Amps are confusing!

Distant Cousin · #1 08-01-2010, 08:53 AM

Ok, so I know nothing about amps. I've read bits and pieces of the Amp FAQ thread but I'm still not really sure what to look for.

I need a new amp, and I'd rather get a decent rig than another combo that I'll end up just selling again in a few years. I want a lighweight rig, since I live in London and don't own a car. I've had a look at the lightweight rig thread but I don't really know what the difference between each one is. I was thinking just for the sake of argument about a Euphonic Audio iAmp Micro and an Aguilar GS112. I have no idea if that would work as a rig and indeed if Aguilar cabs are any good, but I've tried out a couple of EA heads before and I fell in love with them.

That rig I just mentioned adds up to about £1000, which is total pie in the sky stuff for me right now. I know EA stuff is expensive, but I'd rather invest in it for the long-term.

So yeah, basically I'd like as light a rig as possible, for as cheap as possible (probably still not very cheap though, right?), for playing most styles of music, but mostly rock and pop type stuff (RHCP, Foo Fighters type tones, but also some motown and reggae).

Can't really explain it any clearer than that. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me but hopefully someone can give me a bit of guidance!

JimmyM · #2 08-01-2010, 09:43 AM

most people who get a single 112 usually end up getting a second because it sounds thicker and fuller and will get louder when needed. other than that, i think you're good to go.

pasta4lnch · #3 08-01-2010, 09:52 AM

there are plenty of small rigs that are reasonably priced. Usually what I do is research as much as I can on sound, build etc (take all w/ a grain of salt because NO ONE's tastes and needs are like yours!) try to narrow it down to a few choices and go try them - or buy something from a place w/ a good return policy, I have no problem paying return shipping. It's about the same as renting - and in some cases cheaper.

I've seen deals recently on those small GK heads. I really dig my GS112 but the GK's look nice too. I use a LMII which I love but, again, go try some!

Distant Cousin · #4 08-01-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasta4lnch

there are plenty of small rigs that are reasonably priced. Usually what I do is research as much as I can on sound, build etc (take all w/ a grain of salt because NO ONE's tastes and needs are like yours!) try to narrow it down to a few choices and go try them - or buy something from a place w/ a good return policy, I have no problem paying return shipping. It's about the same as renting - and in some cases cheaper.

I've seen deals recently on those small GK heads. I really dig my GS112 but the GK's look nice too. I use a LMII which I love but, again, go try some!

LMII = Markbass Little Mark? Those are pretty expensive for me, are they worth the money? I'm gonna go try some out when I'm back in London but on the off-chance I can't find one

will33 · #5 08-01-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

most people who get a single 112 usually end up getting a second because it sounds thicker and fuller and will get louder when needed. other than that, i think you're good to go.

+1

With all the micro heads and neo speakers out now, you could probably find a 112 combo that's still fairly light with the ability to add an extension cab to it when needed, leave the extra cab at home when you don't.

80'sRocker · #6 08-01-2010, 10:56 AM

I had a little Mark Bass and sold it quick, possibly worst tone I've ever heard! Try a Genz Benz if available

pasta4lnch · #7 08-01-2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distant Cousin

LMII = Markbass Little Mark? Those are pretty expensive for me, are they worth the money? I'm gonna go try some out when I'm back in London but on the off-chance I can't find one

yes little mark II - you can find deals on used ones. seems a lot of gear is being clearanced these days too so check local stores and the web . . . (and the classified section here on TB

)

chiplexic · #8 08-01-2010, 12:55 PM

A small light amp and 12" cab, then adding a second matching 12" is IMO, one of the best ways to go. It allows for options based on gig needs.
But the one draw back from a money stand point is, 2 ,1x12" cabs can end up costing quite a bit. Say 2 x $525 each = $1050. You could have bought one hell of a nice light weight single cab for that money.

