Small, light and loud? The old chestnut again!

[4-string-thing]

There's a couple of small combo's in the for sale section that I'm keeping a eye on and was after some opinions. I've just been offered a role in the backing band for a folky singer/acoustic guitarist and I feel a new amp may be in order! It looks like I'll be playing a mixture of electric and double bass, so if I have to transport an upright, an electric and a rig, the rig is gonna have to b a lot smaller than my current stuff! So, just how good are these micro combo's with 5"or 6" drivers and is 100 or 150w loud enough for an acoustic (amplified) band? I've recently sold my house and got a new job, so money isn't really an object, but wouldn't want to spend any more than around £600.... Go on, recommend me an amp!

[discreet]

Off the top of my head, I'd say a Markbass combo would do everything you need.

[chris_b]

I'd get a Bergantino 112. Either the HD112 or CN112 would do well, or a used AE112 if you can find one and use it with one of your existing amps.

These are some of the best sounding cabs on the market.

[booboo]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1376227387' post='2170994']
Off the top of my head, I'd say a Markbass combo would do everything you need.
[/quote]

For the gig the OP described any of the MB 1x12's should be plenty and within budget 2nd hand.

[BassBus]

I have used my Markbass CMD121P in both folk and jazz with no problems. I'd say go for something with at least 300 watts. 100/150w might find it hard going in an amplified setting.

[6feet7]

SR Technology / Schertler BB Jam 300
Designed for double bass, electric bass and vocals. Built in DI. Carry in one hand. I had two and stupidly sold one. Would buy another like a shot.

[Japhet]

You hardly ever see them but the small Tecamp combos are meant to be very good. The AER Amp One (I think) is probably the best.

[Lozz196]

[quote name='BassBus' timestamp='1376230563' post='2171040']
I have used my Markbass CMD121P in both folk and jazz with no problems. I'd say go for something with at least 300 watts. 100/150w might find it hard going in an amplified setting.
[/quote]

Yup. I use mine in an 8 piece glam/punk band (albeit with another bassist in the band as well) and it`s fine. If I`m the only bassist then I bring along the 112 ext cab just to have more presence, but volume wise it`s easily able to do it on its own.

[4-string-thing]

I've used a Markbass rig before and did like the sound, although it was a much bigger rig. I was thinking along the lines of the Phil Jones Briefcase or Markbass micro to be honest. I also like the idea of a promethean or clone. I've used the same rig for over 30 years, so don't actually know much about modern amps!

[Marvin]

Saw, sorry heard, a guy playing an outdoor gig using a Phil Jones thingy. That was all folk and twiddly dee music. You could definitely hear him.

[xgsjx]

I tried the PJB briefcase about 5 years ago. Nice at low volume, farted when I turned it up a bit. Might have been a dodgy one, but it put me off.

[Conan]

Barefaced midget with a separate micro amp? May be a bit over budget though...

[6v6]

[quote name='4-string-thing' timestamp='1376245323' post='2171266']
I've used a Markbass rig before and did like the sound, although it was a much bigger rig. I was thinking along the lines of the Phil Jones Briefcase or Markbass micro to be honest. I also like the idea of a promethean or clone. I've used the same rig for over 30 years, so don't actually know much about modern amps!
[/quote]

Maybe it's just me, but I think the whole "must have 500watts" thing is overstated, particularly for small pub gigs in a folky/acoustic band with a mature/decent drummer who knows how to control dynamics.

I've used a 120w Hartke kickback with a folk/rock group for gigs and it's fine - if the venue needs more I just DI into the PA and use it for a stage monitor.

I also gigged with a guy using one of those 10" Promethean combos, and I couldn't believe how loud it was - it filled a medium sized pub with a blues/rock band and occasionally loud drummer with no problems at all.

However as others have said, a 12" or 2x10" Mark Bass combo would probably be perfect if money's not a big object.

[BassBunny]

I've just bought a Genz Benz Contour 115 from bass direct. Down to £299 now and really impressed. Punchy as hell and even if you wind the bass up, it is so clear. Unbeatable bargain IMHO. Only criticism is you can't get the extention cabs over hear, which would make it a 500w rig.