Looking to build intercontinental hybrid rig!

RC_matthias · #1 10-21-2010, 05:48 AM

Hey all,

I had been looking at getting the Acoustic B600H with Acoustic 810 cabinet set lately... Only to figure out it would (as usual) cost me a bleeding fortune to get the 810 cabinet shipped to Europe...

So I'm probably going to just get the Acoustic B600H and find a cab that is more locally available (here in Europe)... I'd just need to know which ones are worthwhile and perhaps comparable in quality and sound to the Acoustic 810?

I've a few possibilites according to my budget...
Being:

-Markbass Classic 106 cab, 900watts @6ohm, 6x10
-Marshall MBC810 cab, 1200watts @4ohm, 8x10
-Ashdown MAG 810T evoII cabinet, 800watts @ 4ohm

-or should I save up some more money and spend about double the cash on an SVT Heritage cabinet?

(The ashdown one seems to have my preference because it seems to be most alike the Acoustic 810 spec-wise... I'm just not quite sure to trust it since it's so bleeding cheap, about 500euros...)

So please bring in any thought!

Cheers,
~Matthias

RC_matthias · #2 10-22-2010, 05:49 PM

MysticMichael · #3 10-22-2010, 09:34 PM

What country are you in? And exactly what kind of sound are you going for? (Please spell out exactly what YOU mean by "...comparable in quality and sound to the Acoustic 810...")

If you live in any of the EU countries, Barefaced cabs in the UK should be a serious consideration for you, as they get a LOT of love here on TalkBass. Check 'em out...

Barefaced bass cabs

MM

will33 · #4 10-22-2010, 09:37 PM

By "intercontinental rig" I thought you were going to ask about amps you can get here that run on 220/240 50hz power.

baron665 · #5 10-23-2010, 01:08 AM

How about this?
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....net?sku=600516
I'm sure you might be able to find a local dealer.

RC_matthias · #6 10-24-2010, 10:21 AM

Hey all, thanks for the responses!

I'll let you know that I'm looking for quite a loud sound, I want to be able to feel the air being pushed around stage...

Inspirationwise think JPJ/Brad Campbel (very early Big Brother & the Holding Co.)/Noel Redding and definitely some entwistle too!

So really not much need for tweeters... The 6x10 is tempting though!

Cheers

BassmanPaul · #7 10-24-2010, 10:30 AM

The first thing that you should be concerned about is if the amp will actually work in Europe! You'll need one that has switchable voltage taps. I don't know but I feel that a low cost range of equipment may well not be switchable as that would add cost.

RC_matthias · #8 10-24-2010, 12:05 PM

Wow, that's indeed something to consider and easily overlooked!

This is the head in question: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Acoustic...49-i1435232.gc

And as you stated it probably doesn't have the tap, at least it isn't mentioned in specs...
Any clues?

BassmanPaul · #9 10-24-2010, 02:34 PM

You could have a look at the Carvin range of amps. Those with SMPS will accept voltage from about 90V through to around 260V.

RC_matthias · #10 10-25-2010, 08:29 AM

I don't think Carvin will fit in my budget though? Any other ideas that will offer the same tone or should I just start thinking about getting the acoustic modified...?
Which all in all would be a lot of investment again in what should be a rather budget rig...

Cheers though!
Matthias

BassmanPaul · #11 10-25-2010, 08:57 AM

Acoustic is one of Guitar Centres brands. I believe that that they are only sold in the States. There may well be no stock transformer for use in Europe.

tom-g · #12 10-25-2010, 09:16 AM

Or you could get something like this:

Step down transformer

RC_matthias · #13 10-25-2010, 09:25 AM

Thanks for suggesting those transformers, they do seem to offer a cheap way to run the American amp here in Belgium!

But in the meantime I've been reading all over Talkbass and saw the huge loving 'Markbass' seems to get around here? I can probably get a Little Mark III from Germany for about the same price it would be to send the acoustic head overseas (especially when you include customs fees and such...)

What do you guys think?
Spend a little more and get a Markbass rig? (thinking LMIII + 102cabinet or perhaps even 104?)

And also, Little Mark III or Little Mark Tube 800?

Cheers!

tom-g · #14 10-25-2010, 09:38 AM

Sounds like a good option.

Can't comment on Markbass - never used one.

RC_matthias · #15 10-25-2010, 04:01 PM

I'll close this thread as the conclusion is that well... There is no rentable way to build a rig with gear that isn't being commercially imported from the US of A into Europe, and it's a sad thing but oh well... Good alternatives on the mainland

Thanks all for the responses!