$1500 to spend on a new amp help

MSavoy · #1 12-12-2011, 11:02 AM

Hi all, I play rock and blues in a medium size studio with a bunch of guys and need to upgrade my rig. My drummer is almost deafening and sometimes we have 3 guitars and horns so I need a fair amount of beef to cut through. Whatever I buy will not be moved around so size and weight are not motivating factors.

$1500 is my budget for whatever head and cabs I buy. Should be enough right? Thoughts?

Thanks so much!!

RickenBoogie · #2 12-12-2011, 05:23 PM

Plenty enough. Find an amp with 500+ watts, pair it with a BIG cab, like an 8x10. Done.

babebambi · #3 12-12-2011, 05:29 PM

... there are a couple of DB750's on the classify for $1200 ...

Alex1984 · #4 12-12-2011, 05:33 PM

I'd vote SVT-CL/II/7 Pro + SVT-810E. Unless if you get really lucky and can find an SVT-VR in your price range.

drpepper1 · #5 12-12-2011, 05:42 PM

I would go for Ampeg SVT CL or SVT 4 PRO with SVT 410 HLF (or PR410HLF)... unless you have truck to fit in 810

MyMusic · #6 12-12-2011, 05:46 PM

If you want to go new, Carvin BX1500 amp and BRX10.4 Cab $1149 + shipping. 2 power amps deliver 300w at 8 ohm, 450w at 4 ohms, and 750w at 2 ohm each or 900w at 8 ohm bridged or 1500w at 4 ohms
bridged Carvin.com :: BX1500-10.4N
Or Carvin B2000 amp and BRX10.4 Cab $1199 + shipping. 700w at 8 ohms, 1300w at 4ohms, 2050w at 2 ohms
Carvin.com :: B2000-10.4N

**B-string** · #7 12-12-2011, 05:55 PM

Gallien Krueger NEO810 8x10" Bass Cabinet - www.rmcaudiodirect.com
Gallien Krueger 700RB-II Bass Head Amplifier - www.rmcaudiodirect.com
Tone and they would be hard pressed to drown you out.

Don't forget to use the coupons or request a quote for the pair, shipping is free.

gnergaard · #8 12-12-2011, 05:59 PM

Do you need portability? That can change things drastically.
Also tell us if you have speaker cabs that you plan on keeping.
If you need to move the amp (and you don't have roadies) the Aguilar 750/751 is a very good choice. In my experience it is not the loudest 750 watts I've ever heard but the tone is great.
Another GREAT choice and easy on the wallet is a used Trace elliot 80s or 90s head. There are a few used on the forums now and speifically the old AH 600 is an amazing amp. not light but not as heavy as an SVT. Probably as loud and much more flexible tonally.
There are a few all-tube head on the forums now that you'd probably love for blues rock. SVT-IIs are great but still about 90 lbs. A real sleeper is the new-ish Traynor 300 watt all tube amp at about half the weight of the Ampeg, as well the Eden all tube wt300v. both are around used if you look and weigh a little more than 50 Lbs. In the same category is the Trace elliot V6 which is harder to find as it's discontinued.
If weight is not a problem one of the loudest amps of all time is the discontinued PEAVEY (yes, I said PEAVEY) 400 classic bass amp. 400 tube watts. just about 100 lbs (head only).
there's one on evil bay now for $475 shipped. I'd buy it myself if I could carry it to a gig...
But then you run the risk of being the same guy that you hate...the drummer who hits too hard.
Best advice: give your drummer some money to buy blast-sticks or brushes or learn some technique so as not to play at inappropriate volumes. : )

soulman969 · #9 12-12-2011, 10:11 PM

If it doesn't have to be moved buy an 8x10" cabinet and whatever head you like best to go with it. If you can find a used SVT rig wonderful other wise and SVT Pro head with an Ampeg 8x10" or for a little different sound the GK duo that B-string suggests. Either way you can't go wrong.

2milehighspike · #10 12-12-2011, 10:14 PM

you need to get a gk mb800/neo 2x12 . That will blow the doors off anything in its price range . trust me i just got that rig ,VERY IMPRESSIVE, and if you act fast , you can get it for WAY less than $1500 from mf !!

UncleFluffy · #11 12-12-2011, 10:16 PM

What MyMusic said.

canadian*eh · #12 12-13-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyMusic

Or Carvin B2000 amp and BRX10.4 Cab $1199 + shipping. 700w at 8 ohms, 1300w at 4ohms, 2050w at 2 ohms
Carvin.com :: B2000-10.4N

+1 Just got \the b2000 head...its a beast and it only weighs 13lbs...you really cant beat it for that price!!

Muckaluck · #13 12-13-2011, 01:36 PM

Man, if you could squeeze a bit more out of your budget, you could get the new Traynor YBA 300 and a used Ampeg 8X10.

With a rig like that you could make your hard hitting drummer cry like a baby.

CL400Peavey · #14 12-13-2011, 01:37 PM

Peavey Classic 400. Peavey TX 810.

End of volume wars.

TBassEurope · #15 12-13-2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muckaluck

Man, if you could squeeze a bit more out of your budget, you could get the new Traynor YBA 300 and a used Ampeg 8X10.

With a rig like that you could make your hard hitting drummer cry like a baby.

Russell L · #16 12-13-2011, 02:15 PM

I'd get an 810 and an amp that will pump 500w. My Markbass Little Mark III head sounds great through one.

MSavoy · #17 12-13-2011, 02:28 PM

Anyone like those lightweight GK MB500? Seems like they are well worth $500. I also would not mind a portable head to go with my dream of an Ampeg 8X10.

CL400Peavey · #18 12-13-2011, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muckaluck

Man, if you could squeeze a bit more out of your budget, you could get the new Traynor YBA 300 and a used Ampeg 8X10.

With a rig like that you could make your hard hitting drummer cry like a baby.

For less than a grand you could get a Classic 400 with 810 and make your drummer and every guitard in the world deaf...

darius8 · #19 12-13-2011, 03:39 PM

+1 what MyMusic said:

Carvin BX1500 = 1500w @ 4 ohms and they're only $599, the rest could go for an 8x10. rock on!

If you really like those GK's, try the new MB 800...

Alex1984 · #20 12-13-2011, 03:51 PM

You should get your drummer to hit softer.