Hey guys, basically, I'm in an indie/alternative band (think Biffy Clyro meets Foals) and I'm looking for a bass head but don't really have any idea where to start. I am originally a guitar player but was asked to join on bass for this particular outfit. We play gigs fairly regularly and should be going on tour in July if all goes according to plan.
At the moment in practise I'm playing through a Peavey TKO115 which is also going through a Peavey TVX410 extension cab.
Normally I would be playing through an Ashdown MAG250 but that's been in the shop for some time. We played a gig in the snow and I think it killed it
The reason I ask for advice on where to start looking is that the bass rig I am currently using isn't actually mine. It belongs to the guitarist, who ironically is originally a bassist and the guitar rig he is using belongs to me.
Playing style wise, I use a pick mainly, but I like to switch to fingers and even slap for some 'heavier' parts in the songs. I wouldn't class myself as a funk slap bassist by any means though! Think Emma Anzai of Sick Puppies and Toshiya or Dir en grey to get an idea of what I mean. Musically, I don't think we sound anything like them though. I think live we have a slightly more dirty, straight up rock sound as recorded most of the guitars are fairly clean.
I can post a link to our songs if anyone wants a better understanding of what our sound is.
I play a Fender Jaguar (which I love to bits
) with the preamp engaged, both pickups switched on with the bass and treble wheels rolled up slightly, I like the sound of it with the preamp on, just sounds like little more punchy and boomier to me. The other guitarists both play single coil Fenders and I want a head that will really fill out the low end because of this.
My dream head would be an SVT2pro since I love the sound of Ampeg and all my favourite bass players use them, but realistically, they're way out of my budget. I've been doing some research into this already and possible solutions include
Ampeg B2RE, a second hand Trace Elliot of some sort (it seems that the early 90's and earlier made models are the 'better' ones out there) or a Terror Bass. I've been fortunate to play through one for one show and it sounded awesome. The Warwick WA300 has an attractive price tag but I can't find any reviews or demos on them online. Am I right in assuming that the WA series are based on the award winning Hellborgs?
My budget is somewhere between the £300-400 mark, and I'm not against the idea of picking up a second hand unit. Ideally I'd want a head that is smaller and easier to carry but not essential. I also have no preference to SS or valve. It also has to be compatible with the TVX410, I'm not entirely sure on the impedance of this as it is the older model (the one with the triangle and red on the bottom and not-so-pointy- Peavey logo). I think it can handle 4 and 8 ohm loads.
I've tried to provide as much information as I can to you all, hope this helps!
