Best Amp for a 4pc Indie Pop/Rock Band

triplebasshunte · #1 08-09-2010, 08:07 PM

So I just joined an Indie Pop/Rock band and am looking for some help in choosing the right amp to get the job done.

I have a Squire Jazz bass but currently nothing else since my previous band broke up.

I really don't know what kind of gear is used most often for this sort of music (my last band was a Hardcore Metal band).

Any suggestions would be great

Would a combo or a cabinet be better?

JimmyM · #2 08-09-2010, 08:24 PM

the honest truth? it really doesn't matter what rig you use as long as you like it and it's enough to cover your volume needs. but generally most will use at least a 300w amp and a medium-to-large cab rig, like at least a 212, 410, or 215. there are exceptions of course, but generally that's what people get to play rock styles. if you plan on playing loud, get as big a cab as you can stand to move.

triplebasshunte · #3 08-10-2010, 08:34 AM

Which company would you recommend me looking at then?

Like I said, I used to be in a metal band so I know my 8x10's well but i'm not looking for anything that big.

Din Of Win · #4 08-10-2010, 08:50 AM

I play in a 5 piece indie/garage/pop band (shameless promotion: www.myspace.com/capstanshafts). Here's our setup:

Drummer: drums (lol, i don't know drum specs)
Guitar player: Gibson LP -> pedals -> Peavey 100w VTM and Peavey 4x12
Guitar/Synth player: Fender Tele -> so many pedals -> Mesa 2x12 combo, 70's Moog and Korg synth -> a GK 400rb 1x15 combo
Bass (ME!!): Peavey T20 -> some fuzz/od/chorus -> Kustom200 and Ampeg B25b 2x15.

Now, even with all the guitar and synth, my rig is a bit over-kill, so in smaller settings i roll with my 1x15 or 1x18, and it works just as well.

So, really, you have a ton of options.

In my experience, any old busted full of mojo gear is what everyone uses. We've played with a TON of bands and that's the general consensus when it comes to gear. While we're preeeeetty fuzzy-buzzy, a bunch of other REALLY fuzzy-buzzy bands we've played with boarder on the 'wall of amps' motiff. But just start from the ground up. A 4x10 or 1x15 is a great first step... even less if you're a quieter indie-pop band (2x10 combo comes to mind).

Buy used gear.

Your bass is good. A lot of bands play Jazzes... but 'weird' basses are big... haha my T20 fits in that category. I WAS seeing a bunch of Jags... but they break, all.. the... time, so most dudes have gotten rid of theirs or have all the switches filed down or taped into place.

JimmyM · #5 08-10-2010, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplebasshunte

Which company would you recommend me looking at then?

Like I said, I used to be in a metal band so I know my 8x10's well but i'm not looking for anything that big.

there are all sorts of companies. they're all basically just different shades of really good at this point. except for the really cheap cabs. if you cheap out on anything, cheap out on the head but get a good cab or two.