Advice on new amp/cab or combo - Pevey TKO 115S user

[Magic Matt]

Hi everyone!

I play in a blues/soul band and we mainly play small clubs and pubs. Currently I'm using a Fender Precision Lyte into a Peavey TKO 115S (Sheffield). This amp has served me well for at least 10 years, and it may well carry on as long as I do... but we're gigging a lot more than we used to, and I must be honest, lugging the thing around is not my favourite thing (weight is around 35kg). I've put wheels on it, and an extra carry handle, but I think I'd rather have a slightly nicer amp that's a bit lighter if possible.

I think my favourite tone has to be the almost "waa" you get on some long notes, which to me sounds almost double-bass like.

The amp is rated 75 watts as far as I know. Sound is ok - I'd like a little bit more punch to the sound, and a bit more definition, but I'm also on a limited budget, so as much as I'd like the top of the range stuff, I can't afford it. I'm not against saving up the gig money though - as far as I'm concerned this is in investment and I want it to last preferably as long as the Peavey has, if not longer.

I'm not against the idea of separate cab and speaker - I've only ever had the Peavey combo though.

What amps would be good to look at that might offer me a bit of an upgrade in sound quality, and a bit less weight?

[xgsjx]

What's your budget?
There's something to fit just about every budget & the choice is yours.

[Magic Matt]

Well the figure I have in mind is probably around £250... maybe £300. If I need to spend more, then it just means it'll be longer before I can get it. If I had to push it up to £500 then I could, but I'd rather not spend more if I don't have to.

[xgsjx]

Have a look at these, they're a little lighter than the Peavey...

http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Genz_Benz_Contour_Combos_210,_115.html

If you can push your budget to @ £500, then something like a 2nd hand Markbass combo could be had. which would be a lot lighter.

[Lozz196]

TC Electronic BG250 combo, £269. 250 watts, 15.8kgs.

http://www.absolutemusic.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/18090?source=googleshopping&gclid=CPCn3sP_7rkCFW3KtAodcEQAJw

[xgsjx]

Good call.

[Magic Matt]

Wow, that TC Electronic is only 16kgs? That's almost practice amp weight! Brilliant!
I'll try and find a local shop and give it a blast, thank you!

Would I be right in thinking a 2nd hand Markbass setup is probably going to sound a lot better than the TC?

[RandomBass]

[quote name='Magic Matt' timestamp='1380455227' post='2225429']
Would I be right in thinking a 2nd hand Markbass setup is probably going to sound a lot better than the TC?
[/quote]

It's all subjective - what's better for you might be worse for someone else. If you get the chance, give them both a try and take it from there.

Note that the Markbass will give the option for an extension cab in the future, the TC won't.

Cheers

Geoff

Edited September 29, 2013 by RandomBass

[Lozz196]

[quote name='Magic Matt' timestamp='1380455227' post='2225429']
Wow, that TC Electronic is only 16kgs? That's almost practice amp weight! Brilliant!
I'll try and find a local shop and give it a blast, thank you!

Would I be right in thinking a 2nd hand Markbass setup is probably going to sound a lot better than the TC?
[/quote]

As RandomBass says, depends on the ears of the beholder, but to me, yes, as I`m a Markbass fanatic. That said, TC gear is great, and the on-board tuner, and the fact that you can download famous bassists tone-prints gives a lot of versatility with that amp. If I were sessioning, I`d have a TC rig as find it capable of getting almost everything.

[RhysP]

[quote name='Magic Matt' timestamp='1380455227' post='2225429']
Would I be right in thinking a 2nd hand Markbass setup is probably going to sound a lot better than the TC?
[/quote]

I'm a recent convert to markbass gear after using Trace Elliot, Ashdown & EBS gear over the years.

I did my first gig with my little Markbass 1x12 combo last night & it sounded fantastic. A couple of other people used it so I was able to hear it out front with a few different basses going through it & it was just superb.

Easily held it's own with a drummer without PA support. Can't recommend it highly enough.

[skydivepaul]

+1 for the TC bg250
I got myself one of these a few months ago and I love it.
ok for small gigs, pubs, church halls etc. loud enough to punch through our enthusiastic drummer!! and our guitarists using 80W marshall amps
the toneprint is really good. We play a few GNR covers so i use the Duff McKagan chorus and that sounds great.

lightweight 16KG is the specified weight and I believe it.