Sakkie
Hi Folks
I am new to this forum and this is my first post!
I currently run the following setup. Ashdown MAG 300 with 2 separate 15 inch 8 Ohm cabs and I love the old school tone I get from it. It provides enough power and volume to cater for most gigs (PA supported/ unsupported etc)
That said, I am looking for an additional combo that is more transportable in terms of weight and size but still packs enough punch to keep up with the rest of the band. (Yes, I do realise that more speakers will move more air and enable the amp to push more power @ 4 Ohm)
I am looking at the following options.
- Hartke Hydrive 115C
- Ampeg BA 115
- Gallien Krueger MB 115
Does anyone have any experience with the models mentioned above or have any other recommendations?
Cheers!
AlanRatcliffe
From your list, the GK MB 115. The Ampeg is a smaller, but still heavy amp. The Hartke I don't know at all.
If you have the money, look at the Markbass stuff though - some incredibly powerful compact and lightweight combos like the
MINI CMD 121 and
MINI CMD 151. These amps have spawned a whole generation of ultra-compact, ultra-powerful amps like the Ibanez Promethian.
Hopefully Big G will chip in - while he's a Markbass endorser, he's probably got other useful input.
peterleroux
I haven't played a GK, but Hartke and Ampeg have completely different sounds, so it might come down to taste between those two. The Aluminium cone Hartkes in particular have a very specific, bright hifi tone that may or may not be to your taste
Big-G
Thanks for the vote of confidence Alan... I'll try and keep it clean! Hehe! But if you feel the need to sensor my response, please go ahead...
Yer, the reason i pursued Markbass for an endorsement was because they are lightweight and compact, yet the tone doesn't suffer as a result. Very warm sounding, yet clear and pronounced. That's all i'll say on Markbass, as I want to stay within the forum rules, but with regards to other manufacturers, pretty much every one of the big boys offers a decent lightweight option.
Excluding Markbass, in my experience, the GK (Gallien Kreuger) stuff is probably the lightest, and doesn't sacrifice full tone to get it. I have actually been impressed greatly with their Neo range, and they even have a 2x12" combo (MB212 if I remeber correctly) that sounds great, but is surprisingly light, and very cost effective.
Ashdown are now also offering cost effective lightweight heads, but I find their cabs don't match up to their heads abilities. There has also been some reports of reliability issues with certain models, and back ground noise etc.
I guess it all comes down to budget? If you have a big budget available, then take a look at the Markbass gear, if not, then I'd say Gallien Kreuger is your best bet!
The other question is what bass do you use through it, and what tone are you after? For instance a P-bass probably would sound best through the ampeg (although I've yet to come across a lightweight ampeg!), as the muddy tones of both are well suited. Going more towards a Jazz bass sound, then you'll need more clarity than the Ampeg can offer, and so the GK would suit better. If you want versatility to suit pretty much any bass you throw at it, then again the GK is prob the best range for the money? Going by your description of the tone you currently have, then perhaps the MB115 would be the best bet, but if you can, try the 2x12"!
The GK MB series are well known for being loved by upright players, in particular the MB150, as they can offer good tone, and surprising low end, especially using an extension cab.
As for Hartke, as Peter pointed out above, they are very different! I have personally never liked the sharp attackish tones of hartke, which is derived from aluminium cones, and I find it too shrill, even for a bass! For your old school tones, I'd highly recommend you avoid Hartke!
Hope that helps?
Regards
G!
Sakkie
Hi Guys
Thanks for the helpful responses!
I am definitely not looking for a hifi type sound. I am very much into old school tones like Geezer Butler, Steve Harris and Duff Mckagen.
My current sound is basically P bass or Thunderbird (depending on my mood) with a flattish EQ (slight bump in the low mids) and a little compression in the signal chain.
The weight is not my main concern as I can deal with that, but the physical dimensions are crucial. The fact that the Ampeg BA300/115 has a valve pre-amp might just sway me as mud and a little bit of grit will do very nicely.
Are there any dealers in CPT and surrounds that stock Ampeg gear?
Cheers!
Jack-Flash-Jr
I got hold of a Ibanez Promethean (what the hell is that?) which weighs NOTHING, comes with 15" kick back and 500W detachable head. Great sound, very tweakable.
Been hitting it at outdoor gigs etc. for quite some time now and v. v. happy.
