Bass Combo Comparison | Are small bass combos loud enough? | Thomann

[@JoeMama-ob4cr]

Really glad they played with a live drummer for this demo, it’s a super important consideration.

[@neftalibarboza67]

So, which app would you choose? I’m curious.

[@JackVac_joeblower]

oh god not again. 🤦‍♂

[@Whosayswho79]

Finally an amp test done properly. Giving weights and playing the same bass through the different amps. Julia Hoffer you are wonderful

[@itnefer4787]

Not a test since there were no results. The sound via KZbin won't cut it, especially when demoing the combos with the drummer. If it hadn't been an advertisement for the Thomann store, she'd tell us how did playing with the drummer through all of them felt.

[@bigbass421]

I've been a professional bassist for more than half- Century. I'm 71 now. Not too many gigs anymore, but I still have a lot of gear. My Rumble 200 is in the trunk of my car. That said, ALL combo amps I've used, owned, and tried- and yes, there are a lot... have a serious issue, that always results in my selling them off. If you underestimate the gig situation, or your bandleader assures you there'll be PA support- you will be outgunned- buried in the mix, both onstage, and at the rehearsal studio. Take a guess how I know this, to be repeatedly true. When it happens, you're stuck with THAT amp, and THAT cabinet- in a single unit. Yes, there have been, traditionally, speaker outs for extension speaker cabinets. But, WHY buy a combo, if you're going to possibly bring TWO cabinets? Buy a powerful head with a two ohm capability, and bring one, or two cabinets of whatever type you might need. I think she did a good job in the demo here, but I can tell you right now, NONE of those single 12" combo amps will cut it on even 'sensible' volume gigs. I've used a Rumble 100, a Hartke Kickback, and that Markbass. The Markbass was a nice little amp- but for the same money, you can find a great 4-10 used, and a really powerful head, like a TC, Markbass, or other amp secondhand... that would outclass them all. These are essentially... low volume gig amps, or nice personal practice amps. Even my Rumble 200, looks tiny next to most drum kits. In addition, there is NO real way to know what any of these actually sound like, from these You Tube videos, until you play through one.

[@bruceleroux4440]

I used my Peavey Mark IV series coupled with my roll-away Yamaha bass cabinet (15" speaker, which was later upgraded to a 15" Black Widow speaker by Peavey) back in the day. Maybe other amp heads were better...but if Steve Harris used it for Iron Maiden concerts, then I knew it would deliver for all situations.

[@kurtmcclure1224]

Totally agree with the 2 ohm capability thing

[@davidcastle3292]

I have switched to 2 12” orange obc112 cabs and a 600 watt head( peavey mini max) it is modular enough that one cab works for small jazz gigs, 2 in a stack look nice on stage and is plenty for r😅ck gigs for small gigs its cab in one hand bass in the other and my back pack for scores/amp/pedals cables etc . I still di or mic if available but will never just run a DI …. Better to have suspenders and a belt so your ass doesn’t hang out

[@mikechafe419]

Yep. Used a Mesa head and Mesa 2x10 and 1x15 cabs. Used one or both cabs depending on gig. Never had a worry. Unfortunately I think Part of being a bass player is accepting you need heavy gear. I would use these combos for practice or very small room playing only. But that’s just me and I’m old and deaf. lol.

[@Theweeze100]

@@mikechafe419Yep, 100% agree with you!

[@davidrush7527]

I’ve been using the Markbass 12 ever since they came out and it’s always done the job no problem for the typical bar band setting.

[@pawnmack]

I already own a Fender Rumble 500. Light at 36 Lbs and more than enough power to keep up with a loud band. Sounds great as well.

[@Marcink126]

Agree that Fender R 500 is loud enough. Itself it does not sound so good but with multieffect you can add some parametric eq. In comparison FR 100 is a toy to FR 500. In fact I think that from the combos FR 500 is the best. Still I don't like combos, much better is Mark Bass 102HF + Mark head from some cheaper gear. Second part with drums just proves that small combos sucks. With FR 500 or Mark 102HF I can be much better heard as bass player.

[@pawnmack]

@@Marcink126 I'm usually running a D.I. directly off the bass, not the preamp of the Fender amp and the sound man is going to control what is heard out on the floor. The only thing I require is to be heard across the stage by the horn section. I still think it sounds pretty good for what it is.

[@didamnesia3575]

​@pawnmack excellent point, the horn players need to hear you. As a lead trumpet player I was trained to listen to the bass player and then the drummer. It's the bass players groove that sets the tone and attack for the lead trumpet, amd the lead trumpet controls the horn section (usually)

[@pawnmack]

@@didamnesia3575 The night I went from using a single 15" speaker cabinet over to a 4x10" cabinet the horn section said they could finally hear the punch. The amp I spoke of here is all in one with two 10" speakers.

[@j_johnson_music]

I noticed the 100 watt amps, the volume was at 3 O'clock, the Eden 225 watts was also at/about 3 O'clock. the Hartke 500 watts, was at about 1:30-ish and the MarkBass 300 watts was at about 11 O'clock. Another thing to think about is, decibels, the sound pressure in that room, and the same exact volume in different rooms would produce different decibel levels. also if you moved the location of the decibel meter. one bass amp might punch out farther than another amp, that would be something else to look into.

