Bad case of G.A.S.

[PlungerModerno]

Hello peoples of chatty chatty bass chat,

I have a hankering for some killer gear that won't kill my back.

Just recently put a deposit on a Barefaced Compact .....
.....with Silver grille detail

Also got my hands on the Ed Friedland books 1-3 of the Hall Leonard method.
Learning to read music takes time.... but unlike when I was trying to learn treble & bass clef simultaneously (had a go at keys) this one clef at a time approach seems the most appropriate for bass, at least for now.
When I finish those, I can hit the Carol Kaye books, and Ed's blues book. Seems legit.

.... Back to the remit of this sub-forum, I'm wondering about portable amps. Think 2U or less and less than 10 Kg, Ideally a micro like a Markbass mini or GK mb head. Oh and 300/500 8/4 Ohm capacity is my power ballpark.

My initial leaning were towards the GK mb500. Currently It's towards the mb fusion. I don't feel I need the extra 'grind' the emulation on the 500 or the gain on the fusion offer, however the 'warmth' of the fusion seems better. I am not the best at describing 'warmth' or other subjective terms. My understanding of it is tonal fullness, slightly lo-fi with lots of mids.

Any recommendations?...

I haven't got the chance to play through a Barefaced Compact or any micro head ATM, I can justify the hassle of sending a head back in case of malfunction or genuine unsuitability, however I do want to stay in budget... ideally less than 500 Euro. I've been saving for a while and frankly I am dying for my compact & head.

[xgsjx]

When you get your cab, find a local shop that stocks a few of the amps you want & take your cab along to try them.
MarkBass, GK, Genz Benz & so on all make great heads, but it's down to personal preference on what tone you like.

[LukeFRC]

there is a secondhand tecamp puma in the for sale section.

That is all I need to say

[LukeFRC]

http://basschat.co.uk/topic/178335-fsft-price-drop-tecamp-puma-500-l440-shippedon-hold-pending-payment/page__p__1705869__hl__tecamp__fromsearch__1#entry1705869


there you go

[Lozz196]

Yes, the MB Fusion 500 is GK sounding, but with a lot more warmth/harmonics to it, than the usual crispness of GK. I`d go as far as saying it sounds like a GK/Ampeg hybrid. And seeing as I love both brands, it really is the best of both worlds for me.

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1340710983' post='1708347']
When you get your cab, find a local shop that stocks a few of the amps you want & take your cab along to try them.
MarkBass, GK, Genz Benz & so on all make great heads, but it's down to personal preference on what tone you like.
[/quote]

This is a good idea.... I'll have 30 days thanks to Alex at Barefaced to decide for certain... I don't think I'll be disappointed.
It will take a lot of travel though.... wish I ordered the midget now

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1340710992' post='1708348']
there is a secondhand tecamp puma in the for sale section.

That is all I need to say
[/quote]

Are these good?
I've read that some people adore these amps (thunderfunk & puma).
I'd need to try a used amp before buying though. I've heard there are known 'signs' to look for (esp. with valve amps). I might miss them (assuming there are any!).

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1340712824' post='1708393']
Yes, the MB Fusion 500 is GK sounding, but with a lot more warmth/harmonics to it, than the usual crispness of GK. I`d go as far as saying it sounds like a GK/Ampeg hybrid. And seeing as I love both brands, it really is the best of both worlds for me.
[/quote]

The GK gear does get a lot of love, and for my ears the DI samples I can find here: [url="http://www.thomann.de/ie/gallien_krueger_mb_fusion.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...r_mb_fusion.htm[/url]
and these youtube demos (with OK audio):
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoigBqxrjgU[/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D949D271XQ[/media]

Seem to give me very strong signals in favour of this head (mb fusion 500). The incredible portability makes it a serious contender ATM.

