I have a weekly acoustic/bass gig at a cozy restaurant/bar. I am presently playing bass through a 90's Peavey 60 watt keyboard amp. It actually does a decent job, but I want a real bass amp. Ive narrowed it down to two, Ampeg Micro VR or the SWR Working Pro 12. (I haven't actually played either, but own both Ampeg and SWR gear) Does anyone have experience with both? Pros and cons? Thanks
Last edited by Timothy6480 : 01-31-2012 at 02:15 PM.
The whole coffee shop acoustic parts make me think to go for a warm kind of tone that just doesn't feel real through swr stuff... not sure how to better voice it than that. My experience with the micro is real limited though.
I'm biased obviously but the Micro VR is a fantastic little coffee shop amp, and it'll handle larger jobs, too. Not the loudest amp ever but it'll get a head of steam behind it.
I use the Ampeg SVT210AV cab with a GK MB200 head. The Ampeg SVTMH Micro head I also bought hardly gets used now. Same with the Eden EX112 (4 ohm) cab I have.
I'm biased obviously but the Micro VR is a fantastic little coffee shop amp, and it'll handle larger jobs, too. Not the loudest amp ever but it'll get a head of steam behind it.
Thanks Jimmy, I knew you'd lead the pack on the Ampeg side
The whole coffee shop acoustic parts make me think to go for a warm kind of tone that just doesn't feel real through swr stuff... not sure how to better voice it than that. My experience with the micro is real limited though.
Good point on the SWR tone.. this might push me over to Markbass 112,, and right out of my price range
I have both amps. I prefer the ampeg's tone. Its also lighter and easier to carry if that's factor. Volume wise I'd say the SWR has the edge compared the micro VR with a single cab.
They're both very good. Just different personalities. If you can't necessarily demo a VR, try to get your hands on a PF series or any Pro series to see if ampeg is your cup-o-tone-tea.
For the last few weeks I have benn comparing the Ampeg Micro VR along with a handful of 1x12 combos from GK, SWR, and Ampeg. I am choosing the the Micro VR with it's matching 2x10 cab. It has a better tone ( tighter w/out losing any fullness). I just have to find a lcal shop that has a head and cab new in the box. Most shops are sold out and only have floor models.
Between the two amps in a coffee shop setting I'd go for the Ampeg. It really is true to the traditional Ampeg tone and gets to decent volume levels without being a space hog, looks Ampeg cool and is supposed to be a great amp for micing if you decide to do studio work.
FWIW - I play in similar situtations and tested the Ampeg along side a GK MB210 combo and ended up going home with the GK. It seemed lighter, easier to schlep since it's all one piece, cheaper than the Ampeg (GC clearance sale), was capable of reaching higher volume levels (max 500watt head with extension cab) if needed and played better with the piezo pickup in my acoustic bass.
I plugged in to an Acoustic 260 Mini Stack yesterday while playing the Jazz Bass that found it's way home with me it sounded great and had plenty of punch for a coffee shop. At 100w and 1x10, it's half the power of the VR, but half the price as well.
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I plugged in to an Acoustic 260 Mini Stack yesterday while playing the Jazz Bass that found it's way home with me it sounded great and had plenty of punch for a coffee shop. At 100w and 1x10, it's half the power of the VR, but half the price as well.
I've kept up with a pretty loud drummer with one of these(I didn't believe it...then I barely touched the bass knob and it started farting). +1
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but the Micro VR is a fantastic little coffee shop amp, and it'll handle larger jobs, too. Not the loudest amp ever but it'll get a head of steam behind it.
it sounded great and had plenty of punch for a coffee shop. At 100w and 1x10, it's half the power of the VR, but half the price as well.
