A Friendly Bass Combo Discussion

[tothemax]

I have a Fender Rumble 40 which I have found is a really great compromise - it's really light (you need to pick one up, it will amaze you), sounds good, has a DI out, with enough volume to support practices. My band is a six piece with drums and percussion and I usually use my Rumble.
My gig rig is pretty minimal Ampeg BA115v2, if I had to do it over I would have gone with the BA210v2. Mine has pretty decent sound, but I find that the 15" speaker has less punch than the 2 x 10" (plus the extra power). At the time I needed a working rig and that was my budget. You've got lot's of options out there, and the used market can really extend your budget.

 

[pappabass]

I have been dealing with the same thing. I currently have a d head and 2 separate SWR cabs. 12 & 15. I have been wanting to minimize to a single 15 combo. Played rumble 200 & 500, i like the Hartke kb15, & traynor sb115. Can't pull the trigger. My main gig is at a very small place & the 12" cab is more than plenty. About the KB, don't worry about the kickback, does not affect anything. Sits up normal just fine. My SWR pro 12 cab is a kickback design. Like someone said, separates has its benefits. I have a backup head, Peavey tour 400 I paid $110 for. But it all takes up a lot of space. Plus old cabs like mine are hard resales. I paid $200 for both of my SWR cabs several years ago.

 

[Riss]

I forgot to mention, I have to play at home one of the smallest of the HD line, Hd25.
I'm saving to get the big brother the hd508.
Jamming with drums (fairly loud) and a guitarist with my Hd25 if it's placed on a chair it's holds the volume fine!

Cool!
Now I am starting to wonder if the Class D amplifiers can be an issue? They always have high output power but I feel like they cannot really get the volume...

Edit:
Done some research:
class D amps cutting out

 

[Alper Yilmaz]

Lots of lovers and haters of this here on this forum, but I have a Markbass CMD121P and it is a pretty decent amp which can be expanded with an extension cabinet, if needed. On the smaller side, the Trace Elliot Elf combo can be a good alternative (I do not think they are released as of yet though). I have the Elf 10" speaker cabinet for small venues which I feed with an Acoustic Image Clarus SL amp and the combination is quite nice (and extremely light).

You might consider starting with a light head/speaker setup to start with, which you can bring in additional gear at a later stage.

 

[Ric Vice]

It’s unfortunate, but over many years all in one combo amps have become the “entry level” amps for the big manufactures like Ampeg, Fender, Hartkey etc. They are not repairable, but last for years.

Combo bass amplifiers, were around when I was younger, Peavy, Fender, Gibson, and Music Man built several different models. Most were very heavy compared to the new stuff.

 

[pappabass]

Cool!
Now I am starting to wonder if the Class D amplifiers can be an issue? They always have high output power but I feel like they cannot really get the volume...

Edit:
Done some research:
class D amps cutting out

Yeah, that post is 9 years old. Majority of combos now have a class D amp. Pretty reliable now. I do have old heavy peavey for a backup !!

 

[Riss]

It’s unfortunate, but over many years all in one combo amps have become the “entry level” amps for the big manufactures like Ampeg, Fender, Hartkey etc. They are not repairable, but last for years.

Combo bass amplifiers, were around when I was younger, Peavy, Fender, Gibson, and Music Man built several different models. Most were very heavy compared to the new stuff.

The most crucial thing that I am afraid of due to what you mentioned is the quality of materials and design... Sometimes they may have some hidden issues not noticeable at first sight.

 

[RattleSnack]

Yeah, that post is 9 years old. Majority of combos now have a class D amp. Pretty reliable now. I do have old heavy peavey for a backup !!

I agree, reliability for class D is great. I bought and sold 5-6 used D combos and couple of amp heads, and played double that as provided backline in last 5 years or so. Never had any issues.
But fact is that class D malfunction can be solved/fixed only by well equiped and knowledgable service because of PCB components, and B amp can be fixed by any old-school electronics service.
I would say, if you live far from a town or city or are electronics amateur, B transistor amp may be for you. Also, some folks prefer that sound (I know a few). Otherwise, get newer technology.

 

[Jim C]

The big weight issue IMO is the older combos were 3/4" particle board or plywood.
With proper bracing and the newer 1/2" material, weight is greatly reduced. Fender seems to have really figure this out although their tone is not my thing.

 

[abarson]

For your stated needs, a combo delivering less than 200 watts is probably adequate and appears to be part of your selection criteria. If you end up needing more, separates are the way to go. I think the majority of combos in this range don't provide support for external cabinets because the power distribution between all speakers would be pretty low.

The EBS is a great combo. The reason that you don't see much mention of it here on TB is that EBS doesn't have a lot of sales in the USA: it has a lot more presence in Europe. You might see more responses on the UK-based site www.basschat.co.uk

As you are based in Europe, it might be good to shop for other European brands.
Markbass has a wide variety of product, and the CMD121P is a good solution.
MARKBASS | Products | Mini CMD 121P

The following are newer in the industry and might have premium prices, but are getting good reviews.
Proamp PROAMP || ZC112 | Cabinets
GR Bass COMBOS – GRBass

 

[portpc]

HD150 is not super heavy, It has excellent casters on it, In fact the casters on my HD150 are better than the set on my GENZ BENZ NEO 2X12 cabinet.

How about the weight? How do you usually transport it?

