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  #1  
Old 10-22-2007, 07:04 PM
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Question Small, light, loud and good!??

My son called me today and asked me what Amps/Cabs are available today that are small and lightweight yet loud and good quality.

He has both an EBS 350 and 650 heads as well as a 2/10 and 1/10 cabinet. The 1/10 has worked fine before but is on the 'fritz'. I am waiting for some parts from EBS to fix it. The 2/10 is just too heavy along with the head for him to move around for small combo one-nighters.

Is there a decent lightweight, loud, affordable Combo Amp out there that might cover this? Fender? SWR? .. Something on the hi-tech side with a horn in it for the highs in his Smith Bass.

We also have an old original/modified BabyBlue but that is not enough volume for him. The 1/10 EBS puts out a lot of Volume so he is looking along that line for sound.

Suggestions?
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Old 10-22-2007, 08:53 PM
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Thumbs up Combo Amp....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Smith View Post
My son called me today and asked me what Amps/Cabs are available today that are small and lightweight yet loud and good quality.

He has both an EBS 350 and 650 heads as well as a 2/10 and 1/10 cabinet. The 1/10 has worked fine before but is on the 'fritz'. I am waiting for some parts from EBS to fix it. The 2/10 is just too heavy along with the head for him to move around for small combo one-nighters.

Is there a decent lightweight, loud, affordable Combo Amp out there that might cover this? Fender? SWR? .. Something on the hi-tech side with a horn in it for the highs in his Smith Bass.

We also have an old original/modified BabyBlue but that is not enough volume for him. The 1/10 EBS puts out a lot of Volume so he is looking along that line for sound.

Suggestions?

I would highly recommend the Eden Metro. This is a great combo amp and IMO the best on the market . Power + ? Oh yeah! With impedance options of 8/4/2 ohms you get 300/500/750 Watts respectively. Obviously, you have some nice options here with the multiple impedance options.

For example: A nice way to go with this would be to find one or order one rated at 4 ohms, get the 500W output and have the option to add another 4 ohm cabinet (i.e. Eden 410 XST) later (if desired) and get the full 750W+ @ 2 ohms. At any rate, with a balanced XLR out (including level output adjust), Semi-Parametric EQ, etc., there's much flexibility with this amp.

Check out the following link for add'l info:

http://www.eden-electronics.com/prod...ndiv/metro.asp
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Last edited by Tim Bishop; 10-22-2007 at 09:58 PM.
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  #3  
Old 10-22-2007, 11:29 PM
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Question Eden Metro ..or?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Bishop View Post
I would highly recommend the Eden Metro. This is a great combo amp and IMO the best on the market . Power + ? Oh yeah! With impedance options of 8/4/2 ohms you get 300/500/750 Watts respectively. Obviously, you have some nice options here with the multiple impedance options.

For example: A nice way to go with this would be to find one or order one rated at 4 ohms, get the 500W output and have the option to add another 4 ohm cabinet (i.e. Eden 410 XST) later (if desired) and get the full 750W+ @ 2 ohms. At any rate, with a balanced XLR out (including level output adjust), Semi-Parametric EQ, etc., there's much flexibility with this amp.

Check out the following link for add'l info:

http://www.eden-electronics.com/prod...ndiv/metro.asp
I looked it up and it is 78lbs. It also looks like the SWR Redhead. He has a 2/10 EBS cab but it's just too heavy. He likes the 1/10 idea. Eden also has CXC210, 68lbs and the CXC110 combo at 39 lbs. Are the CXC Combos durable enough to crank out some volume and not blow the speakers?

Also, how does your choice of the Metro compare to the Redhead? I don't know if this 78lb Combo is small enough for his 'lugging'.

(I just happen to own serial no.48 of the Redheads from when they first came out. It has been back for repairs several years ago and is close to the Super Redhead model after the slight mods they made.)
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Old 10-23-2007, 12:08 AM
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Thumbs up Comparison...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Smith View Post
I looked it up and it is 78lbs. It also looks like the SWR Redhead. He has a 2/10 EBS cab but it's just too heavy. He likes the 1/10 idea. Eden also has CXC210, 68lbs and the CXC110 combo at 39 lbs. Are the CXC Combos durable enough to crank out some volume and not blow the speakers?

Also, how does your choice of the Metro compare to the Redhead? I don't know if this 78lb Combo is small enough for his 'lugging'.

