Damned newbie question: what amp?

[Tombolino]

@ Rusell, thank you ill check the Marks too.

[vishuddha]

Just don't get a combo... those are for very specific needs and you WILL get frustrated by the lack of volume in a gig setting... I can't tell you how many times I took a bass hiatus because I was so pissed about not cutting through the mix on my crappy combo.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by Tombolino

hahah right on @B String.

[Tombolino]

Good Morning,

Do most of you/bass players add compression when gigging?

And what do you think of heads with the EQ feautures/levers beyond the standard bass, treb, mids?

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I don't add extra compression but I run a tube amp so you end up with some compression.

I think it's more useful when recording, too many people use it to try and cover poor technique.

Extra can be good, it can be bad. Depends on the players understanding and ability to set their EQ to gain a desired sound within the mix of the band.

[Tombolino]

Thanks. Regarding the EQ.....arent the standard knobs usually enough to EQ to the band and room? Im asking because Im sure when I go to the store, I will need to decide if get one with the extra EQ or not....(and no clue right now if i really need that since I am just sitting at home practicing on headphones)

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Sure it's enough, but having extra control can also be benificial.

Just go and see what sounds good, trust your own judgement.

[zon6c-f]

All of the above suggestions are great.

However, my 2 cents.. for your circumstance , based on my actual use and affordability is either: vintage Acoustic Control or new Guitar Center house brand Acoustic Amplification [We at Talk Bass..."TB"... sometimes refer to it as "GC" ]

I own vintage as well as GC Acoustic B-200 Combo, B-200 head and 1x15 cab..tons of tone; plenty of power, Direct-out for PA... best bang for your $$..in my experience and opinion.

If you stay with playing bass, I would still recommend same brand ; with their larger powered amps .

Later...when you feel reeeeeeally ready.. buy ACOUSTIC USA.. Look that one up and call George..

And no, I don't work in a music store or for any music suppliers.

Good luck and welcome aboard...

[zon6c-f]

An afterthought...

In my experience, I believe that owning an inexpensive bass with a really great amp is better than a fantastic bass through a mediocre amp.

In my early years, I owned a fantastic bass..Rickenbacker 4001; playing through a mediocre amp..for years.....

Hindsight being clearer, money spent on a better amp could have served me better professionally, as we relied on the power of our amps for volume. Thus the need for folded horn cabs or 8x10 cabs. Now, DI-into PA is more usual; keeping stage volumes lower, while PA gets our bass into the audience.

Confusing?? YES.... At least there are far more choices, now for bass players.

On the other hand...vintage basses gain more in value than most vintage amps. You already own a bass. If bass playing is really yourr hearts desire, buy a huge $$$$ system.

On the other hand..No need to spend on a huge system if you decide that later bass playing isn't for you, as your amp will probably quickly lose value, much like a used vehicle.

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by Tombolino

Thanks. Regarding the EQ.....arent the standard knobs usually enough to EQ to the band and room? Im asking because Im sure when I go to the store, I will need to decide if get one with the extra EQ or not....(and no clue right now if i really need that since I am just sitting at home practicing on headphones)

Extra can be good, especially graphic eq sliders or semi-parametric mid controls (one knob for frequency, one knob for how much plus or minus dbs). Shape knobs cna be good, but be wary of the ones that only scoop your mids. You can disappear in the mix if you sccop your mids too much.

[Tombolino]

I do have a Line 6 POD X3 which even though its for guitar, i can turn off the guitar amp sims and cabs and just use the effects which includes a variety of Comps, Mods, and EQ.....It also acts as a DI....

[lustersilk]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

Am the only person who thinks wheeling an 810 into a small venue is silly?

Not at all - I think wheeling one anywhere is silly. I love them when they are part of the back line, but I'm not taking one on the road, that's for sure, too many better options nowadays.

[lustersilk]

If budget isn't an option, I'd get a class 'D' amp (new, light weight models) with plenty of wattage, and a sick 2X12 cab, like a Bergantino. You can always add another 2X12 later if you want to. That's pretty modular and plenty of power. Boy would I love to be in your shoes - have fun.

[B-string]

IMO graphic eq's (sliders) are more a tone destructive toy than a tool for a bass amp. You should not boost from center, only cut IF you know how to find an offensive frequency. I also believe in technique and a properly setup bass over compressors. But I am old school. Four "band" on head tone control is all I need.

[howlin]

TC Electronics BG-250.

[Tombolino]

So yesterday at a blues place, I saw bass player use a Mark head + Ampeg cab. What is the thought behind that? What features was bass player seeking to combine by mixing brands? Thank you

[scottfeldstein]

Originally Posted by Tombolino

I saw bass player use a Mark head + Ampeg cab. What is the thought behind that?

In all likelihood those were just the components he could get a good deal on at one time or another. I don't know that there has to be a thoughtful purpose to it.

[Tombolino]

ok cool thanks. Because in guitar world, such combinations do happen to get a certain sound.

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by Tombolino

So yesterday at a blues place, I saw bass player use a Mark head + Ampeg cab. What is the thought behind that? What features was bass player seeking to combine by mixing brands? Thank you

Sure, you can choose mixed brands for that very reason. I hope to soon be running a Barefaced Compact with my Little Mark III head, for instance.