Bass combo question

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 4:39 pm

Okay, here's the situation: I'm going off to college this fall (yes, I'm a young whippersnapper), and I just realized, in traditional last-minute fashion, that my combo amp not only sucks (actually, I've known that since I got it), but also that it has no headphone jack. It would be incredibly dumb to play an amp in a dorm without headphones of some sort, so I'm buying a new combo.

Basically, I set some criteria that it needs to meet (has headphone jack, has at least 100W, mid control, Balanced line out, sounds good, is same size or smaller than present amp, can't spend more than $500), and I ended up with two main choices.

So, I'm considering either getting an Ampeg BA115 (100W, 15" speaker) or a Hartke Kickback 12 (120W, 12" speaker). I have experience playing the Hartke (jazz band at school), albeit with an old Mexican Jazz bass. It sounded quite good, but I dunno about my 4003, as I have a couple of VERY SPECIFIC sounds that I want. A local music store has both in stock, and I'm going to test them both out with the Ric, but I want to hear the opinions of anyone on this board who has had experience with either amp. I may also be interested in one of the small Ashdown combos, but I don't know if they have headphone jacks or not. Thanks.

pflash4001 · Post by **pflash4001** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 5:04 pm

I like my Ampeg BA 115HP. I got mine used for about $250, but that was at a pawn shop. It's more than twice the wattage (220W)of the BA 115. My suggestion, keep an eye on local pawn shops. You never know what you'll find. Hell, I just missed an Eden combo for $300. I went to get the cash at the bank 1 mile down the road and came back and it was gone. Oh, well, there'll be other chances. Check them out!

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 5:32 pm

I have a Hartke Kickback 10 for a practice amp. I thought the 12 flapped a bit!

I also have a BA210Sp for the gig(church). It kicks! I sold my Eden and 2x10 cuz I didn't like the sound with my Rick. Plus, the 210sp has some effects, a cd input and headphone jack so I recommend both of these guys!

wints · Post by **wints** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:39 pm

I found a like new BA115 in a pawn shop too and it was too good a deal to pass up. It has a headphone jack and a CD one too.
Great practice/small hall amp.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 1:41 am

You may also want to consider the two SWR Workingman's(pro) combos as they both meet your needs and sound excellent. Or even discontinued models like the Basic Black or Baby Blue II (which I have and is really nice).

bary · Post by **bary** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 2:37 am

Look for used Gallien Krueger mbs 150.
great combo, very small with excellent sound and a lot of power.
I'm very satisfied with mine. I can't think for a better practice amp.
I think you can find one for 500$ or less.

mayofam · Post by **mayofam** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 4:24 am

I use a full EBS set up: Fafner head, 4x10 cab and 1x15 cab. Unbelievably pricey, but my LORD, you should hear my Jetglo 4003 through it. Jaws literally drop.

As for small good combos, I use a Hartke 1x15. Sounds GREAT at all volumes except full tilt.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 4:31 am

Welcome to the Rickenbacker Forum Glenn. Nice to see another Rickenbacker bass is doing the rounds. What type of music do you play?

loendmaestro · Post by **loendmaestro** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 4:40 am

Check out these, Yorkville is a sleeper.
Best bang for your buck...

http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?id=197&cat=15&type=32

http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?id=198&cat=15&type=32

http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?id=196&cat=15&type=32

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 4:58 am

That one with the 2x10's may be my next amp, unless I can find an old tube thang!

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 5:35 am

You can never go wrong with an Ampeg.

twangs · Post by **twangs** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 7:10 am

I picked up the Hartke Kickback 12 this past spring, and I've been very happy with it - Nice warm, full sound for a 12".

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 8:05 am

Ampeg, Ashdown, Euphonic ($$$)

edski · Post by **edski** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 8:50 am

The Yorkville stuff looks worth a look, but I noticed looking at the specs a couple things. 200 W at "minimum load"...which is 2 ohms...but with a 4 ohm cab your only getting about 140 W. And it didn't say 200 W RMS, but I imagine if they went through the trouble to ensure the amp could deal with 2 ohms it probably is RMS...

Thinking that way, the Yorkville amps would be a bit better if they had a little more power, however I didn't see the prices. When my son goes away for college in a couple years I'll have to get him a good combo, so that'll probably be the time to look harder.

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 9:48 am

I checked out another local music store (Annie's Guitar and Drums . . . run by Annie Allman of Allman Brothers relation, no less), and Annie actually recommended a Genz Benz combo to me. It pretty much had exactly the same features and price as the Ampeg, though with more wattage, and slightly larger (but still small enough). I'm going to bring the Ric to the different stores and test out the amps, but if anyone has any praise (or scathing remarks) on Genz Benz, I'd like to know.