Budget bassist needs advice

1201ZJ · #1 01-13-2011, 05:41 PM

Hey guys. Before I say anything, i understand that I am probably gonna end up with a low quality rig, but I'm not made of money and I need something loud to keep up with...

First and foremost, I've been using my friend's 40 watt combo for a while now, and not only is it too quiet, but he wants it back now. I've been saving money for a new rig, but this is where it draws the line, I can't do anything more than $370. It's every last dollar I've saved and I don't have a job. I've looked into seismic speakers, and I'm gonna purchase a 410 from them (which is gonna run me about $180, my guitarist has a promotional code I can use) and I'm pretty set on that.

Now, for the amp head, I feel as if I'm just about screwed. The only thing I can virtually afford new is the Behringer bxr1800h (180 watts), which has a tendency to overheat. I can get a 3 yr warranty on it, for a total of about $170.

Everything else is over my price range. I've looked on ebay and there is really nothing competitive that I see, and I'll still be pushing it. I could possibly make it an even $400 but 9/10 times that won't happen.

Now I've also looked into the Preamp-Power amp setups. I've found a cheap power amp on the web that may do the trick. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...reo_Power.html

That will run me about $100 (with a warranty), plus I was gonna go with a Hartke vxl bass attack preamp/DI box pedal as the preamp. (which would run about $50)

My band has got a few gigs lined up so I'm in need of something quick that can be heard.

Here are my questions. Out of those options, which would be the loudest/most efficient? And will that power amp setup be powerful enough to power a 4x10 and later an additional 115?
Are there any other options I can look at?

any advice is helpful. thanks!

ps: I know I could settle with a decent combo, but I'm tired of combos and I want to move on to something more pro feeling. I'm sure some of you guys could relate

wave rider · #2 01-13-2011, 05:47 PM

If you have enough time and live in a populated enough area, buying used on Craigslist will stretch your budget.

For example, my first decent setup was a Peavey Mark VI head and the 1516 cabinet for $250, well under your budget. Gave me a big smile the first time I shook stuff off the shelves...

=wr=

1201ZJ · #3 01-13-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wave rider

If you have enough time and live in a populated enough area, buying used on Craigslist will stretch your budget.

For example, my first decent setup was a Peavey Mark VI head and the 1516 cabinet for $250, well under your budget. Gave me a big smile the first time I shook stuff off the shelves...

=wr=

Thank you for your tips. I have actually looked on craigslist. I live in a small tourist town, and our musical economy is people with acoustic guitars pretty much. There's almost absolutely nothing on our CL

cableguy · #4 01-13-2011, 06:04 PM

You don't say where you live but if you're at all close to a big city it may be worth the drive for some used gear. You could find a good used 4X10 for around $200.00 sometimes. Heads as well. Older Peavey gear is most always a good deal. I know you don't want a combo, but a decent 15" combo could keep up with a lot of bands and easily fit in your budget. Then you could save and by a cab & head at a later date that are better quality than the ones you've mentioned.

will33 · #5 01-13-2011, 06:10 PM

Look used and only used. You'll probably end up with better quality and likely more power than anything new, especially a behringer. For $370 you could end up with an old Peavey 215 rig which will spank the pants off the behringer/seismic stuff.

Marko5657 · #6 01-13-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

ps: I know I could settle with a decent combo, but I'm tired of combos and I want to move on to something more pro feeling. I'm sure some of you guys could relate

You’d probably be better off with a used combo. The stuff you’re looking at is garbage, and it doesn’t feel pro when it goes up in smoke at a gig.

If you can’t find anything used, you can actually get a decent new combo for under $400, like the GK MB115 or Peavey TKO.

Marko5657 · #7 01-13-2011, 06:15 PM

Look at Gutiar Center’s Used dept on line... they check stuff out pretty well, their shipping is reasonable, and you can return it to the closest one if it doesn't make you happy.

BulbousMoses · #8 01-13-2011, 06:17 PM

If you live in the US...this..

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Acoustic...87-i1399999.gc

I own one...crazy loud for a 200 watt combo and nice tone.

wave rider · #9 01-13-2011, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1201ZJ

Thank you for your tips. I have actually looked on craigslist. I live in a small tourist town, and our musical economy is people with acoustic guitars pretty much. There's almost absolutely nothing on our CL

I'm lucky that the small tourist/college town I'm near is also near a bigger city; even so, I still find the good stuff locally. Where you located?

