can you recommend me a new (and much smaller) bass rig for under $2,000?

sorrowdemonica · #1 01-20-2011, 04:07 PM

my spending limit is $2000, but would prefer to not to blow it all, but can you recommend me the best rig for the money but is also Small?

You see I currently have a full size Ampeg 8x10, 1x15, SVT 4 Pro and other various rack gear behemoth which I have use for studio and playing major venues.. but it's always cumbersome and very difficult to transport, especially if your doing the lifting alone.. And worse of all, you gotta use a truck, van or suv to transport..

However at the moment, I have a new daily driver, a small 2 door sports convertible and would like to have something that I can transport with it to and from rehearsals and small venues.

I am sort of going with an Eden 2x10 (D210XST) at the moment (just bought it yesterday) and top that with an Eden WT550 amp, but this isn't too late to change (return) this if deemed unacceptable..

So could you please help me choose?

Here's my rundown:
1. it has to be under $2000
2. has to be able to fit in the passenger compartment of a 2 seater convertible (amp on the floor or in trunk, speaker on the seat, and bass guitar in it's hard case standing in-between dash and the speaker cab on the seat).
3. needs to sound great, power, and heavy... basically won't make me regret buying it and end up transporting my ampeg rig..
4. I don't care if it's a combo or separate head and cab.
5. did I mention, easy to transport?

***UPDATE***

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Just a few minutes ago I ended up completing my order with Online Music Retailer zZounds.com.

I'll soon be the owner of a new David Eden WT550!

I had a return to process with them for an Ampeg Micro VR head and 2x10 cab, so originally I was going to do an exchange with them for this Amp but I couldn't wait for my return to ship and them process the exchange and ship it to me (they are located in NJ and I am here in CA), so I opted to buy it now and just make my returns for refund. On top of this zZsounds.com actually priced matched an eBay listing of a WT550 for me (and gave me a $5 discount on top of that), so instead of paying the retail price of 899.99 for this amp, they charged me $735.00!

That's $165.00 off a brand new in the box David Eden Amp Made in The USA from a Large/Major Online Music Store! Then the fact that zZsounds doesn't ever charge Tax and always has free Shipping is awesome too.

***UPDATE***

Needs to fit in here

There is virtually no trunk space, just enough for a small amp or accessories

BigOldHarry · #2 01-20-2011, 04:10 PM

Looks like Class D is what you need. Any number of excellent new Class D amps out there now (GK/MB/GB); What you need to really think on is getting a high quality 2x10 cab. I *love* my NYC Epifani 2x10's, but they're not for everone. My buddy's Berg 2x10" neo sounds very nice... you might look into that.

sorrowdemonica · #3 01-20-2011, 04:11 PM

This is the current Eden 2x10 cab I bought, it takes up the entire passenger seat space standing on it's side.

Let me know also if it's worth keeping or exchanging for something else..

BigOldHarry · #4 01-20-2011, 04:13 PM

Eden cabs are dandy - but they have a "sound". If you dig that sound, then great. You have to decide. I found them to be kind of "honky" for my tastes, which is why I went with Epifani.

scowboy · #5 01-20-2011, 04:14 PM

I'm running GB Shuttle 9.0 and have got a Berg AE112 as well as a HT112EX. The latter I bought used "a deal that was too cheap to pass up". As it turns out HT fits in my Mini Cooper S without folding down the seat so I pretty much had to buy it

. I'm using the AE112 this weekend with drums in a worship service and I do not expect any issues.

sorrowdemonica · #6 01-20-2011, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Looks like Class D is what you need. Any number of excellent new Class D amps out there now (GK/MB/GB); What you need to really think on is getting a high quality 2x10 cab. I *love* my NYC Epifani 2x10's, but they're not for everone. My buddy's Berg 2x10" neo sounds very nice... you might look into that.

I know I need a small amp, but only problem is, can it at least compare in tone to my larger rig to the point where I can be satisfied.. because I can see myself ending up taking my svt-4pro to these small practices/venues instead of whatever new Class D amp i end up getting if i end up not liking the sound. So hoping someone can recommend some specific models for me to check out from your experience or ownership of them..

needs to sound satisfactory against this:

okcrum · #7 01-20-2011, 04:17 PM

Well, the WT550 isn't exactly huge and heavy, so I wouldn't go all Class D yet. Are you saying there's no room for a bass when you put the 210XST in the passenger seat? A 550 and the XST is an excellent small rig, but if it doesn't fit...

BassBob1 · #8 01-20-2011, 04:18 PM

well you I assume you like ampeg bases on your other gear. Have you tried the SVT 7 pro? It would easily fit in that "trunk," sounds great, and is pretty cheap for 1000 watts. I own one and love it. I don't really have that much experience with smaller cabs. Just a Markbass 102 traveler (2x10) that i used to power with a Markbass LMII. I didn't think that cab ever had enough low end for anything bigger than a coffee shop and the LMII was nice but i just never felt like i could get my sound out of it. Maybe look into epifani cabs. the UL2 112 or 210. Like i said i can't really comment on a small cab but you should give the svt 7 pro a look.

**nostatic** · #9 01-20-2011, 04:18 PM

Small head and a good 2-10 should get you most of the way there. The details depend on what sound you're looking for and how loud you need to be. Another alternative is a pair of 1-12 cabs so you can go modular. Frankly, I find my Berg AE210 to be a particular favorite due to light weight (40lbs), and almost ideal size (not that deep).

