The Amp Search Persists ON!

slapmachine · #1 07-10-2011, 12:00 AM

Hey guys, I'm sorry to riddle these forums with yet another post about searching for an amp, but when it comes to stores around me and personnel with little knowledge, it in no way shape or form matches half the data-bass

of information that the collective mass of TB'rs creates.

I'm looking for an amp / speaker setup, anywhere totaling from $500-$800 that gives me the tone I want. I am looking for an amp that delivers warm, rounded finger tones, that doesn't get a lot of string noise preferably, but can offer really tight rock sound if needed. I really hate extra noise in amps, so I'm gravitating toward that tight, round, warm sound.

I'm basically playing in the settings of some friends bands here and there and a couple serious bands. I need something that's easily portable, reliable, and built to last. As far as wattage goes, I'm not quite sure! Maybe you guys could help me out? I am starting to play small bars, clubs, and I'd like to be able to carry it up the couple of flights of stairs up to my loft room through the doorways with ease.

I'm not particularly a "size matters" type of guy, so if it's got some volume I wouldn't be opposed to a smaller amp. I do not mind if it were combo, half stack, or maybe even some levitating invisible amp. (AIR BASS WOOT WOOT)

I would love an fx loop, DI option on the head / combo if possible.

I'm terribly sorry to write a book, but I just thought being thorough may eliminate future questions from needing to be asked.

THANKS A MILLION!!!!

jelwood · #2 07-10-2011, 12:27 AM

Well the first thing I would say is that any decent amplifier today is going to pick up string noise as long as your bass is making it. Don't want string noise? Either reduce your highs or change your playing technique. Anything the strings do is going to be a part of your signal, which will be amplified to much larger proportions, hence the name amplifier.

I'm reading the rest of this and the name "800RB" is screaming at me. Here is why:

"I need something that's easily portable, reliable, and built to last." 800RB. There is one up on the classifieds right now (NOT mine) for 350 shipped to your door. It's from 1985. Can't get more reliable than that. Just taking a quick gander at it will also convince you of how light and portable it is (take note of the carrying handle on it's side).

"I'm not particularly a "size matters" type of guy, so if it's got some volume I wouldn't be opposed to a smaller amp." The 800RB has always been renowned for it's size to volume ratio. GK has always been a huge pioneer of lighter but louder, from day one. Look at them today, they are dominating the micro bass market.

"I'd assume I'd need around 250-350 watts." The 800RB is 300 watts. Get a good used 410 cab to go with it. Put some fissures in the road. You're budget is around 800 bucks, well, if you spend 350 on the 800RB that leaves you with 450 to get a used cab...and 450 will get you a fantastic cab on the used market. Believe it!

"I would love an fx loop, DI option on the head / combo if possible." 800RB has that. Bob Gallien was the first to have an amplifier with a DI out and built in effects loop (just two of the many first things he came out with, shame he didn't get patents). The 800RB calls you.

slapmachine · #3 07-10-2011, 12:29 AM

To add to this, I currently run an Acoustic B200h through a Warwick 115 Pro. The cab is bulky, but maybe I need to reconsider a head choice with better tones n such?!

Also, hate to ask more questions, but does full cabinet size effect the volume if the speaker remains the same? So would downsizing a 115 cabinet for less added space around the speaker destroy volume?

tekdiver500ft · #4 07-10-2011, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapmachine

To add to this, I currently run an Acoustic B200h through a Warwick 115 Pro. The cab is bulky, but maybe I need to reconsider a head choice with better tones n such?!

Also, hate to ask more questions, but does full cabinet size effect the volume if the speaker remains the same? So would downsizing a 115 cabinet for less added space around the speaker destroy volume?

A resounding YES. While good cabinet design is a complex equation, in general, if you have a smaller cab, you will get less volume from the same power.

RickenBoogie · #5 07-10-2011, 08:14 AM

small cabs= small sound, bass needs big sound, big cabs. whatever you do, don't skimp out on the speakers.

slapmachine · #6 07-10-2011, 09:49 AM

Ok, well. If i just don't like the tone coming out of my amp should I just look into getting a new head? The Warwick 115 pro isn't very small = / but it's got some monstrous sound. Does anyone know about Eden heads?

jeff7bass · #7 07-10-2011, 09:58 AM

The Carvin B2000 head with the BRX10.4 cab does that sound perfectly (warm, rounded finger tones, that doesn't get a lot of string noise preferably, but can offer really tight rock sound if needed. I really hate extra noise in amps, so I'm gravitating toward that tight, round, warm sound).