BassmanPaul · #9 08-01-2010, 03:38 PM

I question the viability of a single twelve to gig with. It's something that you'll have to discover for yourself in your circumstances. As has been said, a pair of twelves should cover the majority of your gigs depending on volume. Carting this stuff on the Tube should be quite the adventure.

Paul

Distant Cousin · #10 08-01-2010, 03:43 PM

Ok, so what would be a better option for me money/weight wise? I had a 15" Peavey combo that I sold primarily because it was far too heavy.

Paul - That's why I mentioned a single 12 really. Anything more than that and I can't see it being transportable on the Tube at all really.

BassmanPaul · #11 08-01-2010, 04:08 PM

That's why I said you'll have to try this out. To be fair I've not played through a modern twelve. I know that I was amazed at what a single 2x10 Acme could put out compared to my two 15 + 4x12 bi-amp rig. Even then I'd not play a gig with just one 2x10. If you're playing the average British pub maybe it might suffice. I'd just hate to see you spend a thousand quid on a rig and then find you NEED a second cabinet.

I know that a typical London cab can hold a lot a stuff but, no longer being privy to how much an average gig pays nowadays, that may not be an option.

Paul

Adam Bomb · #12 08-01-2010, 04:12 PM

Hi. What about the new lightweight GK combos? Do they have those in swingin' London? They are not small, but they are light. And loud.

--Bomb

Adam Bomb · #13 08-01-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

I know that a typical London cab can hold a lot a stuff but, no longer being privy to how much an average gig pays nowadays, that may not be an option.

Paul

LOL you said "privy". To a Brit.

--Bomb

will33 · #14 08-01-2010, 04:18 PM

I don't know what things cost over there but some of these little micro heads will fit in a gigbag or backpack. That would open you up to a 210 or maybe even a 212 if the speakers are vertical instead of side by side. Put a corner handle on the back of the top and a couple wheels on the back of the bottom and you could pull it around with you instead of having to carry it all the time. They have a much smaller footprint and stand a little taller than your typical square box. Easier to get through doorways or the aisle of a bus or the tube.

GK, GenzBenz, Markbass are affordable over here. Anything that says Aguilar or EA is going to be expensive.

BassmanPaul · #15 08-01-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Bomb

LOL you said "privy". To a Brit.

--Bomb

Adam, I am a Brit! And a Canadian. Privy does not always mean
toilet!

Paul

pasta4lnch · #16 08-01-2010, 05:03 PM

I gig w/ a single 12' all the time, while we're only acoustic gtr/vox, bass and drums I would feel confident if there were an electric guitar player. I rarely go past 2 or 3 . . . now metal w/ marshall stacks - I dunno about that

chiplexic · #17 08-01-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Privy does not always mean
toilet!

Paul

Apparently he wasn't privy to that.

Recommendation:
Based on small package,light weight and capable of loud volumes....GK Neo 212.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....net?sku=580260

Distant Cousin · #18 08-01-2010, 05:15 PM

Paul, I was thinking the same about spending so much money on it. I'll be trying out loads of stuff probably.

Also, right now I don't need mega volume, but I'm intending to make a long term investment so I guess I'd still quite like it to do as much as possible.

NKUSigEp · #19 08-01-2010, 09:54 PM

I'd highly recommend the Eden WTX amps - European voltage friendly, light (like 3-5 lbs), loud, relatively inexpensive and they sound great. The Aguilar GS112 happens to sound extra phenomenal with this head too!

MIJ-VI · #20 08-01-2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distant Cousin

Paul, I was thinking the same about spending so much money on it. I'll be trying out loads of stuff probably.

Also, right now I don't need mega volume, but I'm intending to make a long term investment so I guess I'd still quite like it to do as much as possible.

AI Ten2: 2 X 10" combo, 800 Watts RMS @ 4 Ω, two channels, mic inputs with phantom power, built-in effects etc, head can be easily removed and used to drive big cabs down to 2 Ω, 28 lbs., international power supply, five year warranty.

the new AI Ten2