Looking for amps

[Mrandrenv]

I've never owned a real amp, besides my tiny 10-15 watts combos at home for practicing. While I'm getting more seriously into music it's time to finally purchase an amp.

What I had in mind would be something like a 8x10 cabinet and a top for that. I'm thinking about spending about 1200-1500 USD at max.

I've tried to read through a whole lot of threads but I'm not really getting any wiser. And I'm a man of simplicity and wanna keep it that way. My only requirements are that it should be LOUD and clear. ;P

The type of music I'm playing is post-hc/sludge like Mastodon, Neurosis, Cult of Luna


What would you think if this combination? It's seems really priceworthy!

http://www.thomann.de/se/kustom_g810h_jmjohn_moyer.htm
http://www.thomann.de/se/kustom_groove_1300_hd.htm

[Von Felgenhauer]

That's a lot of amp. Questions I would ask myself, am I playing in a loud 4 piece band or a softer 3 piece? Am I gigging about 3-4 a week or just jamming with buddy's in their backyard? It's never a bad idea to future proof your amp, hell computer guys do it everytime they build a computer, but you have to look at your needs. If you can get away with a smaller cab, do it, you will love yourself for it. Check out the threads on the fEarful designs. Those would really interest you.

[Mrandrenv]

Gee I was just wondering if that cabinet was enough. I've played on alot of 8x10's and that's the one thing I'm sure of that I need atleast.

As I said, we play post-hc and don't excactly jam in the backyard hehe so I need that mad blow-away rumble and dark tone.

So the size really suits my needs, I'm rather wondering if there's a reason why I shouldnt go for this particular combination by kustom?

[tubaman2]

I would say shop used. You can find some pretty nice stuff for cheap. If you must buy new, the Acoustic 8x10 sounds pretty good to me. I have the 4x10 and it isn't the greatest sounding thing in the world, but it sounds pretty great for the price. Those go super cheap used too.

I would get something like that or similar. As far as a head, GK stuff sounds pretty good and can also be found for cheap. Look for a 1001rb. There are numerous lower watt tube heads that will get as loud or louder than other things rated for twice as much. Tubes sound pretty darn good too. If you find one for a good price, that's the route I would advise.

I haven't recommended Kustom because my experience with Kustom is that they just don't sound good. Of course this is all my opinion. Get out and play stuff and see what you like the best. Go to local music shops, or even ugh... Guitar Center. Whatever you can do to get a better view on what YOU are going to like.

[waleross]

+1 on the used cabs. I have used mostly Ampegs (410HLF and 810E) I was looking at the Genzbenz 610 cabs as a backup. If you are jumping from a small practice amp to this loud level, maybe starting at the 410 cab is a good way with your eye on expanding in the future. Your head should be at least a 750watt in order to run a large cab. Have fun

[Wadge]

My vote goes to GK also, probably the 1001 RB. You can probably find a used one for a reasonable price. With your budget I would go used.

[Mrandrenv]

Originally Posted by waleross

+1 on the used cabs. I have used mostly Ampegs (410HLF and 810E) I was looking at the Genzbenz 610 cabs as a backup. If you are jumping from a small practice amp to this loud level, maybe starting at the 410 cab is a good way with your eye on expanding in the future. Your head should be at least a 750watt in order to run a large cab. Have fun

Got nothing againt used equipment, but I don't have alot to pick from. Don't use craigslist since I'm not from US, etc.

I wouldnt really say I'm jumping from a practice amp to a 8x10 since I've played for nearly 11 years in different bands with real amps, (altough I've never been the owner). We don't really need to discuss if I need a 8x10.

Though I'll take tubaman2's word for it that Kustom isnt great. Must be a reason why they are so damn cheap. Would you recommend http://www.thomann.de/se/gallien_krueger_neo810_4.htm instead? That's pretty much max I'd pay right now.

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by Mrandrenv

Got nothing againt used equipment, but I don't have alot to pick from. Don't use craigslist since I'm not from US, etc.

I wouldnt really say I'm jumping from a practice amp to a 8x10 since I've played for nearly 11 years in different bands with real amps, (altough I've never been the owner). We don't really need to discuss if I need a 8x10.

Though I'll take tubaman2's word for it that Kustom isnt great. Must be a reason why they are so damn cheap. Would you recommend http://www.thomann.de/se/gallien_krueger_neo810_4.htm instead? That's pretty much max I'd pay right now.

