Looking for lighter rig -- suggestions?

led3 · #1 10-14-2011, 01:07 PM

I'm looking to downsize the footprint/weight of my current bass rig, but not sacrifice on power/tone. The reasons that I am looking to downsize footprint/weight are 1) I injured my back a few months ago and would rather find different equipment than stop playing altogether, and 2) I have a smaller car and I want to be self-sufficient getting to gigs (the rig I use is currently portable in my car). I currently use an Ampeg SVT-3Pro with an Ampeg B-410HLF cabinet.

Any suggestions out there?

senp5f · #2 10-14-2011, 01:13 PM

GK mb500 and a 410, either the neo or th mb. I'm very happy with GK stuff. It doesn't sound exactly like I wish it did -- it is not the most persuasive for an old school sound -- but the weight and affordability more than make up for it for me. You won't have as much power as with the SVT, but you could also have 2 mb500s for less weight than on SVT.

There are other good class d micro heads out there, too. Hopefully their owners will chime in. We live in a golden age of lightness!!

MyMusic · #3 10-14-2011, 01:27 PM

The micro-head of your choice (500-900 watts), and 2 2x10 or 2 2x12 cabs. Light, portable, powerful, and versatile.

Oobly · #4 10-14-2011, 01:56 PM

Ampeg SVT 7Pro weighs a LOT less than the 3Pro, but still has that Ampeg sound.

Not sure what to recommend for a cab, though, since I'm not sure what will match the 410HLF tone-wise. A fEARful 15/6 is light (usually under 50lbs) and very powerful (can give around as much SPL as some 610 cabs), but it is a clear full range cab without much of it's own colouration. It simply puts out what you put in. If that sounds good to you, then that's my recommendation.

Musicphan · #5 10-14-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyMusic

The micro-head of your choice (500-900 watts), and 2 2x10 or 2 2x12 cabs. Light, portable, powerful, and versatile.

+1 ... love my Streamliner... I run 2 x 12" - easy to fit in the Accord / less than 50lb each.

RickenBoogie · #6 10-14-2011, 03:03 PM

Plenty of lighter gear to choose from, but if you intend on keeping up the same volume, you'll not want to go smaller with the cabs. The 2x 210 option is alright, but anything less will be more, well, less.

scottfeldstein · #7 10-14-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by senp5f

GK mb500 and a 410, either the neo or th mb. I'm very happy with GK stuff.

Word. I have the MB500 and I have a GK Neo 212-II and a GK 410MBX.

Either go with the 410 or get two 212s. I tried a pair of 210s and wasn't happy. And get the Neo line if you can afford it. Although my 410MBX has a fair amount of kick-in-the-pants.

cableguy · #8 10-14-2011, 03:32 PM

Since you already use an ampeg you might want to look at the PF-500 or SVT-7Pro. For a cab I would suggest (2) 12/6 fEARfuls. This cab is a one handed grab (40lbs)that packs a punch.

jeff7bass · #9 10-14-2011, 04:34 PM

What he said ^^. Two high quality single 12" 3-way cabs with a powerful micro head (MB, GK, Carvin, GB, etc...) will provide more than sufficient coverage for just about any gig. Adding a mid driver to a 12" cab really helps it to be heard when things get loud.

scottfeldstein · #10 10-14-2011, 04:40 PM

There's a fEARful solution to pretty much every cab question/problem--if you're willing to spend top dollar. I myself would love a pair of 15/6. I'd kill! But I don't have two grand for cabinetry at the moment.

Which is why I'm all about my GK Neo line.

Most of us will never own a Porsche 911. But we can still enjoy our Mazda RX8s!

countrybass007 · #11 10-15-2011, 06:32 PM

The Orange isobaric cabs are my choice for putting out lots of great bass in a small package. I've actually gone to a gig with my bass, an Orange Tiny Terror head, and an Orange SP212 in the passenger seat of my wife's Pontiac Solstice. Those of us who have aged a bit are lucky that so many light, but powerful bass rigs are now available.