[@jonw8694]

Yeah, I noticed there was no mention of if the volume or gain settings were set the same from bass to bass, so really it's not any sort of accurate comparison. If you have one amp maxed out and the other only pushing 40% on the volume knob, why call it a comparison?

[@billytrance6893]

In this video, especially when the drummer comes in...Markbass all the way! It has volume and a nice, clean, articulate sound on all ends of the spectrum. Great video!

[@stevephilips4324]

Been playing with a Markbass CMD102 for 3 years now. It's a perfect combination: lightweight (

[@Hi-xs7wm]

I have markbass mini CMD 121 p , it's great

[@jmasno5]

I've been hesitant about the Markbass CMD102 because though it gets great reviews I do see some negative ones that say the amp quit on them during a gig or rehearsal. Not just a few reviews, a lot. Some burned out, some over heated. One person said there is no fuse protection which I find crazy. But your amp has been great over the years?

[@Slydeil]

​@@jmasno5I've had a 102 for 7 years gigging weekly, and it's as good as the first time I used it.

[@maanjezus8622]

Bought a Fender Rumble 40. One of the best amps I've got in my life.

[@garyhenderson1717]

I got one to in small room sounds great

[@lihnmahr6505]

Thinking that’s my next purchase as well.

[@drewjeers815]

That's my knock around and I've never had to even push it to keep up with reasonable volume indoor jams. Yea guitars can possibly drown it out but it takes stupid volumes in a room to do it.

[@surfrby8876]

Just got one too , great amp 👍

[@rcb_matt]

I used a Rumble 200 for over 2 years with and without PA support. It handled most situations… I’d even push it past where I felt comfortable and it never once failed me. I moved on to a Markbass head and a 210 cab… selling the Rumble. Looking back, wish I would’ve kept the Rumble.

[@victormendez2820]

Why? I am thinking on buying one of those.

[@rcb_matt]

@@victormendez2820 I sold it thinking I’d get more out of the Markbass. I might have slightly better tone with the Markbass but I just miss the Rumble with a 15.

[@mikezettler5084]

Yeah that Markbass is really nice stuff, but I'd recommend a 1x15" over a 2x10" . I have an Ampeg BA600 2x10"...which is a great amp, lots of power, but its quite big, heavy, and I never want to push it because it's an expensive amp. I'm selling it now that I bought a cheaper 1x15"....and I like the 15" sound much better than the 2x10"..

[@eddieperez9565]

I rented that Markbass for a jam, those things sound good. And loud.

[@ryanwarsh]

I used the old version of the Rumble 100 for years and it was a beast. Now I use a Peavey Max 208. It’s super portable and it can definitely keep up with a full band.

[@carlosd.carlos7975]

Do you get a buzz sound when you turn it on?

[@LukePuzzar234]

I was so surprised at the Eden. The only amp that you could clearly make out the notes when played with drums.

[@yoantonkov7722]

The Rumble and Hartke sounded the best to my taste. Thank you for the great review and comparison.

[@compucorder64]

Agreed. Rumble had the nicest pleasing baked in vintage character, Hartke was the deepest, roundest, smoothest and fullest. I'd maybe give a nod to the Mark Bass for musicality. My choice might depend on the type of music I played most. If it was hip-hop, urban, soul, music with electronics, reggae, dub - Hartke all the way. Vintage indie rock, country, then Fender. modern fusion / jazz, then Mark Bass, which would probably also work extremely well as a stage amp intended to be supported in the subs by the PA; a common use case. If the Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-112 was in the mix, I think it beats out the Fender in warmth / vintage character too, as well as having more fullness than the Fender because of the bigger cabinet. Can be a bit more pricey than the Rumble though.

[@TheBassfresh]

the fender rumble, clean clear punchy and price

[@virgiljones4808]

To me the Hartke was the hands down winner but you left out one of the most important stats the price!!!

[@FenderBassMan]

I was quite surprised that I preferred the Hartke kickback over the others.

[@marike1100]

The prices are in the description under the link called Gear Used.

[@riffdigger2133]

Hartke has the clarity and punch. Reliable too. Best.

[@stevenlewis4385]

The Hartke has no extension speaker jack. That's a deal breaker for me.

[@isaacs2539]

Hartke, Fender, and Markbass won hands down. The rest were drowned by the drums!

[@jonsanserino8229]

I tried all the small combos and the MarkBass CMD121P is without comparison for sound, small size and weight and incredible output. Other bass players have come up after a gig and complimented me on my sound and were looking around for my "stack"! I can play ANY indoor gig and some out doors with this little amp. It is scary loud and with an extension speaker as loud as you could possibly want. Normally I have the volume set only about 11:00 for an indoor rock gig.

[@gioigeniale6711]

Above I wrote the same as you did. I played a out door gig with the tiny Microbass without an extension speaker. Enjoy them.

[@johantitulaer1052]

I rented a place to practice with a drummer. Then I found the Markbass amp there and it was without a doubt the exact tone I had been looking for. I play mostly TOOL and Alice in Chains now so I'm definitely buying the Markbass once I live in a place where I can use it lol

[@basscubs]

Torn between this markbass or a fender rumble 500. What do you think

[@johantitulaer1052]

@@basscubs I'd take Markbass over the Fender any day. But it depends on the kind of music you like.

[@basscubs]

@@johantitulaer1052 guess I just don’t want to get drowned out, and not looking for extension cabs to make up for it. Currently using a heavier tc 212 and 800 watt amp.

