Smallest giggable bass combo/cab?

[spongebob]

I've owned the Markbass 121 and New York cab for about 3 years now - best stuff I ever bought.

Gigged with it loads and loads, recorded, transported.....excellent products which I carry out together!

Volume-wise, with 3/4/5 pieces, never had to crank much above a quarter/between quarter and half. Really good sound.

Also, I got 2 custom covers made from here - [url="http://www.amplifiercoversonline.com/zencart/index.php"]http://www.amplifiercoversonline.com/zencart/index.php[/url]

Had mine in black with yellow piping to match the amp and cab! Once again, excellent product which will protect your pride and joy!

[charic]

One of the TC amps and use the DI? No cab needed and sounds epic

[mikegatward]

Should you decide on the markbass 121 combo, I have a set of wheels/handle that came off the one I bought. you'de be welcome to have it if the postage is covered

I don't use it because the telescopic handle is too short for me (I'm 6ft). it also means that the combo doesn't sit flush on top of the NY121 extension cab

Can't comment on the suitability of the markbass 121 as mine has a little rocker 500 head so is by no means standard

[KiOgon]

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1348747470' post='1817645']
One of the TC amps and use the DI? No cab needed and sounds epic
[/quote]

Help! I don't understand 'we' spend huge amounts of time & money getting the 'right cab/s' (not to mention anything else for now) for 'our sound', then you say "No cab needed and sounds epic"?

How does that work? I know what you mean about the DI but what if the system you're DI'd into is crap? Are they all so good?

[charic]

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1348748696' post='1817666']
Help! I don't understand 'we' spend huge amounts of time & money getting the 'right cab/s' (not to mention anything else for now) for 'our sound', then you say "No cab needed and sounds epic"?

How does that work? I know what you mean about the DI but what if the system you're DI'd into is crap? Are they all so good?
[/quote]

Well yeah, you rely on the system somewhat but if weight is truly an issue then the TC gear is a great way round it if you're willing to rely on the PA. As the TC gear DI'd and coming through my Studio Monitors sounds almost exactly the same as through my cabs it seems a pretty fair way forward.

Would I WANT to do it? Not really, I like being hit by a wall of sound from my cabs but if weight was an issue for me I'd do it in a heartbeat

[thepurpleblob]

You should have a chat with Alex over at Barefaced. Obviously he'll be keen to sell you one of his cabs but he seems like a very straight-up guy and knows what he is talking about. He'll give you good advice!

This sort of stuff tends to me a serious financial investment, so it's probably a good idea to get it right.

BTW... as far as I know, most of these switched-mode/digital heads are all the same thing inside. They use off the shelf B+O amp modules. They all weigh nothing. I don't think there's a lot to choose.

[xgsjx]

1st thing..... IGNORE THE WATTS. Go & have a read in the amp & cabs forum for some clarification.

I'd try a BF Midget with your Ibby amp & see if it's what you're looking for. Alex gives a 30 day trial & you can add a pre or a pedal if you don't want clean.

I've giged with a single 12" cab in a 2 guitar rock band & it's been gigable. It really depends on the venue & what you're using.

[BassTractor]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1348746756' post='1817635']
I don't currently own a car [/quote]

Just like me. I'll let you in on some info then. Weight becomes more critical then. So how long is the longest walk from your house to a gig?


[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1348746756' post='1817635']
The Streamliner is 375W into 8 ohms, is that correct? My Promethean only delivers 250W into 8 ohms so I'm thinking perhaps that wouldn't be enough to get the volume that I'd need.[/quote]

Yes, 375 W into 8 Ohm, but the numbers will not tell you which one is louder, has more volume or is heard better in the mix.
Both Streamliner and Promethean are said to be loud.
The cab is equally as important. If I remember correctly, both Midget and Compact are effecive and loud as well.
If all of this is true, then the Promethean should have no trouble in most gigging situations. Also, even with otherwise equal equipment, other than the wattage that is, the difference between 250 W and 375 W isn't much.

If you do chooce two 8 Ohm cabs, then the Promethean does 500 W and the Streamliner 600 W, and that in itself is no difference to talk about. I'd try with the Promethean before using more money - that is if you think it's not too heavy, and sounds good.

best,
bert

[steve-bbb]

cant rememebr the model name but a mate has the markbass combo with the 500w amp and single 12 and an add on extension cab with a single 12 - its wicked

edit - found it

[b][url="http://www.markbass.it/product_detail.php?id=41"]Mini CMD 121P[/url][/b] with this extension cab [b][url="http://www.markbass.it/product_detail.php?id=97"]New York 121[/url][/b]

Edited September 27, 2012 by steve-bbb

[clauster]

As a Compact owner I can confirm it is light. BUT, while certainly not in the league of a 4X10, it is quite cumbersome. I played a gig in the summer and had to park about 1/2 mile away. Carrying it back after the gig was possible but not easy.

One other point about the BF cabs - while they do do LOUD they require some power to do so.

[El Bajo]

I gig through the Markbass 121 and its great. There have been times where I'm clipping when competing against 2 detuned guitars but I generally use it as a monitor and plug into the PA. Its possible to easily disonnect the Speaker in the combo and just use it as a head

[lowdowner]

I have the Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0 + 10T combination for small 'accoustic' gigs. It's small and light, and makes enough noise to surprise a lot of people. The sound quality is typical GB (really transparent). You can add an extension cab if you need (which raises the 175watts to 300watts). It has parametric mids, aux in, pedal send a return, line and mic level switchable input, DI output (as well as speakon for the extension cab), and the usual knobs...