For a head, you can pick a lot of different candidates. Right now I'm running a GK MB Fusion that I like, and have a GB Streamliner 900 en route. The Streamliner looks to be the "SVT killer." Plenty of juice available. Any of those heads and a Berg cab will be under your budget. I actually have an AE112 as well, and take that to smaller gigs and can pair it with the AE210 for larger gigs. Frankly the single 210 is enough though. Another one to consider is an Audio Kinesis Thunderchild 1-12. Small, light, very loud. There is a wait to get one though.

BassBob1 · #10 01-20-2011, 04:20 PM

I meant to say based in the beginning of my last post. Also the svt 7 pro is class D and is only 15lbs.

modulusman · #11 01-20-2011, 04:22 PM

I posted in your other thread. This rig was louder,smaller lighter and sounded better IMO.http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....mbo?sku=482111 than a 210xst and a Eden WTX260. Another nice feature is that it has a kickstand that folds down on the bottom of the cab so it is aimed at your ears instead of your Knees.

sorrowdemonica · #12 01-20-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okcrum

Well, the WT550 isn't exactly huge and heavy, so I wouldn't go all Class D yet. Are you saying there's no room for a bass when you put the 210XST in the passenger seat? A 550 and the XST is an excellent small rig, but if it doesn't fit...

it fits, i just meant, the 2x10 takes up the whole actual passenger seat, the bass i have to stand inbetween the dashboard and the 2x10, while the amp would probably go on the floor (foot area) or either in the trunk..

So it fits but wondering if there's better..

sorrowdemonica · #13 01-20-2011, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modulusman

I posted in your other thread. This rig was louder,smaller lighter and sounded better IMO.http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....mbo?sku=482111 than a 210xst and a Eden WTX260. Another nice feature is that it has a kickstand that folds down on the bottom of the cab so it is aimed at your ears instead of your Knees.

that looks pretty decent.. however i never been a fan of GB, i am sure they make quality products.. dunno... maybe I'll try it out today when I pay another visit to my local Sam Ash and guitar center in a couple hours ... this time I'll take my bass along for the real full experience and crank the equipment a bit them regardless if the sales person tells me to put it down like they usually do...

aelizalde · #14 01-20-2011, 04:30 PM

if you're willing to wait...

the aguilar tone hammer 500 looks great!
they're also coming out with a line of lightweight cabs. the sl 112 and sl 410

this is all on my GAS list.
last i heard it's expected to ship in march.

good luck!

Andrew

sorrowdemonica · #15 01-20-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aelizalde

if you're willing to wait...

the aguilar tone hammer 500 looks great!
they're also coming out with a line of lightweight cabs. the sl 112 and sl 410

this is all on my GAS list.
last i heard it's expected to ship in march.

good luck!

Andrew

did I forget to include a #6? I'll add that above now..

unfortunately manufactures like aguilar, orange, etc... I have to pass on no matter how great they sound because my equipment will be used primarily in an instrumental metal band and possibly a small death metal gig every now and then (when it is pointles to use the Ampeg rig)...

So when I hit the stage, I would like to maintain the "band's image" and not get any negative compliments from the crowd.

However, thanks for the post and whatnot

modulusman · #16 01-20-2011, 04:38 PM

I also own one of these if Genz Benz isn't your cup of tea. http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=581053 It is almost as light as the shuttle6.0/12t. Physically it is bigger. It sounds pretty good and is half the price. I used mine at a gig the other night and was able to put it, a gig bag with 2 basses and a small duffel bag in the passenger side of my ford ranger.

Pilgrim · #17 01-20-2011, 04:38 PM

Nothing but an SVT is an SVT...nothing but an 8x10 is an 8x10.

But that doesn't mean you need either one.

The Genz-Benz Shuttle series heads (probably a 9.0) and a 1x12" or 2x10 Uber bass cab might just rock yer sox off.

**nostatic** · #18 01-20-2011, 04:39 PM

Get a folding cardboard cutout of an SVT rig and put a micro behind it.

#6 then I guess lets out most of the quality gear. Let image rule!

sorrowdemonica · #19 01-20-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nostatic

Get a folding cardboard cutout of an SVT rig and put a micro behind it.

#6 then I guess lets out most of the quality gear. Let image rule!

unfortunately that's how society and the world operates :\

Eden I guess is the limit on how normal/different the amp can get..

I can only imagine bands like cannibal corpse, morbid angel, metallica, or slayer with equipment by Orange, Aguilar or similar.. it would be too funny.. but would probably sound weird and great at the same time.

but that's a great idea about the cardboard! maybe I will take some glamor shots of my Ampeg rig and take it to a place to have stand-up cardboard cutouts made and attach them to the front and sides of the sissy looking gear. then when the show's over, detach and fold them up and they should be able to store nicely in my tiny tiny trunk xD!

BurningSkies · #20 01-20-2011, 04:51 PM

With the amount of car space you have, you're definitely going to have to make some compromises. I'd think a Schroeder 1212 (4ohm if possible) and a 800w micro amp would do the trick. and leave you enough room for yourself and your bass.

That's the least gig-friendly car I've ever seen.