Help me Choose my Big Boy cab!

BKBassDude · #1 07-14-2011, 12:01 PM

TBers, I'm going to make a cab purchase in the very near future and want some help!

I'm in two original bands, one proggy heavy rock (think Coheed, Circa Survive, Dredg, At the Drive in), the other proggy folk metal (think Opeth, Swallow the Sun, Amorphis).

Both bands are graduating to shows where backlines are no longer provided. For the metal band I was using a SWR head and 4x10 that I never really cared for but it did the job. I've always used stage backlines for the rock band.

I own an Orange Terror Bass head and a Markbass NYC 115. I'm looking to either add to the MB (a 2x10, 2x12?) or get a 4x10 or 4x12 standalone cab. I like a gritty, very rock voiced cab. I almost always have a slight growl to my tone, but I rarely go into all out fuzz. I also do intend to upgrade my head in the next year or so to a full tube head, probably something like the AD200 or maybe the Marshall Lemmy Sig.

My budget is around $1000 or so, more if I decide to sell the MB and go with a 4x10 (I have an Ampeg combo for at home practice, so the MB might be expendable, although it would be nice to keep for NYC gigs). Weight is a concern, but not the end all be all. I'm still fairly young and this cab won't be going on tour any time soon.

Also, the pricing must be new. I know everyone says buy used to get the best value but I've been burnt too many times by used gear and will not buy anything but new from a reputable dealer. This is a non-negotiable.

Thanks for the input.

TheAngryPocket · #2 07-14-2011, 12:18 PM

Well, since you seemingly like Orange, why not get 2 (1 to start with?) of their SP212's? Plus, you'd have the modularity of 2 cabs, instaed of one big 4x12. Just a though?

**SVE** · #3 07-14-2011, 01:00 PM

Go AD200B, I can vouch, this thing is a beast and is quite versatile; it can be really clean, smooth, or super aggressive. The amp is a complete monster, I would go with a 4x12 or 6x10 cabinet setup with it; that will really make it sound great.

There is a AD200B in the classifieds for $1750 good condition shipped with a ATA flight case. If you decide to go AD200B that's a steal of a deal, considering if you plan on dragging the AD200B around, you should have it protected and flight cases range from $200-$300. So the one in the classifieds is a good deal.

I don't know exactly why, but I'm sketched out by the orange isobaric series.

bassgod0dmw · #4 07-14-2011, 01:20 PM

^^^He's looking for a cab, not an amp.

For me, in that style of music (similar to mine) I'd go for a Bergantino NV610.

It won't be that easy to get around NYC, but for those gigs just take the MB cab.

stingraysvt · #5 07-14-2011, 01:24 PM

I'd say the 4x12 but I noticed the last post you said NY, so I'd keep it simple...

Spinal Tapper · #6 07-14-2011, 01:30 PM

get a 6x10, or a 1x15 + 2x10 (easier to breakdown and transport)

BKBassDude · #7 07-14-2011, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

get a 6x10, or a 1x15 + 2x10 (easier to breakdown and transport)

Going modular is appealing to me...

Would having the MB and a more rock voiced cab like an Orange be a weird combination? Or would the 115 and a 2x12 be a good thing?

Also, I've heard mixed feelings on the SP series. Anyone have some real world experience?

Thanks for the suggestions BTW.

Spinal Tapper · #8 07-14-2011, 01:39 PM

^ You'd have to try it out and see for yourself.

My rig is VERY unorthodox: Orange 1x15, SWR 2x10 (recovered in baby blue), and Markbass R500 head. Some people worry about mixing and matching heads and cabs...I say as long as you're matching your wattage (close enough) and playing it safe with correct impedance, you'll be fine.