Need advice on getting a gig amp.

[Steez_Unit]

Hi everyone.

I'm currently in a groove metal band, playing 5 string bass - pretty low tuning (A/G/F). I just wondered if anyone could recommend a decent gig amp for me to use (for pubs/smallish gigs etc). I prefer the deep, muted sound.. something similar to Chi Cheng I guess.

If anyone could help me out, that'd be great

[jimcroisdale]

In my experience, the biggest problem you are going to face is VOLUME.

With 2(?) guitarists and a no-doubt heavy hitting drummer, you will fight to be heard.

I would personally go with no less that a 4x10" or 2x15" cab, and an amp of 300-400w+

Tone is another matter I guess, but tone doesn;t matter if you can't hear it above the racket.

You could do a lot worse that a Sansamp VT bass pedal into whatever power amp you can get your hands on.

Jim

[Steez_Unit]

cheers for the advice man.. any in particular that you could recommend?

[smogg]

It's all about budget. Lots more choices with a thousand in your pocket that a hundred.

[kb9wyz]

I use the formula:

3 x Total guitar amp wattage = Minimum desired bass amp wattage +/- 25%

So if you have 2 guitarists with 100W amps, get something around 450-750 watts. If going the lower end on that tolerance, get NEO cabs.

It's not perfect, but it should get you the volume you need. For this kind of thing, the GK MB210 combo would be good with a 1x15 extension cab. 500W, with neo drivers would be about as loud as 800-900W with ceramic drivers.

[ksandvik]

If I would be in this situation I would get a GK 700rb (used) and 4x10 NEO cab of some kind.

[RickenBoogie]

I agree, you want at least a 500 watt amp, (your choice), paired with a BIG cab, like an 8x10, or 2x 410's, or at least, very least, a 2x15 or 6x10.

[CL400Peavey]

If I was putting together a rig like that I would look to find a used rack mount sans amp preamp, and pair it with a power amp. Something in the 400ish range should be fine as long as you have enough speaker for the volume you want. Two 410s would be would be what I would look for as I would pair it with a two channel power amp and I dont always want to run bridged (the new Peavey IPR 1600 is what I would grab). If it was me I would pair it with two Peavey TVX 410's. This should get you more than enough volume for anything you want to play. I personally like Sans amp preamp tones, but you may want to shop around till you find the sound you are looking for.