Getting a gig-rig, need some advice

[The Panda Man]

I'm switching from guitar to bass because I'm tired of re-teaching bass players our stuff. I've played bass in various jazz bands, so I'm competent with the instrument, but I don't know much about amps. I've recently purchased a GK 350 watt 4x10 cab(8 ohm), and I need a head to throw on top of it. My budget is around $300, but I'd prefer to stay closer to $250. Here's some stuff you might need to know: I play in a hard rock band in small to mid-sized clubs. We're not obnoxiously loud; my guitar amp is rarely turned up past 2 1/2 (granted, it's a 120 watt tube half-stack). Our drummer isn't crazy with volume, but he's not timid. Lastly, I'd like to buy the head new if possible, but I'm willing to go used if I have to.
I'd like your input on how many watts I should be looking at with the amp. My understanding is that 200 watts is about the minimum for what I need, but more is always better. I've been looking at the Hartke HA2500, Acoustic B200, GK MB200, and the Eden E300. I've also looked at the Fender Rumble 150, but I think that doesn't have quite enough power. A local shop is selling a Hartke 3500 for $250 that I plan to check out, but if the 2500 (250 watts, new for $250) will be enough, I'd rather go that route. Ok, talk to me!

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by The Panda Man

I'm switching from guitar to bass because I'm tired of re-teaching bass players our stuff. I've played bass in various jazz bands, so I'm competent with the instrument, but I don't know much about amps. I've recently purchased a GK 350 watt 4x10 cab(8 ohm), and I need a head to throw on top of it. My budget is around $300, but I'd prefer to stay closer to $250. Here's some stuff you might need to know: I play in a hard rock band in small to mid-sized clubs. We're not obnoxiously loud; my guitar amp is rarely turned up past 2 1/2 (granted, it's a 120 watt tube half-stack). Our drummer isn't crazy with volume, but he's not timid. Lastly, I'd like to buy the head new if possible, but I'm willing to go used if I have to.
I'd like your input on how many watts I should be looking at with the amp. My understanding is that 200 watts is about the minimum for what I need, but more is always better. I've been looking at the Hartke HA2500 and the Acoustic B200. I've also looked at the Fender Rumble 150, but I think that doesn't have quite enough power. A local shop is selling a Hartke 3500 for $250 that I plan to check out, but if the 2500 (250 watts, new for $250) will be enough, I'd rather go that route. Ok, talk to me!

gig worthy @ 250 i dunno.....why not use the 120 watt geetar amp......just make sure the bass cab(s) ohmage' adds up to the right number....lots of guys including me have heads in that range that can kick butt....

[waleross]

All I know is Marshall = guitar and Ampeg = Bass and you have to spend to get a great sound. Anything less, you'll be selling what you buy today and buying again in 6 months. Fender is ok to start but not a combo you want to look at the heads and then find a used cab (410). This way you are prepared .

[Tracebassplayer]

I can take a 100 watt amp and 2 4x10 cabs and whoop your 250 watter and 1 4x10.
Get a decent head that gives you the tone you want and add more speakers.
If you want more volume add more speakers. More speakers = more volume cause you are MOVING more air.
On a 4 ohm minimum load amp you can run 2 8ohm cabs on the same channel.

[hillcitykid]

you mentioned an Eden E300...was it in your price range? usualy those are pretty up there cash wise. id check it out for sure. usualy eden stuff sounds great right outta the box.watts dont matter anyway..the sound goober @ most clubs is just gonna stick a direct box on ya..all ya need is stage volume. ive got 350watts..cant here a thing on stage..haha!

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by Tracebassplayer

I can take a 100 watt amp and 2 4x10 cabs and whoop your 250 watter and 1 4x10.
Get a decent head that gives you the tone you want and add more speakers.
If you want more volume add more speakers. More speakers = more volume cause you are MOVING more air.
On a 4 ohm minimum load amp you can run 2 8ohm cabs on the same channel.

yep.... his 120 watter is plenty.....just needs the right cab/fridge

[Tracebassplayer]

I would suggest something like this to start - plenty for practice and gigs...


Then add this if you need to...

Or just go nuts and add this...

[Tracebassplayer]

or this ...

[Tracebassplayer]

RH434 hasHartke HA3500 Head FS for 265.00 SHIPPED

[The Panda Man]

Good advice, gents. I'm looking at the Ampeg Portaflex PF-350. 350 watts, in the price range, and it's Ampeg. Any reason I shouldn't pull the trigger on this one?

[Nickthebass]

Originally Posted by The Panda Man

Good advice, gents. I'm looking at the Ampeg Portaflex PF-350. 350 watts, in the price range, and it's Ampeg. Any reason I shouldn't pull the trigger on this one?

If you're only running your single 8ohm cab then you're only going to get 250watts produced. I'd look to add a 2x10 cab as well. You'll then have 3 rigs available to you (2x10, 4x10 and 6x10).

You should be able to pick up a used 2x10 relatively cheap.

[BillyIVbass]

Hartke 2500. It fits your budget and it packs alotta features into a budget head. I bought one and use it often. Fills a bar gig or basement practice fine with a 4x10.

The GK MB stuff, I only hear problems about. If you don't need the tiny amp technology, I wouldn't invest in it.

Acoustic. The new stuff sounds good and packs in a decent amount of power. My only concern is if this amp could hang with a regular gigging/practice schedule.

Used: I'd look for a Peavey.

[gidroga]

I would rather go with Hartke 3500, moreover with the old version of the amp, just plain 3500 without any letters, if it will be possible to find it used, of course.

Hartke 2500 is great, no argues, however it is not loud enough, IMO. Anyhow, it is always good to possess some power reserve.

Originally Posted by waleross

All I know is Marshall = guitar and Ampeg = Bass

True and wrong at the same time))))) Former times - true, nowadays - well, can't agree with you right away, at least.

[Rockmusician]

You should be able to find a used GK 800RB or many other used heads in that price range. New will be more difficult.

[Gintaras]

GKMB200 is surprisingly loud and will fit in your gig bag. I have one hooked to a Schroeder 15. You see them in the classifieds on a regualar basis. 2 sold last week for aroung $200.00. Do a search and you will find a long thread on it and lot's of love.