$1000 minimalist rig. Need suggestions!

StolenSpector · #1 06-13-2011, 11:16 PM

Looking for a simple amp to drive a 4ohm 4x10 cab. I play reggae, blues, funk and some rock. Price range is around a grand for the entire setup.

So far I like GK MB500, Ibanez Promethean, Ampeg PF-500, Hartke LH500 and TC Electronics Classic 450 amps and I'm looking at Avatar for the 4x10.

I'm trying to build a rig for small-medium sized venues.

Thanks all you gear junkies!

nocontrols · #2 06-13-2011, 11:24 PM

I hope this thread gets some good suggestions because I'm looking for something similar myself. Although the $1,000 price tag is flexible a bit, I would love to know what the best stripped-down and simple amp would be... something that could power two 4x10's for hard rock.

onosson · #3 06-13-2011, 11:27 PM

As far as heads go, I love my Hartke LH500 - my GK 700RBII has been in storage ever since I got it. It's dead simple - one volume, three eq controls (though actually the eq controls boost level too, especially the bass and mids). Sounds great with a P-Bass.

onosson · #4 06-13-2011, 11:28 PM

If you want to run two cabs the LH1000 might be better - same preamp and eq but twice the power, and has a balance control to adjust the level between the cabs.

rpsands · #5 06-14-2011, 12:28 AM

With that varied of a repertoire, MB500 with a coupon and an Avatar TB153.

babebambi · #6 06-14-2011, 07:38 AM

Carvin B1500/2000
Avatar TB153

stflbn · #7 06-14-2011, 07:39 AM

Markbass F1 and GK 410MBE

If I was looking for a small powerful 410 setup.

Mirios · #8 06-14-2011, 07:46 AM

I guess if you already set on owning the 4 ohm cab I would be looking for a Head that can go down to 2 ohms. That way if you ever need to extend the range of your system you can do so easily.

I would start trying heads out locally and see what you like. Lots of good heads by different manufacturers out there. Most companies have a head in your price range. If you start looking at used (like i always do) then you are going to possibly be overwhelmed with possibilities. Best way to narrow them down is try as many as you can until you figure out what you like.

On a side note, I Use Eden gear. Just my flavor.

klejst · #9 06-14-2011, 09:00 AM

Just based off what I use, I love my Peavy Tour 450 head. Good amount of power, tons of EQ features, and I bought mine about three years ago for around $400. I currently have it paired with a Mesa Powerhouse 6x10 cab and the rig sounds awesome. There is a lot you could do with $1000, especially if you are alright with going the used gear route. You can find some pretty awesome deals, just if you can be sure to check it out and test everything out first before you pass your cash.

bassplayer8953 · #10 06-14-2011, 09:05 AM

Carvin.com :: BX1500-410

MyMusic · #11 06-14-2011, 09:36 AM

Carvin.com :: BX500-10.4N

lomo · #12 06-14-2011, 09:37 AM

\Forget the 410:

Avatar TB153 in 4 Ohms, GK MB500.

rpsands · #13 06-14-2011, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lomo

\Forget the 410:

Avatar TB153 in 4 Ohms, GK MB500.

+1 - think I forgot to say the 4 ohm model

logicman69 · #14 06-14-2011, 09:44 AM

I'll give my vote for the Hartke LH1000. Grab the head new ($600) and grab a used cab (you can pick up an Ampeg SVT410HLF fairly cheep). Or if you want a new cab, the Fender Rumble 410 is a great deal for $300.

pablomigraine · #15 06-14-2011, 09:46 AM

The budget rig I always push is this:

Used Sansamp RBI: $225
Used PA Power amp 1000+ watts: $250
Used Road Case: $75

MOnster sounding rig, louder than any integrated head commercially available, plenty of change left over!!

sykes of christ · #16 06-14-2011, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pablomigraine

The budget rig I always push is this:

Used Sansamp RBI: $225
Used PA Power amp 1000+ watts: $250
Used Road Case: $75

MOnster sounding rig, louder than any integrated head commercially available, plenty of change left over!!

I'm not sure why more people don't do this, if they don't have alot of funds.

rpsands · #17 06-14-2011, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pablomigraine

The budget rig I always push is this:

Used Sansamp RBI: $225
Used PA Power amp 1000+ watts: $250
Used Road Case: $75

MOnster sounding rig, louder than any integrated head commercially available, plenty of change left over!!

Used Decent pedal preamp - 150 bucks
New Crown Drivecore 1500 - 300 or less (or closer to 200 for a 1000)

tis how I'd roll

However, integrated heads are a lot easier.

rpsands · #18 06-14-2011, 10:05 AM

The biggest reason people don't use power amps is a gross misunderstanding of bridge cables.

Enough guys have tried out power amps, set the dip switch to bridge, and then neglected to RTFM and not used a proper bridging cable, and then said loudly and proudly "Power amps are overrated power wise, mine is quieter than my 300 watt head bridged!"

But turns out almost inevitably they weren't actually bridging and were using a 175 watt side of the power amp and comparing it to a 300 watt head (and go figure the head was louder!)

So now there's this "understood truth" floating around the community of the uninformed that power amps are quiet for their watts and so on. Blah.

stflbn · #19 06-14-2011, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sykes of christ

I'm not sure why more people don't do this, if they don't have alot of funds.

Because many don't like the injection of Sansamp coloring you get (and can't get away from) with the SansAmp gear.

rpsands · #20 06-14-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

Because many don't like the injection of Sansamp coloring you get (and can't get away from) with the SansAmp gear.

There are about 20 different preamps out there available for 200 or less on the used market (some new).

I'm not going to say that power amps are the way for everyone. Integrated heads are much easier.

But there are plenty of tones available.