What is best combo under £1000 ?

[markfreemantle]

Hi all - I have a lovely Victor Bailey -play in function band - what combo under £1000

thanks
Mark

www.annaandthesharpnotes.co.uk

[markfreemantle]

sorry its

http://www.annaandthesharpnotes.co.uk

[SlapbassSteve]

For function work I'd recommend a Markbass CMD of some description. Personally I use a 121P (http://www.gak.co.uk/en/mark-bass-mini-combo-cmd-121-p/4276) with an extension cab but 151P, 121H or 102P models are excellent too, just depends whether you'd prefer a 15" speaker, horn tweeter or a pair of 12's. Either way MB stuff is practically weightless compared to other amps with similar output, and very compact, also great at sitting in the right place in the mix... I'm starting to sound like an advert...

[risingson]

[quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1363052839' post='2007728']
For function work I'd recommend a Markbass CMD of some description. Personally I use a 121P ([url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/mark-bass-mini-combo-cmd-121-p/4276"]http://www.gak.co.uk...-cmd-121-p/4276[/url]) with an extension cab but 151P, 121H or 102P models are excellent too, just depends whether you'd prefer a 15" speaker, horn tweeter or a pair of 12's. Either way MB stuff is practically weightless compared to other amps with similar output, and very compact, also great at sitting in the right place in the mix... I'm starting to sound like an advert...
[/quote]

I'd agree. I use a TC Electronics RH750 and their RS212 cab for the work I do but for compact and great sounding I'd completely go with the Markbass rig, tons of punch and cut. Lifting it is like lifting a cab made of marshmallows, which I also see as a bonus.

[Geddys nose]

Best combo I've used is a Mesa Walkabout easily keep up with any band and you have the added bonus of using the head on another cab,Can't tell you how good these are and there's one for sale in the Ad section.

[Lozz196]

[quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1363052839' post='2007728']
For function work I'd recommend a Markbass CMD of some description. Personally I use a 121P ([url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/mark-bass-mini-combo-cmd-121-p/4276"]http://www.gak.co.uk...-cmd-121-p/4276[/url]) with an extension cab but 151P, 121H or 102P models are excellent too, just depends whether you'd prefer a 15" speaker, horn tweeter or a pair of 12's. Either way MB stuff is practically weightless compared to other amps with similar output, and very compact, also great at sitting in the right place in the mix... I'm starting to sound like an advert...
[/quote]

Same here, I use the Mini 121P with NY121 ext cab. Tons of power, sits exactly in the right place in the mix, and so easy to shift about.

[cloudburst]

+1 for the Markbass CMD 121p

CB

[xgsjx]

@ 5 years ago, I spent quite a good few months trying loads of rigs.
Ended up with the MarkBass CMD-102P & I'm still very happy with it.

[JTUK]

SWR Redhead or Eden variant for sound... but CMD 102 for weight. IMO.

If you can use a class D amp and a NEO cab you can have a capable and lighter rig in seperates anyway.

[TheGreek]

Hmmm, lots of people recommending Markbass combos - I'd try one first - I found my Geoff Berlin combo character-less and without any warmth - needed a Compressor before it came to life. The EBS rig I've replaced it with is far warmer and more versatile. Obviously this isn't what you're after but you could try the EBS CLASSIC SESSION 120 BASS COMBO AMPLIFIER - Mark has some at Bass Direct:

http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/EBS_Amplification.html

People do speak quite highly of their Phil Jones combos too..

[JTUK]

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1363086419' post='2008052']
Hmmm, lots of people recommending Markbass combos - I'd try one first - I found my Geoff Berlin combo character-less and without any warmth - needed a Compressor before it came to life.
[/quote]

Indeed... this sort of question has even more compromises to entertain than normal.. hence me putting the better amps but heavier options first, IMO.

But I'd certainly put Markbass combos above the Ampeg NEO's and GK variants..from my experience.

[Dr.Dave]

Get something like a reliable , mid price job ( I use the GK MB series) that doesn;t break your back and transports easily - and have a holiday or some other life experience. with the rest of the grand.

It's just a black box with knobs on whatever you get - sound is such a subjective thing anyway and the williams wouldn't know the difference between a hi fi sound that cost you a fortune and a kick in the nads.

