New gear advice

[millerpils]

Hi guys,

I've recently joined a band playing bass and we are going to be playing live soon at local venues; mostly pubs and clubs.

I am going to need an amp that is loud enough for the gigs but that also offers some nice tone. In addition I would like some effects: notably overdrive, octave and chorus. I would like them all to be switchable via a channel switcher/pedal if poss.

My budget for all of this is £500.

In terms of amp, I have played one of these at our rehearsals and thought it was pretty good (has octave built-in too - though not switchable on the floor unless anyone knows different?):

Ashdown EB180 - 1x15 - Mansons for Guitars

In terms of effects, I guess the 'turn to' pedals are the Boss array and the ME20B looks pretty good. Personally I am not a fan of multi effects pedals, so are there any alternatives to this Boss multi unit that you guys can recommend? Failing that I could just pickup the single Boss stompboxes.

Thanks,
Dan

[rodl2005]

The Zoom B2 (I think it is) is good but so is the Boss one u mention.
Regarding rigs-amp & cab, u really just need to try as many as you can-to see what YOU like.
I would say at least 300w & at least either a 2x12" or at very least 2x10".
I think Ashdown make a 2x10 combo, which at a later date you could add another 2x10 to = a 4x10.
Read thru the ohms/impedance sticky at the top of the AMPS forum. A wealth of helpful info there

[bannybassman]

I have the ashdown EB180 1x15, I find it pretty good for small gigs, most big gigs I do seem to have a PA and can put the amp through that. However I am seriously looking at getting an ashdown 2x10 extention cab to give the ashdown a bit more grunt, and to enable us to do some bigger gigs (where there is no PA available)

[rust_preacher]

Cheap multi-effect units can be noisy in live situations. This means that as you might be saving money to start with, you'd need to buy a noise gate, setting you back again.

Are you sure you need the effects? I can understand a chorused fretless sound... the octaver might be unnecessary. Invest in a good cabinet instead that can push the lows. And, look into used gear e. g. on your local "Gumtree" listings.

For example:

TRACE ELLIOT 300 WATT BASS AMP WITH GP7SM BASS PRE AMP 300 Guitars, Guitar Amplifiers for Sale Cramlington Newcastle

(Wow, I must say - the sound you would be looking for right there!)

[millerpils]

We had a rehearsal last night and I played through that very head with a 4x10 TE cab. It sounded epic!

Great find and exactly what I'm after but a loooong way to go (I'm in Exeter, South West).

Thanks for the comments on the multi-effects - I've dropped that idea altogether and have bought some stomp boxes. I've been keeping an eye on the local listings of which there's nothing that is suitable at the minute. Got one eye on this with the corresponding 4x10 cab (or some other cab):

Hartke LH500 Bass Guitar Amp Head

Anyone have any experience with this head? Seems unbelievable value ...

[millerpils]

Well received the Boss ODB. When will I learn? It just sounds like a fuzz pedal of which I'm not a fan ... Returning it.

I suppose the only way to get a nice crunchy overdrive is to get a valve amp then drive it right?

[gmanbass]

Looking for a "nice crunchy overdrive"? Try one of these:

Bass BB Preamp

I really like mine.

[millerpils]

Interested.

Got any clips?

[gmanbass]

‪Ric Fierabracci plays Xotic Bass BB Preamp & X-Blender‬‏ - YouTube

‪Sean O'Bryan Smith with Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp‬‏ - YouTube


‪Chris Roy plays Xotic Bass BB Preamp‬‏ - YouTube

[confusedinNC]

try a Proco Rat for overdrive/distortion. This has always been my favorite.

Also if you havent already gotten a head, my bassist is selling a practically brand new Hartke lh500.

[johnny6644]

Don't know what brands you can get but a Gallien-Krueger MB200 200W, Zoom B2, maybe a GK 1x15