need a gig worthy amp...my first one...need suggestions

streetknight · #1 07-29-2011, 03:39 PM

So I've only been playing about 3 months now...I've got an Acoustic B20 that I practice with @ home. I have some friends starting a band that asked me to play, going to be mainly classic/southern rock and country. Need something that's gonna cut it for rehearsals and gigs. I know nothing about bass amps. The singer will also play an A/E and the lead guitarist has a Les Paul thru a 100 watt Marshall half stack.

The other project I want to start sitting in with play mostly hard rock ex- Rage, Disturbed, Tool, etc. One guitarist uses LP's thru a Peavey XXX and the other uses LP's thru a Line 6 Vetta.

I have a Peavey Cirrus 4 string I'll be using.

Small clubs no more than 300 people.

noahw1 · #2 07-29-2011, 03:58 PM

What's your price range?

streetknight · #3 07-29-2011, 04:02 PM

Like to stay around 800 if possible, don't mind buying used, cheaper would be great, but want something quality....

miller_l · #4 07-29-2011, 04:12 PM

Check out the Ampeg PF-500 head, great head, good price. Pair that with a good cab and you're golden. Or you could stay with acoustic, they have some decent stuff that won't break your budget (B600H head and 410 cab for example)

jeff7bass · #5 07-29-2011, 04:30 PM

The Ampeg PF-500 with an Avatar B212 works well for near your price range.

Here's another option from Carvin.

Carvin.com :: BX500-410

noahw1 · #6 07-29-2011, 04:42 PM

Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 or 9.0 can be had for a great prices on here used and are great amps. Then look for an Avatar cab or something used on here.

Ian the bassist · #7 07-29-2011, 04:47 PM

Is it just a head you're looking for or is it a combo deal?

I would say go with ashdown. I am a die hard Ashdown user. They have WHOPPER sound and there isn't too much knobs and dials on it so it's great for beginners. Mag series would be cheapest good amp that I know.

Here's a link to some great amp heads

ASHDOWN MAG-600H B-STOCK - Thomann Irish Cyberstore

Ashdown Hybrid Bass Heads - Thomann Irish Cyberstore

ASHDOWN ABM900 EVO III - Thomann Irish Cyberstore

Also some combos

ASHDOWN MAGC410T-300 - Thomann Irish Cyberstore

ASHDOWN ABM C115-500 EV - Thomann Irish Cyberstore

ASHDOWN MAG C210 T-300 EVO II - Thomann Irish Cyberstore

If you are not afraid to buy second hand you should see whats available. For example I bought my 810 ABM and my Ashdown ABM 900 head for 850 euro. Perfect condition. Worth about 2 grand for both of them new.

But it's all down to preference obviously. I love Ashdowns but I know others on forums hate them. Other amps I've played that I really liked(But not as much :P) Are Ampegs, Fender rumbles and Marshall bass amps.

Good luck

RickenBoogie · #8 07-29-2011, 04:48 PM

Basic advice for a gig rig is- 300-500 watt head paired with at least a 4x10, or 2x15. Possibly a 2x12, but better to stick with bigger cabs. Also, with 800 to spend, use 300 for the amp, 500 for the cab. Never skimp on your speakers.

streetknight · #9 07-29-2011, 06:36 PM

Thanks everyone. I appreciate it.

I need amp and cab, I'm guessing the combos are easy to outgrow....only I have available local to try are Fender and Beringer. I tried a GK MB series combo @ GC the other day, but it didn't seem really loud to me.

And when we're talking about wattage recommendations, do you guys keen tube or SS? I assume SS in my budget lol

TwinBass · #10 07-29-2011, 06:44 PM

You can certainly find a respectable Peavey rig within your budget. There are plenty of people who look down on Peavey, but their equipment is solid and sounds great for the money.

If you look into used gear, you should be able to find an awesome rig and even have a few bucks left over.

Good luck and happy hunting.

bassplayerbob · #11 07-29-2011, 06:51 PM

Check out the Hartke LH500. Only 349.00 New and great reviews here on TB. I recently upgraded to the LH1000 with the Hartke HX 410 and loving it. Either head produces more than enough sound and tone for your gigs IMO.

**B-string** · #12 07-29-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetknight

Thanks everyone. I appreciate it.