Good sound, light, built like a brick sh*t house, looks good, but... a bit expensive (£649 from BassDirect at the moment which is pretty good!)

http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Genz_Benz_Shuttle_3.0_10T_Combo.html

Recommended

[barkin]

[quote name='machinehead' timestamp='1348694472' post='1817146']
I'll add my tuppence worth from direct experience.

I owned a Markbass 121p combo (basically the same as NY121) and the Midget would kill it totally in every way, if that helps.

I own a Midget and a Compact. For a single cab for rock, I'd say the Compact is better. Reason - it's deeper and bigger sounding but that's just my preference.

The Midget is a loud and barky cab too but needs lots of power to drive it.

Frank.
[/quote]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1348694794' post='1817156']
How much power are we talking? Would 250W be enough for an 8 ohm cab?
[/quote]

I've done pub gigs with a BF Compact and a Hartke HA2500 - 175W into 8Ohms.

Loud enough ? Hell yes !

[Doddy]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1348746756' post='1817635']
I don't currently own a car
[/quote]
Maybe the money would be better off being spent there?....especially as you already have a
decent amp.
There is no point having cool gear if you have no way of getting to gigs-it's no fun relying on other
people for lifts (for either party).

I know that's not a fun,gear based answer that you want,but I think it's a big thing.

[Evil Undead]

It's a sensible suggestion. But even if I could afford a car, I couldn't afford to run it.

My only way of getting new gear is by selling other gear.

[gafbass02]

Honestly, I think the only viable option that will be dramatically lighter than what you have and still be ok for gigging with Blaze is the compact. Many of the other suggestions just wouldn't cut it with your (most excellent!) band. I'd say a compact or switch from your 2x12 to a 2x10. Like an RS210. But that won't save much weight, maybe a tad.
Amp wise, the Promethean head is hard to beat for sound/power/weight I'd choose a working one over the Genz shuttle 6. Although I'd choose a little mark over either. Tricky call. Hope you get it sorted :-D anyway I can help just ask

[Musicman20]

50lbs is reasonably light for a 2x12 you can gig with. I wouldn't bother going smaller. Get a cart to help with the cab. £20 from Amazon.

[rOB]

As a fellow non-driver I'd definitely consider a hand cart for the cab as suggested by Musicman20. Then its about cutting down on the weight and size of your other gear so you can walk as far as necessary.

I do it from time to time and its nice to not rely on others for lifts.

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1348773295' post='1818089']
50lbs is reasonably light for a 2x12 you can gig with. I wouldn't bother going smaller. Get a cart to help with the cab. £20 from Amazon.
[/quote]

Edited September 27, 2012 by rOB

[mononick]

I have just bought an AER amp one. It sounds great and loud for such a small thing. My new favourite amp!

[chris_b]

My back trouble meant that I had to choose small, light and modular. That ruled out combos and multiple speakers in cabs.

If I was choosing again Bergantino AE112 cabs and Barefaced Compacts are light, loud and have a tone that suits me. Others you might check out could include GK, GB and Markbass.

The other accessory you definitely need is a trolley.

[leftyhook]

[quote name='Jellyfish' timestamp='1348694101' post='1817135']
Well, I've been looking at 'beginner rigs' lately and have had some great advice of starting combos that may be what you're looking for. In terms of weight (and not size) the new TC Electronic BG250 has had some great reviews but as far as suitability for gigging, I've heard some fairly average reviews in terms of volume.
[/quote]
beg to differ.
Used mBG250 last week in one of the biggest holiday park concert rooms in the UK and had to push the volume back a tad during the first number.
Ok, I go through the PA too, but the drummer said I was 'rather' loud.

I had a Hartke 350 watt head.
Don't miss it.

[gafbass02]

We're thinking largely no pa support pub rock gigs here. The 250 would be great for an onstage monitor, and to be fair might do ok for a time in this setting. But from my experience, especially with Mel coming from her current rig, that I think she'd soon find it lacking in pub filling power when up against the rest of the band. Especially if lots of low end or fx or detuning is on the cards.
Just my take though

[Thurbs]

If lightness is the key, get a Midget plus a class d head. Then the heaviest thing in your rig will be the guitar... the midget really is that good and light.

[JMM]

I'd recommend an Orange Terror Bass 500 and an SP210.

Not only do they fit in the boot of a smart car (along with my bass and a few bags for when I stay at my mates house), but I can easily carry my bass, amp and cab in one go straight into any gig venues :-).

The set up has got plenty of volume too and easily keeps up with very loud rehearsals and gigs.

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='gafbass02' timestamp='1348772122' post='1818073']
Honestly, I think the only viable option that will be dramatically lighter than what you have and still be ok for gigging with Blaze is the compact. Many of the other suggestions just wouldn't cut it with your (most excellent!) band. I'd say a compact or switch from your 2x12 to a 2x10. Like an RS210. But that won't save much weight, maybe a tad.
Amp wise, the Promethean head is hard to beat for sound/power/weight I'd choose a working one over the Genz shuttle 6. Although I'd choose a little mark over either. Tricky call. Hope you get it sorted :-D anyway I can help just ask
[/quote]

True. I do love the sound from the Promethean and Markbass combined. I just wish it wasn't so heavy - I know 50lbs isn't heavy to you lot but my poor back doesn't like it.