Which 810?

Bumper · #1 08-14-2011, 05:41 PM

DSICLAIMER: I searched and rifled through a few pages before deciding that I wasn't going to find my answer.

I recently bought a Fender Bassman 300 Pro, I haven't had a chance to use it yet as it is sitting back home in Kentucky and I'm in the gloriously sandy country of Iraq. I plan on using it through an 810 when I get home. I'm very budget conscious, but I don't want to sacrifice quality. An old friend of mine is adamant on recommending the new Acoustic 810 (he's also a GC salesman, go figure!), but I'm wary of it. It does seem like a good deal, but I also remember the old Behringer Ultrabass 810s being similarly priced, and I don't think anyone wants to open that can of worms. I've looked through a few used Ampegs and such, Ampeg seems to be the industry standard, and it would probably be a good jumping off place for my first 810.

I know my friend wouldn't try to intentionally steer me wrong on this cab, it may sound great. However I am notoriously hard on instruments, cabinets, and amps. I'm seriously questioning the durability of such a cheaply (priced) cab without being able to lay hands on one myself.

When I return back to the states (I will be separating from the army shortly after) I'll be going back to playing music and going to school full time. My band plays originals, kind of a blend of pop, tech-metal, and jazz. I'm no stranger to the music scene, having actively played out since I was 14. I predict we will likely play a show at least every weekend, and short tours over school breaks (just like the old days).

I understand we won't be doing international tours or even extensively touring at all, but I want something that would be able to withstand that.

So given the kind of music, would an Acoustic 810 be a good move for a bassist wanting a reliable, good sounding (for this brand of noise), and road worthy cabinet? Should I pick up a used Ampeg? Something else better (that is close to the price of a new Acoustic/used Ampeg)?

Thank you in advance, everyone.

**B-string** · #2 08-14-2011, 05:46 PM

Pass on the GC Acoustic.

Bumper · #3 08-14-2011, 05:48 PM

If you don't mind me picking your brain, why exactly? The tone? Or is it the durability? I'll probably end up putting whatever I get into a live in roadcase, but I'd much rather have a tough, decent sounding amp protected than a flimsy model.

**B-string** · #4 08-14-2011, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumper

If you don't mind me picking your brain, why exactly? The tone? Or is it the durability? I'll probably end up putting whatever I get into a live in roadcase, but I'd much rather have a tough, decent sounding amp protected than a flimsy model.

The construction is not up to professional standards, SLM Ampeg found that out when they went to MDF instead of good plywood.

Bumper · #5 08-14-2011, 05:56 PM

Roger Wilco on that note then. Any suggestion? I am very open to used gear, but not very open with the checkbook.

DeathFromBelow · #6 08-14-2011, 05:59 PM

Get a used Ampeg 810, it won't let you down.

someparts · #7 08-14-2011, 06:01 PM

The matching Fender Bassman PRO cabs are excellent but not sure about finding one used. They make a 6x10 as well as the 8x10.

Dustin Teel · #8 08-14-2011, 06:03 PM

The aforementioned is true about the Acoustic 810. The tolex tears easily, the metal corners bend easily, and the feet are easily knocked off.

On the other hand, it sounds outstanding. I own the Acoustic 810 and, as long as your band has a trailer and you don't let drunk people carry your gear, it will be fine on the road. The speakers are very tight and punchy and have a great response. The tone is huge, and you can send quite a lot of low frequencies into it without distortion. Also, the vintage look of it is cool.

Just because it's priced in the same range as Behringer, doesn't mean it's a bad cabinet. I gig with it every weekend driving it with a Hartke 5500 head and with the volume on more than 2 I overpower the band. Plenty of volume and great sound; I always get compliments on my tone. I highly recommend it.

**B-string** · #9 08-14-2011, 06:11 PM

I'm not a fan of 810s so I personally don't fallow them THAT much. If you play with Jazz flavors the 810 would not be (my) personal choice. Ampeg (avoid the SLM MDFs), some others have made 810s and might be worth a listen to.
Myself I really like my G-K NEO 412 and can play any style music with it with no trouble. But it's not an 810.

Bumper · #10 08-14-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someparts

The matching Fender Bassman PRO cabs are excellent but not sure about finding one used. They make a 6x10 as well as the 8x10.