EDIT: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/178681-gallien-krueger-mb-fusion-500/page__p__1687710__hl__mb%20fusion__fromsearch__1#entry1687710"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/178681-gallien-krueger-mb-fusion-500/page__p__1687710__hl__mb%20fusion__fromsearch__1#entry1687710[/url]

Cool. Exactly the type of thing I was after. I read this, and the mb500 review a few weeks ago, but I was looking at the mb500 at the time.
Thanks.

Edited June 27, 2012 by PlungerModerno

[PlungerModerno]

Oh and waiting for this cab is going to be painful.

Good thing I have so much Hal Leonard stuff to practice!

[LukeFRC]

[quote name='PlungerModerno' timestamp='1340714746' post='1708434']
Are these good?
I've read that some people adore these amps (thunderfunk & puma).
I'd need to try a used amp before buying though. I've heard there are known 'signs' to look for (esp. with valve amps). I might miss them (assuming there are any!).

[/quote]

Go look on talk bass, there is a guy called kjung or something who has owned and reviewed almost every lightweight amp it seems. He used to have lots of great videos up but took them all down

Tecamp are very very well built. I've been told using military spec parts but can't vouch for that as never opened mine up, so not the same risks as valve amps.
One thing they are good for is having a good bottom end. very clean, but not in a clinical way. I like them and think they sound fuller than other micro amps I've tried.

Thunderfunk are also well loved but I don't think are class D and super lightweight.

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1340715328' post='1708448']
Go look on talk bass, there is a guy called kjung or something who has owned and reviewed almost every lightweight amp it seems. He used to have lots of great videos up but took them all down

Tecamp are very very well built. I've been told using military spec parts but can't vouch for that as never opened mine up, so not the same risks as valve amps.
One thing they are good for is having a good bottom end. very clean, but not in a clinical way. I like them and think they sound fuller than other micro amps I've tried.

Thunderfunk are also well loved but I don't think are class D and super lightweight.
[/quote]

[url="http://www.tecamp.de/en/products/amlification/2-puma-500.html#specifications"]http://www.tecamp.de/en/products/amlification/2-puma-500.html#specifications[/url]

tells me they are class D power amps.... once I translate it from German (chrome has a translate feature).
If they were G/H or A/B they'd be three times heavier (as I understand it).

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOtRKmucNLc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOtRKmucNLc[/url] has a pretty good breakdown of what it can do.
I can't find any other reviews online ... ah this is for the 900: [url="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2012/01/tecamp-puma-900-head-and-s212-cab/"]http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2012/01/tecamp-puma-900-head-and-s212-cab/[/url]

I want one! I'm just not convinced it has the amount of creamy warmth I want. The taste control is intriguing, and the Eq. seems responsive. I guess I'm biased towards a GK because I'll have a return period. With a used amp I'd obviously have to play through it.

[LukeFRC]

no no no

tecamp are class D

Im not convinced Thunderfunk are.


It probably won't do 'creamy' warmth. not in a valve style

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1340720218' post='1708526']
no no no

tecamp are class D

Im not convinced Thunderfunk are.


It probably won't do 'creamy' warmth. not in a valve style
[/quote]

Oh. I misread your post, sorry.

[url="http://www.thunderfunk.com/Downloads/Thunderfunk_Owner"]http://www.thunderfunk.com/Downloads/Thunderfunk_Owner's_Manual.pdf[/url] has a mountain of info but I can't find the description of the 'class' of the power amp. My guess after a skim is it's a G/H class amp, like the GK rb's.

I'm no expert though.

[Jack]

I love the Fusion, if you're anywhere near Newcastle feel free to come try it. I also really, really loved the Harley Benton but it's not quite in the same league as the rest listed here. What kind of sounds do you like? That's the most important question.

[Musicman20]

I'd love to try the new 1U Puma 500 or 900 with the M212. Why don't Tecamp have distributors in the UK?

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='Jack' timestamp='1340793559' post='1709597']
I love the Fusion, if you're anywhere near Newcastle feel free to come try it. I also really, really loved the Harley Benton but it's not quite in the same league as the rest listed here. What kind of sounds do you like? That's the most important question.
[/quote]

It'd be a long trip (I'm in Ireland!). I appreciate the offer though.
I have a Harley benton PJ bass and 110W combo... sounds good. Doesn't go loud & low, but is fine for now. I never cease to be impressed at how good it sounds, for the price (200 odd Euro new for both).

