Opinion -Small Combo Bass amp

[88persuader]

Hi,
   Over the past year I've retired from gigging. When I made that decision I sold all of my road gear, all of my basses (Including my Alembics, then Modulus basses) and guitars so I could afford to buy a Chapman Graphite Grand Stick, a few new computers and recording software. (I'm running 2 Apple computers and Logic Studio Pro9 software on both) Well as I knew would eventually happen I'm getting the bug for bass equipment again. I recently bought a cheap guitar for recording and a killer used Spector NS-2 bass (Not an Alembic but neck through and major bang for the buck. Next best thing to an Alembic neck through IMO) and am looking for a nice SMALL Cheap (if possible) combo bass amp that will be good for playing in the basement and still be powerful enough for gig/band duty without FOLDING if I decide to get back into it. (Small is important after moving SVT amps around. I'm not getting any younger! ) Right now I'm checking out Markbass amps because they are real small, really light and pack a big sound for their size BUT they cost in the 9 to 11 hundered dollar range and frankly if I HAD that kind of money I would have never sold my SVT or 3 Alembic basses. (I really miss the Persuader and Stanley C., as I knew I would. Don't really miss the Epic ... sorry Epic fans) Sooooo any suggestions for really good sounding combo amps that are small and light but powerful enough for gigs (costing under a grand new street price) would be much appreciated. I'm not looking for used right now because honestly it'll take me a month or two to save up the cash and because I'm not gigging there's really no rush. :-)
 
Thanks in advance for all recommendations!
 
(Message edited by 88persuader on March 28, 2010)

[sonicus]

I know of at least one other thread on this topic  @ the Alembic Club /  Forum that I have responded to . In the early 1990's I purchased a GK 200MB  Combo and have used it in many recording and small Gig settings. I was so pleased with it  after the first year that acquired a newer MB150E Combo and then a GK 150 Micro Bass Top soon after that. I have NEVER had ANY problems other then having to replace the foam speaker surround on the speakers in the combos after 2 DECADES of use , yes 20 years! .  
   That is what I call a track record of reliability!  To my ears they sound very good and I am not alone in that opinion as they are very popular on the Jazz Club Scene for use with both  Amplified Acoustic Double Bass and low to medium volume Electric Bass Players . Ron Carter recommended the 200MB to me back in the early 90's when I ask for his opinion about the pickup on my Double  Bass after one of his Gigs.

[88persuader]

Great ... I'll look up the amp on line. BTW I totally forgot about checking for prior threads before posting. It makes total sense the question would have been asked 100 times ... my bad! ;-)
 
Thanks for the suggestion!

[gregduboc]

Here is the most recent thread on that subject:
Compo Amps
 
Greg
 
ps. I just ordered a Phil Jones Bass Briefcase. I will get my hands on it soon, so I cant say much about it, but from what I've read, they are quite something. Check them out.

[terryc]

88persuader..I think I would have kept the SC..like the MK it is very versatile.
You could try the Roland BassCube 100 it is good for small venues especially if you add an extension speaker.

[sonicus]

I think it is a good thing to  open subjects up in multiple threads because more input of discussions will open up new possibilities for all to benefit from , SO I will add this;
                                     I recently played my SERIES II Stereo using Both my GK 200MB & MB150E but using My ALEMBIC F-2B preamp as the front end in the signal chain and the sound was  AWESOME !  You can connect to the GK amps through the front panel jack or return jacks on the back.
                                  The signal path was SERIES II to 5-pin cable to DS-5R to F-2B to both GK Combos.  I liked it Very much. 2 are better then one for Series Stereo playing. ( my opinion )
                            Thank you VERY much  ALEMBIC !

[phobucket]

88Persuader,
 
Now I finally know where your name comes from.  
 
I like the Markbass Jeff Berlin Combo.  
 
At a slightly lower price point, Carvin has released a new lightweight series .  The BR515N is 500W, 40lbs,

[gtrguy]

I have a professional friend who travels a lot that uses a small SWR 10 amp and a Swadosky older pre (the small belt sized one) and it sounds killer. I personally use a SWR 550x head in a rack case and then have a small plywood cab  (just big enough for the speaker) loaded with a 15 EV that is light and will rock most clubs as well as makes a great practice amp. The Markbass stuff looks good too and Guitar Center seems willing to deal on it, esp. used gear.
 
Dave

[gtrguy]

Never could spell or type!
Dave

[88persuader]

Phobucket, not to derail my own thread but the 1st Alembic I ever owned was a 1988 Persuader model with many Elan features. It had a PJ pickup configuration and was choice. Believe it or not I found it at a Guitar Center! The only issue I had was the J pickup had literally half the output of the P pickup even after raising it all the way and lowering the P all the way and tweaking the internal pods. Ironically my Spector has a PJ setup and it's totally balanced. However if I could turn back the hands of time to keep ONE of my Alembics it would be the Persuader not the Stanley Clark Standard. The Stanley clark Standard was and is amazing however among other Stanley Clark Standards is ... well ... Standard and off the shelf. The 1988 Persuader was totally unique so it's the one I regret selling the most. We all live with regrets, selling the Persuader is one of mine. ...
 
OK back to the combo amp discussion! :-)

[bkbass]

88, New Hampshire is about 5 1/2 hours from NYC/NJ is that correct? If you go to the gatherings section there is a New Jersey gathering that is taking place on May 1st.All the details are in the gathering section. This gathering is a Phil Jones Bass gathering in which a great many combo models will be present with a very reasonable discount being offered.It's very close to a Guitar Center which would give you the ability to check out some used gear and pricing. I know the manager so I'm sure something could be worked out if there is a piece you like. Plus you would get to compare it to the superior(IMO)Phil Jones gear. Any Chapman Stick has quite the range the smaller drivers of the Phil Jones Bass gear go down very low with excellent clarity and of course the mids and highs are intact. It's a very, very smooth clean frequency response with out all the coloration and crossover delays we've all come to expect.I'll bet the Stick will sound awesome through his amps. It's worth the trip. Come on down. Saturday May 1st.

[88persuader]

Thanks for the info BK. Ill see if I can manage the trip. And yes the Stick is FULL range from low bass C to high guitar. And it runs stereo so the fact the Jones suitcase has two separate inputs is a big plus for a Stick. something for me to consider for sure.

[bkbass]

88persuader, you coming to the Phil Jones Bass event? Ya gotta come bring that stick. According to Phil sticks sound fantastic on his amps. C'mon one week away. More info on rooms on the gatherings section. Holiday Inn rooms $99 right there close.Hope to see and hear you there.

[88persuader]

BK I won't be able to make it to the Phill Jones bass event. Sounds like it would be a fun event too but I don't have the $$ or the time. Sorry. BUT thanks for the invite!!!
Have a great time!

[bkbass]

I certainly understand. There will be more NJ Alembic gatherings coming up and maybe Phil will be gracious enough to let Michael bring some of the amps. This Phil Jones Bass Event is extra special with the bass royalty and gifts etc. We all hope to see you soon.