[@andrus108]

Carrying even 10kg by hand gets heavy after a few minutes regardless of strength. Meanwhile, a little collapsible trolley from a hardware stores let's you drag bigger loads like regular luggage. Before you say 'stairs?' remember: you're going out to play with other people, so part of the cooperation should be helping out with gear - if you're carrying your gear alone in a band, especially when struggling, you need a new band.

[@KimSE4]

Can confirm - luggage trolley is hugely useful! You can always carry the kit up some stairs but being able to pull it on wheels makes life much easier.

[@mickavoidant4780]

I will need to push a wheelchair and take my bass gear, once covid19 lets me gig again.

[@regimiro4888]

Get a kick trolley and you can (somewhat) tackle even stairs

[@jomamma1750]

What! I think my old ampeg head was about 80 pounds ~35kg I never had issue one running it into and out of clubs. You all need to lift weights that are greater than a 12oz beer can from time to time! In the states, according to OSHA regulations, 75lbs is considered light and legally portable by one person all day every day. Over 75 is considered heavy and requires 2 people. 10 kg is a breeze.

[@mickavoidant4780]

@@jomamma1750 You might want to check with www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2013-06-04-0

[@rossco420]

Mark bass for me , love Mark bass gear , good job Julia

[@bryanhenderson8807]

It seems like the Markbass and the Hartke are the best and pass all of the tests. I actually got the Markbass and am amazed at how load it is. I kept having to turn the bass down. I does have great tone. It is easy to carry. I heard a band where the bassist was using a Markbass and was amazed at how loud it is and how great of a tone it gets.

[@doczooc]

My takeaway from the room mic was: Get a bigger amp, these will not do. Yeah, it may be enough in a certain setting, but in other cases when the song requires the bassline to be heard over the drums it is good to be able to turn up. Some years ago, I was at Thomann and bought my GK MB 500 class D head (weighs nothing, fits in the front pouch of my bass gigbag) with a GK CX 115 Bass Cabinet that weighs 16kg. It has no trouble at all keeping up with loud drums (or making the drummer cry for help if you set it past noon). It was slightly under 1000€. So if money is an issue, I would go with the Rumble 100 and hope I always have a DI to plug into. Else, I would look for a light 1x15 or 2x10 cab and a class D top, or a similar combo (Rumble 500 etc.). EDIT: I think the room mic probably did not represent the situation very well, because I have read since that a lot of people actually use the Rumble 100 for gigging (before Corona, of course) And my own setup definitely has more headroom than I ever see myself using.

[@timothytibbits7942]

I have one of those Markbass combos and if I can't get loud enough with that (hasn't happened) I'm playing in a louder situation than I want to be in. If y'all are playing with a drummer who plays that loud, you should invest in a good hear aid company cause you're gonna need it.

[@doczooc]

Timothy Tibbits I actually wondered how quiet the Markbass was in the room mix because I got the impression that it should be loud enough from what I heard about it. Maybe it was not cranked all the way?

[@rjdeseijn]

I think I'd go for the Eden combo. Dispite the weight it cuts nicely through in the mix and has nice a nice tone / tone options.

[@Marcink126]

Better take Fender R 500 or Hartke HD500 or something with similar power and two 10" speakers or one 15". With such small combos like in mentioned comparison you will not cut through the drums.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Eden Terra Nova TN 2251 - Killing all the others. Followed by the Hartke. Markbass was midrange-Mud.

[@donvape336]

I have an Eden wt405 bass head and through an eden xst210 or my 800 212, it's loud.

[@stugoodman7407]

Great idea for a review. Liked the Markbass tone the best.

[@marcfontaine3068]

I have the older generation of the Rumble 100 2x10 , and i love it! It does the job!

[@ManCaveStudio]

I'm sad that I did not learn which was her favorite :(

[@arnelmendoza2408]

she played the Eden at the end. would that be it? 😊

[@andyplatt6692]

I have the Hartke KB12. Although it says 500watts, it is in fact 250watts RMS. Having said that it is a truly great and powerful little combo and fine for pub gigs. The direct out works really well too, so for bigger stages just plug into the PA and use it tilted up just as your stage monitor. I've been using it for two years and am very impressed with it.

[@latenight5865]

I totally agree with you. As for me, this is the best bass combo in its class(size, weight and wattage)

[@bassman108]

I have the Hartke KB12 as well. I’ve owned it for a few years now and have used it for practice, rehearsal and small gigs. It can do it all in a nice small package. It sounds very good as well. As Andy said it’s not really 500 watts but it’s 250 rms watts which for a small combo is a lot.

[@dazxmedia]

it's 500 watts @ 4ohms the internal speaker is 8ohms, so f you plug a 4 ohm cab in you will get a true 500 watts

[@aussiecue]

@@dazxmedia Correct me if I am wrong, It only has one speaker out. It's own or an extra 4 ohm cab as you say. So only one or the other? If one plugged a powered 4 ohm cap from the XLR line out would that also get the full 500W ? and be able to use the combo as fold back and the cab as the projector?

[@Streetpartymarty]

Excellent review format. Really enjoyed how the reviewer really digs in and gets that tone out!

[@dckmusic]

The other thing with any of them is if you tweak the EQ settings a bit you can cut through better and make a significant difference in the room without changing volume.