The Fender I bought later, a telebass (like this [url="http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_modern_player_tele_bass_2tsb.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_modern_player_tele_bass_2tsb.htm[/url]), has a rich low end sound. Articulate but way too much for the combo to reproduce well. I find that using my pedal (zoom b2.1u) I can use decent headphones and get Ok results. The lesson was I want lots of lows. I put flats on the fender. lovely. The pedal also allows me to try different (although basic) synth and effect laden tones.
I like. But the principle tone I want is deeeeeeep low mids & lows, with options on highs & high mids to add 'seasoning', especially when muting*.

The 'mini rig of doom' I am in the process of assembling (or getting Alex at Barefaced to assemble) is going to be a big step up for me.
With my current gear I have a very rough idea of what I want in a rig. I don't know enough to assess which set of gear will definitely suit my needs... I'll need to have a flexible rig regardless. But I like warmth. I think a clean tone should be mid rich, and the fusion should give me that option, as well as possible tube distortion, and the GK 'presence' slap tone thingummy.

It's a huge investment, but the more I play, the more I realize it's going to be for many years. It's not that much if I spread it out.

*Oh if I had just two techniques I'd like to master, and play solely, It'd be finger-style and muting (right hand mainly). Just thinking about it is pretty exciting (no, not in that way ).

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1340802283' post='1709777']
I'd love to try the new 1U Puma 500 or 900 with the M212. Why don't Tecamp have distributors in the UK?
[/quote]

Hmmm. They have a page [url="http://www.tecamp.de/en/store-finder.html"]http://www.tecamp.de/en/store-finder.html[/url] that tells me they have stores across Europe. UK would make sense. The model might be 'we sell high end gear, they'll come to us' but nothing in their site or current distributors suggests that. They seem nice amps.

[alstocko]

Markbass, Markbass, MARKBASS!!!

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='alstocko' timestamp='1340813240' post='1709995']
Markbass, Markbass, MARKBASS!!!
[/quote]

Is someone advocating the use and appreciation of the very popular brand of bass amplification known as MarkBass?????????

I've heard them. I've heard of them.
Initially I figured they were outside my budget. A few months later, I'm totally open to them. I've got a slightly bigger budget, I know they work VERY well and are reliable, and they do the 'super light' bass head thang pretty good too.
I need to investigate further. While I wait for my cab I'll be considering the cost/benefit breakdown of a selection of micro heads. The Markbass tube 500/800's seem warm... And despite the garish looks are very.... well loud is the right word. I don't know just yet. I'll make my mind up when I have to.

[gjones]

I recently got my compact which I'm pairing with Ashdowns latest micro amp the MiBass. The MiBass has a very warm sound and was great through my Ashdown 1x15 neo cab but even better with the compact. I've never had a punchier sound and both my Jazzes sound fantastic through this combination. The MiBass has a very cunning semi parametric EQ. You pick the frequency with the knob and cut or boost that frequency with the slider. It's very simple and instinctive and makes getting the tone you want very easy. It uses the same power amp as all the other micro amps (Bang and Olufsen I believe).

If you get the chance to try the MiBass it at your local music shop I really recommend it. Here's a thread on basschat all about it [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/129721-ashdown-mibass/page__st__200__p__1679480__hl__mibass__fromsearch__1#entry1679480"]http://basschat.co.u..._1#entry1679480[/url]

Edited June 27, 2012 by gjones

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1340833729' post='1710410']
I recently got my compact which I'm pairing with Ashdowns latest micro amp the MiBass. The MiBass has a very warm sound and was great through my Ashdown 1x15 neo cab but even better with the compact. I've never had a punchier sound and both my Jazzes sound fantastic through this combination. The MiBass has a very cunning semi parametric EQ. You pick the frequency with the knob and cut or boost that frequency with the slider. It's very simple and instinctive and makes getting the tone you want very easy. It uses the same power amp as all the other micro amps (Bang and Olufsen I believe).

