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dubalbal
Advanced Member
Username: dubalbal

Post Number: 248
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 10:25 am:   Edit Post

Hello Friends ,

For smaller venues , i'm looking for a 2 x 10 combo and i found 3 products that i absolutely know nothing about...cause i never plyed a combo and either of these brands ( I played ebs and play aguilar now for bigger venues ) .

So here's what i found :

1) Swr working pro 210 C - 240 watts

2 )Gallien Kruger 700RB-II/210 - 360 w

3 )Fender TB-600C Combo 400 Watt/8 Ohm

I will be really happy to hear your comments about these ones and please , if you have any other suggestions , tell me !

Thank's

Alain
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 2177
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 10:54 am:   Edit Post

I've nevere tried the SWR 210c but I did try the Super Redhead 2x10 combo and didn't really like it much. It was a little too thin in the botton end for me.
Our Church has a GK 700RB/2x10 combo I've played thru and really liked. It had plenty of punch and I love the kick back monitor style. Allow for me to hear myself without getting too loud on the rest of the band.
I've never tried the Fender.
My personal combo is a Eden Metro 2x10 and it kicks some major butt. But it is very heavy.
I've had to have it repaired twice too. I guess that's not too bad as I've had it for at least 10 years.

OO
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 2222
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 11:02 am:   Edit Post

Alain-

I don't have specific experience with those three, but did use an SWR Super Redhead and an Eden Metro for a little while. Both "worked" but I didn't love either one. I was playing a five string at the time, and the B-string just sucked at bar volumes. I don't know what it is, but the tone had no meat to it.

You might consider a modular rig rather than two completely separate rigs. If you have a pair of Aguilar cabs for larger venues, can't you just bring one for the smaller gigs? You could also pick up a very small head of 300-500 watts and ten pounds or so to run it. If you have matching cabs, then one can stay in the rehearsal space and the other can go with you on small gigs.

Over here, I am a big fan of Schroeder cabinets and can use a 35lb cab with either two twelves or a ten and twelve. Stick a few hundred watts on top of one of these and it can do just about anything while remaining compact and portable.

I once carried multiple full-sized cabinets for "larger venues", but look back on it as a waste of time and effort. Sure, it looks more impressive, and that's okay if it's part of the band's presence. The reality is, in a larger venue, you need house support and the rig should be about stage volume. Cranking a lot of watts through a couple fifteens and four tens doesn't do a lot for the overall stage mix or your hearing.

-bob
funkyjazzjunky
Advanced Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 395
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 1:00 pm:   Edit Post

What kind of music do you play? What size band?
dubalbal
Advanced Member
Username: dubalbal

Post Number: 249
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 1:36 pm:   Edit Post

I play both venues small and big ...i mean , pubs , bars as well as 800 persons shows...and we are a 4 pieces rock cover band .

In one year , we play around 70 to 80 gigs , let's say 50to 60 in smaller venues. In most of them i play with my amp head and a 4 x 10 box...in many cases , this is even really too much for the size of places cos i usually play at ridiculousely low volumes... so i plan to buy a combo that would suit better smaller venues .

My back is also giving me that good advice : get a combo , travel lighter... :-)))

Alain
gtrguy
Intermediate Member
Username: gtrguy

Post Number: 180
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 2:35 pm:   Edit Post

All I know is SWR and I'd go for the Golaith higher end stuff only. Used is fine.

Bye,
Dave
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 2224
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 3:05 pm:   Edit Post

Alain, I don't believe combos travel lighter. They may move as one unit for fewer trips in and out, but a small cab with neo speakers and a separate amp is much easier on the back than a combo. With a combo, one must move the cabinet and head as one unit and you may be looking at serious weight. For example, the Fender you identified above is just over 100 pounds/45 kg, the SWR is 85 lbs/38kg, and I don't know the GK.

-bob
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1238
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 3:47 pm:   Edit Post

My thoughts are similar to Bob's. Why not look at a couple of neo 2X10's. Most combos are better than 75 lbs where as a neo 2X10 can be 40-50 lbs. With a hand truck you can make one trip in and out.

Keith
mario_farufyno
Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 78
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 3:53 pm:   Edit Post

I'm currently using a Epifani UL-210. After several years injuring my back pushing big cabs around, I discovered these Neodimiun Cabs and got shocked by how low they can sound and how easy they are to carrie.

It is a Cabinet loaded with two 10" Neodimiun Speakers that makes it considerably light weight (38 lbs) - it could be even lighter, if they were not commited to preserve low end response (that demands a big air volume box). Its sensibility is 102dB SPL (seriously loud), can handle 500W and goes flat between 40Hz* and 16KHz (but can reproduce fairly well a B string, though).

* Keep in mind that E string in a Bass has its 1st Harmonic in 41 Hz. So, this Cab is totally Flat to a 4 stringed Bass.