[@frantisca]

The Hartke and the Rumble have got the most "coloured" sound, which will give the illusion to stand out more with a drummer. Nevertheless, in live conditions, one has to consider the acoustics of the venue and there, the Eden and MarkBass will possibly outperform the 2 first ones. The Ashdown is certainly a good amp too, but it did not convince me. If I may ask: which one has your preference Julia ?

[@mannyontrailPCT]

AND I take it, Julia never answered. Everyone is different and prefers their favorite. Rumble, Mark Bass, Hartke...🤔

[@trenken]

I cant imagine why anyone would use that tiny little personal practice hartke amp with a full band. Its gonna struggle to cut through. Its just too small. You are not gonna feel the bass through any combo that small. It isnt meant for that.

[@zentrall-heiser1838]

@@trenkenunless you are playing in a band of chipmunks 😂

[@adrianoconnor3020]

This is a great demo,the only problem is that price was not taken into consideration,if that was the case I think the Fender rumble wins out on value

[@guitardude4700]

Your classical training with cello really shines with your left hand technique

[@91cog]

I like the look of the fender the best. And it sounded good! Thanks for doing the comparison Julia

[@davidcastle3292]

The 210 500 is still pretty light , i have played a few gigs with the rumble 500 a few open mics with a house R100 . Getting old sucks, still getting great sound from light weight is rad!

[@MystikalJack]

I liked the Fender and the Hartke. I play an Ampeg head through a Fender Rumble 410 cab, and I love the sound

[@surfrby8876]

They all sound good, I can’t decide , but I just picked a Fender Rumble 40 , it’s pretty darn good 😉

[@garethhjones]

One thing that was not mentioned, is that the more powerful amps have the facility to attach another speaker cab, which will allow the amp to use it's full power into 4 ohms. I own a Fender Rumble 100, which is a great amp but doesn't have that facility. I also own the Markbass CMD 121P, which does allow you to attach another cab and can therefore play at significantly louder levels than the Fender.

[@dennisknox9626]

Fender Rumble 100 all the way. I have one and love it!!!

[@Macro-photographer]

I have a rumble 100 and its great, so light too!

[@fukiu5154]

As my Markbass just died I need a new amp. The Rumble would be my choice. But I wonder of it is loud enough to stand up to a band? Whats your opinion

[@thetoddperspective]

I used to have an Ampeg Portaflex b15n that I had swapped a JBL 15" into. Loved that little combo

[@richardmerriam7044]

If that's the "Flip Top" amp, it's always been a world class standard. I believe James Jamerson used one.

[@CamiloDiaz]

I'm using a Fender Rumble 100 to great results live (for a portable rig). Any greater volume needed can be achieved via XLR output to F.O.H.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I bought one too, and I absolutely love it. No more Breaking my back to perform live !!!

[@acp3711]

Julia, could you please tell us which one you recommend and why.

[@hodaridaniels8786]

The Fender Rumble sounds good and is lightweight, good choice.

[@drewjeers815]

That weight was a biggy for me. I replaced a 7O pounder with it. And it sounds good for my needs.

[@jaimemoralacreacion]

I bought a Mark Bass combo amp first but wasn't really digging it, then I bought the Hartke 12 for practice and was blown away and even used it at some gigs and then I upgraded to the 15 a couple years ago and haven't looked back ever since. Love it and it has even handled big shows when stingy bass players don't want to lend out their rigs...haha...great video

[@jmpardo2933]

I bought a Mbass four years ago and is the better choice in my long experience as a bass player. Perfect for rehearsals, perfect for inner gigs, and for outside gigs , pre eq DI, a well balanced monitor and carriying your bass with one hand and the combo with the other one is priceless. i still wonder myself how this people got such a sound and power from a 12 inch combo. Great. In my first gig outside with some other bands they looked at me as if I were from Mordor. Then everybody came back asking questions about this little bully. Sure, in bigger gigs, the first thing I do is make a lovely friendship with the PA system technician 😁

[@basscubs]

I feel this. I own a 212 TC cab and 800 watt head. They are great for the big gigs, but I have been looking for the perfect combo or "small" 12 for situations such as yours.I don't really want to rely on an extension cabinet, so I need to know it'll push and not get lost. I usually play venues with a PA, and 4-5 piece band tops.

[@Miko1963]

I would really love to see a small 20-60 Watt Bass practice combo comparison video. Loved this one too!😄

[@gckshea]

The Hartke sounded most like the sound that I enjoy and look for, and the design is favorable for what I would use it for.

[@Marcink126]

Hartke sounds nice (I have HD112 + TX300), but one 12" speaker is not enough for drums. Absolute minimum is 2x10 which you will hear but it will be working at its maximum power and will be lack of lows. Better to use 2x12 or 1x15. I made copy of Eich Amplification 115 XS, it is ultra light, just like combo and does not need to play on max power with drums which gives you some headrum for solo or to just not destroy your cabinet :)

[@riffdigger2133]

@@Marcink126 I ordered the Hartke KB15 for that very reason just this week.

[@bigcladwolfdetecting6017]

​@@riffdigger2133 how do you like the kb15?

[@vincentwright9143]

Hartke and MarkBass! She was smiling plugged into both!!! So was I! You're the best, Julia!

[@j.juarez9526]

Hartke was hands down the winner. Not even close. The Hy-Drive speaker produces a sweet mid that can't be beat.

[@Ed9870]

Just picked up the Mark bass which I use for upright, and I can't believe the punch this little amp packs. It does what the huge cabinets and magnets of my youth used to do if you wanted big sound.