(I just happen to own serial no.48 of the Redheads from when they first came out. It has been back for repairs several years ago and is close to the Super Redhead model after the slight mods they made.)

The CXC models are the lower-end of Edens Combo's and simply are'nt going to give you what the Metro will. No comparison really. If you look at the specs on the CXC models you'll see that quickly. The frequency response range of the CXC is good; just not much power. Now, if weight is that big an issue and if he's playing at really low volumes, the CXC could be a great economical route for him to take. However, if he ever finds he needs more head-room, he'll hit a wall quickly.

I'm not sure that SWR still makes the Read Head, however, the newer Super Red Head's weigh in at around 80lbs and are very nice amps. While somewhat comparable to the Metro, they still don't have the output potential of the Metro.

At a minimum, he should locate any of these combos we've discussed here, try them out and determine what fits his needs the best.

My money would be on the Eden Metro. Also, if you shop around, I'm sure you could track one down at a great price.
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Last edited by Tim Bishop; 10-23-2007 at 12:27 AM.
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  #5  
Old 10-23-2007, 03:06 AM
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Question Eden DC112XLT Bass Combo?

Or this maybe at 49lbs?
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  #6  
Old 10-23-2007, 11:02 AM
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Bah.. I have no patience for light rigs! Mine weighs over 300lbs..

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Old 12-17-2007, 08:25 PM
David Newcomb David Newcomb is offline
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Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Smith View Post
My son called me today and asked me what Amps/Cabs are available today that are small and lightweight yet loud and good quality.

He has both an EBS 350 and 650 heads as well as a 2/10 and 1/10 cabinet. The 1/10 has worked fine before but is on the 'fritz'. I am waiting for some parts from EBS to fix it. The 2/10 is just too heavy along with the head for him to move around for small combo one-nighters.

Is there a decent lightweight, loud, affordable Combo Amp out there that might cover this? Fender? SWR? .. Something on the hi-tech side with a horn in it for the highs in his Smith Bass.

We also have an old original/modified BabyBlue but that is not enough volume for him. The 1/10 EBS puts out a lot of Volume so he is looking along that line for sound.

Suggestions?
the mesa boogie walkabout scout combos are killer for sound and fairly light for the volume- they use some tech that makes a 1x12 sound like a 15. Tried one in the store and it sounded loud, they really ought to put them in the drum department for the real tryout though
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  #8  
Old 01-27-2008, 08:18 AM
Michael Harrison Jr. Michael Harrison Jr. is offline
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I have the seperate cab and head units of http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...Amp?sku=482535
and love them. Not sure of the total weight on it, but the cab is very easy to carry in my opinion. Hell of a lot easier than the Peavy 115S I used to lug around (or did it lug me around >.> )

I'll be honest, the sound is a lot better and louder than I would have expected for the price. I bought it mostly as a very small venue, personal monitor kinda rig. It turned out so well I've used it with no issues in larger theaters.
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  #9  
Old 01-28-2008, 12:39 AM
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Default Ken Smith Bass + LMKII = Superior Tone

Ive been playing my Ken Smith Basses a lot more lately. Especially since I got a LMKII + Bag End Speakers. What a difference for my Smith Basses. So much so - I changed the setup on my basses to a much faster action. IMO - the LMKII excels at converting quick riffs/phrases to the speakers.

I hope this makes sense - but the LMKII sounds quicker to my ear.

Also, with the price just under $600 for 500 watts at 4 ohms - its kind of tough to beat. I travel with my LMKII in a laptop case bag - with all the cables for amp - and a tuner.

One of the requirements at the start of this thread was "something light". The LMKII is 6.5 lbs.

The LMKII is made in Italy. So I have no clue as to how the service will be if something breaks. I have noticed that this amp does NOT get hot. Even when pushed hard for extended period of time. ...but still this amp has not been tested by me during the heat of the summer - outside with no shade.

I must also note - Tim B. has been thinking about the WT550 in a big way. I cannot wait to try one.

So my two-cents is... Ken Smith bass + LMKII = Superior Tone & Portability - the price point seems to be reasonable.

I am trading an ampeg sp210 (76lbs @220 watts) for my second LMKII this week

I saw a photo of a GK MB500. Similar to the LMKII - and made in the USA (I think made in the USA).

