Who uses a combo + extension?

[birminghambass]

I do, that's who. For 8 years I used a Ampeg B248 (350watts, 4x8) combo on top of an Ampeg 15. Nice tone but heavy and a bit volume shy for heavy rock. I went GK 10 or so years ago and settled on the 700rb2 + 1x12 and a 2x12. Awesomeness. Well it just got awesome-er. Replaced my 1x12 and 700rb with a 700rb combo. Easier to carry as one piece, easier to get setup, still looks cool. The ONLY thing I feel I lost is the ability to only use the 2x12 with the amp. Anyone else using a similat approach? Do you find yourself using the combo alone most of the time?

 

[seanm]

I usually use my iAMP500C with an extension cab. It gets the combo closer to my ears and adds volume if I need it.

When I used to play country I would use just the combo amp and put it on a chair. For some low volume settings I would just use the tilt back function.

 

[filmtex]

I use an Ampeg BA-210 combo by itself most of the time. When I end up on a big stage I use my SVT 810 cab as an extension, but only 4x10’s because of load balancing.

 

[EastCoastThump]

I sometimes use one Mesa Walkabout 12" on top of another.

I like the Walkabouts not only because they sound killer, but also for their flexibility. The head is easy to remove from the combo, and it pairs well with a wide range of larger cabs.

 

[two fingers]

The one on the right is a Mesa Walkabout Scout combo (15") with matching cab. The combo is great. The stack is ridiculously good. (Sorry, I was taking the pic for the grill of the Ampeg the other day so the Mesa got chopped off.)

 

[buldog5151bass]

I did for a long time, but prefer the separate head. As long as you have a cab where you are headed, you only have to bring a head and bass.

 

[birminghambass]

I did for a long time, but prefer the separate head. As long as you have a cab where you are headed, you only have to bring a head and bass.

Yeah, Ieave a GK 15 at rehearsal. Instead of just bringing my 16lb amp I have to bring a 50lb combo now. Not a huge deal.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Yeah, Ieave a GK 15 at rehearsal. Instead of just bringing my 16lb amp I have to bring a 50lb combo now. Not a huge deal.

With a class X head, it's even easier. Also makes playing different cabs easier. But whatever works for us.

 

[Krizz]

Link Removed

 

[vickerekes]

For bigger venues, a Bag End D10B-D (no tweeter) adds just what’s needed to my trusty old SWR Super Redhead… a fan in the single rack space pushes cool air through the head for the 2-ohm load, and a Sansamp BDDI adds character.

 

[birminghambass]

With a class X head, it's even easier. Also makes playing different cabs easier. But whatever works for us.

Class X?

 

[JimmyM]

If I use a combo, I don't bother with an extension.

 

[Relsom]

My Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2-12T + STL-2-12T EXT has been my constant companion for several years now. I don't plan on that changing either. I like the series so much I've acquired a second -2-12T Ext and more recently a -2-210 combo minus the head. I have a 9.2 as a backup, always there as insurance.

 

[dBChad]

Not anymore.

I used to, but while it was a perfect setup for rehearsal, it would either be too loud or too quiet wherever we played. Separate head and a several cabs let me grab what I need for the event.

 

[xposaune]

The Markbass 15" combos are pretty loud by themselves and with the NY 15" extension cab can push pretty hard. Certainly loud enough for any bar gig or medium sized room.

Long story about the cast in this pic. I had a broken ring finger and the band couldn't find a sub on short notice so I figured I could play some simpler lines. People said they didnt notice any difference lol

 

[gln1955]

I put my Genz-Benz Contour on a tilted rack. We usually have PA support, so that setup is perfect for stage monitoring . When I'm not in a the PA, I take a matching 2x10 extension. Since that situation is smaller spaces, I've never wanted more amp.

 

[staurosjohn]

I’ve done some downsizing... mostly using a Markbass CMD121P combo... add a NY121 when needed. (same pic as avatar) I do use the Nano 300 head w/NY121 at times... and, sometimes, get away with just the 801 combo!

 

[G On Bass]

I used to run a Carvin MB15 with an MB15E extension cab and it was fine. I switched to separate head/cabs (Ampeg) to get more flexibility (and far better tone...). Plus, I do silent practice at home.

 

[shooter_mi]

I use a Carvin MB10 for most of my gigs, often with the MB15E extension cab. For practice and smaller gigs I use just the combo. Otherwise both. It's versatile, lightweight, and I've never not had enough volume.

 

[Turbo Sparky]

I have and have gigged the GK MB212combo with, and without, the GK MBP212ext...MASSIVE tone and volume when needed.
Unfortunately, as is becoming more and more common, stage sizes appear to be getting smaller. This would only allow for a vertical configuration of the combo and extension; sounds better to me in a side-by-side placement.
GK 700RBii is a dang fine amp. I have begun to use GK1001RBii with 2 Neo212s (the Neo412 is too big for my vehicle. Other times it is a Barefaced 610.
Yes though, a decent 500W combo can, and does, get a job done; especially when there is a decent FOH.