New Amp Concerns

MycooLeeyun · #1 09-27-2011, 08:13 PM

I'm in the market for a new amp. I currently play through a GK700rbii in my "Alternative" rock band. It's a pretty good tone but isn't quite what I'm looking for. I'm looking to upgrade my amp and my Avatar neo 410. I use a Lakland DJ5 and a Carvin LB75. I was looking to get a tube amp this time. I'm looking for a very versatile tube amp because I like to get fat and smooth while also being able to get more of that solid state GK grind. With my current rig I use a Tech21 VT bass pedal and I'm hoping to not need that if I got an amp that could replace it. I was looking at the peavey vb-3 and the fender bassman 300 pro. I really have no way of playing any of these amps so I was looking for some recommendations here. Thanks so much.

Also if you guys had any cab recommendations in the realm of 410's or so.

MycooLeeyun · #2 09-28-2011, 12:26 PM

Bump!

Alex1984 · #3 09-28-2011, 12:54 PM

Heard good things about the Traynor YBA-300. The Fender seems nice and versatile. I ruled out the VB-2 before since I found it to be a little too dirty for me, can't say about the VB-3 though. What kind of tone do you like?

MycooLeeyun · #4 09-28-2011, 01:07 PM

I have narrowed down to a specific tone yet but I can describe it the best I can. I like a smooth and deep tone that has a bite to it. I need that bite so it isn't muddy. I play finger style and am looking for a nice round tone that can cut through the mix. I was looking into tubes because I just figure a tube amp would give me more of what I'm looking for.

MycooLeeyun · #5 09-28-2011, 01:11 PM

The Traynor looks very interesting. Where do they even sell this amp? For some reason I can't find it anywhere on the web for sale.

Sifl · #6 09-28-2011, 01:32 PM

Someone on here said the Traynors are great if you like the GK sound. I can't remember what thread it was in, though.

MycooLeeyun · #7 09-28-2011, 08:32 PM

Hmm.. that's good to know. THanks! Anybody else have any input?

**B-string** · #8 09-28-2011, 10:38 PM

Hmm G-K grind and tubes? It is not all tube but the G-K Fusion 550 (or 1050) would do nicely?

MycooLeeyun · #9 09-29-2011, 09:44 AM

It's not that I need the GK grind. I just don't want to get a tube amp that can only get a fat vintage tone. I need some BITE in my tone. I looked at the GK Fusion 550 and wow that thing looks sweet. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm trying to figure out what my possibilities are here and you guys are helping a lot. I never really considered a SS amp with a tube preamp but that doesn't sound like a bad combination.

**B-string** · #10 09-29-2011, 07:57 PM

I played all tube for too many years to mention, for me the Fusion 550 just does what ever I need or want from it. Bass Gear Mag did their burst test on it and found that 500 watt amp putting out over 800 watts (at 4 ohms), guess thats where all that punch comes from?

MycooLeeyun · #11 09-29-2011, 11:10 PM

yeah the Fusion 550 sounds like somewhere I definitely want to go. I love everything about GK. With the tube preamp and what not, I think this amp can cover my needs. Hopefully now I can find one used on the forums here =]

MycooLeeyun · #12 10-04-2011, 12:56 PM

What cabs should I be looking at to pair with the GK Fusion 550 in terms of 4X10. I currently have an avatar B410 neo cab and wanted to upgrade. I was thinking Bergantino, Epifani, Aguilar or something along those lines. Any suggestions on cabs? Thank you!

**B-string** · #13 10-04-2011, 07:20 PM

The Avatar is a desent cab. A move up; G-Ks NEO 410, Genz Benz 410T-UB-4 (4 ohm only), Epifini are fine cabs, sorry never played a Berg.