Lurker with SWR Goliath SR

jjotero · #1 07-11-2011, 07:04 PM

I saw a Goliath Sr. for an excellent price and couldn't pass it up. Now I have a dilemma. I'm looking to buy a head to power my Sr. Any suggestions? Under $500.

Hope no one slams this newbie.

wave rider · #2 07-11-2011, 07:23 PM

You are a lucky guy, plenty out there at that price.

Hartke LH500
Those new Ampeg PF350 and PF500 heads
Carvin BX500
GK MB500
GK 700RB II (look around for that price)

The above are new, used will open even more doors. More specifics about music style and how loud you want to get for more detailed responses.

=wr=

GrooveWarrior · #3 07-11-2011, 07:28 PM

If you are looking at a new head as opposed to used, you can't beat the Gallien-Kreuger MB500. Here is a link to one.

Gallien-Krueger MB500 500W Ultra Light Bass Amp Head: Shop Bass & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

If you look around here, you will find a lot of love for them. 4 pounds, 500 watts, and unbelievable tone. GK is also one of the few companies who tend to under-sell their wattage. There are two of them for sale here on TalkBass now. One for $450, and one for $415.

You can find some other heads used. TalkBass is a great place to shop.

GK 1001RB-II - $475 - 700 watts

SWR SM-500 - $500 - 500 watts

There are plenty more, but those may suit your cabinet.

jjotero · #4 07-15-2011, 10:19 AM

Thanks guys. I've been looking around my market for something. Pretty excited to get a new head. I'll report what I end up getting.

georgestrings · #5 07-15-2011, 10:50 AM

I know from 1st hand experience that the 700rb-II works really well with the Goliath Sr...

- georgestrings

ThrashMaster · #6 07-15-2011, 04:20 PM

I have an sm400s that I love with my Senior. As time goes by I get more comfortable with the head and keep discovering new things it can do

agreatheight · #7 07-15-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

I know from 1st hand experience that the 700rb-II works really well with the Goliath Sr...

- georgestrings

truth. I am currently looking for a Goliath SR to match with my 700rb.

jjotero · #8 07-16-2011, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

I know from 1st hand experience that the 700rb-II works really well with the Goliath Sr...

- georgestrings

Went to my local used music gear store and saw 3 700rb-II's at different prices. 250 as is. 350 for one without a case. 400 for one with a gator case.

wave rider · #9 07-16-2011, 05:35 PM

Seems like I remember reading that Gator cases are not as tough as the other brand(s)...?

Don't know if that sways you either way...

=wr=

paganjack · #10 07-16-2011, 05:37 PM

For that rate you can get all sorts of things. You'd probably want an SS or hybrid, since a tube head for under $500 isn't going to be all that beefy. The SWR/GK choices would blend well with that cab for sure, but really you have a ton of options.

What sort of a sound are you looking for? Any tone examples/bands you love?

jjotero · #11 07-17-2011, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paganjack

For that rate you can get all sorts of things. You'd probably want an SS or hybrid, since a tube head for under $500 isn't going to be all that beefy. The SWR/GK choices would blend well with that cab for sure, but really you have a ton of options.

What sort of a sound are you looking for? Any tone examples/bands you love?

I am early on in my bass playing. I'm actually a guitar player experimenting with bass. lol.

I do like that ampeg grind. I also like the clean tones from the SWR head I've tried. I guess I'm open.

meycom · #12 07-18-2011, 05:07 AM

I have the Goliath Sr. and used a GK head for a while, then I got a hold of Ampeg SVT-3 and love the tone and volume I get. Not under powered at all, just the opposite.

JTUK · #13 07-18-2011, 05:32 PM

1st choice would be a second hand SWR amp...like a SM400-500. No question, IMO.

JTUK · #14 07-18-2011, 05:38 PM

here you go..

FS - SWR SM500 (pre-Fender)

U.S made with great internals....

georgestrings · #15 07-18-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjotero

Went to my local used music gear store and saw 3 700rb-II's at different prices. 250 as is. 350 for one without a case. 400 for one with a gator case.

What does "as is" mean, in regard to this particular circumstance??? $350 for one without a rack case isn't a bad deal by any means - I would do that before spending $400 on one with a Gator rack, unless the "as is" one was in good working order...

- georgestrings

georgestrings · #16 07-18-2011, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wave rider

Seems like I remember reading that Gator cases are not as tough as the other brand(s)...?

Don't know if that sways you either way...

=wr=

They're not - they're made out of thinner plastic than SKB, and also have the latches on the case, instead of on the lids, where they belong...

- georgestrings

georgestrings · #17 07-18-2011, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTUK

1st choice would be a second hand SWR amp...like a SM400-500. No question, IMO.

Totally disagree - that choice is plenty questionable, IME/IMO...

- georgestrings

spaz21387 · #18 07-18-2011, 05:47 PM

I also have a swr goliath sr. The pre fender cab with the pas drivers. I love my hartke lh 500 with the goliath. It sounds amazing with my p bass. It sounds pretty nice with a j bass too...

georgestrings · #19 07-18-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meycom

I have the Goliath Sr. and used a GK head for a while, then I got a hold of Ampeg SVT-3 and love the tone and volume I get. Not under powered at all, just the opposite.

When you directly compare the -3Pro up against *most* amps with similar ratings, it's obvious that the -3Pro isn't as powerful as the others... I'm not saying it's a bad amp, and *if* a player likes the Ampeg sound, and if it can meet the player's volume needs, then it's not a bad choice...

For example - the 700rb-II mentioned in this thread is considerably more powerful than the SVT-3Pro, as are the LMII/III, the GBE600, and NeoPak 3.5...

- georgestrings

JTUK · #20 07-19-2011, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

Totally disagree - that choice is plenty questionable, IME/IMO...

- georgestrings

You are welcome to disagree..but a pre-fender SM500 is a very well made amp with very powerful tone-shaping qualities. I'd run it flat if your core bass sound is good.
For its generation, you'd have to look very hard to get better component spec....and GK wouldn't be it, IMO.
Nothing by GK that I have used comes close to the quality, ... they're more like a modern day PV, IMO.. but sure, if that is what you are after, nothing wrong with that.

I accept you'd make the decision on sound but the SWR and a Jazz is classic and there is nothing like it.

The early SM400 was hindered with a sub bass issue that sucked power... but no-one in their right mind tries to run it like that. The later SM400's and 500 models were altered to rid them of that issue...or you could ..er, turn down the bass control.

If you don't want the sound, then fine, no problem.