Need working band gear advice

[leftybass77]

I checked out 4 working cover bands in my area and ALL the bassists use 410 cabinets. Anyone out there in a working band that uses a different setup? I'd love a pro option that I can easily move in & out of my toyota's trunk but that still gets the job done.


My thoughts were 2 210s or 2 light combo amps. The new Carvin Microbasses look sweet.

I read other posts on similar topics but am still searching for answers.
Thanks.

[joshwilkesbooth]

I use a 4x10. I used to use a 6x10, but I got sick of carrying it around.

[drpepper]

I have 2 x 210 and 1 x 212 (TC Electronic). Smallish bars, more often than not, no pa support. I can use 2 x 210, 1 x 212, one of each, or all three (I've never tried just one 210).

I have a Toyota too and can roll with the 210s and my other gear in the trunk and the 212 and my basses in the back seat.

I think 2 x 210 offers you some options.

[JMBassist]

Well...it depends on the places you use to play.

In my case I have two sets depending on how large is the stage and the place:

For big places i use my Ampeg SVT350+SVT410+SVT15

For little places like Hotels, bars, private parties, etc, I use my combo BA115 or the Fender Studio 200

[jackcheez]

I use a 2 X 12.

[bherman]

Personally I don't like 10s for bass (I'm an old school guy and don't care much for the sound of 10s on the low end) so I have a 2 x 12 Earcandy and just acquired a 1x12 Aguilar. That gives me three combinations depending on the size of room, and I can fit both easily in my VW jetta.

Suggest you try out several options as obviously most on this forum like 10s.

[davet999]

I'm using a 2x10 SWR Goliath III jr. Works great for small places. If I need more coverage, I use a direct box into the PA. That said, most of the cover band bass players I've seen lately are using 4x10 cabs, mostly SWR types. They always sound great to me.

My 1x15 Ampeg is in the garage collecting dust...
DaveT

[Eric Moesle]

Depends on the size of the stage.

I always have PA support. I typically use two 1x12's, elevated on top of a gear case for most bars/clubs.

If its a big stage or an outdoor situation, I'll use an 8x10 for the coverage.

[StuartV]

Even when my cover band plays small bars, we bring our own PA. The bass player brings no amp or cabs - just a Sansamp BDDI that goes to the board. The PA has a 12" stage monitor for him and between that and sound coming from the FOH speakers, he hears himself just fine (as does the audience, of course).

Maybe instead of spending money on a "big" cab for gigs, you should put the money into an IEM setup?

[essentre]

I've got a 4x10 as well, I'd love to go even smaller but this as little as I'll let myself play with.

[RickenBoogie]

410's are a standard, because they are at the lower end of the basic requirements for *most* bassists. A 212 could also work, but anything smaller will usually be in adequate. 2x 210's is the same as a 410, but more portable, and can stack vertically for the win.

[leftybass77]

Great info. Glad to hear what fits in a Toyota and I'm already leaning toward Two 2x10s but will try out a 2x12 first. I do see some deals for Hartke cabinets but, yeah, SWR seems to be the standard.
I'm also leaning towards a used Ampeg B2-RE which I hope is enough wattage but that would be another thread.

I do have a Sans Amp for PA use & recording.

Thanks guys!

[srxplayer]

I use the two 2 x 10 set up. Most of the time I only need a single cabinet so it's nice to only have to lug one cabinet.

[pasta4lnch]

Originally Posted by jackcheez

I use a 2 X 12.

me too . . .


a 410 is nice as well. I recently got a 112 and am thinking of selling my 212 in favor of a 2x112 set up because I do a lot of smaller gigs too . . . seems to make more sense

[gillento]

Originally Posted by jackcheez

I use a 2 X 12.

+1

[rockstarbassist]

I use a 610 but prefer a 412.

If I were playing 5 nights a week and needed something more transportable, I'd probably use a 212 and a smaller amp than my 400+.

[thumpbass1]

I'm a 15's boy. Single or double.

[jb63]

I use a Markbass LMII through two Bergantino cabs, an HT112, and an EX112. I've played some larger size sheds and tents with this rig and have even been asked to turn down! Best of all, my rig and everything I need to gig with fits in the trunk of my Civic. Loud and portable, the best of both worlds IMHO.

[wcriley]

I sold my 410 a couple weeks ago because I usually have PA support.
I gigged without PA support last Fri. with just my fEarful 12/6.
About 150 people in a small bar. Overall band volume dictated by the drums.
The 12/6 was probably close to its limits, but it did everything I needed it to do...which included solos on most of the songs.

[busta_bird]

I use a GK MB115 combo and all has worked well.