Just to compare with, a Ampeg's 8x10" Cab weights 140 pounds, has 58Hz-5kHz of flat frequency response and got a sensitivity of 100dB. The little Epifani Cab can beat the big Ampeg in all points... I strongly recomend that you test some of these new Neo Cabs. They are amazingly light weight, strong, loud and deep sounding. There are some other companies that makes their own versions of Neo Cabs you should consider, like GK and Accugroove...
crobbins
Advanced Member
Username: crobbins

Post Number: 249
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 3:57 pm:   Edit Post

I have the MarkBass 2x10 combo. It sounds great..42lbs......:-)
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover

Post Number: 702
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 4:13 pm:   Edit Post

Alain,

I strongly recommend the Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout Combo. You can get it in either single 12" or single 15" speaker configuration (sorry, no 10s that I'm aware of). It has three hundred watts, a semi parametric EQ, and has tone for days. It also has a downward firing passive radiator that makes this combo sound and act a lot bigger than it is - I've filled rooms with it, lots of low end, no joke (I'm a four string player, standard tuning). It's also fairly light - I'm not sure exactly how much it weighs, but I can tell you that I can handle it easily with one hand (I have the 12" version). I know you're looking for a 2X10 combo, so maybe this isn't your cup of joe, but you ought to look into one for comparison purposes if you get the chance. Here's a link for you ...

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Bass_Amps/walkabout/WalkaboutScout/WalkScout.htm

Good Luck,

Alan
dubalbal
Advanced Member
Username: dubalbal

Post Number: 250
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 9:25 pm:   Edit Post

Thank's friends for all the good advices !

Regarding having a neo speaker 2 x 10 , i already have an ebs neo 4 x 10 , it's really light , that's true . The thing is that for small gigs , i don't really want to take my flight case with my amp head , tuner and power supply ds 5r anymore...it weights a ton...sorry , 2 tons ! ;-) That's why i was searching for something " all in one " with wheels that could almost be carried everywhere with exceptional ease...on the other hand , i also know that a bass player is " condamned " to have a good back and strong arms just because , most of the time , bass player's stuff are really really heavy...
lmiwa
Intermediate Member
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 152
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 9:37 pm:   Edit Post

Check out the Phil Jones Bass combos. They're light and sound great.

http://philjonespuresound.com/PJWeb11_Bass.aspx#
briant
Advanced Member
Username: briant

Post Number: 278
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 12:04 am:   Edit Post

I feel like I'm repeating myself here because I can't remember where I've said this before.

You can have a very light weight rig that is insanely loud for nearly any situation and it all depends on what you chose to have. My current light weight "big rig" is under 100 pounds total.

The loud light one is Aguilar DB 680 + Stewart 1.6 + rack == about 45 pounds. Then add a Markbass 4x10 at another ~50 pounds. That rig is retarded loud and sounds fabulous. For something smaller you could have a less than 4x10 Neo cab and it would be great.

On the other side I have a few Mesa Boogie combo amps. The bigger of the two is a Venture combo. It is 140 pounds. It crushes. I've used it for shows with 3000+ people and it is more than loud enough to handle the gig.

With something like this you need to figure out exactly what you want and what you need projecting from the stage. I was obnoxious with my Venture combo at the 3000+ venue and I had the front of house guy tell me to turn down way after I would have thought "this is ridiculous" from a volume standpoint. I just wanted to see how loud I could get it. That wound up being a great show and I wasn't even close to that loud on stage.

Something to always take into consideration: you have a volume knob and you can turn it down. Overhead is great. You don't need to use it just because you have it.
svlilioukalani
Junior
Username: svlilioukalani

Post Number: 49
Registered: 6-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 1:52 am:   Edit Post

I've been doing small shows with a Genz Benz Shuttle. And add Bergantino cab with 12 inch speaker if I need a bit more. Super light and sounds great.

http://www.genzbenz.com/?fa=detail&mid=2260&sid=610&cid=95
dubalbal
Advanced Member
Username: dubalbal

Post Number: 251
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 3:49 am:   Edit Post

I have checked Phil Jones products...seems terrific indeed !

Genz benz shuttle was is a review i just read , excellent comments on this as well...!

...i also prefer to have a bit more power " in stock " than needing it cos you don't have enough...
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1239
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 5:16 am:   Edit Post

How about the Eden WTX500 head? 500 watt's and 4.3 Lbs. That with a 2X10 should be small and light.

Keith
goop
Junior
Username: goop

Post Number: 18
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 5:40 am:   Edit Post

markbass has a combo for you. they are crazy loud for their size and super light. above all, they sound superb. you can add another cabinet for more volume if neccessary. i have a 121p and could not be happier. 300w, 29 lbs, 14" cube. it is all subjective, but you should at least go and check them out.