[@rangouel]

Please i wanna know what bass combo does Julia prefer

[@BIGeSTRING]

Why??? So if Julia likes the Eden you like it too?

[@rangouel]

@@BIGeSTRING because her opinion will be helpful. The only way to make my opinion is to try all this bass combos

[@johnnyMgoblue]

Love the MarkBass stuff. I gig with the 102 combo (private event band). I liked it so much I bought the 112 combo with the extra cab. Super light, easy to carry, and really loud with those two cabs.

[@HF1600ie]

Do you feel the 210 lacking in terms of bass, sounding too boxy? I need something portable to play in an orchestra and I wanted to pair with a markbass head. My current bass amp is too heavy (kustom de100 2x15). Thanks!

[@truchero11]

@@HF1600ie my CMD 102P has plenty of bass.

[@SlimRhyno]

Hello from Kansas City, Kansas! I just wanted to say that I enjoyed literally everything about this video: the format, the information, and your obvious joy in playing the bass made me happier just by watching you! Oh, and I LOOOVE your accent!! Anywho, thanks for the excellent video, and please take care and be well. 🙏🤙

[@robertcastillo77]

Yooo, I'm also from KC! Though these days I'm living in Valencia Spain

[@pauldavis6356]

I have the Mark Bass 121P (1 x 12 @ 300 watts). It's very good, but I use the extension speaker with it (New York 121) and it becomes 2 x 12 @ 500 watts. It keeps up with my drummer quite nicely.

[@ciddax754]

It would be very interesting to hear, how they sound, when you crank them up. For my taste they could be louder and some were already cranked (the fender for example) while the mark bass and hartke still had reserves.

[@j_johnson_music]

I found that interesting as well.

[@FoButter]

I have a markbass CMD151 combo jb model ... it is potent to say the least. cuts through 2 guitar and a loud drum. might be nice to have an extension 15 though. would also like to try a 212

[@glenngreenstein6825]

I actually use a Hartke HD50. It's 50 watts and it's loud enough to play with a drummer when I turn it up. I have a pre-amp in my bass so that helps but being heard is more about having a tone that can cut through than power. This is why a lot of rock bass players play with a pick. Even finger players use tricks (Geddy Lee plays with his finger nails)

[@stevedavis8329]

i too have a hartke hd50. it's really not bad.

[@winmontgomery5438]

I love when smaller people play bass because it looks massive next to them

[@ZetroDrummer]

The same effect is produced in other circumstances 😏

[@nicolasurteagabriceno3388]

What does that have to do with this video? Give me a break, dude.

[@TKDFORCEART]

@@ZetroDrummer I know, put them infront of an 8x10 and those things will look more massive than already are

[@Kassarth]

@@nicolasurteagabriceno3388 there is a rather small person playing a bass in this video

[@cchavez248]

The opposite of this phenomenon is Greg Koch playing a tele, it looks like a ukelele on him!

[@darkySp]

Ashdown is my favorite, it's a pleasant surprise. It has clarity, but there's those growly lows even with the higher strings naturally, so i'm probably getting that one in the future. And it has the DI Out, so even if it's quiet in a band setting, you can still hook it up to a cab or VA.

[@leonk7249]

Please dont!, played the studio 12 for hours. Totally lacks tonal variety. Im a bass player for about two decades but even the drummers and guitar player complain about the sound of the muffled liveless ashdown on every jam session. Notice that it is not my personal amp but the one thats available to jam in a venue. The reviews that i heard were about me and multiple other bassplayers with their own styles. Studio 12 + pbass with flats = muffled and lifeless. Studio 12 + jazz with roundwounds… hmm a start to an open sound with every knob cranked from the mids…

[@smirgyjoker2484]

@@leonk7249 The ashdown might be right for me lol. I love muff, muddy, and punchy bass tones. I always have my mids max, bass high, and treble never past 12 o'clock.

[@davewebb9452]

The Eden seemed to hold its own pretty effortlessly. It never sounded like it was trying to keep up, and had a nice balance of roundness and articulation. Also, you managed to keep from making a guitar face until the fourth amp.

[@chrisb9026]

The Eden was my favourite too.

[@EKB480]

I got a rumble 100 for a few years. Its loud enough for rehearsals and small gigs. I even used it to record in a studio. The soundguy loved the sound. Only downside no pre/post xlr. Great little amp.

[@johnlackner1193]

One surprise I found - a good 12" or 15" powered speaker can double up as a combo bass amp. I used a Turbosound Milan powered speaker as a bass amp once. I changed my mind about buying a bass amp. Tone controls come up short but there's lots of outboard stuff you can get for that if you need it. You also get a PA speaker out of it.

[@dangracia7805]

Yeah, the controls are anemic and the watts that they refer to are usually Peak watts which is at least twice as high as the rms watts. RMS watts are the average amount of power it will put out. Still, those can work very well as long as you have right speakers in them. Don't go under 12" and 15" will even survive bass playing better than the 12". You can buy DI boxes with built in preamps to drive those powered speakers fairly inexpensively. I have a WTDI which is a DI box with an Eden WT preamp and an adjustable compressor built into it. I arrived at a gig one time where they had been providing a backline bass amp for about a year and a half only to find out that the amp was gone. Pulled out my WTDI, plugged it into our PA mixer and played all night with no problem. My WTDI was $149 and if Eden isn't your flavor there are a lot of other ones out there. So yeah, powered PA speakers will work. Just don't dime your bass EQ or you will blow them just as easily as a "real" bass amp.

