getting one down the road. They're crazy light and sound great too.

 

[Big Hoss]

A cab is lighter and smaller than a combo. Even better, when you have two cabs, you can leave one at the practice site, and just carry your head to practice. I actually have a Kustom 15" PA cab (about $100 new, probably about $40 used) that works for the rehearsal site. My 2x10 is at home, and smaller gigs, and my 2x12 I bring to bigger gigs.

Your Kustom PA cab, assuming it is what they currently list. Rated to a max 100 watts program and weighs in at a comparatively portly 44lbs compared to the Rumble V3 500 combo's 350 watt rating on the 2x10 cab and the whole thing weighing in just a shave over 36 lbs... PLUS you need a head to drive it and a cable to connect the amp and head together. More stuff / weight to foist up onto the bus...

I hate to sound like a fanboy here, but the Rumble 500 was a HUGE problem solver for me due to some pretty nasty back problems I have to deal with... Portability on this thing is awesome, and it has sound / volume to match. You owe it to yourself to at least go audition one in person if you can. If you don't like it, don't get it. Plain and simple.

 

[Luke19Boarder]

I like the Carvin MBs a lot for this circumstance. I think the MB15 (or 115MB Ext and a head) would fit the bill for you. I have a 115MB extension cabinet (combo cab, minus the tweeter) that I swapped out the 1/4" for a Speakon, and I use that for rehearsals and small gigs. It's light and compact...carries like a small suitcase. Sounds great to me; tight and louder and deeper than its appearance would suggest. Two of them would make a nice stack. $230 new and usually $150-175 used. The combo is pretty close in size and weight, so I'm sure it would be a relative pleasure to get around.

In my experience, this setup (where that could be any one a a number of heads that you could get for $200-300) is plenty capable for playing with drums and a couple of guitars (or guitar and keys).

Personally, I don't have the same aversion to combos that some do. I think they can serve you well. The significance of considerations about upgrading and being left high and dry by a failure are individual matters. I happily used a combo (in addition to component rigs) for quite a while.

Do you have any experience with the Fender Rumble? Being the first to chime in regarding the Carvin's, it'd be nice to have a comparison of the two.

 

[strictlybass_ic]

If you are set on a combo the Rumble amps seem like pretty good value for money, and weigh very little for whats in them. I was all set to buy one til I plugged in, didn't care for the tone. Some like it, some don't. Try before you buy if at all possible.

Separate head/cab is a way better way to go. A nice 112 or 210 and a small class D head is surprisingly portable. 1 trip load in for me (and my bass case doesn't have backpack straps). If you stretch your budget a touch you can get a GK MB500 and Avatar 112 or 210 used from the classifieds here or elsewhere. That's what I use and it's a nice little rig. Down the line you can buy a second cab or sell off your cab and build a fearxxxx. If you're a bit less demanding an MB200 will get you in under budget but you'll be working it pretty hard for all but the quietest of gigs (read: shortened lifespan).

 

[static0verdrive]

Carrying a combo in one hand onto the bus is harder than having a real light cabinet, while carrying a 3.5 lb. micro head in your gig bag.

One hand has cab, but the bass with cables, strap, head, etc. are in the gig bag on your back.
The other hand is free to pay fare, wave "Hi" to the girls, and hold on tight.

Skip the combo. They are cumbersome and lock you in. If the amp dies, the whole thing is a boat anchor. If the speaker dies, what, you are gonna carry the crippled combo AND another cab? No. Skip the combo. Upgrading is a nightmare. Go modular. Keep looking.

+1. All. The. Way. An 8-ohm NEO cab you can always add another 8-ohm NEO later... For now, very portable / replaceable etc as Jim says.

 

[Luke19Boarder]

You are better off buying used in that price range, and better off getting a head and cab - this way, if you need to move more air, you can get a second cab, rather than having to start all over again.

Consider the Carvin BX-500 head - tiny, reliable, powerful, goes down to 2 ohms, and now that they are pushing their new head, it is even more of a bargain. Then find a used cab.

I used to love my B1500, so that BX-500 does look like a nice little unit.

Do you have any suggestions for a lightweight cab to pair it with that wouldn't break the bank?

 

[Big Hoss]

If you are set on a combo the Rumble amps seem like pretty good value for money, and weigh very little for whats in them. I was all set to buy one til I plugged in, didn't care for the tone. Some like, it some don't. Try before you buy if at all possible.

Separate head/cab is a way better way to go. A nice 112 or 210 and a small class D head is surprisingly portable. 1 trip load in for me (and my bass case doesn't have backpack straps). If you stretch your budget a touch you can get a GK MB500 and Avatar 112 or 210 used from the classifieds here or elsewhere. That's what I use and it's a nice little rig. Down the line you can buy a second cab or sell off your cab and build a fearxxxx. If you're a bit less demanding an MB200 will get you in under budget but you'll be working it pretty hard for all but the quietest of gigs (read: shortened lifespan).

