Due to health concerns I need a new rig...sadly.

bassguppy · #1 10-01-2011, 04:27 PM

I just was released from the hospital after a way too long 5 1/2 week stay (ruptured spleen, numerous surgeries, cardiac arrest) and lost so much muscle mass and weight (I look like I'm ready for halloween without a costume) But I know I won't get back to my old self for a long time if I get to that point.

My rig I'll be ditching is one I've been totally thrilled with (Ampeg SVTII-Pro & Berg NV610) but with 100 lbs for the cab & 80+ lbs for the amp I just can't do it.

So I'm taking advice from my TB friends on lightening up significantly.

1. the amp needs to be LOUD. Near ear damage loud because many gigs I do are outdoors with no PA support.

2. good tone. what I want to look for is something that could get me in the SVT ballpark. I like tube, but I also like clean. I'm willing to get a really spiffy tubey pedal to supplement if no light amp by itself can get me there.

3. cost. whatever as I try to buy used but hopefully not over $1200-$1500 used.

4. As for the cab. Good efficiency. Easy lifting. preferably under 45-55 lbs. I'm a 10" guy but do enjoy 12's & 15's too. would consider 3-way, 4-way cabs if the weight is right. More than likely I would pick up 2 or more cabs to break up the weight so consider that when choosing a head due to max ohms.

Right now I'm only on TB for about 30 minute a day because even sitting at the computer is exhausting but I will respond as I can. thanks.

BurningSkies · #2 10-01-2011, 04:32 PM

Honestly, I'd talk with Robbie Hoinsky of Art of Noise about getting a composite custom cab. I know of him because he's the builder of the super-lightweight composite fEARfuls, but I'm guessing that if you're not on board with a 12/6 or two, he could work with you on something else.

Then, I'd opt for a lightweight amp solution. Either one of the high wattage micros, or one of the nice superlight power amps (like the Peavey IPRs or the Crown Drivecores).

Elsewise, I'd look at some things like finding a used Flite cab or two.

Jheake · #3 10-01-2011, 04:33 PM

My suggestion, is the SWR headlite with the golight jr cab. your looking at 40 lbs total. Its very loud as well. I used that setup with a loud rock band and i was fine. i just stood it upright.

or the Markbass setups are pretty good i hear as well. i know the heads are pretty light. im not sure about the cabs tho.

then theres also the ampeg PF500/350 but the matching cabs are a little heavier. but i think the pf350with the pf115 is somewhere around 50 ish lbs total. Im not sure you could get the volumes needed with that setup tho.

i currently use the pf500/pf210 and its pretty loud but, it could be louder. its ampeg tone tho. its also pretty lightweight.

RS · #4 10-01-2011, 04:37 PM

For the head, sounds like you'd be happy with a GB Streamliner or maybe a light poweramp or markbass head with a VT bass pedal.

cableguy · #5 10-01-2011, 04:38 PM

fEARful cab(s). Expensive now but buy/build a 15/6 add a 15/sub down the road. 12/6-12/sub get really loud for me but I have PA support. Maybe Ampeg or VT bass pre into a newer lightweight power amp. Or SVT7pro? The Carvin BX1500 with vt bass gets some love on TB also.

Phendyr_Loon · #6 10-01-2011, 04:47 PM

As mentioned before a few companies out there make lightweight power amps, Crown, Carvin and I think Mackie. Running a tube or tube sim pedal is probably a good route.

Burningskies beat me to it but a composite fEarful will be loud and light. Even a 1/2" ply fEarful will be lighter than most production cabs.

Joebone · #7 10-01-2011, 04:53 PM

GB Streamliner or Aguilar Tonehammer 500 for the head.

Good luck in recuperating - may music help.

madmatt · #8 10-01-2011, 04:56 PM

I heard them GK 212MBE combos are pretty monstrous.

Mojo-Man · #9 10-01-2011, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RS

For the head, sounds like you'd be happy with a GB Streamliner or maybe a light poweramp or markbass head with a VT bass pedal.

I have a Streamliner head, and custom schroeder 2x15 cab.
And a JHS pre-amp overdrive. Based on a early SVT.
Plenty of power, and great tone, 51 pounds total.
Best move i ever made.

Jim Carr · #10 10-01-2011, 05:05 PM

My Epifani UL 210 is 37 lbs. I have used two Epi 8 ohm 210 cabs together, and they make more sound than an Epi 4 ohm 410.

BurningSkies · #11 10-01-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Carr

My Epifani UL 210 is 37 lbs. I have used two Epi 8 ohm 210 cabs together, and the make more sound than an Epi 4 ohm 410.

Nice lookin' cabs. I always thought that Nick Epifani make nice stuff...

...although whatever you have going on on top of your cabs looks like the mess on top of my dresser in my bedroom.

GrowlerBox · #12 10-01-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassguppy

what I want to look for is something that could get me in the SVT ballpark.

SVT 7-Pro? (1000 W at 4 ohms, 15.5 lb).

fEARful or BFM cabs (the newish Jack 15s might be up your alley) for weight to loudness ratio. Very different designs, though.

Jim Carr · #13 10-01-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

Nice lookin' cabs. I always thought that Nick Epifani make nice stuff...

...although whatever you have going on on top of your cabs looks like the mess on top of my dresser in my bedroom.

Yeah, I know. Just about the smallest stage in all of Dallas. It is the Balcony Club in Lakewood, Dallas TX--love that place!!!

On my cab in front of an SWR 350, I had a flashlight, Korg OT-12 tuner, glasses case, set list, spare cable, and assorted velcro cable wraps. That pic was taken between sets, I think, LOL. The crowd was small but very passionate!

lowfreq33 · #14 10-01-2011, 06:59 PM

Genz Benz Streamliner and either a pair of Neo 12's or a single Neo 212.

Folmeister · #15 10-01-2011, 07:19 PM

I am so sorry for your misfortune! Do you do GK? I see in your profile you got a PF500, but if you want to try the MB500 fusion I have one I can lend you to test out.

**B-string** · #16 10-01-2011, 07:23 PM

G-K MB Fusion head and two NEO 212 cabs is my vote and suggestion.
Good luck with the health issues!

bassgod0dmw · #17 10-01-2011, 07:25 PM

I also say Genz Benz Streamliner 900 for the head. I've got one and it's great. I use my Ampeg stuff for recording and practice when I don't need to lug it around, but the GB does pretty close to what they do for live work and only weighs 6.5 lbs in a small form factor.

I'd also recommend a Mesa Walkabout head, but it's only 300 watts.

Sartori · #18 10-01-2011, 08:36 PM

Maybe the SVT-7pro and two of the little 210 cabs?

sj_bass · #19 10-01-2011, 09:38 PM

I decided to go light this year, too. I'm running an ashdown lg-1000 and a pair of Aguilar gs-112's. Here's a crazy idea; go with four gs-112's! That way you can use them in pairs if needed...

Dan Knowlton · #20 10-01-2011, 11:47 PM

The "biggest sound for the pound" cabinet I know of is the Accugroove Tri-115. It is a full-sized cabinet and weighs 42 lbs. I'm using mine with a Shuttle 6.0 (also have used it with a Glock HeartCore but I'm getting lazy) and it sounds great.

Dan K.