Cost around 1100.00 though, but more than worth it.

kerryg · #8 07-10-2011, 12:33 PM

That's a "love/hate" amp. Many of my pro peers in my town detest them with a passion (as do I) for their inherent voicing and transient response. See if you can try one before buying - if it's the right sound (and more importantly, "feel") for you, I completely agree with jelwood - it's a very impressive bargain, loud as heck and unkillable as a cockroach at a fire sale price. If it's not, it's a "wouldn't play that amp for free" boat anchor - and I speak from the "money where your mouth is" perspective of having refused a GK endorsement back in the 80s.

shoot-r · #9 07-10-2011, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerryg

That's a "love/hate" amp. Many of my pro peers in my town detest them with a passion (as do I) for their inherent voicing and transient response. See if you can try one before buying - if it's the right sound (and more importantly, "feel") for you, I completely agree with jelwood - it's a very impressive bargain, loud as heck and unkillable as a cockroach at a fire sale price. If it's not, it's a "wouldn't play that amp for free" boat anchor - and I speak from the "money where your mouth is" perspective of having refused a GK endorsement back in the 80s.

Try a Aphex Bass Exciter pedal into a GK 800 head.
The Aphex will expand the lows and highs where the 800 cuts off.
It'll also make the GK 800's already loud 300 watts at 4 ohms "grow" in volume.

slapmachine · #10 07-10-2011, 01:04 PM

These are all great options guys, but the price-point just isn't quite there. I really don't want to take a risk if what you say is true Kerryg. I just don't have the time / money to throw around, and I appreciate the input you give at the same time!!!! What about besides GK ? There has to be other options of course!!!

saxman_singcan · #11 07-10-2011, 01:09 PM

What about the MarkBass gear?

kim.

kerryg · #12 07-10-2011, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoot-r

Try a Aphex Bass Exciter pedal into a GK 800 head.
The Aphex will expand the lows and highs where the 800 cuts off.
It'll also make the GK 800's already loud 300 watts at 4 ohms "grow" in volume.

Over the last twenty-five years I owned an 800RB for years and put dozens upon dozens of different basses through festival-backline 800RBs; I never had a problem with the high/low frequency extension. In short, I have been around the block - several times - and back with the 800RB.

What bothered me from a subjective perspective was what my ears perceived as an inherently clacky, sterile, plastic midrange, a set of filters that were too aggressive to be useful to my tone goals and a lack of perceived transient dynamics, leading to a feeling of lifelessness, lacking "punch" or "burp". These are completely subjective measures - to others, these same factors might be perceived as valuable clarity, or sought-after control.

Don't get me wrong, the point here isn't for me to bash either the 800RB (a great piece of engineering viewed objectively - a real industry mainstay) or Gallien Krueger in general (who now have some truly excellent offerings). The whole point here is to stress the individuality and subjectivity of amplification goals and the importance of "trying before you buy".

If you try an 800RB and find it's not to your taste, you might want to consider trying an Eden Traveler WT400 (usually around $400 second hand - try to get one from the late 90's). They aren't the most powerful amps on the face of the earth, but IMO they're drop-dead gorgeous sounding. I played mine for fourteen years - I finally upgraded this year because I've only just now found a micro head that offered a similar warmth (Streamliner 900).

shoot-r · #13 07-10-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapmachine

These are all great options guys, but the price-point just isn't quite there. I really don't want to take a risk if what you say is true Kerryg. I just don't have the time / money to throw around, and I appreciate the input you give at the same time!!!! What about besides GK ? There has to be other options of course!!!

For a head you might want to check out Ampeg's new PF 500.
500 watts with lots of goodies on board...$399.00!
I'd recommend Avatar bass cabinets for a inexpensive, quality componet, cabinet.

www.avatarspeakers.com

ToneFreak11 · #14 07-10-2011, 02:19 PM

I'd go with either a GK MB head and a GK MBX cab or a Genz Benz Shuttle Combo.

Munjibunga · #15 07-10-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapmachine

Ok, well. If i just don't like the tone coming out of my amp should I just look into getting a new head? The Warwick 115 pro isn't very small = / but it's got some monstrous sound. Does anyone know about Eden heads?

I'd suggest a used WT-400. 13 pounds. I've seen them for $400 or so. Then get a good used 210. The D-210XST would be great, but it's kind of heavy. The sound is fantastic.