Bergantino AE410 with a tube amp

[walknbluez]

I'm currently playing Fenders (Jazz and P) with a Peavey VB-2 all tube amp (225 watts) and an Avatar 212 (neo). The Jazz has rounds and the P has flats.

Seems to me that the Avatar 212 is a little loose in the low end, a little "mushy", no matter what I do with EQ. Not bad, it has sufficed but it does not produce the tone that is in my head (no matter what I do with my fingers or where I pluck). So I was thinking about going to a 410. I've never owned a 410 but I had a bass tech say to me once "4 10s is the way to go. It took me 25 years to finally figure it out after using 18", 15", 12" in all kinds of combinations bi-amped etc". One man's opinion. But my thinking is that I can get the lows I need but also "tighten" them up a bit with 10's.

I'm considering the possibility of going way up to a Berg AE410. I've researched how this cab is voiced and the reports are that it has alot of mid grind and can be pretty aggressive. My current project plays some rock but also some mellower stuff with acoustic guitars. So I guess my question is this: Is this cab better suited for harder, loud rock and does anyone have any experience matching this cab with a tube amp?

[Gearhead17]

Originally Posted by walknbluez

I'm considering the possibility of going way up to a Berg AE410. I've researched how this cab is voiced and the reports are that it has alot of mid grind and can be pretty aggressive.

That's exactly how I would describe it. The AE410 is not a warm and fuzzy cabinet! Ha! I heard that cab with my Mesa 400+ : definitely did not warm up the cab in any way. Then again, I did not have time to try other heads through it.

I will say this though, I feel 410 cabs are the way to go if you want a lot of different tones. I feel the 12's and bigger seem to lose that midrangey punch (modern day cabs) that 10's have. But definitely try out other 410's with YOUR PEAVEY HEAD by any means necessary. Buy and return bass cabs - use the return policies. Spending a little extra now is worth it. You don't want to buy a 410, then hear a different brand 410 and be jealous of it. That's not a fun feeling!

[IanAllison]

While the AE Berg stuff wouldn't be my FIRST choice for tube amps in general - man, I'll tell you, the HS stuff is WONDERFUL with every tube amp I own. I am constantly thrilled with how the cabs perform. My Sadowsky SA200, 70s Ampeg SVT, 70s Fender Bassman 100, 65 Fender Bassman 50, and even my Aguilar DB750 (hybrid) all just sing through the HS410s. They're so efficient that even a 100 watt tube head delivers just enough oompf to cut it on a loud gig. And the HS design is just a slightly modified version of what Jim built for Sadowsky back when Roger released the SA200 and accompanying cabs.

So I'm saying HS! Match made in heaven. And really - how much heavier is the HS410 than the AE410? Like 20ish pounds? No biggie with casters.

[funkydanbass]

I primary amp+cab combination is an AE410 and Sadowsky SA200... I love it.

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by IanAllison

While the AE Berg stuff wouldn't be my FIRST choice for tube amps in general - man, I'll tell you, the HS stuff is WONDERFUL with every tube amp I own.

+1 I still prefer my Sadowsky cabs (made by Jim Bergantino, of course) with tube power, but the HS cabs are next in line, for sure.

Tom.

[blockinlay]

I've been using an LMII with my AE410. I'm kind of bored, so I'm going to try the cab with my 73 SVT this week. Maybe try the cab with a couple other tube heads I haven't had out in a while too.

[sk8]

I've used my Hiwatt Custom with my AE210 and its sounded great and punchy

[MediaJones]

Originally Posted by blockinlay

I've been using an LMII with my AE410. I'm kind of bored, so I'm going to try the cab with my 73 SVT this week. Maybe try the cab with a couple other tube heads I haven't had out in a while too.

Please let me know what happens with that. I am currently looking for a good cabinet to pair my SVT with, looking into the berg AE or HS 410

[michricker]

The AE410 with my 71 SVT is my favorite combo to date. However, I think turning off the tweeter is best for the rock tones.

I (and my bands I play in) prefer the AE410 with the old SVT over the NV610 which I also have. Has abit more low end depth than the NV610, but still has that nice punch and grind.

I really like the DB750 paired with the NV610.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Ever consider a solid state head? That might help you tighten up the low end.

[jellymax]

Originally Posted by Smallmouth_Bass

Even consider a solid state head? That might help you tighten up the low end.

heretic! guards! seize him!