[@kentforde6350]

Best bass amp vid out there... Thanks!

[@craigzinga]

Ashdown and Eden sounded best to me. They’re sooooo similar, it’s come down to a matter of labels and grill style.

[@kplaysminecraft895]

I thought the same

[@RebieRebs]

I got the rumble 100 from you and I couldnt be hsppier with it! It's perfect :)

[@ChipsA17]

The fender rumble series are awesome. I have the fender rumble 500 and its a beast to play on. It can be quiet but also shake pictures off my wall lol

[@BillsBassCovers]

Me too! It’s a great amp!!

[@blueconfluence7851]

I can agree if you looking for nice ton and power with more reserves

[@antoniopizarro7670]

Marvelous video. My favorite was the Hartke because you can add cabinets, the tilt and for sound. Sound is complex issue, and really most modern amps sound great. Please consider the following when choosing amps: What are your goals to play (play big rooms, only at practice with friends, small cafes)? Cost, what can you afford? Weight. Do you want to add cabinets for bigger gigs (you cannot do this with the Fender with only 100W)? Is all wattage being used (no on the 500W Hartke, for sure, you'd need to add cabinets like another 2X10 or 1X12 to use all 500W)? Is tilt needed, as is a setting without good floor monitors, so you can hear yourself? Does it have a DI so you can go through the PA if needed? Do you understand or need all of the features--why pay extra if you won't use on-board effects, for example? If you want lots of volume for large live performance, you can still use a small amp (ie 100 W) with a DI straight to the PA--if the venue has one. If there is no good PA, you may need a larger rig, like a 800 Watt with 2X12. It all depends on what you need. I feel that 100W is the minimum to play with a drummer, and it's pushing it with a full band to be heard, unless mixed through a PA. But remember, if you have 500W, but only a 1X12, you will not be much louder than 100W, because likely all 500W are not being used! Again, this all depends on your goals. Tubes add weight and cost, not likely any sound improvement. I play an Acoustic B100C at $350 USD--100W 1X12, 17kg, great sound, low cost, tilt-back, durable, DI for larger gigs, EQ, tone shaping, overdrive with footswitch. Except for the Hartke, I'd put my amp against any of those for practice or small gigs (bigger if through the PA via the DI), except it cannot power additional cabs, as the Hartke can. The way I understand it, the Hartke's 500W is deceptive, because only a fraction is used, the rest is used only if you add cabinets--but that is nice if you want to play bigger places.

[@viktornesovski1884]

Honestly the basic Rumble sounded the best out of all of them. Considering everything i decided to go with that one personally.

[@jaybass4203]

I love the idea of the combo and still play with the idea of getting one. I did not end up getting a combo and I am very glad with my decision. What i did was I started out with a MB head and the traveler 2\10 102 rear ported cabinet. I thought I was going to expand so I went for a few hundred more and got an 800 watt head. The cab is 30 lbs. I got a MB head bag that I carry under my arm like a pocketbook. The best part is I can BLOW ANYTHING off the stage!!! I never struggle. I place the rear ported cab close to the wall and BOOM!!!! Bone brushing volume and it takes up about 2' on stage. It really turns heads and takes up no space at all. With the extra power in the head the signal is so crisp, and expanding is no issue. But I probably will buy a combo some day.

[@HF1600ie]

How do you think your very-low freq responsive is with the 2x10" alone compared to a 1x15"? I play in an orchestra and I need to move to a lighter combo or the 2x10 plus head format, but I'm affraid the low freq is going to be lost.

[@peterbarratt2415]

I preferred the Hartke. The usual situation applied where the drums drown out the Bass!

[@FarrinD12]

Julia, which one did you pick we must know haha. Great video as always!!

[@chriscuthbertson]

IMO Eden for tone (I love the enhance control) but the Hartke for volume and the 'kickback' feature.

[@ReggieO]

Homie, great product demo. I can't wait to browse thru your catalogue.

[@stewartcampbell9906]

Reggie!!!

[@ReggieO]

@@stewartcampbell9906 you hang out in weird corners of KZbin! I'm over here looking at amp options because I gotta bring the thump in my house.

[@stewartcampbell9906]

@@ReggieO I was checking out Marcus Miller (Squire) basses because my Cort needs work and it's more difficult to slap on my five string. I got myself a Hartke HD25 practice amp from Thomann a couple of years ago as a practice amp. Love it! Good for an apartment. I can't believe I saw your comment on here! Hope you guys are doing well.

[@dDoOyYoOuUtTuUbBeE]

We need a tube bass combo like the Harley Benton Tube 15 for guitars.

[@wolfram4321]

It seems incomplete. I missed a price comparison. And I missed tc electronic BG 250-208.

[@doczooc]

I played it at Thomann some years ago. The speakers are not big enough for playing with drums. Get at least the 115 or 210. They are really well priced, but I did not like the sound at all. I say, if you can, get something better, e.g. Fender Rumble 500 or the like.

[@doczooc]

Oh,, and they will not give prices in the video as they are a shop and do not want to get crap if they have to increase prices down the road.

