Combo options

Setebos · #1 04-17-2011, 09:04 AM

Hi guys,

I would like to get some thoughts on this. Seems that I'm finally coming up to get enough $$ to buy a 2nd combo.
I already have one (Laney RB4 165watts) but my band starting to play live as from june and I want to get another so I can use both together on stage.

My first idea was to get a brand new GK MB115. Between those 2 amps I will have a good power to play almost any venue even if no PA. But then I realized I cannot stack up any of those 2 on top of each other and putting them side by side is something that may be is not an option on some smaller stages. Not sure also if the sound projection is not as good in that case.

Then I came across a brand new Warwick sweet 15.3 Its output is 150 watts and in this case I can stack up the Laney on top of it (has not strap nor ventilation exaust on the it top) but I could not find many reviews of it and on the few I read some mention that its sound breaks up when vol pot is not even close to max

Yesterday I came across a 2nd hand Hartke 2155 Its price is a bit more expensive than the other 2 but seems it can be a nice amp. I read some good comments on it and I can also stack up (no strap or ventilation exaust on top) my other combo on top and has a great resell price in these shores (in case in the future I want to sell it).

I will try the 3 of them but still I would like to hear your comments in case someone points out some pros I might miss.

Thanks

RickenBoogie · #2 04-17-2011, 11:09 AM

Why a 2nd combo, and not a single gig rig? I'd suggest buying a used 300-500 watt head, and as much good spkr cab as you can afford. One rig to rule them all.

Setebos · #3 04-17-2011, 11:37 AM

I used to have a 300watt head together with a Hartke 4.5 4x10 but that cab was killing me. I used it for band practice in 2 different places an it was a monster to carry around. Same thing when I had to lift it by myself to get it in and off my car at home.
Ideally, sound wise, I would like to use this type of setting but is too much effort and sooner or later I was going to get hurt.

With the 2 combos on the other hand, only thing I have to do is one more trip to and from but I dont struggle with weight and in some cases (small size venues or with PA) using only a 200watt combo (if i get the GK or the Hartke) might be enough.

selftitled907 · #4 04-17-2011, 12:08 PM

You could still use something "like" the hartke but split the cabs....go for 2x 210 cabs or even 2 1x12's or something to that nature. not only that if your head is rated for 4ohm min. load then you will really get the full juice out of the head.

I just recently...(in the last year) switched to a 4ohm rig from an 8ohm....the difference in shear vol. is staggering. (much more) and that was downsizing my rig. (weight) i hear lots of talk about how much people love using 2 112 cabs or even 2 210 cabs. that reduces your weight...just adds an extra trip to the car if you cant 1 arm each cab.

not only that if you skim through the classifieds here on tb....you could probally find everything you needed. especially if you can still get some decent $$ for the combo you have.

cheers and good luck on your hunt for the right choice for you.
-Gabe

RickenBoogie · #5 04-17-2011, 12:44 PM

Yes, plenty of lightweight cab solutions to be had. A good Neo loaded 2x12 would work too, and many have tilt-back wheels to move them around. EASY PEASY.

Setebos · #6 04-17-2011, 03:50 PM

Thanks guys for the input. The problem of going with a head and a cab is that to get something decent I will need to spend double the money of getting a combo like the ones I mentioned and considering I already have a combo, adding another would be the cheapest and easiest way of having a good sound and fairly good power. In the future I can also add a cab or 2 to the combos and get more volume if needed.

The other thing is that prices over here are always double the price that in the US (salaries only a portion) so you need a good effort to get quality gear.

I would still like to get comments from people who have used any of the combos I mention as options. Although somehow I'm starting to think the 2155 is the best (warwick nor GK MB115 have extra cab plug)

steveksux · #7 04-17-2011, 04:22 PM

One thing to consider would be to get a powerful combo and an extension speaker cab for larger venues.

For cost, go used. Sell the current combo, at 165 watts its only good for small stuff, and you're probably only getting 165 watts out of it if you're using an extension speaker anyway. You're probably only capable of getting about 100 watts running the combo alone.

Shoot for at least a 300W combo, and then a 2nd speaker cab.

