It's 300w internally, 500w with extension cab. Once again it's 350 bucks brand new and the OP says "non-gigging".
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Which combo amp for a non-gigging bass player?
- Thread starter DannyBob
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It's 300w internally, 500w with extension cab. Once again it's 350 bucks brand new and the OP says "non-gigging".
It's 300w internally, 500w with extension cab. Once again it's 350 bucks brand new and the OP says "non-gigging".
Oh Okay, and yeah that's a good deal.
Did you check the link? Perhaps it's only recent models, but it's there in the manual.
Oops, wow - I stand corrected - you're right.
"Headphone/line out/chain out: When switched,
this output allows the user to send a direct
(unbalanced) line out to devices with unbalanced
inputs such as personal multitrack recorders. This
connection requires a shielded patch cord. The
Chain out allows the user to connect directly to a
GK MBP powered extension cabinet. This
connection is made with a balanced, tip, ring,
sleeve to male XLR cable. Unswitched, this headphone jack can be used to
monitor your playing with headphones."
EDIT: I wonder if this means the older MB combos headphone jacks are modify-able - hmm.
+1 I've used a Cube 100 for a long time, and it's excellent for practice, rehearsal, and recording. I've even played it on a couple of gigs, and it is amazingly loud for its size and power rating. With all the effects and amp models, it's great for experimenting. The newer Cube 60XL and 120XL models have additional cool features, including loopers and built-in tuners. They are a little expensive for their power ratings, but they are strong amps with loads of flexibility and excellent tone. I'm not gigging much these days, and most gigs have PA support, so I've actually considered downsizing to just a Cube 120XL.
I didn't vote, because, well, I didn't.
My suggestion to the OP is to focus first on whatever amplifier will encourage them to enjoy playing so they will play a lot!
Primarily this is going to be an amp that SOUNDS GOOD.
Second priority, get something they can live with. Playing bass without a band, I don't know about you but to me I figure that's pretty much that's by choice as bass players tend to be quite in demand. Might as well get something that can be useful in a band situation, whether that means a relatively powerful head that can be used with a variety of cabs, or a combo that can at least keep up with drummer and guitarist.
My suggestion to the OP is to focus first on whatever amplifier will encourage them to enjoy playing so they will play a lot!
Primarily this is going to be an amp that SOUNDS GOOD.
Second priority, get something they can live with. Playing bass without a band, I don't know about you but to me I figure that's pretty much that's by choice as bass players tend to be quite in demand. Might as well get something that can be useful in a band situation, whether that means a relatively powerful head that can be used with a variety of cabs, or a combo that can at least keep up with drummer and guitarist.
I emailed them and was told that it has to be a 2013 model or newer to work. If the back panel is not marked "Chain Out", it won't.
I didn't ask about mods or upgrades, though.
Yeah, the earlier MB200's don't have "chain out".
Anyway, sorry for the confusion and thank you for the updated info.
Cheers,
Joe
I'd go GK but honestly, anything in your list would be fine for your needs.
Another shout for the Roland Cube - those are really nice amps and useful tools for the future as well. The only thing stopping me from getting one is my Peavey Microbass refusing to die (there's a whole thread about it)
Another shout for the Roland Cube - those are really nice amps and useful tools for the future as well. The only thing stopping me from getting one is my Peavey Microbass refusing to die (there's a whole thread about it)
Be sure to audition a Fender Rumble at your music store. There is a model for every need. Since it appears that you prefer 15" woofers, the current Rumble 150 1x15 combo is an excellent choice. A newly revamped Rumble line will soon be released and available sometime in Feb. with a retro silver-faced Bassman look. There will be a Rumble 200 1x15 combo. These are very reliable gig worthy amps that will fullfil all your needs. Excellent tone for days. If you've not played through one prepare to be both pleasently surprised and impressed.
Even though you are in the UK, you can still peek at them here. Scroll to the bottom. Invalid Link Removed
+1 I voted GK from the provided list..but I think the Fender Rumble are just silly bang for the $ and actually prefer their tone
so far out of OPs stated price range, but a nice amp for sure!
