Advice buying first real rig

[funkycoldmedina]

Hey everyone, so I'm finally to a point where its time to upgrade to a real gig worthy rig and the only problem is, I have NO idea what to really look into.

I know I would prefer a stack to a combo just because... well I don't know. Why should I prefer one or the other? Also, I know NOTHING about choosing a stack like watts and ohms and distribution so any help there would be much appreciated.

I want an amp that can help give me a real solid funk tone, aggressive, punchy and some solid cut. I'll be running either an active SBMM Ray 34 or Fender deluxe Active P-Bass Special if that makes a difference. My price range is preferrably under $1000 but I can go as high as $1500.

PS- Sorry about any seemingly dumb questions but I'm a total moron when it comes to amps. Thanks in advance

[Floyd Eye]

Find a used SVT with an 8x10.

[MrLenny1]

Go separate amp & cab. Most combos are under powered for live gigs.
I.E. $400 will get you an Eden WT 400 watt amp (used). Similar deals on SWR.
A TB'er here is selling a Bag End 4x10 for $400 for example.That is a top cab.
So for $800 you could get a really good amp/cab setup. I stress used because so many guys are dropping 4x10 for small neo cabs and bigger amps for micro heads that the price value on that gear is great.
Happy hunting.

[PSPookie]

For $1k-1.5k you will have a ton of options if you buy used.

Gear makers that have generally impressed me:
Aguilar
Alembic
Bag End
Genz Benz


Go out, try what you can and see what suits you.

Happy Hunting

[funkycoldmedina]

Okay, thank you guys, you've given me some stuff to look at at least. Thanks!

[jastacey]

My advice is; use the bass you play with all the time to audition the equipment .... I'd say get a Berg NV610, it does the Ampeg/SVT/810 sound much better ... IMHO .... as to heads/amps, you didn't indicate what your looking for ( tube, solid-state, hybrid ) so, I'd keep an eye on the used market (Craigslist, Ebay, Etc. ) .... there's a ton of stuff out there

[christw]

Originally Posted by MrLenny1

Go separate amp & cab. Most combos are under powered for live gigs.
I.E. $400 will get you an Eden WT 400 watt amp (used). Similar deals on SWR.
A TB'er here is selling a Bag End 4x10 for $400 for example.That is a top cab.
So for $800 you could get a really good amp/cab setup. I stress used because so many guys are dropping 4x10 for small neo cabs and bigger amps for micro heads that the price value on that gear is great.
Happy hunting.

I saw your post and went to go PM them to snag the Bag End. It was sold already. I love the things! My rig is a BE 210, 410, and GK 1001RB-II and there is almost nothing I can't do with it.

[funkycoldmedina]

Originally Posted by jastacey

My advice is; use the bass you play with all the time to audition the equipment .... I'd say get a Berg NV610, it does the Ampeg/SVT/810 sound much better ... IMHO .... as to heads/amps, you didn't indicate what your looking for ( tube, solid-state, hybrid ) so, I'd keep an eye on the used market (Craigslist, Ebay, Etc. ) .... there's a ton of stuff out there

Thanks for the advice!

I actually don't really know the difference between tube, solid-state, etc

[BassBob1]

take your bass to a guitar center/ sam ash/ any music store and play as much of the gear as you can.

[jastacey]

Well ... go here for tubes; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_Amp For solid-state go here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instrum...ate_Amplifiers for Hybrid, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_so...rid_amplifiers

[funkycoldmedina]

Thanks everyone