Colin
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 2178
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 5:48 am:   Edit Post

I've played through a Markabss head and 2x10 cab at Guitar Center and will admit, it was plenty lound and sounded great. But I've never had a chance to play one on a gig. I believe Jeff Berlin uses Mark Bass.
Wayne's got a tiny Eden head that sounds awesome. Not sure what model it is but is most definately light.

I agree with Bob, the modular set up is the way to go seeing that you play varied size venues.


OO
mario_farufyno
Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 79
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - 5:40 pm:   Edit Post

Have someone tried GK's MB² 500?

This are the specs:
- 500 watts @ 4 ohms (350 watts @ 8 ohms)
- All tube preamp (Three 12AX7’s)
- Four band Active EQ
- Variable contour with mid frequency select
- Deep and bright switch
- Mute switch
- Active/passive switch (-14dB)
- Effects loop
- Tuner out
- XLR out with pre/post EQ and ground ligft
- Two Speakon outputs
- 4 pounds

It is so tiny they suggest to carrie it in Gig Bag's side pocket...
musashi
Junior
Username: musashi

Post Number: 24
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - 7:19 pm:   Edit Post

Look for a Bergantino 2 x 10.
richbass939
Senior Member
Username: richbass939

Post Number: 1038
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - 9:35 pm:   Edit Post

I have used a GK 700RB for several years now and really like it. It is a 1x15 combo that I use with a 2x10 cab. I like the punch the 2x10 gives the rig and I've had no problems with either of them.
Rich
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 2234
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - 11:02 pm:   Edit Post

Mario, no tubes in the MB2. The tube preamp is in the 25lb Fusion head.
precarius
Advanced Member
Username: precarius

Post Number: 272
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 11:33 am:   Edit Post

I'm a big fan of Carvin amps. Here's a 2x10 combo with a 12AX7 tube preamp- 48 lbs. and $619.00.
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=BR510N
bassistlaw
New
Username: bassistlaw

Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 12:09 pm:   Edit Post

I play out often, over seventy times a year. Gigs range from theaters, bars & restaurants, to ships. My rig: Ampeg SVT3Pro 26lbs, Carvin R600 23lbs, SKB Rack 12lbs, plus cables, around 65lbs in the rack. Two Carvin 210 cabs 43lbs each. Much more than a combo but what makes it easy is my Rock-N-Roller cart, Holds every thing in one trip and folds up small enough to hide behind the rig and I do not have to carry anything. The only lifting is from the hatchback to the cart and back. If I'm in a really big hurry I'll set up right on the cart and wheel it on and off. I'm lucky in that none of my gigs have stairs to climb. So I would suggest getting a cart instead of a combo amp unless you play upstairs without an elevator all the time.
briant
Advanced Member
Username: briant

Post Number: 280
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 12:28 pm:   Edit Post

"markbass has a combo for you. they are crazy loud for their size and super light. above all, they sound superb."

While I like the cabs of theirs I've tried a great deal I do not like their heads/preamps. I find them very bland and sterile sounding.

Different strokes...
jphilauren
Junior
Username: jphilauren

Post Number: 47
Registered: 5-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 1:42 pm:   Edit Post

Personal option get a neo 2 x 10 cab, plenty of makes out there, great company is Euphonic Audio but there are others, weight approx 38lbs, get a light weight amp Thunderfunk, IAmp approx 20lbs.Doesn't make sense to get a combo set up, you have to give up too much in sound quality, still going to be on the heavy side.
mario_farufyno
Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 80
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 6:53 pm:   Edit Post

Yes, you're right Bob. I thought the description was related to the MB², but it was really about MB FUSION. I just didn't readed it carefully:

http://www.gallien-krueger.com/preview.html

But I'm still curious about it (since GK seems not being interesested to sell it in Brazil by now).
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 47
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Saturday, March 28, 2009 - 11:57 am:   Edit Post

If it's not a size issue but a weight issue. I'd go with the Genz Benz NeoX 212. It's very light and tilts on rollerblade wheels which is very easy to move around. It's got a very nice full range. I use some of the light weight Genz Benz stuff in a few ways. I have the 212 cab. Then I have the Shuttle 6.0 with an attached 12in cab. That sounds very good as well and gets quite loud. Not enough coverage if your trying to power a whole room though. I have used it at some moderate sized gigs where I just need stage volume. Is loud enough for lower volume gigs and small rehearsals. May be just what your looking for when it comes to sizing down. My other rig is where I detach the Shuttle head which is really cool and throw it on the 212 cab. 600W under 8lbs. It has some really nice tone. I always describe the 112 as more of a studio sound, very sensitive to every dynamic. The 212 ads some warmth of course and though it's very dynamic, it's got it's color, which I happen to like in this case.

