Looking for intermediate range amp/cab/combo. Help needed.

[jp58]

Hey guys, I'm looking to upgrade to an intermediate range amp + cab or a combo. I don't have a set amount of money to spend because I can always just save up another week or 2. I've been out and tried a few amps, but the GC near me really didn't have a good amp selection, and they weren't very good about mixing and matching heads and cabs. I'm not looking for a full stack or anything fridge sized, just a single cab (1x15) and amp or combo.

What I'm looking for:

Needs to be able to provide a little grit. I'm in a trio right now, and I need to be able to get some good color on my tone. I'm also looking for more thump than perfect note clarity. The drummer I play with isn't too loud and I occasionally go to bluegrass jams, so tone is more important to me than pure volume.

What I've tried:

Gk115- Could get gritty at the expense of clarity, although it wasn't exactly what I was looking for sound wise. I've also heard that this line is lemon prone, and there seem to be various other problems with the line, such as output being installed backwards and missing features needed.

Markbass stuff was nice, although out of my price range. I'm not looking to drop $1200 on anything right now.

Acoustic B200- Much the same as the GK, was okay, but I've owned the 100, and the 200 just isn't enough of an upgrade to warrant $300.

Ganz Benz Shuttle 3- Just too glassy and thin. I'm not sure what cab it was stuck on, but it just didn't get gritty or deep enough for me.

What I haven't (or can't) try but am interested in:

Ampeg

Ashdown

Carvin

Hartke

Any help or reviews of any of those would be greatly appreciated. As always, I'm going to attempt to find a way to try it before buying, or at least fins a store with a good return policy. I'm probably going to make a trip before too long and hit up some of the smaller stores, and maybe GC again, but it'll be a week or 2 before I have the spare time.

[dukeisdog]

What is your budget? Where are you located? Are you ok with buying used?

[steelhead2]

Peavey,,i've had 3 various ones,the current one i sold and bought back because the guy basically was using it to jam guitars with(they'll take 2 instruments at once),,and i missed the convenience,,,made in USA for around 250,fit's in the trunk of a compact car,,

current one is a `'combo 300'from late 80's,another version is 'combo 115',,dif' eq's and a compressor,plus a metal screen'add a pedal for grit witch will fit in your gig bag and you're on your way!,my fretless J that combo and a DOD fuzz pedal for bass boost mostly and i can come close on uprightedness(with the strings muted),,or a hot head or boss OD 20 and it's over the top loud with a P Bass.

i have a 1000 watt head and a 4x10 cab and i have to say,for the rated watts of those combos it's amazing how loud they are versus my half stack,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ok,,i know most folks aren't peavey people(even tho' there's zillions of tons of peavey amps out there and everybody has at least one),,so let's just consider it a suggestion,peace man have fun

[nogoodwithnames]

Hartke lh500 and an avatar TB153. Done.

[jp58]

Budget will be somewhere between $300-$700 us. I'm looking for a definite upgrade from my 100w practice amp, and possibly for something that will last a while because this will probably be my last chance at an upgrade for over a year.

[dukeisdog]

Originally Posted by jp58

Budget will be somewhere between $300-$700 us. I'm looking for a definite upgrade from my 100w practice amp, and possibly for something that will last a while because this will probably be my last chance at an upgrade for over a year.

Are you okay with buying used? You could get some nice gear if you look for deals in your area.

[steelhead2]

guy on Portland C'list (oregon)has a pile of peavey gear for 300.00=115 combo a powered enclosure 2x10 and a 15bw cab,you can add a cab to the combo then bi amp with a powered enclosure,i'm sure he's 'loud enough',if i lived closer and got a divorce i'd buy them just for fun but the wife is getting jealous of my 'love life',,ok,enjoy the ride

[dukeisdog]

Originally Posted by jp58

I know this might come off as snobby, but because I lack a lo of knowledge about amps and the like, I'd rather buy new, and get some form of warranty or guarantee.

You are going to take a hit on the quality of gear you will purchase then.

[jp58]

Actually, scratch that. I may have found someone to help me look for used gear.