low to med cost 2x10 for smaller gigs/rehearsals

[DeadPoet]

Hi all,

First a little background:
- I play bass for a living, doing all sorts of music and projects. from jazz to metal, rock to pop over world music and everything in between.
- playing both electric (80%) and upright (20%). Mainly 5string active basses (most used is a lakland 55-95) and I'm quite a heavy right hand hitter.
- My current amp has served me well on these adventures: one of the last SWR SM-400s built into an SWR Goliath III 4x10 cab. I run the amp flat except for a -15db cut at 30Hz, presence and treble controls at 9 o'clock and aural enhancer thingie at 1 o'clock. I know this amp *really* well and it is my benchmark against other amps.
- I had an SWR Workingman12 combo but that was just too small. I also don't like the sound of a 12" and the bass port at the back of the amp was the stupidest thing to do.


So I'm looking for a 2x10cab for jazz gigs, small pop gigs and rehearsals. If it fits with the goliath cab I would maybe use it on bigger stages to get to 6x10, but that won't happen too much.


Stuff in the price range that I'm looking at:
- epifani epifunky 210-4 (€369)
- Gallien kruger 201MBX (€248)
- ampeg SVT-201av (€345)
- swr workingpro 2x10 (€425)
- Phil Jones Piranha 4B (€425)

They're all lighter cabs (there's the peavey cab in that range as well, but at 30kg...).
The SWR is actually more than I would want to spend but since I know the sound I thought I'd include it.
The Phil Jones is something that cought my attention and looks interesting, but I think that that is impossible to integrate with the 4x10 cab I already have, right?


Whatever cab I choose will be bought unheard (mail order company in Germany) but they have a 30day return policy (except for the epifany cab - which looks the most interesting to me actually)


Any ideas or stuff to add?


TIA,
Herwig

[mike costelow]

carvin brx210 is getting it done for me. 4 ohms 600 watt power handeling. $375.00 + tax & shipping. this is a rocking little 210! amazing how much low,punchy sound comes out of this little box. Alot of people seem to like the avatars also,never tried them but I am guessing they are good,Good Luck!

[Stingray5]

Wait for the GK MBE 210

[vinxbass]

Same here, CARVIN BRX10,2 neo cab does an outstanding job.

[ShowKing]

i think the ampeg 210av is perfect for the needs you are after.
its light enough to carry with one hand.
the tone is absolutely delicious if you are into ampeg svt tones.
it looks great, sparkles in the stage light!
i use both upright bass and bass guitar thru this amp.
this amp sounds great on both instruments.
would definitely recommend you check it out
good luck!

[RNV]

I too suggest the Carvin BRX210, but I see you're in Belgium and they can only be bought direct from the US. I'd say match up with your SWR, you know what you're getting and you seem very happy with what you already have.

[DeadPoet]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Carver is indeed difficult to find over here. I think I will try the Ampeg mini and if I find it seriously lacking I'll go for the SWR.


I'm perfectly happy with the SWR cab though the horn seems a little aggressive (I use it at the 9 to 10 o'clock pos). Any reports on the ampeg horn ?


TIA,
Herwig

[chiplexic]

This GK Neo Series 210 looks nice. It's light. Can be stood on end,tilted back or on the horizontal.
http://www.rmcaudiodirect.com/Gallie...-p/neo-210.htm

As mentioned there is also the lower priced ,lighter weight GK MBE series starting to come out. I've found the 210 combo(same cab) to have a resonant, boxy rumble to it. When I pulled it out from a row of amps at the store and knocked on the sides, the wood sides felt very thin and hollow,giving the impression of being poorly reinforced inside. This explains the tone I was hearing. IMO.
Another one to consider: The Genz Benz Stl-210T. Very nice controlled yet surprisingly deep sounding cab. It's not a cheap cab $. But if bought through an Ebay dealers "make an offer" auction it can be had for quite a low price.
http://genzbenz.com/?fa=detail&mid=2353&sid=617&cid=96