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I like the sound of the M3 based on a 112 Combo I played once. The 700RB is too popular around here to not be good.
Keep in mind with GC if you don't like it or get a lemon you're only out shipping, but it still costs you shipping if it's not in the store (since you mentioned you can't try ahead of time I assume you're ordering it). If you have one nearby, ship it to the store and try it out before it ever leaves the store or you sign any receipts. One you get to hear it with whatever cabs they have in stock, two you get to hear whether it survived the trip.
I haven't had any issues with amps I've had them ship me, but I've ordered old Peavey & Ampeg both known to be able to take a beating.
Good luck and let us know what you choose.
Keep in mind with GC if you don't like it or get a lemon you're only out shipping, but it still costs you shipping if it's not in the store (since you mentioned you can't try ahead of time I assume you're ordering it). If you have one nearby, ship it to the store and try it out before it ever leaves the store or you sign any receipts. One you get to hear it with whatever cabs they have in stock, two you get to hear whether it survived the trip.
I haven't had any issues with amps I've had them ship me, but I've ordered old Peavey & Ampeg both known to be able to take a beating.
Good luck and let us know what you choose.
No cabs. No guidance on the size/types of venues you'll be in, or the basses you use. Pretty hard to provide tailored advice.
Gonna join the stampede for the GK 700RB...of all, its the least likely not to work out with whatever cabinet(s) you get. Sonically flexible, durable and fixable. Would also consider the Eden or Genz Benz options - I've never heard or played through a Neo-Pack, but have a lot of familiarity with other Genz Benz amps, all of which have been reliable, and which feature smart and flexible pre-amp circuits. Those NeoPacks may be starting to become collector items. There aren't a lot of them out there as they bridged the GB transition from A/B to Class D amp sections, and I'm guessing the power amp section uses a circuit similar to the Mark Bass LMII and LMIII. I'd love to try one myself, some day. All of the other stuff reflects design choices that channel you into a particular tone or timbre profile...and for what you've described, it makes sense to maximize for flexibility depending on how the rest of your rig and your scene evolve.
Gonna join the stampede for the GK 700RB...of all, its the least likely not to work out with whatever cabinet(s) you get. Sonically flexible, durable and fixable. Would also consider the Eden or Genz Benz options - I've never heard or played through a Neo-Pack, but have a lot of familiarity with other Genz Benz amps, all of which have been reliable, and which feature smart and flexible pre-amp circuits. Those NeoPacks may be starting to become collector items. There aren't a lot of them out there as they bridged the GB transition from A/B to Class D amp sections, and I'm guessing the power amp section uses a circuit similar to the Mark Bass LMII and LMIII. I'd love to try one myself, some day. All of the other stuff reflects design choices that channel you into a particular tone or timbre profile...and for what you've described, it makes sense to maximize for flexibility depending on how the rest of your rig and your scene evolve.
Indeed a good spread of amps there. Kinda hard to pick just one. That older Trace Elliot stuff is pretty good.
DON'T purchase from Guitar Center. Go with Sweetwater. Waaaaaay better customer service and return policy. Also, the sales engineers there are very helpful and knowledgeable. I would suggest giving them a call. Tell them your budget and what you want in an amp. They will steer you in the right direction. Good luck.
P.S. I purchased a rumble 500 head and a 115 and 410 cab and I am very pleased with the sound and performance. Also, Rumbles are so affordable. Many happy/satisfied Rumble customers here on TB. Check out posts in the Fender Rumble Club. I think it may be well worth your time, especially for the genre(s) of music you will be playing.
I know all of them, but Genz and Epifani. All of them are legendary, they have their distinct tone, which is way better than most of modern, lightweight amps.
All of them are serviceable and sturdy. You will not regret your purchase, no matter which one you will choose.
All of them are serviceable and sturdy. You will not regret your purchase, no matter which one you will choose.
You simply cannot go wrong with Mesa! The tube preamp in those carbines will serve you well!
I do have 2 of these SWR Bass 350's for sale cheap, but I also love Genz Benz!
700RB or SWR Redhead 350 (head, not combo).
I play in a similar band, and we rock out the outlaw stuff pretty hard too. I prefer a 2x15 cab or 6/8x10. I mostly use my Ampeg V4B head, but I used a SWR 350 for years through many cabs including a 2x15 and a 8x10. I needed a fat thumpy sound for the swing and honky-think stuff. I also rock too.
I play in a similar band, and we rock out the outlaw stuff pretty hard too. I prefer a 2x15 cab or 6/8x10. I mostly use my Ampeg V4B head, but I used a SWR 350 for years through many cabs including a 2x15 and a 8x10. I needed a fat thumpy sound for the swing and honky-think stuff. I also rock too.
Not on the list but it seems like you are looking for a used, affordable, reliable, good sounding, medium powered amp.
I would strongly consider a Hartke 3500 in that case. You can find them for about 200-250 alot of places.
I would strongly consider a Hartke 3500 in that case. You can find them for about 200-250 alot of places.
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Built like a tank, super cheap. Enough power from club to medium sized gigs. Lots of tonal flexibility. Highly recommend, you can save some cash to put toward a decent cab.
Built like a tank, super cheap. Enough power from club to medium sized gigs. Lots of tonal flexibility. Highly recommend, you can save some cash to put toward a decent cab.
That MB500 - that amp's going to be mentioned in quite a few history books sometime in the future. I am trying out one more micro on my gig Friday and, if it goes how I expect, will be returning it to GC and simply getting another MB500 as the backup for my current main MB500. They're a great amp, period.
