About how much power do I need to play in Drop B?

[PunkRocker33133]

I just joined a metalcore/doom/sludge band, and they play in Drop B. Sadly, my GK 400Rb is not going to keep up with this... I'm using a Peavey 215 for cabs, so I think I'm good on that front, but I need more volume and enough low end to reproduce a fuzzed out low B...

[bassslater19876]

Unless its real doom/sludge, I'd say just go.
But hell, I detest metalcore!
On a real note, I'd say go for something with 300wats or so. The Peavy VB-2 Is what I'd say go for. Tubeage, and power.

[duderasta]

A lot of it has to to with matching the right speakers to the right amp...
what model peavey 2x15?

I do think if you are looking for a lot of bottom end a little more power might be in order....

Thats why I went rack gear I can use my 400 watt power amp mostly, but when I need it I can through the old 2000 watt beast in there and add more cabs!

[atheos]

Actually I prefer 10" speakers even for low tunings, 410 or 810. IMHO they have more punch and definition and less wobble and mud.

Remember, it's not all about power, it's about your fingers/pick, bass, strings, setup, effects, amp model and settings, cab model, cab placement and the room you're playing in. Placement is a big one, you can cut/boost certain frequencies by up to 20dBs just by moving the cab a few feet. Power usually only defines how loud you can play.

But let's say you have all that worked out and you really need just the power. Maybe 1000W? Maybe Hartke LH1000? I mean, if you're a no-frills guy the LH1000 is a very decent workhorse with enough power but without any unnecessary bells and whistles. My 2 cents.

[PunkRocker33133]

I have a really old Peavey 215 with black widows in it, and I was thinking I need tubes too... and to Basslater, the band is mostly sludge/doom with more of a hardcore influence than metalcore, there's just screaming involved so I don't really know what to classify it as

[Metal Matt]

More amps and speakers (at least another 2x15), and remember that low mids are your friend.

I'm currently using an Earth 2x15 and Acoustic 2x15 under a Sunn Concert Bass and Concert Slave for drop B, also have a bass in low F#BEA. Handles it all just fine, and it's all equipment from the mid to late 70's. I'm selling off two of my other cabs and will be buying a third 2x15 so I can run three amps into 6 15's. Which is a downsize for me. ha

[puddin tame]

drop b? get a 5 string already

[Metal Matt]

Originally Posted by puddin tame

drop b? get a 5 string already

[Sartori]

I don't get drop b.

It's easier for me to just buy a 5 string set and ditch the G.

As for power... I play both EADG and BEAD tuned basses through a 180 watt tube amp.