New amp head + cap (2000$ budget)

[KasperMygind]

Hi, i am new to this forum so i hope this is the correct board to ask on..

I am looking in to getting a new rig, since my practice amp is not enough anymore. It should be able to play small gigs, but i will mostly use it for band practice. I play with a loud drummer, so it has to be powerfull. It should also be future proof, since i will use it many years in the future.

I dont know much about bass amps or caps, but i was thinking a cap with 4x10 speakers, with a wide tone range.

I was looking at a RH 450 from tc head, but the review seems to be a bit negative.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance
-Kasper.

Thanks in adcance

[knucklehead G]

Welcome to Talkbass!

The general answer you're going to get if you know this little about what you want, is to take your bass to a music store and play everything they have. From what you liked there, we can give you more info.

Besides that, its all our own opinions. I think GK heads on Ampeg caBs are the best thing in the world, but that might not work at all for you. It might not even be a 410, you may find yourself liking a 212 or 115 better for your half-stack. Time spent test-driving loads of gear is rarely wasted.

[Tracebassplayer]

Originally Posted by knucklehead G

Welcome to Talkbass!

The general answer you're going to get if you know this little about what you want, is to take your bass to a music store and play everything they have. From what you liked there, we can give you more info.

Besides that, its all our own opinions. I think GK heads on Ampeg caBs are the best thing in the world, but that might not work at all for you. It might not even be a 410, you may find yourself liking a 212 or 115 better for your half-stack. Time spent test-driving loads of gear is rarely wasted.

+1
Go to as many shops a you can, take YOUR bass with you, like he said.
I have played and owned many amps and I am sold on Trace Elliot. The AH600SMX (GP12SMX or AH600-12) series has almost every DI in/output you could want for being "Future Proof".. check this AH600SMX out.... just for starters
Basschat.co.uk > SOLD - Trace Elliot AH600SMX Bass Amplifier - SOLD

Ashdown, Ampeg, Fender, Sunn, SWR, etc... there are a lot of great amps out there but, it boils down to what YOU like and what sounds good to YOU. Play on...

[GregC]

Originally Posted by knucklehead G

Welcome to Talkbass!

The general answer you're going to get if you know this little about what you want, is to take your bass to a music store and play everything they have. From what you liked there, we can give you more info.

Besides that, its all our own opinions. I think GK heads on Ampeg caBs are the best thing in the world, but that might not work at all for you. It might not even be a 410, you may find yourself liking a 212 or 115 better for your half-stack. Time spent test-driving loads of gear is rarely wasted.

Definitely follow this advice. At this point, specific gear suggestions aren't going to be a lot of help since you haven't established your tastes yet. Also, $2000 (assuming you're in the US) will buy you a very nice rig!

[Plstrns]

Future proof?

2 Avatar TB153's, Peavey IPR 3000, preamp of choice, 2 to 4 space rack of choice.

Should be about $1700-1800 with a SKB shallow case and Putnam DI VT pedal with ground lift. This combo should sound as close to multiple SVT's through 810's as possible.

fEarfuls are better, but may break the budget.

BTW, a cap is an image thing. They do nothing for your sound.

[jmattbassplaya]

Welcome to TB!

Since you don't have much experience with amps it might be a good idea to run to a local guitar store with your bass and try out as many amps as you can find so that you can discover what you like and dislike. I'd also suggest taking along a friend so you can have some 'objective ears' give you input as you try things out.

Here are a few rules of thumb that I usually give players who are looking for their first gigging rig:

1. Always go for a 4x10 or 2x12 as your first cab. It might end up being overkill for your actual needs, but you'll almost never need anything bigger and it's easy enough to downsize if you need to.

2. Get at least a 300w head. You can definitely get a head with more watts than that, but don't go below it. Some people will tell you that you can gig a head with less watts than that, but my experiences say otherwise. Again, it's easier to downsize if needed.

3. Consider buying used. The TB classifieds is an AMAZING place to find great deals on used gear. You can find some real bargains and save a lot of money doing this instead of buying new. Remember, just because you have $2,000 doesn't mean you have to spend it all

Good luck!

[KasperMygind]

wow, great fast replies, thanks alot.

Thanks for all the good tips, i think i better move my arse and get out to some music stores

I actully live in Denmark, so the prices are bit bit higher here, but my budget is a bit flexible.

[knucklehead G]

+1 to getting at least a 300W head. Nowadays, lightweight Class D heads pushing 500W are easy to come by, and you can get them from nearly any manufacturer. They're worth checking out. Plus if you are carrying such a light amp, you can get a huge cab, right?

[tdub0199]

Originally Posted by knucklehead G

Welcome to Talkbass!

The general answer you're going to get if you know this little about what you want, is to take your bass to a music store and play everything they have. From what you liked there, we can give you more info.

Besides that, its all our own opinions. I think GK heads on Ampeg caBs are the best thing in the world, but that might not work at all for you. It might not even be a 410, you may find yourself liking a 212 or 115 better for your half-stack. Time spent test-driving loads of gear is rarely wasted.

See. I agree with knucklehead about GK Heads and Ampeg cabs but most will not.... Follow the already given advise on taking your bass to the music store of your choice and see what sounds best to you......