Amp Advice: Punk/Metal

[JohneeDeformed]

I am looking to purchase an amp. I will be playing medium sized gigs in bars/clubs for a punk/metal band. Any recommendations for amps? wattage? Should I go for 10s, 12s or a 15? My budget is $1200-1500.

I'm playing an Ibanez SRX2EX-1. No pedals.

[ItsMichaelYeah]

are you looking for new or used gear?
do you want a Solid State amp or Tubes?

[rhopper]

The Fender TB 600-C combo would be a good choice if you don't mind the weight.

[garmenteros]

1200 to 1500 is good cash for a setup... for punk and metal and your budget id go with a gk800rb and an ampeg 8 by 10, I've seen a few bands live with this setup and it kills. I personally use a mesa400+ with a powerhouse 1000 (4 10s and 1 15), but its a bit $$, its my favorite setup so far... I've also used a gk1001rb II with a neo 212 and it had a very modern sound which you may or may not like... cut through like no ones business with a pick and an ltd fiver...

[RNV]

Peavey VB-2 and the 810. This is coming from a die hard Carvin guy.

[zachoff]

SVT & 810

What kind of sound do you like? Are you picky?

If not picky, you can get a monstrous sound from a Carvin BX1500 and 2 BRX10.2NEOs, and have a versatile set-up to boot!

If picky, you need to figure out what your sound goals are... For example, if you, and/or your audience listen with their eyes, you'll need large cabinets!

Personally, I think two 2x15 cabinets would be killer, and be easier to cart about. You do not need the stage muscle of 8x10s anymore. It is only for looks now... The PA will carry the muscle and volume beyond what you need on stage...

I have speant nearly a decade using a 2x12 cabinet for 90% of my sound requirements... Sometimes outdoors I'd actually need my 2x15... Now, I like a 1x15 + 1x12 whenever possible... But that is sometimes too much...

Food for thought! YMMV...

[Clank]

Originally Posted by garmenteros

1200 to 1500 is good cash for a setup... for punk and metal and your budget id go with a gk800rb and an ampeg 8 by 10, I've seen a few bands live with this setup and it kills. I personally use a mesa400+ with a powerhouse 1000 (4 10s and 1 15), but its a bit $$, its my favorite setup so far... I've also used a gk1001rb II with a neo 212 and it had a very modern sound which you may or may not like... cut through like no ones business with a pick and an ltd fiver...

You can't go wrong with the GK 800 rb and the 8x10. Simple, loud, and near bulletproof.

[maevinj]

Originally Posted by Clank

You can't go wrong with the GK 800 rb and the 8x10. Simple, loud, and near bulletproof.

+1 If i was playing punk, that is the setup I would have.

[Latinferno]

Originally Posted by zachoff

SVT & 810

Throw in a used Tech 21 Sansamp Bass D.I. pedal and you will have THE SOUND you are looking for. Go with used equipment and you will easily fit this in your budget (I got a used SVT 4 Pro, 8X10 cab and Music Man 4 string for $1600 bucks).

[zachoff]

Originally Posted by tifftunes

You do not need the stage muscle of 8x10s anymore. It is only for looks now...

Wholeheartedly disagree. I've found no cab that can reproduce the tone you get from an Ampeg 810. It isn't about looks or stage muscle... It's about the sound you're looking for. I've tried 2x15s, I've tried 4x10s & there are no 210s or 115s that can even come remotely close to it. The only thing I've heard folks say is comparable to the 810 is the Berg NV610 (which I haven't tried) but you're still carting around 610. I once sold my 810 to experiment and now I'm back. There was nothing that come close.

[Bulldog]

Originally Posted by maevinj

+1 If i was playing punk, that is the setup I would have.

You just can't go wrong with that.

[shadow_FIX]

I haven't met a situation yet where I've had to drive my 410's hard. Plenty of stage presence without pushing the volume much at all, including a large outdoor venue. PA support eliminates the need for an 810 from a practical standpoint...but you're right there is a different sound from an 810.

You're going to get 1000 different recommendations from everyone who has found a sound they like from a wide variety of gear.

If I were you and you want a sureshot, SVT and 810 is the safest bet if you're buying without seeing/playing on it first. Making a more specific decision would require you to narrow your goals, and go start playing some different gear in stores.

[Greevus]

I'm a metal/punk influenced player of two decades. My GK MB2-500 micro head at 500 watts and my Ampeg SVT 810 cabinet cost me $960 shipped to my door from Ebay. Cab was brand new, amp used. I have an SVT that is great, and an 800RB that is also great.
GK is waaay more affordable than the SVT. I am switching to two MB heads cause it's a no brainer. It's 200 more watts than both the SVT and 800RB and weighs 3.75 lbs. The 810 sounds great with any of the 3. It is the easiest cab to move I've ever had, contrary to the way it appears. You can drag it quite easily due to the rails on the back, into a van, up steps, etc.

[JoeDissolvo]

same some of that money and upgrade your bass, too.

[snowblinder]

Originally Posted by Clank

You can't go wrong with the GK 800 rb and the 8x10. Simple, loud, and near bulletproof.

This. If you shop around on the used market, this whole setup can be had for about $800 or so. Take $150 of the money you have left and buy a Tech 21 VT Bass pedal. I assure you that, as a punk/metal bassist, you'll be more than satisfied.

[pbass2]

Here's my very affordable "big rig" for times when I need to have some firepower for rock: my Little Mark II, and two Dr. Bass 1x15 cabs. So, 500 watts into 4 ohms. This rig is SO loud and punchy and meaty, and yet very very easy to transport--the cabs are really light (not particularly small, just light) and the whole set-up is easily less than a grand used.
Speaker preference is all very subjective, and I like 10's and 12's, but man, for rock, I'm all about 15's again after firing this up. Have used it at some big shows on big stages and it was killer, with gobs of headroom to spare.

[Calaverasgrande]

I see 800 RB's for $300-400. an ampg 8x10 or Mesa 2x15 can be had for $400 - 600.
I would keep an ojo on Craigslist for old Mesa. I picked up a mesa bass 400 for $550. I see 400's and 400+'s for $700-800 regularly. Cabs are getting cheap also! Mesa 2x15 RR for $300 about a month ago(currently residing under aformentioned bass 400)!
Sellers are dropping prices on CL because of economic pressures.

Old Sunn bass heads are great for punk as well.
But the Mesa Bass 400(+), with a Musicman bass pretty much nails the punk/metal thing. There is a reason you see that combo a lot!

[flipper_gv]

Originally Posted by RNV

Peavey VB-2 and the 810. This is coming from a die hard Carvin guy.

+10000000000000000