The Kustom has Eminence drivers?! is a bit heavier than the GK The Kustom looks a real good deal if you cant find an old ampeg or eden.
I love my old Eden 8x10 LXT, I had an old CTS speaker'd ampeg before that, when I tried the newer ampeg I found it was a bit lacking in the upper mid the old one had in spades.
Thus getting a quite mid forward sounding Eden it cuts through down tune heavy guitar like a buzz saw.
Everybody and his dog round here claim's to be downsizing
therefore there must be loads of good 8 X 10's looking for a good home. Unless all these light weight amp owners lie about having got rid of the svt rig to buy a shuttle cos its more their sound man.

[Mrandrenv]

Originally Posted by Bassmec

The Kustom has Eminence drivers?! is a bit heavier than the GK The Kustom looks a real good deal if you cant find an old ampeg or eden.
I love my old Eden 8x10 LXT, I had an old CTS speaker'd ampeg before that, when I tried the newer ampeg I found it was a bit lacking in the upper mid the old one had in spades.
Thus getting a quite mid forward sounding Eden it cuts through down tune heavy guitar like a buzz saw.
Everybody and his dog round here claim's to be downsizing
therefore there must be loads of good 8 X 10's looking for a good home. Unless all these light weight amp owners lie about having got rid of the svt rig to buy a shuttle cos its more their sound man.

Thanks for the answar, mate. Eden and Ampeg isnt really a choice right now due to limited budget, unless I stumble upon used ones which is highly unlikable. =(

And I been wondering, since I'm not a amp-veteran, do you really think I'd notice a big differance between the different brands in the same way the differance between effect-pedals for example?

All I want is a rig that can deliever a decent punch. I mean if John Moyer from Disturbed uses this excact setup it can't be THAT hurtful to the ears?

Might add that I intend to run a Tech 21 VT Bass driver through the amp aswell.

[jeff7bass]

I’d start with this 410 half stack, then add another BRX10.4 cab if you need one later. I doubt you will, but you can because the head operates safely @ 2 ohms.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...ct=B2000-10.4N

[jeff7bass]

If you go GK, think about the GK1001RB sitting atop their 4x12 NEO cab. That would deliver big, clear sound at a reasonable price.
Easier to move than a 810 cab, but still HUGE sound. The cab has tilt-back handle and big casters too. You will need this.

Here's the cab. This plus a GK1001RB will run you about 1500 (US).
Reviews are glowing, 5 stars across the board. Comparisons to 8x10's and other cabs favor this cab.

For the type of music you describe, I believe this is the Holy Grail of amps.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....net?sku=580278

[Calaverasgrande]

I put absolutley no faith in amp endorsements or signature models. It is debateable if those are what the artist actually uses, or if it's merely the most profitable endoresment deal the guy's manager could hook up. I've known guys that were endorsing brands that they would set up on stage, then they would hook up their preferred head behind that amp. The DI coming off the hidden amp of course.
Kustom? I dont know anything about them but I assume it is another one of those names that has nothing to do with the old tuck-n-roll cabs and heads. (could be a good thing I blew those heads up something good!).
I would go with a known quantity. GK or Genz-Benz are pretty well known for putting out cost effective, loud gear.
Dave Ed of Neurosis is a friend of mine. I can tell you he plays the older (pre-Loud) Ampeg cabs with either an Ampeg SVT (older model silver face) or believe it or not, GK400RB. Though the latter is mostly for his 3 piece hardcore band Jesus F---ing Christ.

[tdub0199]

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

If you go GK, think about the GK1001RB sitting atop their 4x12 NEO cab. That would deliver big, clear sound at a reasonable price.
Easier to move than a 810 cab, but still HUGE sound. The cab has tilt-back handle and big casters too. You will need this.

Here's the cab. This plus a GK1001RB will run you about 1500 (US).
Reviews are glowing, 5 stars across the board. Comparisons to 8x10's and other cabs favor this cab.

For the type of music you describe, I believe this is the Holy Grail of amps.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....net?sku=580278

^ This 412 neo will be just as loud and punchy as the Kustom 810 plus it will be alot lighter, and as far as a head, you can't go wrong with a GK 1001RB II, I'm running this same head through a Ampeg 810E and it's massive....