another of those, "what do I get?" threads

baker311 · #1 03-26-2011, 11:13 PM

I have read tons of reviews on different combo and amp-cab set ups, but still trying to figure out what is right for me. My music store is small and not too diverse. I can not test most of these in person. Based on searches and reviews from this forum and music stores this is what I have come up with.

Warwick-profet 5.2 with 4x10 cab 400 or 600 watt
Pros: affordable, volume
Cons: takes up a bit of space

Orange-Bass Terror with 1x12 cab 400 watt
Pros: good tone, high quality, light weight
Cons: A bit pricy (need more info)

Mesa Boogie-Walkabout Scout 1x15 300w
Pros: detachable amp, good tone, loud for its size, can add cab later
Cons: a bit heavy 72lbs

Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0
Pros: detachable amp, 600watts!, light weight 41lbs
Cons: a bit large, (need more info)

Eden: Eden DC112XLT Time Traveler Amp head 420w RMS
Pros: light weight 49lbs, ?,? (need more info)
Cons:? ? ? (need more info)

What I am looking for:

Price Range: 1200-1600$USD
Use: Mostly practice
Bass: 5-string
Volume needed: enough to hold up in a medium sized room/garage etc..4 piece band medium volume
Size: space is limited, smaller is ideal
Weight: Have to carry upstairs, low weight is a must
Quality: looking for good sound but don't have 1000s to spend to get it.

Opinions? Suggestions? Which would you choose and why? I am a newb to bass so all help is greatly appreciated.

Pilgrim · #2 03-26-2011, 11:19 PM

You;re over-thinking this. Most amps have plenty of EQ to give you a pleasing sound - and the audience can't tell the nuances anyway.

I've used Sunn Coliseum-300 through a Peavey 15 and a G-K 4x10, then traded the whole heavy mess for a Shuttle 6.0 with a 12" docking speaker and a Shuttle 2x10 add-on cab. Completely different rigs, but both sound great - both sound pleasing - and both sound like ME. The reason? No matter what you play, as you become experienced, you sound like YOU.

For what you are doing, I wouldn't hesitate to use any of the lightweight rigs, but my choice is already made - the Shuttle 6.0 is one of the finest rigs on the market. Crank up the preamp and you get a tube sound, back it off and you get today's clean sound. you can find something pleasing to you in that unit.

There are long, long threads on the Shuttle 6.0, 9.0 and other G-B amps. Search and you'll learn everything you need to know. The threads are titled "In praise of..."

baker311 · #3 03-26-2011, 11:36 PM

Thanks Pilgrim. I'll check it out.

Drifta · #4 03-27-2011, 12:10 AM

for what it is worth: I love my shuttle 6.0. Many have been impressed by it (other bassists, drummers). super lightweight and more than enough power imo.

JimmyM · #5 03-27-2011, 12:12 AM

shuttle or walkabout.

Exploiter8 · #6 03-27-2011, 12:19 AM

Not only is the Shuttle 6.0 a fine unit, but Genz Benz support and service is (in my opinion) second to none.

X8

DanNowhere · #7 03-27-2011, 12:22 AM

I would check out SVT Micro with 210AV. About 25 lbs all together, and lists for about, what $ 700.00 for the head and cab new, I think? You'd be surprised how it sounds, and it's one trip from the car with bass and equipment bag over each shoulder, and head and cabinet in each hand.

fivestringgecko · #8 03-27-2011, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exploiter8

Not only is the Shuttle 6.0 a fine unit, but Genz Benz support and service is (in my opinion) second to none.

X8

+1 - great amp, great customer service!

I bought my Shuttle 6.0 based solely on Talkbass hype, and couldn't be happier. Absolutely LOVE it. And like Drifta says, it impresses people wherever I play it. Great tone, very usable controls, PLENTY of volume.

I've also tried the Ampeg Micro VR and it's quite the surprising setup! It's not as loud as the other amps mentioned (of course), but it still has a good amount of oompf and man it sounds good. Correction to DanNowhere though... it's only $600 new. It's at the top of my G.A.S. list, definitely want to pick one up soon.

5sg.

bombpop14 · #9 03-27-2011, 12:49 AM

GK MB-500 with a genz benz 212 neoxt

JimmyM · #10 03-27-2011, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanNowhere

I would check out SVT Micro with 210AV. About 25 lbs all together, and lists for about, what $ 700.00 for the head and cab new, I think? You'd be surprised how it sounds, and it's one trip from the car with bass and equipment bag over each shoulder, and head and cabinet in each hand.

it's actually $600. and yeah, this is a great way to go and i have one with two cabs. but i was going by the op's choices.

Chrisk-K · #11 03-27-2011, 03:02 AM

Promethean combo. Loud, versatile and very small.

TheDialog · #12 03-27-2011, 07:12 AM

Foz · #13 03-27-2011, 08:20 AM

1600 smackers, medium volume, small size...

I'd look at a Thunderchild

The ThunderChild Bass Cab - Gearslutz.com

or a 12/6+1 fEarful

fEARful enclosures for bass/drums/keys

Jimmy likes the shuttle - good enough for me.

Drifta · #14 03-27-2011, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanNowhere

I would check out SVT Micro with 210AV. About 25 lbs all together, and lists for about, what $ 700.00 for the head and cab new, I think? You'd be surprised how it sounds, and it's one trip from the car with bass and equipment bag over each shoulder, and head and cabinet in each hand.

honestly if you're playing with a drummer that has a heavy foot, or have a 5 string I'd say might look else where, I really enjoy my ampeg but it just doesn't get the volume, my aguilar 12 isn't that much heavier and it blows it away volume wise.

My name is Mudd · #15 03-27-2011, 09:30 AM

I'm gonna be the oddball here and say Orange...but then again, I would love to have that rig myself and so may be biased. A bit. Some.

2nd choice would be the G/B Shuttle.

ButtUglyJeff · #16 03-27-2011, 09:42 AM

Genz Benz would be my choice, but I like Mesa too. But I think it's over your budget...

DanNowhere · #17 03-27-2011, 10:14 AM

You know, I totally forgot about those new Portaflex fliptops that just came out too. Another decent "other" to check out.

Ampeg: Portaflex Series

steamthief · #18 03-27-2011, 10:24 AM

What kind of music do you play? Do you prefer sizzly hi-fi or gritty rawk tones? Listing these preferences would perhaps help with suggestions.

FenderBassist · #19 03-27-2011, 11:48 AM

Less expensive options more along the lines of the B15 suggestion (the Ampegs are very good choices as well) if you're shooting for something quite a bit less expensive than the excellent Genz Benz or Mesa Boogie....

Acoustic B200 or Acoustic B200H + B115 or B410

lomo · #20 03-27-2011, 12:26 PM

I voted other. You say light weight is a must. My favorite tone among your choices is the Walkabout 15 combo, but it's a dragabout: 65lbs with a single joke of a side handle. Best bet for weight is a pair of 112 cabs and a micro head. A single 210 or 112 will not cut it. Some 115s may have trouble as well.

A rig that has both great tone and big volume is a Walkabout head (about 500 used) and a 3-way Avatar TB153 available in 4 Ohms, but the cab is 65lbs on its' own (with excellent recessed side handles)-500 delivered. That would be my #1 for tone, cost and portability, YMMV.