seeking recommendations

[Funky Dunky]

Hi, I'm looking to get out gigging in the next few months and at present only have a 75watt amp.

I'm on a limited budget, so £400 is the top end, although I'm expecting I will have to buy second hand for that kind of money.

My needs:

Enough output to play in a function band, so you can imagine the typical size of venue.

Clarity and versatility of tone

A good thick bottom end

Good tone shaping/EQ

The more portable the better.

I'm open to anything, so will research any recommendations whether they be combo, head and cab, ancient or cheap. As long as they're good they will be considered :-)

Thanks guys.

[Lozz196]

For the budget and requirements I`d be looking at Hartke. The only downer on that would be that it may be quite weighty. But one of the HA heads, and a 410 should be within budget.

But unless you`re really loud, it may be worth a look at the Fender Rumble 500 - it`s a 210 500 watt combo. Nice sounds, ok £55 over budget but plenty of power there, fairly easily carted about.

[dannybuoy]

Best value stuff out there are the moment is probably the TC Electronic BH500 (£275) and their BC range of cabs (e.g. (£249 for the 2x12). So that comes to £524 new which is over budget but will be under £400 if you can find used!

This Ibanez Promethean combo looks good too although not seen any reviews on this exact one, I had their older 1x10 combo which was great, this is a 300W 1x15 combo for £317:
[url="http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Ibanez-P3115-Promethean-300W-Bass-Combo-Amp/T9O?origin=product-ads"]http://www.gear4musi...eJ6TBoC1bjw_wcB[/url]

Edited September 23, 2014 by dannybuoy

[dannybuoy]

Good shout on the Fender Rumble too, these look like a good option: http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Fender-Rumble-500-2x10-Bass-Combo-Amp

[xgsjx]

You might be able to pick up a Genz Benz rig in budget too. Fender took them over & sold things off cheap.
Not sure if the 2nd hand prices have stayed low, or if they shot back up again.

[Funky Dunky]

I'm watching a Hartke VX3500 combo on evilbay at the mo, seems like a lot of amp for the money (around £300 used).

A Genz Benz? Really? I may have just wet myself!!

[Funky Dunky]

Which of the Genz Benz models do you think I could find in or around my budget?

As for the Fender Rumble, I will certainly be giving it a look, and the Ibanez has my attention now too.

[Funky Dunky]

Just watched some vids of the TC Electronic BH500 on YouTube - very impressive. I would have one of those in a minute.

[JTUK]

I recently used an Ashdown Evo 210 on a festival stage with inadequate stage monitoring and it did well.
I am quite picky in this regard and I was sceptical before hand so I would put this in the mix for a SH price.
Not a fan of pushing 210's hard and therefore I would rule out a 1x12 type for sure, on the basis that the amp
will probably have to go to something aproaching 300w..which the amp should do, but the cab will be getting
some grunt,

[JTUK]

It was the AMB 210 Combo... as it had the ABM EQ stage.
I'd also add a Line 6 300 15" combo into the mix. That should be there or thereabouts
new.

[skidder652003]

well................................

[mingsta]

[quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1411489913' post='2560007']
Which of the Genz Benz models do you think I could find in or around my budget?

As for the Fender Rumble, I will certainly be giving it a look, and the Ibanez has my attention now too.
[/quote]

The genz focus cabs were their budget range, but they're bloody fantastic. I have the fifteen and at gig volume I actually prefer it to my more expensive shuttle 2x10 cab. You can probably pick one up for around 150 used.

Head wise, the genz shuttle and streamliner are more likely to be in the £350 ballpark for the 600/6.2 models. The Contour head is cheaper, but not as many around.