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10-21-2011, 10:54 AM
| | | | Guitarist Switching to Bass - NEED HELP
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Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum. I have been surfing around this forum for about a week or so and picking up some great information.
I am a guitarist and I recently decided to switch to playing bass. I just purchased a G&L L2500 Tribute bass and I am now trying to figure out what kind of bass amp/cab rig or combo to purchase.
I'll be playing a variety of styles from 70's classic rock to modern rock/metal and contemporary praise and worship. I will be using a pick until I can improve my fingerstyle skills. My average gig size will be in front of about 250 - 300 people indoors with PA support if needed.
There are so many different amp choices it's a little confusing. I have some lower back issues so I need something that will be fairly easy on the back to transport but at the same time something that can produce a big sound.
My budget is around $750- $850. I would like to stay with used equipment to get the best bang for my $$$. Any amp/cab or combo recommendations would be greatly appreciated. |
10-21-2011, 10:57 AM
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10-21-2011, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by dougjwray  | Thanks Doug. I did check this one out online. Seems like a good number of people have had some QC issues with them. I'm sure that could be said with many amps. The specs sound great on it: 500 watts - light weight - XLR out - I wish they would have included a jack to add an ext. cab. Say maybe a 115 to add some extra low end thump.
Anyone currently using this combo amp that could comment? |
10-21-2011, 12:12 PM
| | | | I've been using GK gear since 1985, and it's been extremely reliable. Maybe the very recent stuff has problems, I don't know.
One good thing about modern bass equipment is that many companies are making lightweight stuff now.
As you probably know, the all-time bass amp king is Ampeg (in terms of popularity and "iconic" significance). I've owned much Ampeg equipment and it's been reliable, too. Folks around here sometimes complain that Ampeg is "muddy" sounding, but you'll find that we're divided between the "bass should be heard" and "bass should be felt" factions; one person's mud is another person's warmth.
In addition to GK and Ampeg, you've got Genz Benz, Eden, Mesa, Markbass, Orange, a newly revived Acoustic, Fender, and many others. I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations. |
10-21-2011, 12:20 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: May 2008 Location: Studio City, CA | | | Just curious...what made you switch to bass?
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'99 Music Man Sterling, Sparkle Blue, Cremona DB, Mark Bass II, Avatar B410, Eden D212 |
10-21-2011, 12:41 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Colorado | | Quote:
Originally Posted by dougjwray | Yes welcome from a guy who went the reverse. I started on bass and then moved to guitar though I much prefer being a bassist.
I'd second this suggestion. You can pick one up new right now for under $700 at MF. I have it's little brother, a 1x12, and it's a great combo amp. Good value.
If you want something a little larger look at the MB210, under $600 now, and add 4x10 or 2x12 extension cabinet for around $400.
Brand new, under warranty and in your price range. Good luck with your search. |
10-21-2011, 12:46 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Colorado | | Quote:
Originally Posted by DPG003 Thanks Doug. I did check this one out online. Seems like a good number of people have had some QC issues with them. I'm sure that could be said with many amps. The specs sound great on it: 500 watts - light weight - XLR out - I wish they would have included a jack to add an ext. cab. Say maybe a 115 to add some extra low end thump.
Anyone currently using this combo amp that could comment? | Most of what I've read about QC issues is easily resolved by tightening some screws. If it's an electronics issue it tends to pop up immediately and online sellers like MF will simply exchange it.
Mine came right out or the box good as gold. No problems.
If you want extension cabs look at the MB210 and add those to it. 4x10, 2x12, or 1x15. |
10-21-2011, 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by StyleOverShow Just curious...what made you switch to bass? | Something about those low frequencies! I've always loved to listening to bass guitar in music. |
10-21-2011, 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by soulman969 If you want something a little larger look at the MB210, under $600 now, and add 4x10 or 2x12 extension cabinet for around $400.
