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03-21-2011, 06:20 AM
| | | | All-purpose amp suggestions?
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I don't have much know-how regarding bass amps apart from 'lead goes in, loud noise comes out'. Most of the time I don't even bother with the equalization, putting all of them on 12 o'clock so please bear with me.
Well I'm in a band (as most of us are) and am looking for an amp that can handle practicing in a five-man band, as well as deliver a good sound in a small venue (like a bar or something) on the off-chance we get a gig. I suppose I'll be looking for a combo for their portability as well as price. Price range would preferrably be around US$700 - US$1000. I don't really bother with distortion and effects but it would be cool the amp had overdrive.
So yeah. Just looking for an amp that gives a nice thick tone that's loud enough to be heard (or rather felt) over two screaming guitars, a thundering drum kit and a crooning singer.
Any suggestions?
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03-21-2011, 06:31 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cincinnati, OH | | |
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03-21-2011, 12:46 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: May 2006 Location: Arlington Heights, IL | | | +1 to the idea above. That is a decent combo, unlike other combos out there. Typically, bass combos are using cheaper speakers, which make the combo barely loud enough to compete in a band setting. Always try out a combo amp with the same brand's amp head and speaker (separates) next to it to hear out the difference. See which one is going to work best for you.
Keep in mind, if it's too loud in the store, it will be great for the band! You can always turn it down.
I also suggest learning how to use EQ properly. It really is easier than you think and just putting the knobs at 12 O' Clock is not necessarily a neutral tone. A popular knob: "Contour" "Enhance" or "Scoop" at 12 O' Clock is generally removing some of the low midrange (200hz-400hz) out of your tone while boosting the lows and highs. The low mids are what you will need to cut through with your band. An easy way to do EQ is playing one string at a time on your bass and adjust one knob at a time and try to figure out what it does with your ears. That is how I learned.
In your situation, I would not look at anything lower than a 410. |
03-23-2011, 08:27 PM
| | | | cool thanks for the suggestion. i'll look for that model in my local dealerships, but if i can't find that exact model i'll be looking for 4x10 combos instead. |
03-23-2011, 08:47 PM
| | | | hey would a fender bassman 250 combo cut it? |
03-23-2011, 09:08 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: May 2006 Location: Arlington Heights, IL | | Quote:
Originally Posted by FruityBard  hey would a fender bassman 250 combo cut it? | From all of my experiences and shows, I would say no. I never found those combos loud at all and I feel the speakers are cheap. If you take all of the low end out of the speaker and boost the mids and highs - you might be heard, but it will sound raunchy as can be. (Edited because I was too tired to finish the sentence)
Get the LH1000 and a Hartke 410. Look used stuff. Seriously, that rig will get you heard. The Fender Rumble 250 is going to get murdered by the drummer alone.
Last edited by Gearhead17 : 03-24-2011 at 02:23 PM.
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03-24-2011, 02:14 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cincinnati, OH | | | If you have the money, buy the Hartke LH1000 and the Hydrive HX410. If you can swing it, get the HX115 as well. An excellent compliment!
Good luck.
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03-24-2011, 08:12 PM
| | | | I've found the Bassman 250 to be a solid amp and very tonally diverse. |
03-25-2011, 03:29 PM
| | | Quote:
Originally Posted by FruityBard cool thanks for the suggestion. i'll look for that model in my local dealerships, but if i can't find that exact model i'll be looking for 4x10 combos instead. | You'll get great bang for your buck in the used market, but that can take a bit of shopping around to find what's right for you.
To hang with a pair of loud guitars and a heavy drummer, I think that you're on the right track looking for a 4x10. Just keep in mind that a combo with that layout won't necessarily be convenient, since it's an all-in-one big box.
Not a whole lot of 4x10 combos out there either, at least compared with the option of getting a head and separate cab. Lots of heads can run lots of cabs and given your price range, you ought to be able to find a half way smokin' setup for yourself. I run a pair of 2x10 cabs together just because they fit in my car - the old 4x10 was too chunky. Having the pair of smaller cabs also gives me the option to use to use a smaller rig in a tighter setting or for a practice where I don't need the whole shabang. Not saying that you need this for yourself, but it's one way to go.
There's even the possibility of getting a decent 2x10 combo with the power to also drive an extension cab - ideally another 2x10 or maybe a 1x15. That's just another way to have both a smaller and a bigger layout in case you want that. |
03-25-2011, 04:15 PM
|  | Player Characters fear me... Moderator | | Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Middletown CT, USA | | Quote:
Originally Posted by groove pump You'll get great bang for your buck in the used market, but that can take a bit of shopping around to find what's right for you.
To hang with a pair of loud guitars and a heavy drummer, I think that you're on the right track looking for a 4x10. Just keep in mind that a combo with that layout won't necessarily be convenient, since it's an all-in-one big box.
Not a whole lot of 4x10 combos out there either, at least compared with the option of getting a head and separate cab. Lots of heads can run lots of cabs and given your price range, you ought to be able to find a half way smokin' setup for yourself. I run a pair of 2x10 cabs together just because they fit in my car - the old 4x10 was too chunky. Having the pair of smaller cabs also gives me the option to use to use a smaller rig in a tighter setting or for a practice where I don't need the whole shabang. Not saying that you need this for yourself, but it's one way to go.
There's even the possibility of getting a decent 2x10 combo with the power to also drive an extension cab - ideally another 2x10 or maybe a 1x15. That's just another way to have both a smaller and a bigger layout in case you want that. | Right on with the idea of looking at used, and double to the idea of not getting a combo if you can help it. Also, a 410 combo is going to be a beast to move. However, you may find one that works for your needs. I would slso recommend checking out a few of the threads in the FAQ sticky for general amps info. They really won't give you any idea of what brands offer the most bang for the buck as that can be quite volatile, but it should give you some food for thought. |
03-25-2011, 04:20 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Portland oregon | | | fender bassman 250 will be heard over the drums... a fender rumble on the otherhand wont. we have the bassman 250 combo some dude left it at our drummers house we have practiced with it because it was easier to use that then bring my cab and amp. and the dude is rich and doesnt seem to care because he has a gk 8x10. but anyway its a great 2x10 its loud enough for practice and would be loud enough for shows with pa support. but for shows id rather just take my swr 6x10 and hartke lh 500.
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03-25-2011, 04:25 PM
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03-26-2011, 05:11 AM
| | | thanks for the sugesstions guys really detailed and helpful. i'd love to give the 5410C a spin but i just can't seem to find one brand new or used.
living in new zealand my options are quite limited.
brand new these are what i'm looking at: heads cabs and combos |
03-26-2011, 05:23 AM
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Endorsing Artist: MLaghus Custom Basses | | Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boca Raton - FL | | | GK's are pretty versatile and reliable... |
03-26-2011, 06:10 AM
| | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by FruityBard thanks for the sugesstions guys really detailed and helpful. i'd love to give the 5410C a spin but i just can't seem to find one brand new or used.
living in new zealand my options are quite limited.
brand new these are what i'm looking at: heads cabs and combos | Thats expensive prices
I'm in oz and just got a go mb200 delivered from the state for $ 280 - they are asking $475
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