Yes, the only reason I don't already have the Fender cab is the price tag and seeming nonexistence of a used market for them. Otherwise, I'd be all over that noise!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dustin Teel

long as your band has a trailer and you don't let drunk people carry your gear, it will be fine on the road.

Again, therein lies the problem as approximately 100% of the time I will be the drunk person carrying my gear! We do have a trailer, and I will likely house whatever cab I get into a live in case, but I'm still sketchy on the reliability of something that is so cheap. I've heard numerous good things about them. However I've also heard a lot of bad. What kind of music do you play through yours? Do you think it would fit well with my style?

RickenBoogie · #11 08-14-2011, 06:13 PM

The Acoustic 810 is no where near as good as 1)Ampeg, 2) Fender, 3) Mesa, 4) SWR. Not just the construction, but the sound. The Acoustic is an entry level piece of budget gear. A *used* anyone of the aforementioned brands will smoke it, but each is different, and would be best to test out with your own ears. Also, plenty of great 610's to be had as well, including the 4 above, plus Bergantino's NV610 which tops them all, (imo). Good luck, and stay safe out there.

Bumper · #12 08-14-2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

If you play with Jazz flavors the 810 would not be (my) personal choice.Myself I really like my G-K NEO 412 and can play any style music with it with no trouble. But it's not an 810.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. Keep in mind though that while I (and the rest of us)am jazz influenced, it's only a small influence. This is first and foremost a metal band, but not an average metal band. As much as it pains me to say this, the biggest reason I'm hunting the 810 is for the physical value of one. No band in the local scene is to be taken seriously if they show up to the show with a 210 combo, especially not for our music.

I am checking into the GK 412, I used to play through a different 412 and enjoyed it very much. How often do they turn up used?

Josh Pelican · #13 08-14-2011, 06:25 PM

My vote goes for Ampeg. I've had one for a few years and I love it.

BassBob1 · #14 08-14-2011, 06:34 PM

i don't own an 810, its just too big for my purposes. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a used ampeg 810E. As said already avoid SLM MDF made cabs. I know there is a thread on here where someone said what years specifically. If you don't happen to like the ampeg you shouldn't have a hard time reselling it for what you bought it for.

**B-string** · #15 08-14-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumper

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. Keep in mind though that while I (and the rest of us)am jazz influenced, it's only a small influence. This is first and foremost a metal band, but not an average metal band. As much as it pains me to say this, the biggest reason I'm hunting the 810 is for the physical value of one. No band in the local scene is to be taken seriously if they show up to the show with a 210 combo, especially not for our music.

I am checking into the GK 412, I used to play through a different 412 and enjoyed it very much. How often do they turn up used?

Not often, most keep them but the do show up on occasion.

LiquidMidnight · #16 08-14-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

The Acoustic 810 is no where near as good as 1)Ampeg, 2) Fender, 3) Mesa, 4) SWR. Not just the construction, but the sound.

While I have never played the Acoustic, I'd be wary of a brand new 8x10 at that price. Additionally, the above brands are well established and have great reputations (The new Acoustic is not the same as the old Acoustic of yore). I'd also add Aguilar's DB810 and the Hartke HyDrive 8x10 as two other choices on the used market.

As far as MDF, I have two of the older Aguilar S series 4x10s, which are made out of MDF. While they do bruise a little easier than plywood, I've gigged them pretty hard for almost the past six years and they still look really good. Of course, I use non-padded covers on them and only people I trust handle them. Of course, since they're 4x10s, they aren't "dragged" when they're moved the same way an 8x10 would be, so an uncovered 8x10 is going to generally show more wear. ...they are heavy as sin, though.

JMac4strngr · #17 08-14-2011, 06:56 PM

The Acoustic cab is an OK cab for the price, but an Ampeg or similar brand will smoke it in terms of output and tone. For less than what You'll spend on the Acoustic 810, You could find a used Ampeg 810e locally on craigslist. They are for sale on there on a weekly basis.

JimmyM · #18 08-14-2011, 09:58 PM

Agreed with everyone else. When I tried the Acoustic 810, there was also a new Markbass CL 108 and a new 810e in the store. The Acoustic sounded pretty good till I tried the other two, and the 810e just plain smoked the other two while the Markbass was only a lot better

It is not a bad cab, except for the crap mystery wood, but when you play an 810e next to it, you see why the 810e's more money.