New to gigging. Need to upgrade my gear. I think I have it figured out.

[Systolic]

Alright TB'ers here's the story:

I've been playing for about a year and a half, with very beginner equipment. I will soon be joining a somewhat well established band. Stylistically they/we are are classic rock band with definite bluesy tendencies. Gig size...not real sure yet. Although I've seen the band play a show with around 300 in the audience. So we'll go with that. I need a gig worthy set up, from the bottom up (pun intended )

Basses I'll be using:
Ibanez GSR200
Squier Vintage Modified Fretless
An undetermined future 5 string (I'm thinking Lakland 55-01)

After spending a lot of intimate time with the Search button and google. I'm thinking I got it narrowed down. Keep in mind I'm a struggling mid 20's chef with little disposable income. So i'm going with a "best bang for your buck" attitude.

Head: Hartke LH500 or LH1000
Cab: Avatar B410 (possibility of adding an Avatar TB153 later)

I know I probably don't need a preamp, but is the Tech 21 Sansamp is sufficient right?

From what I can gleen, I can do this two ways. I can do the LH500 with the B410 and can add the TB153 (8ohm cabs into a 4ohm head,) with substantial loss of headroom...if i need it. Or I can just grab the LH1000 and not worry about it. Do I need to justify the extra cash, or will a 500w head and a 410 cab be more than enough/to much? Am I way off base?

Please excuse any blurry eyed mistakes. Thanks.

[lomo]

You've chosen good gear to maximize performance/$, but I would not mix those 2 Avatar cabs. Better to have 2 identical cabs. Unless your band is silly loud and you have no PA, one cab or the other will do if you get the LH1000. Although you do not need a preamp, IMHO you'll want one to have some tonal flexibility as the LH1000 doesn't have an elaborate eq.

[RNV]

Don't over look Carvin for mega bang for the buck gear. I have a BX1500 and a BRX410 and it is way more than I'll ever need for small room up to venues that hold 500+. I done plenty of good size shows without PA support (drums and vox get PA) and I'm going against two half stacks without any issues at all. But I agree with lomo with the not mixing and matching cab suggestions.

Good Luck in your quest.

[Stumbo]

Lots of good used equipment in the TB classified.
Also Craigslist:bass amp on SearchTempest

imo, the TB153 will probably put out enough to cover your gigs.

[Systolic]

All good advice. Thanks.

[Downunderwonder]

Best bang for buck is to DIY your cabs. BFM or fEARful.

Old solid state power amps are crazy cheap and a used VT deluxe pedal will run you $225 or so going from classifieds lately.

[Gearhead17]

A 410 from Avatar and a Carvin BX1500 is a great idea. Definitely search the used world and report back to us if you are a little lost. LH1000 is not a bad choice either. You could use the bridged option straight into the 410.

Do not focus on the Tech 21 BDDI, stick to getting a good amp right now. Getting a high wattage amp now is your best priority. That pedal is helpful if you want a little overdrive or a different amp tone. Definitely a good choice down the road and can be quite a bargain in the used market.

[TheAngryPocket]

Originally Posted by RNV

Don't over look Carvin for mega bang for the buck gear. I have a BX1500 and a BRX410 and it is way more than I'll ever need for small room up to venues that hold 500+. I done plenty of good size shows without PA support (drums and vox get PA) and I'm going against two half stacks without any issues at all. But I agree with lomo with the not mixing and matching cab suggestions.

Good Luck in your quest.

+100,000,000

[Stumbo]

Another rig to think about is two vertically stacked 2x12's. Modular, xlnt sound coverage, easier to transport. Reduced comb filtering. Avatar 212 Questions ... Comb Filtering Anxiety

[Systolic]

I definitely would like the two 2x12's. I'm just not going to have enough money to get them both right away. I am afraid that only having the one for a while won't be loud enough for what I need. Which is why I'm looking at the 4x10 to start with.

Upon further researching, the Carvin BX500 is right up my alley as well. So ultimately it's going to come down to is what I can find used on sale first.

As far as the cabs go, i'm not overly worried about comb filtering issues (after reading the entire linked thread,) so my recently stated question aside. Do I go with the Avatar 4x10 or the Carvin 4x10? The Avatar is a bit more money, but generally gets rave reviews. Excuse my OCD.

[pasta4lnch]

Originally Posted by Systolic

I definitely would like the two 2x12's. I'm just not going to have enough money to get them both right away. I am afraid that only having the one for a while won't be loud enough for what I need. Which is why I'm looking at the 4x10 to start with.

fwiw I have an avatar b212 4ohm and it has never not been enough. in fact I rarely push my LMII head to any great lengths. I think you'll be just fine w/ one of the hartke heads and a 410 or 212. I hear the hartke hydrives are nice too . . .

as for the sans amp - I love mine, it's a good tool to have, especially if you get the bass driver as it's a good DI/pre for any gigs w/ a PA. definitely a worthy expenditure . . .

good luck!

[Systolic]

Thanks. I really dig the wealth of information and experience here. TB ftw.

[JimmyM]

the tb153 and a 410 are two completely different styles of cab. the tb153 has a response similar to a pa cab optimized for bass, whereas 410's are more designed to sound good on bass and nothing else. both are killer designs in their own ways, but i don't know if mixing them is a good way to go. otoh, darryl jones mixes a really expensive version of the tb153 made by meyer sound with an svt/810, and nobody complains about his tone with the rolling stones.

but to do that right requires a second amp, or a stereo amp with separate eq's for each side. so i wouldn't be mixing the two if you plan on using only one amp. i'd either go 410's or two tb153's, not both. as for what brand you get, doesn't matter. get what you like.

[RNV]

Just remember, if you do go with Carvin make sure you get the BRX410 NOT the BR410.