That's my two bits about smaller rigs. I have played a lot of the GK stuff too in the past, and I think they sound very punchy, clean and warm. I have a 700RB 2X10 combo, but it's way heavier than any of the rigs I've mentioned before. It hasn't been out for a spin for a while. Plus these days, I'm really in to the 12's. They have come a long way.
Best of Luck!
dnburgess
Senior Member
Username: dnburgess

Post Number: 598
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Saturday, March 28, 2009 - 2:50 pm:   Edit Post

My personal preference is for cab.s that are very accurate - i.e. are designed to have as flat a frequency response curve as possible, rather than imposing a particular "sound". Its much easier to add colour rather than take it away.

In all the brands that we carry - or that I have heard - I think Acme and Accugroove are the most accurate.

As you already have a big rig - and often play at "ridiculously low volumes" - I strongly suggest that you check out the Acme B1 (31lbs) or Accugroove Tri110 (29lbs) or Tri112 (38lbs).

These are seriously good speakers for the size and weight. All are three way systems with separate woofer, mid and tweeter.

The Acme is -3dB at 40Hz and -6dB at 30Hz - that's seriously good low B performance.

The Accugrooves don't have quite the low end slam of the Acmes, but slightly smoother mids and highs.

Now I know you asked for a combo - but the cab will have a huge impact on the sound and its most important to get that right first.

Accugroove have just released a light weight amplifier, which I haven't checked out yet. It will be available in a combo version of the Tri112 (47lbs), which would be worth looking at.

Alternatively, if you want a pretty transparent sound, check out Acoustic Image heads (5lbs). Otherwise there are any number of lightweight heads - Markbass, Eden, GK all have heads around or under 10lbs.
jesuskno
New
Username: jesuskno

Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2009
Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 7:25 pm:   Edit Post

Hola amigos. I have had several amps. Mesa Boogie, Hartke, MARKBASS ... all sold. About by their weight and they were difficult to move. Others because it weighed a lot but the sound left much to be desired. Now I connect my Stanley Clarke Deluxe to Phil Jones the suitcase. It is really fantastic. Very easy to carry and light weight. I get the authentic sound of the Stanley Clarke not colored. Also I can connect on my contrabass or my babybass and is a pure acoustic sound. The Phil Jones is 10.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7852
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 7:30 pm:   Edit Post

Hola Jesus; welcome to the board!
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 761
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 4:09 am:   Edit Post

I have just visited the PJ website, I went to smaller amps years ago, same problem as everyone else, big gear = bachache.
Right now I am using a Roland Bass Cube with an extension cab but these amps sound great..even through a PC speaker.
One of my investments is due very soon..I may treat myself to one of these.
Less is definitley more with these amps
lmiwa
Intermediate Member
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 164
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 8:48 am:   Edit Post

Phil Jones offers both lightweight combos and small cabinets that you can use with your choice of amps. Either way, they are worth checking out.
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 764
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Wednesday, April 08, 2009 - 4:46 am:   Edit Post

In addition I listened to the demo video of the PJ amps at home on my decent PC system.
You can certainly here the difference bewtween all the different speaker configurations..I am getting very convinced about buying one.
lmiwa
Intermediate Member
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 165
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Wednesday, April 08, 2009 - 4:07 pm:   Edit Post

I don't have one of his portable systems, but I have both the 16B and the 8T and REALLY like them. I've also tried the 6pack and it's amazing as well.
bstark110
New
Username: bstark110

Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Saturday, May 02, 2009 - 8:13 am:   Edit Post

I have the SWR SM500 head, and a Goliath Jr cabinet (2x10s). This system rocks for really small rooms and band practice. I love my SWR bass system!

You just won't get the sound and low end of larger cabinets, but even that situation is improving. With a small hand truck and some bungee cords, I can easily transport the system and still have my back.
jedisan
Member
Username: jedisan

Post Number: 80
Registered: 3-2008
Posted on Saturday, May 02, 2009 - 9:26 am:   Edit Post

Mario,
Interesting in your spec list for the MB2, as GK does have a tubed version in the works. I saw a prototype at the NAMM show this year. Of course, I asked about availability, and was told late this summer. The proto I saw was not even finished, no face plate or top. And yea, you could could see those ax7's cookin' inside. Really sounded way good. Put this head with a neo 2X10, and I think you would have a way portable and good sounding rig.
enzo
Junior
Username: enzo

Post Number: 28
Registered: 4-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 9:20 am:   Edit Post

I suggest you the Markbass combo. I can't recommend them enough. Power, quality, reliability and....you bring them around with one hand like a grocery bag. But, of course, taste is taste and you need to try one.
mario_farufyno
Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 98
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Monday, May 04, 2009 - 11:46 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Tim, glad to know it will be released in next summer.
mario_farufyno
Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 99
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Monday, May 04, 2009 - 11:47 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Tim, glad to know it will be released next summer.

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