[Bilbo]

My Eden, FFS!!!!!

[mingsta]

I'd try the Genz Genz Shuttle 6.2 in either 1x12 or 2x10 variant.

Its light and portable, has all the connections you could need (aux in, headphones, DI out, effects loop), modular (head comes off, takes extension speaker). A really good gigging amp which won't break your back.

Tone wise it should cover all bases. Default tone is clean and neutral, but thickens up nicely and gradually as you increase the gain - they've designed it deliverately to do this and I love it for getting old school tones.

[4 Strings]

You may need to shop around, but you could squeeze a Genz Benz Streamliner and a Barefaced Midget out of a grand.

Not an integrated combo but the Streamliner gig bag sits on your shoulder and you pick up the Midget very easily in one hand (probably making it easier to move around than a combo).

It will sound bigger and better than anything in the world this light and small.

[Sean]

[quote name='Geddys nose' timestamp='1363073805' post='2007771']
Best combo I've used is a Mesa Walkabout easily keep up with any band and you have the added bonus of using the head on another cab,Can't tell you how good these are and there's one for sale in the Ad section.
[/quote]

As ever it's a subjective thing but for me the Walkabout is king. Everything else is like alcohol-free lager.

Edited March 12, 2013 by Sean

[achknalligewelt]

I have an Ampeg BA-115, and it's never let me down. Though it does weigh as much as an Austin Maxi.

Edited March 12, 2013 by achknalligewelt

[Stan_da_man]

Wrong section - try amps and cabs.

[Dingus]

Just to echo what others have said in so many words , the Markbass stuff is very popular nowadays and is relatively light and compact , as is the Genz-Benz stuff and some of the compact high powered cabs some people mention , and this is all very good sounding equipment but for my tastes I would have to say that the more hefty old fashioned amps like Mesa and Eden ( and even GK) have got a more hefty and satisfying sound , on the whole .If you are looking for a combo to do a specific job with the band make sure it will go loud enough for your needs , that it is reliable ( as best you can ascertain , anyway ) and that you can easily transport it . If you see other function bands similar to your own . look what amp rig their bass player is using and maybe ask him how he likes it .

[Jazzneck]

[quote name='achknalligewelt' timestamp='1363103235' post='2008531']
I have an Ampeg BA-115, and it's never let me down. Though it does weigh as much as an Austin Maxi.
[/quote]

+1 - I have the BA115 HPT version which has a valve in the pre-amp.
Have played everywhere from small pubs to town halls with it, sounds great, it's on wheels and has never let me down. (grabs head so as to touch wood ).
Not sure if they are still available new, though.

[BottomE]

Ok, its not a combo but for a really flexible setup I've gone for a Little Mark II head and TC 212 and TC210 cabs.

Most gigs i only need one cab. I can get everything in to the gig in one trip from the car

[tonyquipment]

I want mark bass combo now. Damn you guys.

[gjones]

[quote name='Dr.Dave' timestamp='1363087156' post='2008080']
Get something like a reliable , mid price job ( I use the GK MB series) that doesn;t break your back and transports easily - and have a holiday or some other life experience. with the rest of the grand.

It's just a black box with knobs on whatever you get - sound is such a subjective thing anyway and the williams wouldn't know the difference between a hi fi sound that cost you a fortune and a kick in the nads.
[/quote]

I like your style Dr Dave

[lonestar]

I have markbass cmd102p which I'm really pleased with.
Keep think that I should add an extension cab but as I also go through the pa It probably isn't a requirement.

[leschirons]

[quote name='mingsta' timestamp='1363097468' post='2008389']
I'd try the Genz Genz Shuttle 6.2 in either 1x12 or 2x10 variant.

Its light and portable, has all the connections you could need (aux in, headphones, DI out, effects loop), modular (head comes off, takes extension speaker). A really good gigging amp which won't break your back.

Tone wise it should cover all bases. Default tone is clean and neutral, but thickens up nicely and gradually as you increase the gain - they've designed it deliverately to do this and I love it for getting old school tones.
[/quote]

+100 for this. I got a Shuttle a few months ago and sold my Markbass combo last week.