I would agree on the some like the tone, some don't... It all depends you the individual bassists preferences...

I would be prone to agreeing with you on a class D head / cab being easy to move except when I was looking, finding decent, light weight cabs is a pain in the tail. Most of the truly light (under 40lbs) are priced out of decent reach for the hobbyist or infrequently gigging semi pro. When you factor in the cost of the head, and a decent light weight cab, you have quickly doubled the cost of a Rumble V3 500 combo, and added extra weight. Even if it is just a few pounds, that adds up when schlepping on and off of a bus...

The difference in weight however between say the Rumble 200 combo and 500 combo is worth it performance wise IMHO IF you prefer 2x10 instead of 1x15 configs... and want or need the extra power...

Not sure, but possibly the Ampeg Micro head / cab may weigh in close, but at far lower power output, and a different tonal flavor...

 

[Luke19Boarder]

I would be prone to agreeing with you on a class D head / cab being easy to move except when I was looking, finding decent, light weight cabs is a pain in the tail. Most of the truly light (under 40lbs) are priced out of decent reach for the hobbyist or infrequently gigging semi pro.

That seems to be the biggest issue I'm running into in my search. I've found a plethora of cheap, light, powerful heads that I would pick up in a heartbeat. The issue, though, is trying to find a cheap, powerful, lightweight cab.

 

[strictlybass_ic]

I would agree on the some like the tone, some don't... It all depends you the individual bassists preferences...

I would be prone to agreeing with you on a class D head / cab being easy to move except when I was looking, finding decent, light weight cabs is a pain in the tail. Most of the truly light (under 40lbs) are priced out of decent reach for the hobbyist or infrequently gigging semi pro. When you factor in the cost of the head, and a decent light weight cab, you have quickly doubled the cost of a Rumble V3 500 combo, and added extra weight. Even if it is just a few pounds, that adds up when schlepping on and off of a bus...

The difference in weight however between say the Rumble 200 combo and 500 combo is worth it performance wise IMHO IF you prefer 2x10 instead of 1x15 configs... and want or need the extra power...

Not sure, but possibly the Ampeg Micro head / cab may weigh in close, but at far lower power output, and a different tonal flavor...

I would def agree. The Rumble combos are made from pixy dust and helium from what I can tell. No idea how they got those things to be so light, but gold stars to the engineering department.

Super lightweight cabs are staggeringly expensive. The same day I tried the Rumble combo I was finally able to play through one of the much coveted Berg superlight 112's. It sounded pretty good (not GREAT IMO), and was made using the same black magic as the Rumbles, but cost more than my first car (and second... combined).

That's why I pointed to Avatar. Their cabs aren't nearly as light as the top dogs, but they perform well, aren't MUCH heavier (10-15 pounds maybe? I'm guessing here), and are far and away more affordable. Besides, OP said he wanted a Fearxxx cab later. Whatever he gets will be a temporary hold over til those pennies are saved up.

 

[Luke19Boarder]

That's why I pointed to Avatar. Their cabs aren't nearly as light as the top dogs, but they perform well, aren't MUCH heavier (10-15 pounds maybe? I'm guessing here), and are far and away more affordable. Besides, OP said he wanted a Fearxxx cab later. Whatever he gets will be a temporary hold over til those pennies are saved up.

Good call on Avatar ... I loved my 212neo back before I got rid of it. I'll keep my eyes open for a used one in the meantime. What would give more volume, 2x10 or one of the 12/6 cabs?

 

[drpepper]

Do you have any experience with the Fender Rumble? Being the first to chime in regarding the Carvin's, it'd be nice to have a comparison of the two.

Sorry, no experience with the new Fender Rumbles. I did use an older model at rehearsals for a while. Based on that and all of the positive press on the new ones, if it fit into parameters I was looking for, I wouldn't hesitate to get one.

I'm looking at this from the perspective of getting into/on buses and trains with an amp as carry-on. The Rumble is 23x19x14 36 lbs, the Carvin (MB12, MB15 or 115MB Ext) are all 18.5x17x12 30 lbs. Yes, either is considered "small," but as a practical matter, IMO that size difference is more meaningful than just looking at the numbers "on paper" in an almost abstract way suggests. At that level of weight, 5 or 6 lbs is a real difference. I had a BG250 24x18x15 37 lbs, and in considering carrying that or the 115MB onto a bus, I see the difference in both weight and size as very significant.

 

[strictlybass_ic]

Good call on Avatar ... I loved my 212neo back before I got rid of it. I'll keep my eyes open for a used one in the meantime. What would give more volume, 2x10 or one of the 12/6 cabs?

