[quote name='Buzz' post='195647' date='May 9 2008, 07:29 PM']Essentially a rig is made up of the Amplifier and the Speaker Cabinet (aka cab).
The amp is also known as the "head", it's the electrical box of wonders that the instrument plugs into, and has knobs on (it contains a pre-amp and a poweramp). A cab is a box, with a speaker(s) in.
Cabs and heads are seperate units, with cabling linking the two.
A combo is ONE unit which combines both the amp and speakers in one packager, and your practice amp is a good example of a combo.
Lots more information here: [url="http://wiki.basschat.co.uk/"]http://wiki.basschat.co.uk/[/url]
Amp is often used as generic term to describe what makes sound, whether it be a combo or a head, but it also can refer to just the head.
As a note, generally the more powerful the rig is, the less chance of it being a combo, generally due to portability, powerful combos can be very heavy (there are exceptions but they cost more).
Thank you. Exactly the advice and information I needed. I'll be looking out for a decent secondhand combo shortly. Stockport area. Anybody got anything for me? Please treat me gently - I'm new to all this!
Er, I think that's it.[/quote]