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best combo bass amp


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Hey all.

 

I have a monster set up, but our gigs have evolved into smaller places and I'm looking to move to a good, easy to carry combo.

 

The system I have now is really pretty amazing. It's based around a Carvin 2000 amp head, BBE preamp, Subharmonic Synthesizer and power rack in an 8 rack space case. It bi-amps into a Carvin 4-10 and a monster 2-15 subwoofer (Electrovoice). It has the most amazing sound. We used to play outdoor gigs around Austin, Texas and we had a lousy PA, so I had to carry all the bass myslef. It did the trick. You could feel it in your chest. I love the sound. Problem is we play small clubs now AND we bought a great PA system, so I dont need to move as many molecules.

 

I'd like to find a great combo that will fit into my back seat and take on a 15 inch cab if I'm in the mood. Any suggestions?

 

I've looked at the Eden Metro, some Trace stuff and a couple from GK.

 

And I'm probably goign to part with my monster system. Dont know what it's worth, but if someone wants to knock the guitarist on his rear, it's the system for you.

 

homegamepoker.com

cool poker stuff for bass players.

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By the way, we play Jump Blues. Play mostly smaller clubs. I'm playing a 96 Fender P Deluxe and a 1961 Kay (upright). I like a big, fat, deep tone. I'm not a slappin and poppin kinda guy. I want to feel it in my gut. So want to find a small combo that can get LOW.

 

homegamepoker

cool poker stuff for bass players.

www.homegamepoker.com

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Originally posted by 73 P Bass:

I loved my Nemesis NC 210. Sounded great, was affordable,and it was light. Alas, I had to sell it. :cry:

I've got one of these too and it's one of the best sounding bass amps I've ever heard (and I'm not just talking about combos.)

 

It's also loud enough to play with a band, as long as you aren't playing at "Monsters of Rock" volume.

 

(Wasn't trying to rub it in, 73 P.)

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Don't be too quick to rule out separates. You can probably get more power in a lighter weight, more portable package w/ a small head and 1x12 or 2x10 lightweight cab. Even if the result is something that weighs the same, it may be more portable because that lightweight head might fit in a soft, over-the-shoulder, rackcase.

 

I have a Super Redhead 2x10 combo. Lovely amp. Has casters which makes it easier to move around, but still a pain in the ass to try to go up and down stairs with by myself. The Eden Metro is also tasty, but a little bigger. The aforementioned Nemesis -- either the 2x10 combo or the 1x12 combo -- would be a nice lightweight, full-sounding option for you.

 

You never know, though, when a deal on a sub-20lbs. Eden head (e.g., WT-400) and a decent 1x12 or 2x10 cab will roll around.

 

Also, take a peak at the Genz-Benz NeoX series -- there's a combo and also separates...

 

It might be nice if the combo also had a balanced line out to run to a PA (if possible or necessary).

 

AND, (shut up already, Willie!) you could try the "search" feature using various keywords (like "combo").

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Peace.

--SW

spreadluv

 

Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars.

Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk.

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Before any "medium bassists" fire on Dr Doubleyou for suggesting SOICH, realize that even he has opined on the very same question multitudes of times.

 

Also realize that SOICH is a broken thang that a few kicks might or might not jar into proper action. Sometimes it can't find its own azz during a proctology.

.
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I still recommend the Ampeg BA115HP. You can't add an extention cab, but it has managed to handle everything I've thrown at it so far.

 

Ampeg Lovefest! :love:

Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai

 

Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands.

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Originally posted by Gospel5string:

i can only imagine how a 410 and 215s must sound.

Oh yeah...talk about moving some low frequency air! Four 10's can definitely make some lows, but even though they have more surface area, I've never personally experienced a 410 cab that can push as much low end as a 215 cab. The only thing I don't like about a 215 cab is that 15's are usually slow to respond to transients you get with slap...you switch from a finger-picking line to a slap line and half your lows disappear! (That's not true of every 215 of course...just the older ones I experienced.) I guess that's why I ended up with two 410's, eh? 215's sure do make a nice, rubbery, spongy kind of sound for finger-pick...too bad most 215 cabs are the size of a refrigerator!

