Best amps for a 5 string?

jvalenzh · #1 03-04-2013, 05:01 PM

Which are the best amp options for a 5 string bass? Preferably combo amps. I've tried several good ones but they can't handle the B string.

enjoi1018 · #2 03-04-2013, 05:12 PM

The search function is your best friend. Also, "good" doesn't get you very far here. Find a path to take.... a company you like, a sound you enjoy, a tone you crave. Start there.

Actually, start with the search function!

Mr. Foxen · #3 03-04-2013, 05:16 PM

Combos is a pretty limiting requirement, most you'll see can't handle an E string at sensible volume. Learning how to EQ is going to be a much bigger deal than anything else for the purpose, but going head and cab is going to give you much better options (plus for portability, shifting a head and borrowing a cab is always going to win over having to move your cab because its bolted to your head).

jvalenzh · #4 03-04-2013, 05:55 PM

Thanks Mr. Foxen. I was afraid that that could be a response. I've been trying to stay with combos, but that 5th string is the problem at loud volumes, for medium to large rooms. I tried the GK MB210, GK MB212, Fender Rumble 350 and a Markbass CMD 102P and they all pop on the 5th string. What about a 4 x 10 combo?

Lync · #5 03-04-2013, 08:51 PM

Carvin br515n.

Thumper · #6 03-04-2013, 10:07 PM

I wasn't in love with my CMD102P (infatuated though), it got loud but the B string was good not great. Added a 102HF and now I am in love. If I ever need to be louder it will be extreme circumstances. Maybe slave another LMII and the 210 and 115 XLTs (until I get an F115 and sub) .

two fingers · #7 03-04-2013, 10:09 PM

Every single combo can handle a B string......... to a point. You are obviously pushing them past what they are designed for. It's time for a head/cab setup. For more volume, you need more speaker surface area. A "better" speaker is only going to get you so far. It's mot about quality, rather physics.

TimmyP · #8 03-04-2013, 10:36 PM

Best low end I've heard was from AcmeBass and H&K (dunno the model).

chaosMK · #9 03-04-2013, 11:39 PM

I think people often equate the 5 string range with "massve sub low end." I can't really think of any style where you actually want that in the mix (aside from Reggae I guess). If whatever you are using can't "handle" the B string range, consider how you are dialing in. Try low mids and keep lows flat or slightly cut and increase master volume. If you are still having problems then it's probably an overall volume issue, get a bigger cab (4x10 etc) or additional cab.

Downunderwonder · #10 03-04-2013, 11:41 PM

Best is relative to your requirements. You have listed no requirements. Therefore all advice is given relative to the responders' best guesses and personal experiences.

Giving away the fundamental frequencies, your cabinet must pump out a good amount of 60hz to produce a big sounding low B. This gives the lie to a lot of spec sheets from manufacturers.

5 string with big PA subs with a 40 hz cutoff is quite a different animal from my Trace 15 which cannot quite manage a loud 60Hz, although it is no slouch, it makes a big D when many bass cabs struggle to make a big E.

Sub frequencies on bass aren't much fun when you have drums wanting into the shake the room action, it goes to mud with my limited EQ for the drums. I eq out more of my low lows when drummer wants the omnipresent kick.

Mastermold · #11 03-05-2013, 12:45 AM

Ampeg's 410HLF is good for 5 strings, handles the low end comfortably. Pairs well with a lot of different heads.

JimmyM · #12 03-05-2013, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jvalenzh

Thanks Mr. Foxen. I was afraid that that could be a response. I've been trying to stay with combos, but that 5th string is the problem at loud volumes, for medium to large rooms. I tried the GK MB210, GK MB212, Fender Rumble 350 and a Markbass CMD 102P and they all pop on the 5th string. What about a 4 x 10 combo?

That might do it, but at that point, it's a little more than a combo.

If you really want to stick with the combo format and keep small, you might try an Ampeg PF500 with one of the Portaflex cabs. They have four different cabs, a ported 410, a sealed 210, and two 115's (one of each), and they all go quite low, even the sealed cabs. The ported PF115lf goes super low, but the sealed 115 and 210 cabs also go very low, and for my money plenty low for a 5. If you're looking to get very loud, you might need two of the smaller cabs or the 410, but you can get pretty darn loud with one of the smaller cabs, too. It's just that there's a tradeoff with bass cabs and subs, and that's "Low, loud, small...pick any two."

Downunderwonder · #13 03-05-2013, 01:52 AM

Unless you believe Glasstone's fans.

Bass Collector · #14 03-05-2013, 02:01 AM

Keeping it small and relatively light, my choice would be an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 with a GS212 (4 ohm)

GREAT rig!

Sartori · #15 03-05-2013, 02:05 AM

Good for what, exactly?

There are a lot of high quality amps and cabs out there (I wouldn't stick to just combos, myself, way more flexibility with separates), but many are very different. I like my Mesa D-180 and Ampeg SVT-15E for my BEAD tuned bass, but other people will have different preferences.

jvalenzh · #16 03-05-2013, 07:16 AM

Thanks everyone!

**bassdude51** · #17 03-05-2013, 07:30 AM

Probably the better question is............"Best cabs for a 5 string?"

Acme Low B1 and Low B2 (and B4) are really nice but they are not very loud but they can really pull off the open B string on a 5er with the bass eq set at flat.

Check around on TB classified for a used B1 and a LMII or III head for a small compact rig that can do the "Bee".

spector_boogie · #18 03-05-2013, 07:56 AM

Mesa Walkabout Scout 15" version with 15" extension cab.

Or, the 12" version(s).

Lync · #19 03-05-2013, 08:00 AM

I like my Carvin since it has an on-board compressor. Secret with combos and smaller amps in general for me is to use compression to keep the low end from killing the speaker.

I had a TC Electronic (just returned because of a tweeter buzz) that handled the low end fine at loud volumes because they definitely had some kind of compression processing going on.

Brad Johnson · #20 03-06-2013, 10:55 AM

I see this question often and wonder what is the reason for trying to stick with a combo?

Other than typically having two pieces not easily separated, why do you want a combo, OP?

Going modular really opens up the ability to tailor to your specific needs and to grow your rig vs. having to replace the whole thing. You could find a high powered used head for as little as $300 or less and if you're considering a 410 combo you could get an actual pro quality 410 cab like Eden, SWR, Ampeg, etc. for around the same price, there are tons of them available. Or you could go with smaller cabs in pairs, one or more of the newer small super cabs... the options are so much wider once you lose the combo limitation.

BTW I'm far from anti-combo, I own several including a couple that sold for $2300 new. Choose the right tool for the job... for loud gigs combos are rarely the right tool. Fortunately this is a great time to pick up gear that'll exceed your needs for a song, relatively speaking.