Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have always been extremely discerning when it comes to guitar tone, but bass for me has always been nothing more than plug and play. Five years ago I bought a Peavey TKO 1x15 combo with birthday money and it has served me well since, on probably 50+ gigs over three years.

Long story short, I am now playing bass in a band that is gigging quite regularly, and the ol' Peavey is beginning to show it's age. It has a multitude of problems and I think at this point, i'm ready for something new.

I have a few small requirements:
- Around $500 to spend.

- Must be a combo. No stacks. I need something as portable as possible.

- Tubes not necessary, in the preamp or poweramp. I've always gotten by fine with solid state bass gear.

- MUST BE RELIABLE! I don't want to ever have to think about it. I want to toss it in my trunk - gingerly, of course (Ginger Lee?) - and go, and not worry. My Peavey got tons of mileage that way and always gave 110%. I'm willing to deal with finnicky guitar amps like Vox and Mesa but not so with bass!

Thanks.

My early vote says you're going to get 8/10 responses be for Ampeg's....B100R or B200R's maybe?

I grabbed a Vox T-60 before they were discontinued and I love it....I saw some in a music shop down the street from me the other weekend (new) for around $250.

Here are some for starters:

Ampeg BA115 100 Watts
Ampeg BA115T same as a above, but with a tube in the preamp.
Ampeg B100R
Ashdown MAG C115-300 307 watts
Yorkville Bassmaster XM200C 200 watts

The Ampeg BA115HPT and B200R both have tubes in their preamps and have 220 watts RMS but are a bit above your budget.

That's for the suggestions so far guys. Let me know of amps that you've had first-hand experience with as well.

I should also list my tonal preferences - no treble.

Well, not really. McCartney/Jamerson esque. Punchy but no distortion - never "grinding" or even over the top. Lots of low end. I only use flatwound strings.

I love my Ampeg B200R combo amp. Great tone! I paid $600 for it.

The biggest Ampeg you can afford. Even the little combos sound good though considering what they are. They all have that classic sound, make a bass sound like a bass.

$500 ... go to a music store and look at some used stuff ... try to get a 4x10 cab and at least a 200 watt head ... also for $500 you may be able to get a nice new amp ...

Looking for a combo only Jeff, but used stuff is also a possibility, without a doubt.

So far Ampeg looks like the way to go. Dissenters?

I'm not sure if these fall into your price range John, but I quite like my Eden Nemesis 2X10 combo. They also make a 1X15 250 watt model (NC115) if you want more low end "oomph". Solid state with simple yet versatile controls. Plus, these combos are designed to be lightweight which would be a nice change from lugging your Peavey around!

Steve- I have the 320 watt Eden nemesis 2x12 combo but its above the limit at around $700, but I've heard good things about the 2x10 especially the portability. I haven't heard any good things about the 1x15 and I think it's a misconception that bigger speakers yield better lows as Eden 10" speaker cabs are rated lower(freq) than any other that they make.

As dated as it sounds, I found a Peavey Combo 300 from the 80s for $191.00 at Daddy's Junky Music. This thing was mint... I've seen these sell for close to $300 on Ebay. It's got a 15" B/W speaker and it is LOUD. I still have it.. It serves it's purpose.. Never had a problem with it.. Bought it last year..

I just picked up a Yorkville BassMaster 200 in trade on an Eden Nemesis combo. It THUMPS! I tried it out over the weekend, actually got it up to 10, and it was shaking the windows out of my house!! Nice tone, as well, direct out, tuner loop, effects loop and external speaker out, all I could ask for. Price at store was $299.

John - I own and gig with an Ampeg BA 115. I absolutely love it. Very simple layout, has enough volume for every gig we've talked so far, and it has an XLR line out if you ever feel the need to plug it into the PA. 2 big thumbs up for this great little combo.

Steve, what didn't you like about the Nemesis?

I like Hartke Kickbacks myself.