Have you checked the TalkBass classifieds?

If you have to buy new, this combo (after you email the vendor for a discount) should be in your range.
http://www.rmcaudiodirect.com/Gallie...p-p/mb-115.htm
It is getting lots of good talk hereabout even though you're more interested in separates.

This head is getting good talk too, after discount should be near the Behringer price:
http://www.rmcaudiodirect.com/Gallie...p-p/mb-200.htm
At least one TBer is gigging with two of them...

Carvin is making some similarly specced products too.

Happy gear hunting!
=wr=

oldcatfish · #10 01-13-2011, 06:53 PM

Another vote for the combo option-- if you have to go new, the acoustic B200 will keep up with most bands, plus it has a DI out. And it sounds very good.

As mentioned, if you go used, look for Peavey. They also are loud, and sound pretty nice.

lomo · #11 01-13-2011, 07:32 PM

Used Peavey 115 combo-check eBay. Loud, and reliable, but heavy. Easily under 300.

Gaetano Paul · #12 01-16-2011, 08:14 PM

Ampeg B100R, should be able to grab a used one for around $300ish

Killer tone, powerful enough to hang, and has a direct out for PA support.

Hopkins · #13 01-16-2011, 08:26 PM

I would stay away from Acoustic stuff, In my experience they have been less reliable than Behringer. Three cabs have been junk, 2 B410s and 1 B115 have all blew drivers with out being pushed hard. Now lately the B100 combo I use for practice blew the driver at low volume.

I would go GK.

tjh · #14 01-16-2011, 08:56 PM

To the OP ... I see you just joined TB ... welcome ... the absolute best first thing for you to do is fill out your profile, with as much info as you are comfortable ... without location, background type stuff, etc ... it is almost impossible for the crew here to offer the best info to meet your needs ... by now, I think you get the idea from most of the posts to buy used ... after you have given more info (we dont even know what country you live in), feel free to run by the bunch here what you see used for sale, you will get more opinions on it than you ever wanted, and ultimately decide if its what you need ... one other quick thought comes to mind ... it certainly is possible to put together decent gear in the budget you have, but the key word here is DECENT ... you may not get ideal, or the type of stuff that will stroke an ego to own, but it will KEEP UP, which is the need in your description, and more importantly hold its value, so when you are in a better situation, you will have a better idea of what you really want and need and will be able to get close, if not all, of your investment back out of this purchase .... JMHO

ilovenofrets · #15 01-16-2011, 09:38 PM

If it needs to be a head/cab setup, look for a Gallien Krueger Backline 250 or 350 head(easily under $250.00 used), and perhaps a Hartke XL 115 or 210 cab(also under $200.00used). As others have said here, Peavey is another great option. You can find ones with a ton of power and good tone for around your budget. IMHO, stay CLEAR of ANY Behringer product-not worth it at ANY price.

Lowbrow · #16 01-16-2011, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BulbousMoses

If you live in the US...this..

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Acoustic...87-i1399999.gc

I own one...crazy loud for a 200 watt combo and nice tone.

+1

JimmyM · #17 01-16-2011, 10:06 PM

two words...patience patience patience.

UncleFluffy · #18 01-16-2011, 10:15 PM

obligatory Seismic Audio interior shot:

Seismic Audio???

your call...

UncleFluffy · #19 01-16-2011, 10:48 PM

Which part of the world are you in? Shipping is expensive - if we can point you at something local that will save you $50+

tjh · #20 01-16-2011, 11:04 PM

If it needs to be a head/cab setup, look for a Gallien Krueger Backline 250 or 350 head(easily under $250.00 used)

... certainly a consideration, just be careful with the BL 250, I have seen a few folks stuck with the fact that it is only 8 ohm capable ... it leaves no option for a 2nd cabinet, and maybe more importantly reduces your chances on finding a good buy on a used one, not allowing a 4 ohm cab ... besides, you can get a used BL 600 for very nearly the same price, and they are everywhere ... a BL 600 and a used $200+ Avatar cab is very realistic ... you might have to settle for a non-neo cab, but I actually preferred them ... that B210 Delta was a heck of a cab, I had a couple of them I sold under $200 ... JMHO