Joe Louvar · #12 10-15-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by led3

I'm looking to downsize the footprint/weight of my current bass rig, but not sacrifice on power/tone. The reasons that I am looking to downsize footprint/weight are 1) I injured my back a few months ago and would rather find different equipment than stop playing altogether, and 2) I have a smaller car and I want to be self-sufficient getting to gigs (the rig I use is currently portable in my car). I currently use an Ampeg SVT-3Pro with an Ampeg B-410HLF cabinet.

Any suggestions out there?

Checkout the GK MB500 bass amp along with the 4 ohm GK 410MBE Enclosure - your back will love the new lightweight equipment.

scottfeldstein · #13 10-15-2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Louvar

Checkout the GK MB500 bass amp

Word. I love mine.

newbold · #14 10-15-2011, 07:48 PM

Smaller than an SVT and a 410?

Mesa Walkabout 115 with a folding handcart...or a 112 walkabout with an extension cab.

If you want Ampeg approximated tone I entirely suggest trying a TC Stacatto head with a VTBass pedal.

You'll be able to do the uber modern thing with a shade of ampeg bigger and fatter than your SVT ever had (I'm not saying better...just that you can dial in a slightly different thing than you have available)

AND you'll have a killer compressor, 3 presets for different gigs, a super flexible EQ section and a tuner built in.

Any of the other suggestions are pretty bang on as well. Not hard to downsize.

Markbass NY604 cabs kick ass.

BassBob1 · #15 10-15-2011, 08:09 PM

For an amp I would have to recommend the Ampeg SVT 7 Pro. It sounds damn close to an all tube SVT. I own one and love it. If you like the ampeg sound I would go with that or one of the PF heads either that 500 or 350. I haven't played either yet but the people on here who have them rave about them. Again, if you like the ampeg sound, I don't know that you'll be as happy with your tone with the GK MB stuff. I own a MB210 combo. It's nice and light and works wonderfully for what it is but it just doesn't sound as good as my ampeg. Thats my subjective opinion of course. I really don't have a good cab recommendation for smaller and the same volume. But for lighter look at neo stuff.

pgullo64 · #16 10-15-2011, 08:19 PM

I would agree with the poster above - go with one of the micros and 2x10 or 2x12 cabs. I love my Aguilar Tonehammer 500 which I use with an Epifani 2x10 that covers every gig that I do - including bars and outdoor gigs. My whole rig fits nicely into the trunk of my little two- door.The Aggie single 12 cabs are 25 pounds each a pach plenty of punch too.

Mcrelly · #17 10-15-2011, 09:15 PM

thunderfunk 550 or 750 head, maybe a couple epifani 112 cabs and a collapable two or four wheel dolly or luggage cart like REMIN.

Thunderfunk, Inc. 15-20 Lbs
Epifani - UL2 112 Bass Cabinet 32 Lbs
http://www.amazon.com/Remin-Kart-Bag.../dp/B001BLJTY0 I got this one
or
http://www.amazon.com/Magna-Cart-Per.../dp/B000HVVSDU magna cart. got one at costco for $20

WingKL · #18 10-15-2011, 09:26 PM

If you have the dough, artofnoiseaudio will make you a composite Fearful or BFM Jack. Those are loud and light. According to rpsands, a Jack 12 can do the job of a 4x10 and is suited for rock.

scottfeldstein · #19 10-15-2011, 09:27 PM

I saw a used Epifani 115 at my local GC for under $350.

rhopper · #20 10-15-2011, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by countrybass007

The Orange isobaric cabs are my choice for putting out lots of great bass in a small package. I've actually gone to a gig with my bass, an Orange Tiny Terror head, and an Orange SP212 in the passenger seat of my wife's Pontiac Solstice. Those of us who have aged a bit are lucky that so many light, but powerful bass rigs are now available.

100% agree! I travel with the same equipment in the front seat of my Toyota Yaris.