Brand new, under warranty and in your price range. Good luck with your search. | I didn't think any of the MB models had ext speaker outs. Am I wrong on that one? |
10-21-2011, 02:03 PM
|  | Registered User
Endorsing Artist: Kaces - Bass Gig Bag Line | | Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Upstate, NY | | | Check out some MarkBass products. I own the 102P 2x10 combo. Gives you 300w off the bat, add a cab and get a full 500w that will shake most clubs. |
10-21-2011, 02:59 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cayce, SC | | | +1 on Markbass stuff. I'm loving my Little Mark III head with a Traveler 151P cab, soon to be two 151P cabs at 500w. The head is regularly $600, so are those cabs, but worth it, IMO. The head weighs about 6 lbs. and the 151P cab weighs 37.3 lbs.
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2001 American Series Jazz Bass / 1987 Jazz Bass Special
Markbass Little Mark III / dual 151P cabs / 121H combo
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10-21-2011, 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by TraceOnBass Check out some MarkBass products. I own the 102P 2x10 combo. Gives you 300w off the bat, add a cab and get a full 500w that will shake most clubs. | I have read great stuff about the Markbass line. I am assumeing that you would be able to better lower frequency ummfff from a 212 cab or combo over a 210. What about a 212 compared to a 115? |
10-21-2011, 03:22 PM
| | Registered User
Endorsing Artist: Kaces - Bass Gig Bag Line | | Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Upstate, NY | | I believe the 212 (cab) is rated at 700w and packs a punch for its weight/size ratio.
I haven't tried the 115 only because I prefer 10" speakers.
Price is up there on MB stuff, shop around used if you can. GC/MF Quote: |
Originally Posted by DPG003
I have read great stuff about the Markbass line. I am assumeing that you would be able to better lower frequency ummfff from a 212 cab or combo over a 210. What about a 212 compared to a 115?
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10-21-2011, 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by DPG003 I didn't think any of the MB models had ext speaker outs. Am I wrong on that one? | I believe the 210 combo does, but I wouldn’t base my rig on a 210.
Maybe a separate head and cab, and matching cab if necessary.
An MB500 head (<4lbs), and maybe an 8-ohm (so you can add another) 212MBE cab (34lbs) would be a good start, and in budget.
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Clubs: *Fender Jazz*Fender Precision*ATK*Five String*Squier Owners*Gallien Krueger*Markbass*Crappy Bassist with Expensive Gear*
Last edited by Marko5657 : 10-21-2011 at 04:49 PM.
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10-21-2011, 06:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Marko5657 An MB500 head (<4lbs), and maybe an 8-ohm (so you can add another) 212MBE cab (34lbs) would be a good start, and in budget. | The MB500 does look good. How would that one compare to say the SWR 400W Headlite Bass head or the Markbass Little Mark III ? |
10-21-2011, 08:34 PM
|  | Supporting Member | | Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lake Havasu City, Az USA | | Quote:
Originally Posted by DPG003 The MB500 does look good. How would that one compare to say the SWR 400W Headlite Bass head or the Markbass Little Mark III ? | Different fruits? I personally find G-Ks equipment more versatile and easier for a bass noob or pro to dial in.
The MB212 is already 4 ohms so no extension speaker. The MB500 head and two MBE or NEO 212's is an excellent suggestion.
(Is that a +3 or 4?)
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Just call me B-String 2
GK Club #488 Big Cabs #175 Peavey Amps #92 50+ Club #44
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10-23-2011, 01:01 PM
| | | | So you're never gonna play Guitar again or what? I like to not limit myself to one interment |
10-23-2011, 01:17 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada | | Quote:
Originally Posted by mck0rn I like to not limit myself to one interment | You want to be buried more than once???? 
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Paul
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10-23-2011, 01:21 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada | | Quote:
Originally Posted by DPG003 Something about those low frequencies! I've always loved to listening to bass guitar in music. | Nah! You finally realized where the power lies within a band!
You didn't complete your profile so we don't know where you live. However if you are in North America take a look at the Carvin.com website. I've had great success with their gear.
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Paul
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10-24-2011, 05:20 AM
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Originally Posted by BassmanPaul You want to be buried more than once???? | +1 | | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | | | | 
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