The economics make more sense than 2 combos.

Randy

Setebos · #8 04-20-2011, 05:26 PM

update.

I decided to start by adding a 2x10 XL Hartke cab. Together with the combo the sound is pretty loud. I think I will be able to get by with this set up, more over considering that most gigs have PA systems.
And if in the long run I find I need more volume I can get a head and another cab (2x10 or 1x15). Hope there is no need

Stumbo · #9 04-20-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setebos

update.

I decided to start by adding a 2x10 XL Hartke cab. Together with the combo the sound is pretty loud.

I know many TB'r want 3-500 gigging watts but I have a 2x10/1x15 setup that I use sometimes with an original Acoustic 150 solid state head with an Ibanez Musician (active, 3 band e.q.) for jams and such. It gets good volume/tone for all but the loudest jams. However, I remember setting the cabs up with 150 tube amp/solid state pre-amp and it kicked some fine multiple guitar butt that night(with some super loud drummers to boot). Using the 150 head with a couple of 2x12, 2x15 or 4x10 cabs would move a lot more air and keep up with most bands.

Depending on your on your band your rig should pull you through. I do suggest you do some sound checks with a long cord/wireless (or another bass player) so you can e.q. your new rig properly for each venue.

As many other Tb threads attest, it only matters if it sounds good FOH at the gig, not like in your room or rehearsal space. e.g, reduce lows a bit, boost mids...if it sounds good, is good.

Also, be sure to setup as close to the drums as you can and then back a foot, if possible, to give the drummer some good lowend to listen to.

In the future, I suggest looking into two new 2x12's vertically stacked with a 500w light weight head. Modular convenience for different size venues and easy to move.

If you haven't taken a look at these threads already, check them out when you have time. Lots of interesting rigs.
Micro-rigs of doom
Mini-rigs of doom
Good luck.

Setebos · #10 04-21-2011, 11:04 AM

Thanks for the input Stumbo.
My previous set up was a local brand 300watt head together with a 4.5 4x10 Hartke XL. In 8 ohms that head put about 180watt output. I never had to go over half of its volume and even then I had enough to play without any need of digging in. I was playing with 2 guitars and a soft drummer.

With this new band we have 1 guitar, drummer who doesnt hit very hard and me. In practice studio I use a Fender BXR 100 with 1 15" and still have a lot of volume head room left.

So I think this new set up I have will work ok.

a 2x12 and a head will be great. But 2x12 are not easy to see around here.

Talking about 2x12; GK MB212 is available but with a price tag of usd 1,390

selftitled907 · #11 04-21-2011, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setebos

I was playing with 2 guitars and a soft drummer.

With this new band we have 1 guitar, drummer who doesnt hit very hard and me.:

how did you get lucky enough to get 2 drummers that arent freaking loud? thats what i wanna know!

cheers you lucky dog you!

Stumbo · #12 04-21-2011, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setebos

TSo I think this new set up I have will work ok.

Work with the e.q. and see how you do. Should be fine.

Quote:

Talking about 2x12; GK MB212 is available but with a price tag of usd 1,390

vince a · #13 04-23-2011, 01:58 PM

How much for the MB212?
Gallien-Krueger MB212 2x12 500W Ultralight Bass Combo Amp and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.
. . . and I paid a lot less than that!

countrybass007 · #14 04-23-2011, 05:44 PM

Getting someone to let you know how it sounds out in the audience area is a must. I've never heard a rig, that when properly adjusted and EQd, that didn't sound just fine. When you've got two combos, which is what I usually use, I set one, turn it off, set the second one, and then turn them both on for a final sound check. Maybe a little more hassle than a single head with dual cabs, but it works just fine. It also gives you the option of having one with more highs and one with more bass for a nice full tone.

Setebos · #15 04-24-2011, 05:52 PM

Vince, prices here in Argentina always double the price in the US. That goes for basically any item.

Countrybass007, thanks for the advice. For the moment I put on hold the idea of getting to combos. I just added a 210 cab to my combo and that seems to give me enough volume.

But I will know better after our first gig in June.