I need amp and cab, I'm guessing the combos are easy to outgrow....only I have available local to try are Fender and Beringer. I tried a GK MB series combo @ GC the other day, but it didn't seem really loud to me.

And when we're talking about wattage recommendations, do you guys keen tube or SS? I assume SS in my budget lol

The G-K should have been plenty loud, unless you just used the knobs on the left and didn't turn up the "Master" on the right

Unless you have deep pockets with cash in them you'll be SS at least in the amps output.

fractal0243 · #13 07-29-2011, 06:55 PM

For $800, you'll be able to find something to use for years and years to come. I've been using a GK 1001 rb that I bought used on here for $300 paired with a used SWR Goaliath III that I snagged on craigslist for $300. They've been my work horse for 3 years now and give me more tone than I know what to do with.

Bassics101 · #14 07-29-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

The Ampeg PF-500 with an Avatar B212 works well for near your price range.

+1 to this. I have the Ampeg 115 cab for the portaflex combination, but I like using my 4 ohm B212neo more.

MrLenny1 · #15 07-29-2011, 07:13 PM

I use Eden gear . For $800 you can buy a 400 watt head and a 4x10 cab used.
It's really good gear reliable, also SWR is comparable used.

streetknight · #16 07-29-2011, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

The G-K should have been plenty loud, unless you just used the knobs on the left and didn't turn up the "Master" on the right

Unless you have deep pockets with cash in them you'll be SS at least in the amps output.

I had the master dimed, but the gain only half way up. I was bass shopping when I tried it and not amp, I really liked the tone of the GK I tried though. Can you run extension cabs from the combos?

I notice most have a D.I. to go direct to the PA I assume. I know a friend has an Ampeg SVT IV with a 4x10, but I heard him tell someone he liked the sound of his sansamp (whatever that is) DI to the board better.

I got a lot to learn. I'm anxious enough about being good enough to start digging, let alone worrying about gear.

**B-string** · #17 07-29-2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetknight

I had the master dimed, but the gain only half way up. I was bass shopping when I tried it and not amp, I really liked the tone of the GK I tried though. Can you run extension cabs from the combos?

I notice most have a D.I. to go direct to the PA I assume. I know a friend has an Ampeg SVT IV with a 4x10, but I heard him tell someone he liked the sound of his sansamp (whatever that is) DI to the board better.

I got a lot to learn. I'm anxious enough about being good enough to start digging, let alone worrying about gear.

Which MB combo was it? The MB212 is very gigable (boost adds volume and "hair") MB210 also gigable and you can add an extention cab. MB115 would be a little stretch, MB110 is a practice amp only. What model did you try and was the volume up on the basses?

oldcatfish · #18 07-29-2011, 08:15 PM

Quote, "Small clubs no more than 300 people."

The guitar players are going a little overkill in that situation. A 1 x 12 guitar amp miked should be plenty. The more "loud rigs" that there are on stage, the worse your front of house sound is likely to be.

But anyway, to get over a 1/2 stack (unless the guitar players have really good self volume control) you will need a loud rig. I agree that you will need at LEAST a 4 x 10 or 2 x15 cab. The amp wattage requirement is somewhat debatable. I'd go with at least 200 watts---preferably more.

If you don't mind heavy gear, I agree that Peavey is a good choice. So are Hartke and GK.

oldcatfish · #19 07-29-2011, 08:19 PM

Quote "Can you run extension cabs from the combos?"
Some you can, some not. GK is making a powered matching cab that would work. Also, you can always use 2 combo amps. I'm a fan of combo amps more than most on this forum, but in your case, it looks like you'd be better off with a head and multiple cabs.

beatsbears · #20 07-29-2011, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinBass

You can certainly find a respectable Peavey rig within your budget. There are plenty of people who look down on Peavey, but their equipment is solid and sounds great for the money.

If you look into used gear, you should be able to find an awesome rig and even have a few bucks left over.

Double agree.
I used some older Peavey stuff for years, I never got my dream tone, but it definitely got the job done.

Try browsing the For Sale forums here, there are always some good deals lurking, especially from people getting rid of their medium-sized rig (what it sounds like you're looking for) in favor of a larger touring rig.

Happy hunting!