[@wolfram4321]

doczooc i Agree with you Bit Thomann compared 100 Watt Amps. Not fender rummle 500. i Cannot Imagine to Jam with Drums with only 100 Watt. Rock and punk and pop. Even Hartke with its 500 Watt or Markbass with 250 Watt only have a single speaker. Most rehearsed rooms are small.

[@wolfram4321]

doczooc they could have done a relativ price rating. The average price of theses 5 amps and then for example. Markbass is 30% above the average price.

[@LucaDigioia83]

I've recently got the bg250-210 and I like the sound, It's no Fender rumble but it''s fine and it's also got 2 slot for toneprints effects. Also it's hella loud compared to these in the video I have no trouble keeping up with my drummer with volume at about noon and if I want I can push even more volume. And it was cheap AF for what it offered. Overall I'm very happy with it

[@peterhammond4570]

I have the markbass cmd121p which @ 300w is loud enough for any band i have played with, add the ny121h cab and you have 500w and a massive sound

[@gooney0]

Same here. 1/2 way up is more than enough for a loud metal band.

[@doublefantasy77]

I also have the cmd 121p plus the cabinet ny121h, I use them since 2010 . They are fantastic and 500 watts for me are enough. Best quality. Markbass was founded near the place I live, here in Italy in a town called San Giovanni Teatino :).

[@jmasno5]

(I commented the same to another Markbass owner.) I've been hesitant about the Markbass CMD102 because though it gets great reviews I do see some negative ones that say the amp quit on them during a gig or rehearsal. Not just a few reviews, a lot. Some burned out, some over heated. One person said there is no fuse protection which I find crazy. But your amp has been great over the years?

[@FenderBassMan]

Julia, should you read viewer comments, I want to thank you thank you thank you for introducing me to the Hartke KB line. I was in serious need of an amp that would sit between a 40w practice amp and an 800w amp (with up to two 2x10 cabinets); the Hartke KB12 is ideal. After hearing you play the same model Fender jazz bass that I use, I took a chance and purchased it online since none of the "big box" guitar stores I visit stock any Hartke products. It's a very impressive small, yet quite powerful, amp, especially the Shape control that when added to the onboard EQ gives a jaw-dropping range of tonal variation. Perfect for rehearsals and smaller venues, fitting right between my two older amps.

[@njdakota44]

I’ve been playing for 45 years and out of those 5 amps I’d go with the Eden, always go for more power!

[@onkelpool]

Unfortunately, a completely wrong opinion. Look at the noise meter reading and think again! Age should be enough for that!

[@MZ-tm1tw]

Great test and Review. One big problem with almost all bass amps is the very noisy cooling fan that means that you almost can't use it for recording with a microphone. What you want is a convetion heat sink whitout a cooling fan or temperature regulated noiseless fan system that turns on the fan only when it's necessary or keeps it on low revs.

[@LTDrummer48]

Or you could just get a markbass head / combo that already has pre and post eq XLR output with volume control. Eliminates need for external mic

[@PhillipAlcock]

Depends what sort of music you play and what the band setup is. I’ve used 50watts in a church (with a drummer for years) - we go through the church PA and I use my amp as a monitor. No problems. Sometimes the sound guy has me turned right down because my amps too loud (I say that’s not possible for a bass to be too loud....). Other gigs are with a small swing band - keyboard, drums, guitar, bass, 2 sometimes 3 saxes and a clarinet. Again no problems, but again we put everything through our PA too.

[@keithgardner5818]

I’m glad you commented on that, because most of the comments seem to suggest there’s only loud and louder, and these combos wouldn’t cut it. I’ve attended many small gigs where amps smaller than these were used, like a vintage GK MB150 or something, and nobody gets lost. Mostly jazz, bluegrass, folk music gigs I guess, some using upright bass. Not everything is rock ‘n roll. 😊

[@FishPig1736]

I've read a lot of the comments and quite rightly they concentrate on the video and the question asked, with most adding their own experience of the amps/makes included in the video. no one has mentioned their bass (not the ones I read anyway) The biggest revelation for me after many trials of amps/cabs/ basses, was when I bought my Musicman Stingray bass. I had finally found 'the' sound, that I had been searching for. I had 3 Fenders, 1 Gibson, 1 G&L Assat, 1 Antoria and 1 Ibanez, plus umpteen amps and cabs. I know this is about combos but the same would apply...it was the actual bass that made all the difference.

[@charleswidmore5458]

EXACTLY! I bought a nice ibanez to learn on and I love it but it is really hard for me to get the sound of the classic rock bass. My guitar amp is probably not helping with that...

[@albertopacheco9784]

Rumble 100, the best this time!

[@todsimpkins8908]

lost under drums. and like all rumbles, sounds like mud

[@Leo_Berger]

Great comparison! Just what I was looking for. Thanx from Sweden!

[@Leo_Berger]

Just of curiusity: Which one do you yourself prefer, and why?

[@doublefantasy77]

The Markbass is the best, no doubt about it.

[@gorillafunk725]

The Eden sounds delicious clean & yum yum. It stood out to my ears

[@hardwoodbass]

I eventually went with the Markbass CMD 102P. Very light and an awesome sound that kicks butt. I pair it with a David Eden 2x10 XLT. I've had it for 10 years and never looked at anything else.

