Author Topic: Best Sounding (most powerful) small bass amp? (Read 288 times)

57basstra · « **on:** June 17, 2009, 08:41:02 PM »

A few good pickers I used to jam live with have come up with a young hot rod guitar player and they want to give it a go and I am onboard as the bass player/singer. I really do not want to leave my GK, Ampeg, Sunn and/or Fender rigs at the practice place and these stacks are too big to haul around each time we get together.

Please, what are some recommendations for powerful, good sounding yet portable bass amps? Price is always a consideration, but not necessarily the driving factor.

Any help would be appreciated.

(Message edited by 57basstra on June 17, 2009)

lidon2001 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2009, 09:01:45 PM »

Check out www.carvin.com

BX500 head has a good weight/power/price ratio.

Add cabinet of your choice.

T

57basstra · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2009, 09:11:08 PM »

Thanks, Tom.

I may be looking for an all-in-one combo unit rather than another head and cabinet. I would like to be able to grab and go (80ish pounds thereabouts or less)...

It needs to have some power because these guys are loud...

...this would be for practice and perhaps small gigs (if it goes that far.)

If we get any large venues, I already have several amp (and DI) options

john_judge · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2009, 09:57:38 PM »

check out the TRI 115L Accugroove, combo, specs are as follows:
3-Way Studio Monitor Sound w/ 15? woofer, 6.5 ? mid & 2 Tweeters
Power: 500 Watts (Up to 1,100 w/ 2nd cab) ; Weight: 58 Lbs.
Dimensions: 24.75?W x 25.5?H x 18.25?D
this thing kicks butt!

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2009, 11:30:35 PM »

The G-K Micro Bass series such as the MB150E is a very popular small session amp and is just about the industry standard among Double Bass players (acoustic bass). if you want a bit more volume in a small combo then there is the SWR RED HEAD with quite a bit more punch . I have three of the small G-K's. I like both the SWR RED HEAD and the little G-K's for small applications.

slawie · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2009, 01:20:21 AM »

There was some discussion here that may be interesting to you.

http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/62421.html?1241506062

slawie

dnburgess · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2009, 02:29:55 AM »

For micro combos I can recommend any of Acoustic Image, Phil Jones and AER.

svlilioukalani · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:13:41 AM »

Check out the Genz Benz Shuttle. Great sound and small.

andbassforall · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:21:34 AM »

I second the proposal for the GB Shuttle series! I have a 1X12 combo and it's done it's job and more at all sorts of gigs. Good luck in your search.

crobbins · « **Reply #9 on:** June 18, 2009, 10:07:48 AM »

Markbass.

http://www.markbass.it/

lidon2001 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 18, 2009, 02:20:37 PM »

The Carvin head is available in combos as well. I just think it's hard to beat a 500w @ 4 ohm combo with 2x10 that weighs around 50 lbs for about $620, and "made" in the USA. Of course, price is my determining factor these days. All of the others that are mentioned are great per the many reviews about them. I'm an AccuGroove fan and owner myself, Tri112, and would like to try the Genz Benz and Markbass offerings.

olieoliver · « **Reply #11 on:** June 18, 2009, 02:28:18 PM »

I've played through a Markbass combo. They do sound good and are very powerful. I can't speak for how durable they are. They aren't cheap either.
I've never used a CArvin amp but have heard good things from people who have. The price is right.

OO

mike13 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2009, 06:54:03 PM »

Check out A.E.R.Amp One,I,ve had one on trial for 3 weeks, 13 kilos, great EQ just got back from a 4 day jazz festival where I played 10 x 1 hour sets with 4 bands in 8 venues with my S2 really good,got heaps of good comments about it from other musos,so I bought it from the Bass People in Sydney OZ (Dave Burgess)

David Houck · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2009, 07:03:56 PM »

You just played ten one hour sets with four bands in eight venues over four days. Wow!

olieoliver · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2009, 07:12:18 PM »

WOW,thats a lot of playing. Glad to see someone staying busy. I'm not sure I could do that anymore. I'm so out of shape it's crazy.

Need to start calling you Mighty Mike.

OO