Certain brands for certain genres?

[dwm74]

Please excuse my newb-ness, but I don't have any experience with heads/cabs, only combo amps. But I'm looking to upgrade from my Fender Bassman 200w 1x15 combo and would appreciate some guidance.

I've been researching online for the rig that would suit me (and my wallet) best. I plan to upgrade to at least a 400-500w amp with a minimum 4x10 cab, or maybe even a 6x10.

My confusion is compounded by reading that some brands are better suited for certain genres better than others. I'd heard nothing but great things about G&K, but I also read they're not the best for metal/hard rock, which is what I play. I've also read mixed reviews on Acoustic, Behringer, SWR, etc. Ampeg is out of my price range (at least new).

Bottom line, what brands would serve me well playing hard rock, and which brands would you recommend I stay away from?

[twangman]

i think for rock, ampeg of GK. GK, to me, has a bright and punchy tone. Ampeg has a real bassy and punchy tone, that could work in a variety of situations. i think the ampeg would be your best bet.. GK makes some really nice affordable, lightweight bass amps. Check out their MB series. As far as what to stay away from.. I'm not sure.. I've never had a bad amp.

[KJung]

Trying to match a rig to a certain type of music will make you go crazy. It's much more useful (IMO) to really define the type of tone you are trying to achieve, and then checking out rigs that help you along with that (e.g., modern and grindy, old school and fat, super hi fi, all out rock grind, old school growl, etc., etc.).

Most tones will be appropriate (within reason) for almost any type of music. It's more about finding a rig that gets you to 'that sound in your head' with the least amount of knob twisting.

[i hate username]

If you want more bang for your buck, go with second hand.
you can get some brilliant deals on this site and a lot of the guys here are very good when it comes to things like shipping.

Realistically though you really could use a lot of amps for a variety of different genres. Id say what your actually looking for is the archetype p-bass through an SVT lightly distorted hard rock tone and tbh the best way your going to get that is with an svt.

End of the day try things out and don't be afraid of the second hand market

[Sharko]

Don't worry about brand names, just play a bunch in the store until you find one that (like another poster said) gives you the tone you want without much knob fiddling.

Don't dismiss Ampeg because of price. If you like the tone consider getting a used one. Or consider simulating that tone using the Tech 21 VT Bass pedal and plugging it into any old amp that is durable and reliable.

Of the brands you listed though, be careful about Behringer. While most brands make good and bad models depending on price point, all Behringers have reliability issues.

[dwm74]

Thanks for the quick responses!

Sorry, I should have clarified... I WILL be buying used, but even the used Ampegs I'm seeing on craigslist still seem pricey. But I'm guessing they're worth it if they're holding their value more than the others.

FWIW, I am looking for that deeper 'bassy' tone, and I don't want a bright sounding cab.