 

[SJan3]

Lots of lovers and haters of this here on this forum, but I have a Markbass CMD121P and it is a pretty decent amp which can be expanded with an extension cabinet, if needed. On the smaller side, the Trace Elliot Elf combo can be a good alternative (I do not think they are released as of yet though). I have the Elf 10" speaker cabinet for small venues which I feed with an Acoustic Image Clarus SL amp and the combination is quite nice (and extremely light).

You might consider starting with a light head/speaker setup to start with, which you can bring in additional gear at a later stage.

I was waiting for someone to say Markbass CMD121P. Lightweight, high output. It's a winner!

 

[reeljerc]

I have an SWR Working Man's 12, Hartke Kickback 15 (both of which I recently repaired myself) and a Fender Rumble 500. My upright sounds great through the SWR, plenty of power for small clubs, nice tone. My son's Hofner Violin Bass sounds best through the Hartke, but I prefer the Rumble 500. Super versatile, I've never had to push the volume past 1/2 and only 35 pounds. My 2 cents.

 

[rtslinger]

Hey Hello,

I am currently looking for my first bass combo for practising, recording and smaller gigs. The price is also some factor, but I tend to pay the price if the product is really worth it. I have done some research, as well as testing, and my opinions are quite clear.

From the top, I liked the most the Hartke sound. Either it is the Kickback 12/15 or HD150. My problem here is that I don't really understand the purpose for Kickback Series since they have no outputs and really plain overall and still have the 500W. Would like to hear if, in your opinion, there is any reason to choose it over HD Series, apart from the weight.

The other choice (so far), would be EBS Classic Session 120 MK2. I really like the sound of that. I can't see much people playing on those though... Anyone got some experiences?

One more honourable mention is TC Electronic BG250 with 12" speaker. It's got great features and looks solid sounding but it is so hard to find. They apparently stopped producing it. Ideas?

My short opinions on the other competitors are:
Ampeg BA-112/115 V2 - they are good quality but I think not for my style of sound;
Warwick BC150 - quite nice and modern sounding, you get all the clarity you need but the sound is somewhat skinny; doesn't really sound like bass combo
Fender Rumble 100/200 - no clarity at all, it is too boomy; out of the question

I would love to hear anything about any bass combo that I mentioned. You can prove me wrong without any hesitation. I am open to all opinions.

Also, I heard a lot of good things about the Trace Elliot stuff but I cannot find much about the newest options.

The bass is 2016 Fender MIJ Jazz used for funk, slap and jazz.

Trying looking at the Peavey Max series I have a 200w Max 112 lot of nice on board tone options

 

[57pbass]

Take a good look at the ROLAND CUBE combos. They make a few different versions and they all have high quality and great features.

 

[DrMole]

Yeah, that post is 9 years old. Majority of combos now have a class D amp. Pretty reliable now. I do have old heavy peavey for a backup !!

I loved my old, heavy combos except for the heavy part.
If you don't have tubes these days you very likely have class D.
Majority of all amps for bass, PA are class D.
Anyone who has been to a concert is listening to class-D through FOH

 

[datasmog]

I had the TC and hated it. Horrible tone. Lightweight
I have a Rumble 100 and find it boxy although recently discovered that it is really sensitive to the room and isn't always boomy. Very lightweight
Just borrowed the Ampeg BA112. It sounds like an Ampeg which is something I like. Not a ton of output but enough for a quiet band. Medium heavy.
Just bought an ancient Peavey 1x15 combo for $50. This one has a fully parametric mid control. Very good tone and the loudest of the bunch. Ridiculously heavy.
I used the Hartke 1x12 for years at a rehearsal space. Decent tone but the slop control is super sensitive. I find one spot that was great but way too touchy. Never really moved it but remember it as heavy.

Never would have guessed I would have liked the Peavey so much.

I had a Peavey 1 x 15 combo. Nice sound but bloody stupid heavy. I split it into two custom cabinets, 1 for the amp and 1 for the Black Widow. Then it didn’t break my back. Still sounded great.

 

[mikewalker]

...

From the top, I liked the most the Hartke sound. Either it is the Kickback 12/15 or HD150. My problem here is that I don't really understand the purpose for Kickback Series since they have no outputs and really plain overall and still have the 500W. Would like to hear if, in your opinion, there is any reason to choose it over HD Series, apart from the weight....

I've played through a ton of different combos, and for sheer quality of sound I think this one is the best in class and the best bang-for-buck for a reasonably lightweight and compact bass combo. Samson Technologies

 

[dbsfgyd1]

You made some very good points. Thanks!
One thing that I started considering was the Trace Elliot ELF Basshead in combination with some budget cabinet. Maybe this is the best option...

If you can find one of these either the 2-10, or the 1-15 (better yet one of each) it (they) will scratch your itch.


Rated @ 320 watts each, compression (such that it is), distortion knob (such that it is), Enhance knob for quiet bedroom like playing, and a two band Mid-range parametric EQ, which is awesome. XLR out, effects send and return, tuner out, external speaker jack
(8 ohm minimum), and speaker kill.

You will have to be patient as most of these have been beat to crap, but occasionally, they pop up for sale. One in good shape should run about $400-$500. Not a feather weight, but will not give you a hernia to move it.

And no, mine aren’t for sale and are going to the grave with me.

 

[MustangWally]

Regarding the Rumbles - I can't speak to the 100 or 200, but try the 500: I love mine, absolute killer tone. The 2 x 10"s are real punchy. I run the low mid dimed, other tone controls flat, vintage switch on and it kicks serious butt. You should be able to try that in a store really easily, see if it works for you.

Weight is fine, I think 35 lbs so easy to haul.