Help choosing first rig

[open.eadg]

Hey all,

I need the brains of TB on this one. Looking for a decent equipment in the 850-900 EUR price range that is quite mobile (I've no car so I need to use public transport) AND can be heard well. I'm joining a band and we'll play stuff from HIM to Bryan Adams (planned line-up is one drummer, two guitarists, one singer and one keyboardist) so it seems I could use some woofers. Anyways, here's a list of a few setups I could come up with, please advise.
(Bad thing there's no chance to try most of these, except for the Hartke - maybe.)

1. Ashdown LG-1000 with GK 212 MBE, 303+389 EUR (thomann.de)

2. GK MB500 head with GK 212 MBE, 488+389 (thomann.de)

3. GK MB212 combo, 683 EUR (thomann.de)

4. Hartke Hydrive 5210C combo, 699 EUR (thomann.de)

5. Ibanez Promethean 5210 combo, 777 EUR (musicworldbrilon.de)


Note:
- 1. and 2. can have one more 212 later if needed
- Getting the Ashdown might be hard because shops don't have it in stock. Some owners found the preamp to be too weak in the LG. Should get a preamp to add to the fx loop?
- Also, there are topics that say GK cabinets need extra DIY bracing and lining. Not a big deal for me, but...
- The Ibanez and GK combo cannot be upgraded - no extension cab use
- Hartke and Promethean is only 2x10 so it may not be moving enough air?

For those interested, here are the websites I gathered infos from:

www.thomann.de
www.musicworldbrilon.de
www.musik-schmidt.de
www.musik-produktiv.com

I checked out some US webstores as well, but at the current exchange rates importing from overseas is a bit expensive (in my case add a 25%VAT, shipping cost, plus a 4% customs cost)...


What's your opinion? Are the listed items any good or I should look elsewhere (for example, one or two 15" woofer(s)?)

Thanks


OE

[RickenBoogie]

Yeah, choose one of them that can be expanded later. 2 12's is a good start, 4 12's will kill.

[allexcosta]

Either GK setup is a no brainer at this price point and will kill all other options, including the Promethean 2x10.

[kosmicwizard]

http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=53

This is actually the combo you want, try to find one used. I tried to find a 200 watt all tube drophead 2x15 combo but it isn't being made yet, it will probably be out of your price range when they do make it ... unless it is done in China instead of Britain. Public transportation + bass gear = suck, but at least with 1 big gun you can wheel it on and off without too much trouble. I find rolling something (no matter how big) to be much better than dead lifting anything. Cheers.

[PappaK]

Originally Posted by kosmicwizard

http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=53

This is actually the combo you want, try to find one used. I tried to find a 200 watt all tube drophead 2x15 combo but it isn't being made yet, it will probably be out of your price range when they do make it ... unless it is done in China instead of Britain. Public transportation + bass gear = suck, but at least with 1 big gun you can wheel it on and off without too much trouble. I find rolling something (no matter how big) to be much better than dead lifting anything. Cheers.

99 kilos! That's 218 pounds!

Hope the OP has roadies...

[bassssificator]

-I wouldn't go for the ibanez. their instruments are great but they make ****** amps.
-ashdonw. nice sound but you do have to like it (and their amps are heavy)
-hartke: don't really know them but I heard some pretty good things about them.
-gallien and krueger: the same as hartke (I think)

I really like ashdown but if I had to chose in your place I would take the hartke combo.

[open.eadg]

Thanks for the replies so far!

Any opinions on the TC Electronic RS212? (link: click here)
One of these appeared on the second hand market for a reasonable price (including a thick cover), so I might take a look at it.


OE

[open.eadg]

Well I decided to go with a lightweight pre + poweramp + a fEarful 15/6 setup, what do you think?

- Crown XLS 1000 (AFAIK it can be bridged both 8 and 4 ohms, which is nice in case I need another cab)
- Presonus Studio Channel preamp with all the bells and whistles (I may buy it later 'cause it's a bit expensive, until then I can use my cheapo Zoom pedal as a pre)
^^ These in a 3U rack, ~15 lbs (~6,5 kg), plus the fEarful cab, put them on a handcart and it's all set.

Without the preamp it'll cost about € 830.


OE