• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What small, gig combo should I buy?

T

tulsabass

Feb 19, 2008
14
0
#1
I currently gig with an old SWR Workingmans 15. I like it pretty well, but due to a back injury I am looking for something lighter to lug around. The SWR is about 70 pounds. I tried a Mark Bass 112 combo at GC and liked it pretty well. I've also read some info on the Genz 3.0 8 inch and 10 inch Shuttles. I'm also thinking about a GK MB150 112 combo. I play basic rock. I am a pick player. I want something that is light, yet will work for smaller gigs. Ideally I want to spend less than $700. What do you guys recommend? Are there some other brands or models I should consider?

Thanks.
 
#2
My small and large gig combo is the GB Shuttle 3.0-10T. Works great for small, stand alone gigs, and has a great sounding DI when you have PA support. 18 pounds, about a foot square, one trip load in/out, you can't go wrong!

I use it with a fretted 5 string for jazz trios, big bands, and pop/rock cover bands. The EQ is nice and can dial up all the tones I need. It gets very loud and I often have to turn the bass down.
 
#3
tulsabass said:
I currently gig with an old SWR Workingmans 15. I like it pretty well, but due to a back injury I am looking for something lighter to lug around. The SWR is about 70 pounds. I tried a Mark Bass 112 combo at GC and liked it pretty well. I've also read some info on the Genz 3.0 8 inch and 10 inch Shuttles. I'm also thinking about a GK MB150 112 combo. I play basic rock. I am a pick player. I want something that is light, yet will work for smaller gigs. Ideally I want to spend less than $700. What do you guys recommend? Are there some other brands or models I should consider?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have the GK MB150S. I love it and it's very light at 26 lbs. But the Mark Bass will play louder. If volume is an issue go with something like that.

Personally I wouldn't trade the tone of the little GK for anything (except the Mesa Walkabout Scout combo which I've also owned) but my volume needs may be different than yours. The GK has great tone controls that can handle anything and all the other features such as an XLR direct out that any good bass amp has. With the matching 1x12 extension speaker cabinet that weighs 16 lbs the sound gets bigger and louder. On its own though, the little combo is surprisingly loud.
 
#4
SteveC said:
My small and large gig combo is the GB Shuttle 3.0-10T. Works great for small, stand alone gigs, and has a great sounding DI when you have PA support. 18 pounds, about a foot square, one trip load in/out, you can't go wrong!
Click to expand...

+1 to that

Played one once a few months ago and it's a fantastic amp for the size and money.

As always, try it first as you may not like how it sounds....
 
#6
Shuttle combos with single 8" and 10" speakers are ridiculously light already. The 10" model is just 18lbs...
(and you can add a second cab later)

I've plan getting Genz Benz STL-12 cabinet as it's still light enough (27lbs) and I've Shuttle6.0 already. 12" driver goes lower and it's more loud too.
 
#7
I've got bad back issues, too and I know it's a major drag.
But if you can handle the weight of the Walkabout 12' combo (50 lbs), keep your eyes on eBay; I picked one up there for $700 even. I'll state unequivocably that it's the only combo amp you'll ever need, and a great hybrid amp head to boot.
 
#11
mr bonez said:
Fender Rumble 100 all the way!! Very loud, good for band practice AND club gigs. Awesome, loud, compact, versatile, reliable amp. 5/5 stars for the $$$
Click to expand...

i had the fender rumble 100 with the 15 inch speaker. i found it farty beyond practice volumes.. struggled to keep up with a moderate drummer. used a walkabout combo (with the 12 inch speaker) and found it kept up much better in a band setting. granted there is a decent price difference..
 
#14
jordie65 said:
i had the fender rumble 100 with the 15 inch speaker. i found it farty beyond practice volumes.. struggled to keep up with a moderate drummer.
Click to expand...

+1 (dont want to offend anyone though who may love them)

Im always on a budget..and the Rumple 100 dint do it for me (tho I almost got it -for lack of choice)

Luckily I "fell" upon a used acoustic b200 for 50 bucks more

I LOVE this thing...if you are on a budget you have almost no choice but to get the Acoustic.and wont regret it.(they arent light though)



BUT..it sounds like money isnt really an issue..and weight is....so I vote for the Genz Benz.

Sorry for the ramble on.
 
#15
srj said:
Gallien Krueger MB115 200 watts 35 lbs

Link Removed

$399.00

Enough said ?
Click to expand...

I just got one of these, light and has good punch. Very happy with it.

Honestly, this combo covers any club where you're not going direct to the PA and for larger gigs, going DI, this amp works fine as an on stage monitor.

I really never got why people think they need a lot of power unless they're playing on gigantic stages and need the stage volume. I've played some larger venues with a 100w amp through a PA with no trouble. I know you need some headroom to get a good tone, but 500w for "normal" venues? Maybe it's just me, but i see that as overkill.
 
#18
John127 said:
I just got one of these, light and has good punch. Very happy with it.

Honestly, this combo covers any club where you're not going direct to the PA and for larger gigs, going DI, this amp works fine as an on stage monitor.

I really never got why people think they need a lot of power unless they're playing on gigantic stages and need the stage volume. I've played some larger venues with a 100w amp through a PA with no trouble. I know you need some headroom to get a good tone, but 500w for "normal" venues? Maybe it's just me, but i see that as overkill.
Click to expand...
i don't see a big bass cab as overkill, but i do see some of these crazy 4 figure wattages as overkill. oh well, power's cheap these days so why not, but still, never did a job in my life where 100w in a cab with some decent size wasn't enough.
 
#19
The MB115 is what I'd roll with if I were buying a gigging combo. Don't think I'd even consider anything else given the price points vs. performance. Mb115 sounds better than a CMD combos to me for less than half the price.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back