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Which combo amp for a non-gigging bass player?
- Thread starter DannyBob
- Start date
Can you recommend any cabinets to go with this?Thanks
I made my own 1x10 out of a gutted Kustom PA cabinet and an Eminence 8 ohm speaker (Legend BP102-8) but an Eden EX110-4-U might be a good choice for a ready-made. Just about any small cab will work just fine. You can haul your bass and the MB200 around to local music stores and try out 10s, 12s and even 15s until you find what sounds best to you - and meets your portability needs.
The MB200 can handle 2 8ohm cabs, too.
If you want the Orange sound, go for the Orange.
I always found they lack a bit of tonal options, you gotta like what's coming out.
That said, Orange has a reputation of being very defensive when it comes to the watts printed on their amps.
I've never played the Ibanez, but i know of two guys that always give advice i can rely on that own that combo and really dig it. It's apparently a lot louder than the appearance suggests - and the top can be seperated.
I always found they lack a bit of tonal options, you gotta like what's coming out.
That said, Orange has a reputation of being very defensive when it comes to the watts printed on their amps.
I've never played the Ibanez, but i know of two guys that always give advice i can rely on that own that combo and really dig it. It's apparently a lot louder than the appearance suggests - and the top can be seperated.
if it was me and I had no plans on gigging I'd probably get a PJB Suitcase. nice sounding combo. Probably on the expensive side for someone who never gigged. But hey you cant take your money with you when you die
Love my BXR 100. Dirt cheap if you can find a used one. I play gain around 5-6 and volume around 4 and its hella loud in a small room... 14'x14' in my case.
I would also have to suggest the Ampeg Combos. I've been using a BA-115 for about 10-12 years and it has never let me down in tone quality or power. It says that it's 100 watts but it thunders over my two guitarist and drums at a little over half volume for practice.
Of your choices and based on your clearly stated needs, I'd go with the BG250. It's an amazing practice and jamming combo, it's inexpensive and it's light. It will also do a gig and won't break your back getting there.
I might look into this in a few weeks when I can go to my local music store - thanks
I should have embellished. There were a few reasons I decided on a GK MB-112 a few months ago:
1. It is LIGHT. I had an old SWR LA15 (the black felt one) that was ridiculously bulky and heavy. Carrying the MB-112 over to my buddy's house is so much better its insane.
2. I don't gig either, just jam for fun. But, I wouldn't be opposed to getting into a band sometime in the future if I ever have more time. 200w is just fine for jamming with friends. But also, this amp gives you the option to add an extension cab to increase the power by pretty much anything you will ever need.
3. It just sounds really good.
Just my thoughts. I'm sure the other amps are nice too, but I really liked the way this one sounds. (I play funk music mainly, blues, try to play fusion type Jaco stuff, but also get into really heavy music as well with the overdrive and sich.)
I voted other. I bought the Orange Crush Pix 50BXT about 6 weeks or so ago when I finally got a bass to be able to play again. It is rather gutless, and the tone is nothing to write home about. At $269 at the time it was what I could do and I didn't know I wasn't going to like the sound. I had actually considered buying the Crush PiX 100BXT, but opted to look for something used because I didn't want too spend $499 on something just to find out that I had more power, but the tone still sucked.
In the last couple of days I picked up 2 old Peavey TNT 100s. I've got $250 in both of them. One needs a little work but is in good playable condition. The other is in good shape all around. Both have a lot more volume, and considerably better tone than the Orange.
Right now the Orange is setting on top of the better of the 2 TNTs patched from the #2 input on the Peavey to the input on the Orange. Just for something to do and to play with, but it is also for sale.
IMHO If it was me I would shop around looking for a used combo, half stack, or stack. Chances are you will find something that fits your needs, and save some cash in the process.
In the last couple of days I picked up 2 old Peavey TNT 100s. I've got $250 in both of them. One needs a little work but is in good playable condition. The other is in good shape all around. Both have a lot more volume, and considerably better tone than the Orange.
Right now the Orange is setting on top of the better of the 2 TNTs patched from the #2 input on the Peavey to the input on the Orange. Just for something to do and to play with, but it is also for sale.
IMHO If it was me I would shop around looking for a used combo, half stack, or stack. Chances are you will find something that fits your needs, and save some cash in the process.
Check out the Trace Elliot 1215 combo amp 12 band eq 600 watts I own one and love it I will be glad to put it up to a nother amp I love it has good tone its loud has a built in compressor check it out you may be able to find a used one on ebay or craigslist I also like the mesa walkabout amp was my next choice
Try before you buy, & try with your own bass. If you can include a Roland you might be pleasantly suprised.
I've used a Cube-Bass 100 for practise for years, it's also loud enough for small gigs. The latest model is the CB120. Very reliable & so underrated.
Paired with say an Eden Ex112-8 you would have a nice 2x12 mini-stack if you ever needed to gig.
C.
I've used a Cube-Bass 100 for practise for years, it's also loud enough for small gigs. The latest model is the CB120. Very reliable & so underrated.
Paired with say an Eden Ex112-8 you would have a nice 2x12 mini-stack if you ever needed to gig.
C.
