decisions, decisions, decisions...

[gimmethelowend]

Ok, so Ive been playing bass for about a year now, and I've got a really great gig lined up in the near future, however I have a problem. The amp I have is SEVERELY underpowered, especially for this venue (which is a good sized band room with PA to plug into). Also, in the band I'm playing with has a ridiculously loud drummer, and three guitars (one being acoustic).

I know I need a new amp, and I've been eying the fender rumble 350, but I'm not sure If it can do the job, or if it would be better to just go ahead and buy a separate head-from-cab deal instead of buying another combo which I'm sure I'll have to replace at some time or other.

any advice/opinions??

[lbwdog]

How much??? ($)

What do you have now?

What style music?

[RSmith]

Having come from a band with a loud drummer it can take the fun right out of it if you and the can't hear yourself. If you have the resources a seperate head and cab is probably most effective. It gives you the freedom to try different head/speaker configurations, plus it's most likely able to handle the type of power you would want for most situations. I like to have 400 watts or more....not so much for volume (although it's there if you need it) but headroom. This means you sound big, deep and full without your amp straining. It makes a world of difference!

[gimmethelowend]

i HAVE 1,600ish, but i would like to get out as cheap as possible

at the moment, i have a behringer ultrabass 1800 combo. 1x12 speaker, says it can do 180 watts, but im not so sure of that...

and we are playing contemporary christian stuff

[JimmyM]

the sure thing rig for first-timers that isn't huge and won't break the bank but will have enough ass to do whatever you want outside of doom is a 410 and at least 300w. there are other rigs that will do well, but i believe it's better to go a little bigger than you need than too small.

[sedan_dad]

Bang for the buck? Look at a used Peavey head and a 2-15 or 4-10 bottom.

[lbwdog]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

the sure thing rig for first-timers that isn't huge and won't break the bank but will have enough ass to do whatever you want outside of doom is a 410 and at least 300w. there are other rigs that will do well, but i believe it's better to go a little bigger than you need than too small.

+1......good advice

I'm a big proponent of the fEarful concept, but that would entail either building one yourself, or waiting up to three months for another builder to turn one out for you.

The 410 has been a standard for quite a few years now, and is probably the best choice for someone in your shoes.

I'd suggest an Avatar 410, 212, or TB153 (which is akin to the fEarful concept). Pair it with a head that has enough power (I'm a G-K fan), G-K has a couple in the line that would do very nicely, such as a 700RB II, or the 4 lb. MB500.

Prices on G-K and Avatar are very good, considering what you get for the money.

[lbwdog]

Originally Posted by lbwdog

+1......good advice

I'm a big proponent of the fEarful concept, but that would entail either building one yourself, or waiting up to three months for another builder to turn one out for you.

Just to clarify the bolded statement above; The authorized fEarful builders seem to be turning them out rather quickly, as little as two weeks or so. LDS stays backed up and takes considerably longer (according to most reports), since he is a one-man operation.

[cheezewiz]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

the sure thing rig for first-timers that isn't huge and won't break the bank but will have enough ass to do whatever you want outside of doom is a 410 and at least 300w. there are other rigs that will do well, but i believe it's better to go a little bigger than you need than too small.

This

[dogbluedrummer]

G&K Backine 600 head
Two Avatar 2x10, stacked vertically
Simply awesome.