[@LeownskieR]

Definitely the Fender and secondly the Eden ms Julia, stay safe

[@lf170]

To those saying amp is struggling to keep up with volume of drums, this is probably correct. However, it really will depend on what kind of music/drummer you're playing with. Obviously, it won't cut it for heavy metal or hard rock with one or two LOUD guitarists, but it's probably enough volume if you're playing with an acoustic guitar/vocalist. Even with an electric guitar that is playing clean tones at moderate volumes and a drummer not beating the hell out of his kit. Also, if you're going through a P.A.

[@mjnc3672]

I have the Fender Rumble 100 for my Ibanez 5 string. I tried out the Rumble 40, but it didn't cut it with the low b string. The Rumble 100 does, and I've been very satisfied with it.

[@MrPrincebass99]

I thought the Eden and Hartke amps sounded the best, but all sounded good. I used a TC bg250 1x15 on the road for years, for small gigs or opening slots. I still use it, and it has a few hundred gigs on it. Not one problem.

[@manlioyllades]

Mark Bass of course!

[@thbccb4890]

its a winner?

[@Jaschi79]

The Fender Rumble 100 is my Favorit 💖💖💖💖 I Love him , I have him 🤣

[@clintkleyn6107]

Depending on your taste and budget these are all good combos. Personally I think a bass amp shouldn't be less than 250 watts if used for full band rehearsals or medium sized shows because you can end up pushing the amp too hard to cut through the mix if you don't have the luxury of in ear monitors.

[@jerrymcintyre9727]

If you see this we're all not rich and have high budgets sadly.

[@jamesdennis5963]

I play the Mark Bass. I have no problem with volume or tone. If you line out to a good PA, You can carry any show. I do not believe this video does any of the amps justice.

[@davelock3166]

That's the point if you line out to a pa, then a small combo is ok. But if you are a small band with a small pa which is only good enough for vocals, then you need more power. A lively drummer will kick out at least 80 watts at least.

[@bobwalles4772]

I'll take my AMPEG BA-115 over these.... wish you had it in the mix. I'd have to vote for the FENDER Rumble as the best you sampled. Great video, Thanks! Julia, you rock my dear.

[@TheDude1764]

Unwelcome Drummer opinion! 🤣 I like it when bassists I play with use Mark Bass gear. Very punchy and solid low end. Also, when I run front of house sound I really enjoy how clean and clear the Mark Bass DI outs are.

[@Lumpschlevot]

I show up with a Helix and go direct into the house. A wireless pack and Ultimate Ears, with a personal mix is all I need. It sounds massive! No gear on stage, except for my Helix board. Drums and bass shake the stage. And the crowd goes wild!

[@Oris37]

If the problem is keeping up with the volume of the drummer, then maybe you need to think about getting a drummer that can play to the volume of the band and not the other way 'round! They can do it you know...

[@luckyman6trois]

some won't...

[@busterrabbit]

a bit like many guitarists some (too many?) drummers just can't play quietly. ALL decent session players can play quiet, loud, or anything in between depending on what the song/venue requires. "I always play like this" just shows they aren't using their ears and just playing for themselves and not the band or the audience

[@jaribu2758]

I've been very fortunate to play with drummers who care. Otherwise you can't always play the space you're in.

[@aggienodari453]

I wish they would have gave their review, unless I missed it. Fender has done a great job with the Rumble. I have markbass and I love it. It's got a lot of volume headroom and light to carry around. I'm a fan of Eden products especially the legacy nemesis, but no point in spending money for another bass amp.

[@dennyd569]

I own a fender rumble 200 it is very powerful and has a great sound. It is light weight so I can carry it anywhere. Never have had it past a quarter volume it is that powerful.

[@fudgesauce]

The Rumble 100 amp and speaker are both rated at 100W. The Rumble 200's amp is rated at 200W, but the internal speaker is good for only 140W; to get the full 200W you need an external cab. So really the basic Rumble 200 combo has only 40% more power, which is lot less than 40% perceived loudness.

[@dennyd569]

@@fudgesauce It doesnt matter It has more power than I will ever use. It is a great amp for my needs. I usually am hooked into the house through direct connection with an xlr connector. It is plenty loud. I have also performed at outdoor events with no problem cutting through the mix.

[@LukeBass1000]

I had a Fender Rumble 100 and while it was loud for an amp of that size and weight I found it didn't have enough beef. "Upgraded" to a GK MB112 (the older version) with 200w and all the notes feel solid all the way down to the low B (and beyond)

[@ajs808]

I have the GK MB110 Amazing little amp for its size

[@ruiseartalcorn]

For me, the Hartke was the clear winner, however I think it still struggled. With a full band it would get lost.

[@josephlafreniere3833]

I own the Hartke kb12 and it’s sounds great. But playing with the band at a full blown loud rehearsal it was struggling a bit. I also had the same problem with my Mark Bass 12 combo. So I switched the head from the combo for the 800 tube, getting 500 watts at 8ohms. I also added the MB12 extension cab! I now carry a full 800 watt beast that’s under 60lbs, and that’s less than 30lbs per hand.

[@ruiseartalcorn]

@@josephlafreniere3833 Awesome! Great solution! :)

[@johndaniel4597]

I use a KB12 primarily for small band rehearsals and big band rehearsals/live gigs. It does a good job - with a crisp, solid sound - considering its basic tone controls and relatively modest price. For louder gigs I use a Mesa Subway D-800 with various Barefaced cabs.

[@ianwalton7893]

Damn! I forgot to look at the db meter I was so transfixed with watching how much you enjoy playing your bass :D But Ashdown for me all the way!