Gallien Krueger Backline 110

[Sammy]

I was looking for a cheapish bass combo for my 14year old son. His main instument is guitar but I got him a s/h Active Samick bass from another band I know as he was keen to play and was amazed how good he is on bass! He now sits in on my bands rehersals at my house, as our bass player lives too far away and only comes over when we book a hall.

Therefore I need an amp thats good indoors, lightweight and that he could play out also if needed at smallish venues where the band is not too loud.

I had a look round at various different models and the bass centre recommeded the GK Backline 10 at 70 watts, I must admit it sounded really good. Much better than the bigger Ashdown 180watts!
I was also recommeded the Roland Cube 30 Bass at another shop, sounded good, but I thought it had too many effects!

Anyone got the GK or any recommedations on something similar.

Thanks

[jeak]

I've tried the 115 and thought it sounded really good. Then I read the HC reviews and learned of some reliability issues. I would recommend either an old Peavy Minx 110 or a Fender Bassman 25 from around 2002, like this (http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Bassman-25-1x10-amplifier-25-watts_W0QQitemZ140116876120QQihZ004QQcategoryZ1211 57QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). I have a Minx as my backup/coffeehouse amp, and it's great, especially for $100 used. I used to have a Bassman 25 and liked it too. Its wedge design makes it clumsier to carry, though.

[wallypip]

I've owned the GK Backline 110 for about 4 years. I've never had a bit of trouble from it and the tone is pretty good for the price.

The good:

Again, never a problem, even when I went against GK's recommendation and ran second cab and dropped to 4 ohms.

Clear tone. It sounded great playing flatwound strings and accompanying acoustic guitars. I actually used this as a vocal monitor when I was in a pinch. Not great for that, but it worked better than most bass amps.

It has a tape in and a distortion channel. That makes it a great amp to practice and write.

Small and light. It fits in the space behind my recliner so I can plug in an and watch TV while I practice. Its easy to carry over to my singer's house to write songs.

The bad:
I can't believe for a second that this thing is 70 watts. I'm not sure if GK put an innefficient speaker in it or if they are simply fabricating the output. This will NOT be loud enough for a band that features drums and electric guitars. You won't even get enough volume for the stage sound.

In my opinion, this is a really good practice amp. I've thought about selling mine before, but I figure it comes in handy enough that I might as well hold on to it. But I doubt I would buy another one if this one was lost or stolen.

[Sammy]

I've owned the GK Backline 110 for about 4 years. I've never had a bit of trouble from it and the tone is pretty good for the price.

The good:

Again, never a problem, even when I went against GK's recommendation and ran second cab and dropped to 4 ohms.

Clear tone. It sounded great playing flatwound strings and accompanying acoustic guitars. I actually used this as a vocal monitor when I was in a pinch. Not great for that, but it worked better than most bass amps.

It has a tape in and a distortion channel. That makes it a great amp to practice and write.

Small and light. It fits in the space behind my recliner so I can plug in an and watch TV while I practice. Its easy to carry over to my singer's house to write songs.

The bad:
I can't believe for a second that this thing is 70 watts. I'm not sure if GK put an innefficient speaker in it or if they are simply fabricating the output. This will NOT be loud enough for a band that features drums and electric guitars. You won't even get enough volume for the stage sound.

In my opinion, this is a really good practice amp. I've thought about selling mine before, but I figure it comes in handy enough that I might as well hold on to it. But I doubt I would buy another one if this one was lost or stolen.

Thanks for the info. The 70 watt was the thing I was concerned about, whilst i thought it would be great for practice, I had the feeling it wouldn't be loud enough in even a small band situation.

Anyway just bought a used Roland Cube Bass 100 for a good price, waiting for delivery, should be enough power in that for the time being!