I think either of those (even used) are out of OPs price range
IMO if you don't grab one of those Genz Benz Contour combos, which are going for 350 bucks NEW right now, you might as well be throwing your money away.
It's basically a 500w GB head built into a Focus cab so it's worth DOUBLE the price. A bunch of TBers have grabbed them and love them. Do a search on the work "Contour" and you'll see them.
Both the 210 or the 115 versions are excellent and what I really like about them is the "contour" of the housing (hence the name), designed to get the sound UP and not just out.
+1 to this...at $350 that is a steal (imho)
OP: are you planning to jam with friends? I assume from the power of the amps you listed that you mean 'non-gigging but will be jamming with drums' If no drums you are (imho, ime) sourcing amps that are far more powerful than you need
if planning to jam with drums...most of what you posted will work - pus the Contour, Rumble and Cube suggested..
To clarify, the P3115 is still being made. It's just that the current version no longer has the head that can be detached for stand-alone duty, i.e., connected to the cab(s) of your choice.
The Ibanez (which I own) is nice ... and light for what you get. 300w through a 15" speaker, under 40 lbs, w/ an XLR line out if/when you get the opportunity to play out somewhere that is supported by house sound. I've gigged it for small church situations by itself, and used the line out for some outdoor gigs this past summer. I tried it once for a classic rock gig w/out FOH support, but I felt it was being pushed close to its limits (drums, 2 guitars, etc.). It has an inherently warm, vintage sound. The GK, another good, lightweight option, has a brighter tone baked in. It might be better for "metal". A lot of the 15" or 2x10" inexpensive combos are pushing 75 lbs. The Ibanez and GK offerings are exceptions to that rule. Markbass (or Genz Benz) combos pack a lot of power into a lightweight package, too, but are pricier.
I'm intrigued by the soon-to-be-released 2014 Fender Rumbles. The 40w model at ~ 20 lbs and a street price of $180 is on my radar for a small, bedroom practice combo. Some nice EQ features and a line out to boot. It seems like Fender may have absorbed some of the Genz Benz influence, for the betterment of the Rumble line.
No worries, Joe. Turns out my 2012 model MB200 doesn't have "Chain Out" on the back panel, either. (sigh)
- Which is certainly something to look for if one is buying a used (or new, old stock) GK head or combo...
Regards,
Lou
Yeah, planning on jamming with a drummer. Good thing is he has both electric and acoustic kits, so when we jam it'll probably be with an electric kit. However, the music we jam with is basically follow a few chords and just play for 15mins or so, with solos for each instrument being the basis of the jams, so I need to be able to say "right guys, my turn now" and have an amp that will completely cut through.
So far think GK is the best bet so far, especially with the option of adding powered cabinets.
I considered the Roland Cube amps, but as I have a fully equipped pedal board I have no need for any of the built in effects. Plus, I'm wanting to get 'my tone' and stick with that, so have no need for the COSM amp modelling things.
However, I think for anyone that wasn't me, these amps would be THE option to go for
I didn't vote. But, if you had included the Ibanez Promethean P5110, then I would have voted for that. They are no longer in production, but you can sometimes find them used. The advantage over the P3110 is that the P5110 is 500W into 4 ohms. And, the head is detachable to use, just like any other Class D head, with other cabinets. Because of that, the 500W is a great amp for gigging, as well. You just need to get another cab to use it with. Or get the 110 extension cab and have yourself a 500W 2x10 rig, which is actually PLENTY for most gigs.
Another vote for Markbass. I have been very happy with the Jeff Berlin 1x15 combo. It's small and compact enough to play in the living room, and it can be very quiet or very loud, depending on what I need to do at the moment. It sounds great at low volumes, too. If I want to gig with it, I take along a 1x15 extension cab.
Yes, it's a bit pricier than some other options in this thread, but it's a very versatile rig.
Yes, it's a bit pricier than some other options in this thread, but it's a very versatile rig.
