Good, lightweight, small combo for gigging electric Jazz bass player!

[jackotheclown]

Hello fellow Bass-chatters!

I'm looking into purchasing a small combo suitable for jazz gigs/function gig, so something between 300W-500W right? Powerful but light..
I play a Fender 2006 MIA Jazz bass and want to capture the real sound of the instrument, I've been hearing stories about Mark Bass amps changing the organic sound of the instruments, and different things about Ampeg amps.. I don't really know what to go for, should I get a combo? Or a head then look for a small cab too? Also its quite hard to go and try some of these amps as there not in stock at my local music shops.. I've heard a lot good of things about AER Amp One combo amps.. But they are very expensive! My limit is £450, maybe I would stretch to £500 but I don't want to buy something without trying it really.. Any help would be much appreciated in my quest to finding a good solid bass amp!

[PTB]

I use a small MarkBass combo (the CMD121P to be precise). I really like the sound, both with double bass and my bass guitars (which include a Jazz bass). It has a clear yet warm sound, plenty of power and is very portable. I've seen them second-hand on BC for around £500 and would recommend looking on the classifieds here - you get so much more for your money by buying used.

Lots of people like Ampeg too of course but I prefer my MarkBass. I've not tried an AER Bass amp but my missus has an acoustic combo of theirs and it's first rate but pricey as you point out. Other options to explore might include Genz-Benz [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Genz_Benz_Contour_Combos_210,_115.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Genz_Benz_Contour_Combos_210,_115.html[/url]

I don't know any good bass shops in Manchester but when you are next in London, take a trip to The Gallery in Camden and try a few out. At the end of the day, it's the only way to know what will work for you.

Good luck!

[Lozz196]

I also use the Markbass CMD121P - with NY121 ext cab if needed - and it`s a great little combo. The amount of sound that comes from it is truly amazing. When I bought the rig, I was worried that the two together might not be enough for what I needed, but had to downsize due to various injuries meaning I had to go lightweight. Well I needen`t have been concerned. Aside from gigs with my punk band, The Daves, the combo on it`s own is enough for rehearsals with both bands, and gigs with my other band, The Tuesday Club. As PTBs comments, it`s a warm yet clear sound, and it fits so well in the mix. And it`s light. Not something I`d want to do again, but had to park half a mile away from one venue, and carrying it, plus bass and leads-bag was doable.

[Stealth]

Try a TC Electronic BG250 its half your budget but a damn good amp

[stingrayPete1977]

I'd never buy an expensive combo, head first then a nice cab, you can always add another cab or even lend one for any bigger gigs you encounter

Edited January 8, 2013 by stingrayPete1977

[xgsjx]

There's a lot of good small combos out there for your budget. I'd strongly suggest trying a Markbass combo & you'll get 2nd hand in your budget.
I tried a lot of rigs & combos & then settled on a Markbass 2x10 as it did all I needed & it's no different from having a MB LMII & a 2x10 (you can easily take the head out & get a lid made for it if you feel you need a seperate amp).

[cloudburst]

+1 for the 121p. I love mine and mostly use it with the controls set flat.
And ref altering the sound I had actually heard the opposite about Markbass - ie. they were recommended to me as a brand that DIDN'T screw with the natural tone.

CB

[jackotheclown]

Cheers guys, I've made a list of amps to try now, keep them coming if anyone has more suggestions!

[stingrayPete1977]

If you want super clean uncoloured sound put one of the Genz Shuttles on your list, the Streamliner is more of a valve kind of thing that will go clean but not Shuttle clean