Need amp buying tips please

[csipe1]

I have been playing bass for a while with a power trio. We've written some songs and we think it is time to gig. However, I have a Hartke B90 that distorts above volume 7 and at volume 6-7 is just too low (90 watts) to be heard. Until now, we've done a lot of practice with headphones or when it is just guitar and bass, we turn it down and use a drum machine on my bass pedal.

In any case, the style of music is grunge, punk, alternative with some real melodic pieces. I've dubbed it Punkadelic Freestyle???

So, I am ready to upgrade to an amp that can handle small to small / medium gigs in and around NYC. I have NO idea what these places already have in place or what I need. I play a lot of pretty simple, driving bass lines with the guitar but I also play melodic higher register stuff that should be heard all on its own. My wife would prefer I don't spend any money and if I want my kids to go to camp - that is mostly what I would like to do... but I also want to gig - at least a few times!!! That's what I've worked for!!

So, budget under or right around $1000. I cannot pay cash because there is none but I can probably get one of those Sam Ash 12 month payment cards and if I get answers quick enough maybe I can take advantage of a memorial day sale??

Help Please!!

[csipe1]

Here are some things I've been looking at.

These cabinets are all 4x10, decent name brands and between $350-$400. They all get 5 star ratings too.

GK410MBX (400W)
Behringer Ultrabass BB410 (1200W???)
AmpegB410HE (200W)
Fender Bassman (350W)

Behringer has the highest wattage and the most 5 star ratings. But a lot of people talk trash about Behringer so I'm worried. (Although our mixer and PA is Behringer and they seem alright)

[Jenra]

Behringer is okay imo ive ben using a combo the BXL3000 Ultrabass and it works like a charm... Just alot of flaws in the productions but i've never seen it on an amp

Idd go with either the Fender or the Behringer imo the GK which we have in the rehersal room is kinda bad... it craps at 4 volume and it cuts all top tone away from my bass...

Good luck

Jenra

[Cirk]

The beringer cab must be rated in an inflated ILS rating. If Lightning Strikes. If you actually fed it with a steady diet of 1200 RMS, it would blow sky high. Of those choices, I'd go with the Fender cab. If possible, try out all of those cabs at the same place and time with your own gear, so you really know what you're getting into.
Best of luck in your quest for tone!

[RickenBoogie]

You may get by just fine in NYC with a 2x12 cab, something like a GK Neo 212, or Genz Benz NeoX212, or my fav, GB Uber 212. Look for an amp with around 300+ watts paired with the 212, you should be set. Remember, volume means speakers moreso than wattage. Spend more on the cab than the amp.

[thibo62]

with a thousand bucks you'll find something good, don't worry.
Check out Ibanez Promethean Series too. You might be stunned....

[MyMusic]

If you have to go the San Ash route, your best bet might be a Hartke LH 500 $399.99 and a Hartke Hydrive 112 Cab $399.00. Down the road maybe you can pick another Hydrive 112 when your funds get to be more stable.

[csipe1]

Wow, I just posted this and you all have given a lot of good info.

Jen, thanks - I've played a Behringer in a practice studio multiple times and it really sounds awesome and the volume is over the top - usually only need a 3-4 or so.

Cirk - I would love to try them all with my bass but do stores order things just for you to try them?

Rick - I heard that a 2x12 is a good compromise between the high tones captured in the 10's and the fat bass in a 15. So, you think 2x12's would bring the bump I need to a show? It certainly would be easier to carry! The Behringer is 100lbs and the GK MBE 2x12 is 34 (and still rates at 600W)!!!

Also, Rick, can you explain exactly what you mean by "volume means speakers moreso than wattage" - what about speaker size (diameter) is that mostly about tone? Then would a 4x10 be louder than a 2x12?

Thibo - those Ibanez amps look nice - crazy features!! Mute, AUX input, removeable head, tilt back 'kickstand'?! ***?! Awesome!! $699 gets you a head and a 1x10. Not bad - how do you think a 1x10 would do in small clubs?

My - Yeah, what is the deal with Sam Ash and Hartke?! I've seen a lot of other brands in there but they're always pushing the Hartke stuff.

Thanks again everybody - still looking!!

[HertzWhenIPlay]

i would check out these two amps:

gallien-kreuger mb212 combo.
hartke hydrive 5210c

[wave rider]

csipe1, do you have time to cruise craigslist for a while? I'd think the population density around you would yield some good results sooner than later.

Looks like a good rig:
Bass Rig (Hartke head + Avatar Cab) $500

Not loud enough for gigs (maybe with extension cab), I'd still grab it; good tone:
SWR Workingman's 12 bass amplifier

New? Hartke LH amps are going inexpensively and you might get Larry to show them to you in the city. If you are going lightweight, Genz Benz, GK, and MarkBass have some that folks like.

Have fun!
=wr=

[csipe1]

The Behringer seems perfect BUT it weighs 100 lbs! I am starting to like the idea of 2x12s. Best of both worlds compromise.

Will a 2x12 cabinet really bump though? I am not the best bass player by far but I have a lot of riffs that drive our songs - if it's half-assed, the band would be seriously weak and I would be out the same $$$. If I went with a 2x12 - how many watts would it teak to bring a big sound. I think a 500W head on a 600W rated cab like the GK would do, no?

Wave - I have no cash - I need to buy new from a store that offers credit - like GC or Sam Ash... thanks though. When cash is flowing, I'll be on Craigs.

[csipe1]

Also, what's the 4 Ohm / 8 Ohm issue? Which is more powerful and which is more versatile for adding more cabs in the future?

[RickenBoogie]

Go to the FAQ's at thr top of the amp page for the technical info, but alot of the popular beliefs like bigger spkrs = lower, smaller spkrs= more punch are 100% false. Give those FAQ's a good read.

[csipe1]

Tried some Hartke heads, a GK 2x10 combo, 2 MarkBass combos, an Ampeg head through a MarkBass 15. Of course the 15's sounded 'bigger' than the 12's but I was blown away by the sound quality of the Mesa Walkabout. If I had money, I would have bought it right there. Sounded awesome!! $1449!!!! Damn!!! Now I can't bring myself to buy what I thought sounded decent - I'd feel like an idiot spending $800 if it didn't sound like what I wanted.

[MrTAteMyBalls]

I had the GK neo212 series 2 cab and that thing rocked! With an all tube mesa d 180 it was a killer lightweight cab. It was always funny to watch people get set to pick it up then almost go over backwards when they yank it up like it's not even there. Anyways, I can recommend it for sure!

[MrTAteMyBalls]

Originally Posted by csipe1

Tried some Hartke heads, a GK 2x10 combo, 2 MarkBass combos, an Ampeg head through a MarkBass 15. Of course the 15's sounded 'bigger' than the 12's but I was blown away by the sound quality of the Mesa Walkabout. If I had money, I would have bought it right there. Sounded awesome!! $1449!!!! Damn!!! Now I can't bring myself to buy what I thought sounded decent - I'd feel like an idiot spending $800 if it didn't sound like what I wanted.

the one time i played a walkabout i was pretty impressed with it, too.

[csipe1]

I think it is because it is an all tube head. The GK 2x10 was a combo and it was quiet as all hell.