Can't say for sure on the 12/6's, but I have a 210 and 112. The 112 gets deeper, the 210 maybe a bit louder. Up to you which is more important.

DISCLAIMER: my 210 is one of the black friday specials with SWR golights in it, not the custom Avatar neos. I can't vouche for how those behave, but from what I've heard they're quite good.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Cheap, powerful, and lightweight (and really good sounding) - all in the same cab, don't exist. Consider the Carvin BR210 for $249 - 49 pounds. Total for the both is $549. A guy was selling that head with two of those cabs used recently for $500, but they are gone.

There are lighter cabs out there, but lighter weight generally comes at a higher cost. I am not a fan of Fender amps, but obviously some are - certainly plenty out there in stores - check and let your ears be your guide.

For a few more bucks, it gets better and cheaper. GK Neo 112 is $449. A Revsound 210 is under $500 I believe.

Either way, keep your eyes out for a cheap beater cab to keep at your practice site. I would not want to gig with the Kustom, but cabs like that can be found really cheap, and you can leave it at your practice site, and just show up with your bass and head.

 

[GBassNorth]

Luke - like many here I'd recommend separates but if you have your heart set on a combo and need something that can easily be schlepped into a taxi or on a bus without banging into everyone or throwing your back out, I'd look at a used one of these...
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GC has a couple of mint used ones in your price range. I don't own one but I've been very impressed with all the ones I've played thru at GC. Plenty loud, very full sounding, ultra compact in size and less than 30 pounds in weight. Others having gigging experience with this head can let you know how well it plays out.
Plus you could put it to good use as a practice amp once you get your band established and move to larger separates.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Your Kustom PA cab, assuming it is what they currently list. Rated to a max 100 watts program and weighs in at a comparatively portly 44lbs .

That cab was just a beater that I had around, and I leave it at the practice site, so I never have to bring a cab to practice. I think every bassist should do this - find something cheap, and leave it at practice. Of course, I also play with people who understand volume control. Find a cheap Peavey 1x15 cab or similar. Your back will thank you.

 

[Big Hoss]

Sorry, no experience with the new Fender Rumbles. I did use an older model at rehearsals for a while. Based on that and all of the positive press on the new ones, if it fit into parameters I was looking for, I wouldn't hesitate to get one.

I'm looking at this from the perspective of getting into/on buses and trains with an amp as carry-on. The Rumble is 23x19x14 36 lbs, the Carvin (MB12, MB15 or 115MB Ext) are all 18.5x17x12 30 lbs. Yes, either is considered "small," but as a practical matter, IMO that size difference is more meaningful than just looking at the numbers "on paper" in an almost abstract way suggests. At that level of weight, 5 or 6 lbs is a real difference. I had a BG250 24x18x15 37 lbs, and in considering carrying that or the 115MB onto a bus, I see the difference in both weight and size as very significant.

One thing to note about the new Rumbles, at least the 500 combo I am not sure about the other models but it likely is the same, is that it uses a PC style detachable power cable allowing you to separate the cable and stash it in your gig bag instead of tripping over it and possibly ripping it out while transporting your combo...

I'll be honest with you, I have no clue how Fender shaved so much weight in these and made them sound so good, but they did. I have to assume for starters...

#1. No particle board anywhere in it. Particle board, MDF, and OSB are all hideously heavy compared to plywood, and of course...
#2. Lower density plywood.
#3. Strategically oriented bracing of thinner / lighter plywood instead of using thicker stock.
#4. Like has been mentioned above. Probably liberal application of Pixie Dust and Helium. (Just kidding, I think...)
#5. I haven't had the grille off of mine, but I suspect cab port tuning has a LOT to do with it as well...
#6. Selection of ultra light, efficient speakers.

The difference in size / dimensions for those specific Carvin cabs however... can make a HUGE difference when trying to carry your cab / combo whatever onto a bus. Just don't ignore the space and weight used by the head and associated cabling is all I am getting at...

I didn't give Carvin much of a look due to not being able to audition one in person. That's just kind of where I am at with them. They might make the best gear ever, but if I can't test it out, I am not going to go with them..

 

[buldog5151bass]

Dave - I got lucky. Someone near me had that head, and let me try his out. All it cost me was a beer. One more reason to ask here.

 

[DieterVDW]

If my Rumble 100 is a reference for the 500, I can only disagree with the statement "cheap, powerful and good sounding is not possible in 1 package".
That amp is superlight, superstylish and sounds supergood.
I can't really imagine anyone disliking the sound, since the thing is so flexible. By default a fairly modern sound with round bottom. Push in the 'vintage' button and you've got a very different, boomy, motown-like sound.
And then you still have 'contour' and 'treble boost' buttons, + 2 mid controls to do sound shaping.
Seems pretty hard NOT to find a sound you like on that thing...

So +1 on the Rumble!