 

Dave

Old bass players never die, they just buy lighter rigs.

- Tom Capasso, 11/9/2006

 

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With the exception of 2x12 as part of a bi-amped rig and a classic SVT with 2 8x10 cabs (nothing can compare to that !)niether of which were my personal rigs, I have only played through 15's and 18's.

 

I love the sound of 2x15. I don't really consider them unmanagable.But getting one on a subway is something I will never have to face! :D

Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai

 

Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands.

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Don't overlook some of the supposedly "lower end" brands. I won't claim it's the best out there but my Crate BX100 sounds real good. 100w into a 15" and you can add an extension cab if you want. I compared it to a number of competitors and it was louder, clearer, and better-sounding than many including the Hartke Kickback, Fender, and another I can't rremember. And it was cheap, and it's holding up well.

I used to think I was Libertarian. Until I saw their platform; now I know I'm no more Libertarian than I am RepubliCrat or neoCON or Liberal or Socialist.

 

This ain't no track meet; this is football.

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The only thing I don't like about a 215 cab is that 15's are usually slow to respond to transients you get with slap.
Total crock! Totally. I think Alex might recall an article that explains the fallacy here, and I sure do. One or the other of us is always digging stuff up like that when we hear old wife's TAILS, err, TALES, promulgated.

 

You guys should be ashamed of yourselves for not doing any better! I think just today I spoke some clues about this. Don't make me think you are a guitarist again! Think. Think and learn! Observe. Even without any links to anywhere else one should see the fallacy of what you just foisted on a bunch of others.

 

It's sad that misinformation is like the clap.

.
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Dont forget the Mesa Scout combo.....

300 watts through either a 12 or a 15 with the passive radiator.

The walkabout head has a tube pre nad a nice EQ section

 

I am very very happy with mine...

www.danielprine.com

 

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Originally posted by Quinn:

 

(Wasn't trying to rub it in, 73 P.)

Well it still hurts! :cry:

;)

Dr. UU is onto something though; I used to have a SWR Redhead. 80+ lbs.. I traded it for a bike frame. I later went on to get a SWR 350 and an Goliath Jr. (essentially a Redhead in two pieces).

I'd much rather make two trips, than break my back!

"Start listening to music!".

-Jeremy C

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This poblem was solved in prehistory - it's called wheels :cool:

Originally posted by 73 P Bass:

I'd much rather make two trips, than break my back!

I used to think I was Libertarian. Until I saw their platform; now I know I'm no more Libertarian than I am RepubliCrat or neoCON or Liberal or Socialist.

 

This ain't no track meet; this is football.

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I hate my combo - have hated it since the first time I had to carry it. I love the warmth, I love the tonal response, I love the fact that it fits in small places and is still loud enough to play clubs. Hell, I even love the fact that it's a Fender BXR300 but I hate that it wieghs 103 lbs. It's a handful to get in and out of the truck and have actually rigged a small handtruck to take the load up and down stairs. Rarely play it any more - anybody wanna buy it?

"He is to music what Stevie Wonder is to photography." getz76

 

I have nothing nice to say so . . .

 

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Originally posted by 73 P Bass:

Dr. UU is onto something though; ...I'd much rather make two trips, than break my back!

I'd still only rather make one trip. However, with a bass in a gig bag, a small lightweight head in a rackbag, and a small efficient cab I will have an easier time with stairs, small entryways, tight corners, etc. than I will with many combos.

 

However, several 1x12 combos will do the job, a few 1x10s, and the only lightweight, portable combo that's a 2x10 that I'd qualify as truly portable is probably the Nemesis.

 

Now my SansAmp into a provided backline is a wonderful thing...

 

Peace.

--SW

spreadluv

 

Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars.

Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk.

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