Some help selecting an Amp/Cab or a Combo

[octatonic]

Hi folks,

Long time lurker looking for a bit of help.
I'm a guitarist who is working on getting some bass chops and gigs- I have one gig in a couple of weeks time which could turn into a couple more. Function band kinda stuff, some rock, pop and a bit of funk mostly.

I'm looking for a suggestion about what to do regarding a gig worthy amp that I can also practice with at home.
I currently use my Axe FX 2 (using the SV model) into some studio monitors but I'd like something that is bass specific- and gig worthy.

I'd considered just buying a bass cab (Vanderkley 4x10 or 2x12 are currently winning) to pair with a Matrix power amp (I already own this) and use the Axe FX for gigs, but for home practice the Matrix amp has a fan that runs all the time that is distracting- it also means I am moving the Axe FX around, rather than leaving it in my studio rack.

So I'm now looking at combo's- the Mark Bass CMD102P seems to be a common choice.
Can you suggest something else that I should check out around the same sort of money- under a grand.

I'd rather not have to pair the combo with another cab to get over a drummer- if I need to do that then I'll probably go for a cab, use the Matrix power amp now and look at replacing it down the line with a dedicated bass amp head.

I guess my questions are- will the Mark Bass combo get over a decently loud drummer (pop/rock, not metal)?
Would I be better off with a 4x10 or 2x12 cab, and looking at getting a dedicated bass head when funds allow?

Cheers.

[Lw.]

[quote name='octatonic' timestamp='1473794298' post='3133219']
I guess my questions are- will the Mark Bass combo get over a decently loud drummer (pop/rock, not metal)?
Would I be better off with a 4x10 or 2x12 cab, and looking at getting a dedicated bass head when funds allow?

Cheers.
[/quote]

1) Probably not
2) Yes

If you're thinking you need a smaller combo in order to practice at low volumes, I wouldn't worry about it - bass amps are not like guitar amps; even the big ones work down at low volume. Have a look at the classifieds on here, from the first page alone the following would suit (I have no affiliation with any of the sellers):

http://basschat.co.uk/topic/291265-pair-of-bergantino-ae112s-for-sale-or-trade/

Paired with either
http://basschat.co.uk/topic/291787-new-ebs-reidmar-250-l265-shipped/
or
http://basschat.co.uk/topic/290836-ebs-hd350-l350/

You could just use one cab at home, which would restrict the power from the amp & half the amount of speakers being used (so lower volume).

[octatonic]

Hi Lw.

Thanks for the response.
I'll take a look at the options you list above ^^^ cheers.

[Lozz196]

Those Markbass combos are pretty loud, and will be powerful enough up against most drummers, but whether or not the sound you`re getting at that point is what you`re after is the issue. If you want a modern scooped but still punchy sound then you`ll be pushing one of those to get that, whereas if you want a rich warm sound then it would be ideal. Markbass to me seem to be voiced very well for warm vintage tones, especially when paired with a Precision.

[octatonic]

Thanks Lozz- I went and tried one out and bought it.
I reckon it will be fine for the gigs I do and it sound great for home practice.

Also came home with one of these:

Edited September 14, 2016 by octatonic

[Dan Dare]

Love the colour. Very regal.

[octatonic]

Cheers Dan.

[pintspiller]

A headless model?