If you get the chance to try the MiBass it at your local music shop I really recommend it. Here's a thread on basschat all about it [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/129721-ashdown-mibass/page__st__200__p__1679480__hl__mibass__fromsearch__1#entry1679480"]http://basschat.co.u..._1#entry1679480[/url]
[/quote]

Aye... I had heard of these amps.... a nice tone seems possible... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKEXNhpmbGQ&feature=channel&list=UL
Pity I can't play that well.... yet!
Yeah the ashdown gear seems to punch above it's price point. I like the tone but want to avoid a 'baked in' tone.... I've heard that GK and ashdown have to be tweaked to get a resonably flat amplification... but some have said (I haven't checked myself) that the ashdown heads are more difficult to get a clean tone out of.
I'd need to A/B a few to know, and play with them to get a good idea. I suspect they could cover my needs amply though.

I appreciate these suggestions. I know as long as I have a reliable amp, that I figure out and adapt my effects and tone (technique too) to the needs at that time, I'll be good. Or at least as good as I actually am.
It always impresses me how much better I sound the more I practice... . I'll figure this out eventually!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[alstocko]

[quote name='PlungerModerno' timestamp='1340831736' post='1710361']


Is someone advocating the use and appreciation of the very popular brand of bass amplification known as MarkBass?????????

I've heard them. I've heard of them.
Initially I figured they were outside my budget. A few months later, I'm totally open to them. I've got a slightly bigger budget, I know they work VERY well and are reliable, and they do the 'super light' bass head thang pretty good too.
I need to investigate further. While I wait for my cab I'll be considering the cost/benefit breakdown of a selection of micro heads. The Markbass tube 500/800's seem warm... And despite the garish looks are very.... well loud is the right word. I don't know just yet. I'll make my mind up when I have to.
[/quote]

I have the tube 500.
So loud, great tone!
Admittedly I don't use the tube part enough, but when I do...
Indestructible too!

Edited June 27, 2012 by alstocko

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='alstocko' timestamp='1340837848' post='1710480']
I have the tube 500.
So loud, great tone!
Admittedly I don't use the tube part enough, but when I do...
Indestructible too!
[/quote]

That does not be surprisin' yarrrr
Markbass may be younger than GK, ampeg and many others, but they have demanded a lot of attention. There's a reason they can sell 112 combo's at a grand a pop (EURO). And that is marketing!!! nah it's not just hype. They are very light.

[alstocko]

They're great amps. I was sceptical at first about how quickly they'd popped up, but when Scott Devine recommended the LM2 to me I had to try.
I got the tube for the extra versatility...

Edited June 28, 2012 by alstocko

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='alstocko' timestamp='1340875744' post='1710740']
They're great amps. I was sceptical at first about how quickly they'd popped up, but when Scott Devine recommended the LM2 to me I had to try.
I got the tube for the extra versatility...
[/quote]

Indeed. He's not a gearhead, but has high standards. As good a reviewer as almost any... And a mega tutor. Really good vids, and cool materials.

EDIT... I just got his stuff, This is going to take a while!!!

Edited June 30, 2012 by PlungerModerno

[alstocko]

Get one then!

[machinehead]

I think you made the right choice of the Compact over the Midget. I have both and both are really top notch cabs but the Compact is a better all-rounder and gives a little deeper/ smoother tone. You won't regret it.

I do use the Midget on it's own in smaller pubs where space is tight and it more then copes without breaking a sweat. Given the choice if I'm using only one cab, I always use the Compact as I prefer the deeper tone.

The Markbass amps are superb combined with the Compact. I bought my Littlemark II new in 2006 ish and never looked back but I'm sure there are equally good micro amps out there.

Good luck in your search. (Whereabouts in Ireland are you? I'm in Belfast but travel south often enough)

Frank.