Thinking About a New Lightweight Combo...

[fretmeister]

On 06/11/2025 at 09:42, Supernaut said:

Small portable combo? My CMD121P hasn't missed a beat in six years. 

I love my MB head and Energy 210 but I’m thinking of moving to that combo just so it’s a 1 thing carry.

I’m not gigging at the mo and I doubt I will for a while so something more convenient for the odd jam appeals to me.

[Skybone]

On 07/11/2025 at 07:54, Phil Starr said:

The Highlands is a big place, maybe you should hook up with @neepheid and come down to one of the Bass Bashes sharing the driving. Thre's usually a great selection of amps to try out. It looks like you aren't in a hurry at the moment.

 

If you aren't using the preamp section of the amp then have you considered going FRFR and using an active PA speaker for your amplifcation? The QSC 12.2 has been used successfully by several bassists and is 17'4kg, a useful weight saving.

 

If you go for separates then do look at LFSys, they are the best sounding FRFR bass speakers around at the moment. Barefaced are lighter but the LFS more accurate. The Monaco is the heaviest at 14kg. I've used the Monaco, Silverstone I and the Monza. I settled for the Monza. 

The Highlands are a big place indeed, @neepheid and the rest of the Aberdeen posse are about 2 and a half hours away from here.

 

I have considered FRFR / active PA speakers, but the general consensus from the FRFR thread (from what I've read of it), is that unless you can go down the QSC route, it isn't worth it, which is why I ended up with the Ashdown in the first place.

 

To add another googlie into the mix, we're going to be moving house in the not too distant future, so I think any plans for gear upgrades need to be put on hold.

 

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!

[Skybone]

Duplicate post...

Edited November 8, 2025 by Skybone

[ardi100]

I bought an Eden 2x10 cheap because it's old and weighs 22kg. I reasoned that while I'm 53, I do strength training and it shouldn't really be a problem to carry it. 

 

I can do a one trip load with my head and effects in a bag, gig bag over my shoulder and hefting the speaker as well as I can, but it's not fun and I'm looking to upgrade in the near future. 

 

I'm not gigging either, one trip from a distant parking option and I reckon I'd be cooked!

 

 

Edited November 9, 2025 by ardi100

[Jeffskowski]

I have a GK Legacy 800 112 combo. Sounds great. Very portable. Very powerful at 400w stand alone and 800 with extension cab. If I was buying again, I think I would go for the Fusion 800 instead for the Tube Preamp section. 

 

Legacy is a shade under 15kg and the Fusion is a little heavier at about 16kg. Also have 115, 210, 212 and 410 options.

 

[chris_b]

4 hours ago, ardi100 said:

. . . . one trip from a distant parking option and I reckon I'd be cooked!

 

Same here, which is why I bought the lightest gear available at the time and a heavy duty trolley (Wolfcraft) for the days when I just don't want to carry anything.

[carvingcode]

For a combo, the Laney Digbeth Foundary line may have what you need.

[paulie]

I’ve done the Seperated thing for years but just recently moved back to combos.

my main amp is a Fender ACB50 (valve combo) 50 watts but loud as hell.

My backup is a Hartke KB15. It’s the new version of the famous combo. Light for its size and with its 500 watt class D power amp it’s nice and loud.

but I’ve changed how I sound on stage. I used to get a nice big sound on stage and then take di out off the amp to give a bit out through the front of house.

Now I get my di sound right out through the front of house first with the amp at zero, once satisfied I add in some stage volume with the amp.

its changed things for the better in two ways. 1. I no longer need big rigs. 2. I sit in the mix now rather than out in front of it. The band is much tighter as a result 

[ped]

The problem with most combos is that they fire at your ankles. Try an Eich BC112pro - the tilt back functionality makes it seem like it’s super loud and amazing for monitoring. 

[paulie]

The Hartke tilts back and faces up like a stage monitor

[ped]

Just now, paulie said:

The Hartke tilts back and faces up like a stage monitor

Yeah that’s what made me comment. It makes so much sense on stage, I’m surprised it’s not more common. 

[StingRayBoy42]

Another vote for the Markbass CMD121P.

I play in some loud bands and the master volume has never been above 4 even with no PA support.

The foldable amp stand solves the 'firing at your feet' issue.