I need a new Amp..Sugestions?

fburke · #1 09-19-2011, 06:58 PM

I am in desperate need of an Amp upgrade I currently have Peavey basic 50 that has always served me well through many shows and other performances that usually I have gone through the house system but for the past few years it’s been me and a set of headphones in my office.

Now I have just gotten into a band hard rock/metal and I need more power to keep up with the Jones …and want to produce my own tone

I want something with a good low rumble but something I can get a decent mid and high end on too without breaking the bank. I’m looking in the 500w range. I would like to stay under $1000.00 I play Ibanez Sound gear 4 string basses mostly but may invest in a 5 string in the near future….

I don’t use much in effects I do have a BP90 pedal I use once in a while for some chorus delay and reverb but that’s about it.

Any suggestions? Should I go separate stack vs combo amps what speaker combo should I go for 4x10 or something different?

Any suggestions for this would be helpful

Thanks!

cjmodulus · #2 09-19-2011, 07:05 PM

For under a grand I'd recommend the GK mb500 (or fusion 550) head and a GK neo series cab. Both heads give 500 watts at 4 ohms and 350 at 8 ohms. I think the GK neo 4x10 is available in 4 or 8 ohms. I use the mb500 and the MBX 4x10. I get 350 watts max out of it and a great sound. The whole setup was a good deal less than a grand new (around 850 or so IIRC).
Good luck.

kosmicwizard · #3 09-19-2011, 07:08 PM

Look into the used market. See if you can find a Gallien-Krueger head (the 800RB, 700RB or 1001RB-II are all fine) and either an Ampeg SVT 410HLF or 810E. I recommend G-K because they are inexpensive and durable and the Ampeg cabs because everyone has one sitting around and you can get them for under $500. Try to hear both of these cabs before you buy one as they sound very different from each other. If you like the 410HLF better, try to find a 1001RB-II (Which I have seen on the for sale thread here on talkbass for $450) as it is the most powerful of these three heads and low frequencies always require more power to produce. Take care and good luck finding what makes you happy. Cheers.

dhsierra1 · #4 09-19-2011, 07:12 PM

go with separates and get used. For a grand you'll be able to snag some very nice gear.

RE new gear I like both the above posters' suggestions for gear, but then I'm a GK fan

But there's lots of great stuff out there that'll fill the bill nicely.

fburke · #5 09-19-2011, 07:23 PM

Excellent info….I hope you all have had a good laugh at my Basic 50

…..I have read the reviews on the GK series and the complaints I have heard was mids to highs…I was leaning towards them because of the price but I don’t want to limit my tone too much…

Thunder Pulse · #6 09-19-2011, 07:26 PM

A member here living in Boston has a mint GK 4x12 for $500.

GK NEO 412 (BOSTON)

dhsierra1 · #7 09-19-2011, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fburke

Excellent info….I hope you all have had a good laugh at my Basic 50

…..I have read the reviews on the GK series and the complaints I have heard was mids to highs…I was leaning towards them because of the price but I don’t want to limit my tone too much…

No reason to laugh at PV gear, most people have or have had the stuff in their collections at one point or another, I have a bunch of their stuff and really like it. Plus everyone needs a good small practice amp.

The GK gear is famous for the mids and highs but they have a LOT of low end as well so I wouldn't let that deter you.

Like anything else, let your ears be your guide.

fburke · #8 09-22-2011, 06:49 PM

thnak for the sugestions...i was messin around on Cregis list and came a cross a GK 4x10Gold Line cab for 100.00 ..not a bad price when GC has it on the floor for 399.00 so now i just need a head for it any more usgestions? can i mix nd match or do i have to use a GK head...never had a stack before so this is all new to me....

tekdiver500ft · #9 09-22-2011, 07:25 PM

For the money you're wanting to spend, and assuming you want new: Ampeg PF-500 and PF-115 or PF-210 ($800); you could also go with Ampeg PF-500 and two SVT210AVs ($1,000).

If you're looking for used, I'd suggest a good 610 (SWR Goliath Sr., Ampeg SVT610) and a an Ampeg SVT 7Pro. This is much more power, but you get genuine tube tone, and you won't outgrow this rig... ever.

tekdiver500ft · #10 09-22-2011, 07:26 PM

You can mix and match brands, but you will change the tones. Whether that winds up being good or bad is up to your ears.

TC.65 · #11 09-22-2011, 07:40 PM

I would stay away from the GK goldline series. They are no better than the GK backline series. IMO I would go for the GK 700RB-II and GK Neo 212. Add another Neo 212 later on and you will have a super loud and aggressive rig. I had the 700RB-II and one Neo 212 and it was a very loud 320 watts. Check out rmc audio direct for the best prices for GK gear.

redhed · #12 09-22-2011, 08:03 PM

As tekdiver500ft says you can get a AMPEG SVT7 PRO for well under a 1000 bucks and the tone is perfect for rock/metal! And maybe a used cab to complete your rig - 4x10 or 2x15?

deeptubes · #13 09-22-2011, 08:14 PM

I have a GK 1001 RB-II pushing an SWR Workingman's Tower (8x10). My cab has a tweeter, so I use the head's bi-amp capability. Sounds freaking awesome! Full, bassy, and loud. Yet, crisp, clear, and articulate. When I crank it up, stuff falls from the ceiling, and the baby cries. No exaggeration. You should be able get them both used for less than $1000. I've been playing for 25 years, and I am THRILLED with my rig. Would recommend it to absolutely anyone. It's completely bad ass.

fburke · #14 09-22-2011, 09:21 PM

I have read mixed reviews about the GK gold line...so not really sure which way to go but for 100.00 hell i can always sell it later on..for now maybe i'l invest in a good head and I can always upgrade or add on to this if I choose...just got into a band hard rock/ metal so i am trying to throw somthing togeather quick for now to get out there again...its been a while since i have needed somting other then my line 6 pod and a set of headphones.

gjbassist · #15 09-22-2011, 09:35 PM

Another vote for the Ampeg PF-500/PF-115he rig.

Alex1984 · #16 09-23-2011, 03:54 AM

I'd vote for getting your feet wet w/ some tubes, Traynor YBA-200 or Peavey VB-2. Pair it up with a nice cab, and you should still have some dough leftover.

jeff7bass · #17 09-23-2011, 08:28 AM

For a grand you can get an Avatar TB153 and either an Ampeg PF-500 or a Carvin BX500. For a bit over a grand, the TB153 + Markbass LMIII or a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0.
The Genz Benz is discounted at Avatarspeakers.com when you purchase the cab(s). Any one of these combinations will work very well because the cab is so nice.