Here is the link to it: http://www.ernieball.com/forums/musi...namm-pics.html
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  #10  
Old 01-28-2008, 06:41 PM
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Cool Thinking about it?

Hey Chris,

I agree, the LMII is definately a nice amp and I do like it.

Oh, BTW, I haven't been thinking about a WT-550; I've been using the WT-550 for the last 3 years + and now have two of them. Truly wasn't much to think about though. With the right cab set-up, just plug in your Smith bass, let it work and be wowed! Really is a no-brainer.

Don't forget about the Eden WTX-260; a 3.5lb amp worth it's weight in gold.

BTW, just received my new Eden WT-1205 today. Oh my! But that's another topic and another thread start.
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Last edited by Tim Bishop; 01-28-2008 at 11:40 PM.
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Old 01-30-2008, 02:12 PM
Arnold Schnitzer Arnold Schnitzer is offline
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Anyone tried the Markbass CMD-102P? It's a combo with 2-10's, weighs 44 lbs. Also, who sells those?
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Old 01-30-2008, 04:22 PM
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Cool Who sells?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer View Post
Anyone tried the Markbass CMD-102P? It's a combo with 2-10's, weighs 44 lbs. Also, who sells those?
Check with Guitar Center. It appears they have become, at least initially, a major distributor for Mark Bass in the U.S.
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Old 01-30-2008, 08:41 PM
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Default Markbass Combo 2x10

Tim is right,

GC sells Markbass products here in the USA. The Markbass Combo 102P has a LMKII built into it. You can remove it. JUST FYI. It is very light for a combo.

I just traded my ampeg sp210 for a second LMKII - so one is home always ready for me

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/
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Old 01-30-2008, 09:18 PM
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Cool Oh, and BTW.....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Bishop View Post
Check with Guitar Center. It appears they have become, at least initially, a major distributor for Mark Bass in the U.S.
Oh, and BTW, Guitar Center does provide waranty service for Mark Bass here within the U.S.
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Old 02-04-2008, 07:00 AM
Fred DelSignore Fred DelSignore is offline
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There are several lightweight amps.

Genz Benz just came out with a couple of small combos. One of them is only 13 lbs (300 watt head and 8 inch speaker). They also have a 10" version that weighs 18 lbs. www.GenzBenz.com

Also, Henriksen has a small combo amp that is supposedly very much like the old Polytone amps. I believe Bob G sells them.
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Old 02-04-2008, 07:04 AM
Fred DelSignore Fred DelSignore is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer View Post
Anyone tried the Markbass CMD-102P? It's a combo with 2-10's, weighs 44 lbs. Also, who sells those?
I have tried the LMII head with the 2x10 cab and it sounded fine with EB but don't know how it would be with URB. Guitar Center is the exclusive dealer in US.

I also have a Genz Benz NeoPak that can be set clean for URB and it sounds very good through an Epi UL110 cab with my URB.
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Old 02-21-2008, 06:29 PM
Arnold Schnitzer Arnold Schnitzer is offline
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Smile

I picked up a Roland Bass Cube 100 and I'm pretty amazed. The sound is way bigger than the amp's small size and 37 lbs. I played with drums and two guitars recently and the amp was totally adequate. The effects are fun, too. Got it for $399 and free shipping. It was a store return with full warrantee.
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Old 02-23-2008, 03:17 PM
IanMcElroy IanMcElroy is offline
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Exclamation Amendment!!

The GK MB150s112 sounds like poop with a Ken Smith.

Sorry for ever mentioning it.
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Old 04-18-2009, 08:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer View Post
Anyone tried the Markbass CMD-102P? It's a combo with 2-10's, weighs 44 lbs. Also, who sells those?
Tried the kick-back version. Tight and warm, not obnoxious but sits very nice in a small band. Does not get lost. Neat amp, I'd get one if I had the scratch.
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Old 07-31-2008, 04:56 PM
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Thumbs up Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 - It's Doin' The Job!

Ken Smithites,

Just picked up a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 210T yesterday at Century Music Systems here in San Antonio. I'm excited, because the unit is light, packs plenty of punch (375 watts @ 8 ohms, 600 @ 4 ohms), and sounds really, really nice.

For the most part, I play at churches in small to medium venues, so this should be what the doctor ordered. If I have any problems, or have any unusually great reports, I'll let you know!

I'll post a photo ASAP.
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