New member with a "Is this a good deal" question....

bazguitarman · #1 12-23-2011, 08:00 PM

I just want to say hello to all you talkbass members. I have been lurking around a couple of weeks doing some research for a new bass amp purchase. And thought it was about time I joined up.

I'm actually a guitarist of 20+ years and not a bass player. I recently got back into playing after being away from the music scene for about 12 years. I just bought a nice little mid-range, active LTD 5-string (B-205SM)to use as a house bass and to record with. Now I need to buy a decent amp.

Keeping in mind that the bass is a secondary instrument for me, I don't want to spend more than a few hundred ($300.00-$500.00) on an amp. I had pretty much decided on a 1x15" combo around the 200 watt range. In fact I was looking at the Acoustic B200 combo. Which I think would make a great amp for what I need.

But today I ran across what I think might be a good deal on a little larger amp. I came across a Peavey Mark VI, model 420 head and a Peavey 1820 cabinet. Which is the 1x18" with 2x10's cab. The amp and cab are in like new condition. And when I say like new I mean it. They were bought new for a local church and never moved from the spot on the stage they originally sat. They both look like they just came out of the box. Not even a spec of dust. No scratches, tolex tears or anything. And I have to believe the rig was probably pampered it's whole life. Being used in a little church.

I played through the rig for a few minutes and didn't hear anything funny. No noisy pots or crackly speakers. Everything seemed to work. Honestly, it was like playing through a new rig.

Ok, so here is the bottom line. The price is $500.00 out the door. Is this a decent deal? It's a little more amp that I originally planned for, but I would rather have too much than not enough. I've seen the same components go for around $400.00. But that is in ragged condition with questionable history. I think the extra $100.00 is acceptable for equipment in such good condition. Right? lol

Watcha think?

Eric

P.S.- Yes I know that is a huge cabinet. lol. But once it's in the house it won't be moving. And it's on casters anyway.

JimmyM · #2 12-24-2011, 02:09 AM

I'm not a huge fan of that cab, but it does have a cult following, and the head is pretty good. I don't know...seen better deals, seen worse...

Downunderwonder · #3 12-24-2011, 02:11 AM

If it sounds good the deal sounds very good, turn that puppy of a cab on its side for best sound when playing out.

K2000 · #4 12-24-2011, 02:33 AM

I'm not familiar with the Mark VI head (unless you mean Mark IV).

The cab is worth whatever people are willing to pay for it, but in my opinion no more than 250 dollars. I bought one new for that price from Make'n Music in the Chicago south suburbs in the 80s. I've seen them on Craigs List for 150 dollars, perhaps not "like new" but the cosmetics on a cabinet are irrelevant, IMO... as soon as you actually start using the cabinet for performances, you will start dinging it up.

If it's really a Peavey Mark IV (you said Mark VI) they sell for about 200 bucks, more or less.

All in all, it's an average deal, in my opinion. You're not getting a steal, and you're not getting cheated, either. You might be overpaying a tiny little bit, but if you want the items then it's almost irrelevant.

I'm not a fan of that cabinet, but your mileage may vary. I've heard other people say they liked it. I think it sounds muddy and indistinct, and it's too big for what it can do.

dog1 · #5 12-24-2011, 08:54 AM

Yeah, Peavey is built like a rock, and only twice as heavy as one. When I was younger I had one of those cabs back when I thought that 18's were good for bass guitar. If you are just wanting to amplify your bass and are not exactly concerned about tweeking your tone, the Peavey will be just the ticket. Offer them 400 and see what happens.

georgestrings · #6 12-24-2011, 09:52 AM

I used to own a couple of Mark VIs, and I think they're one of the better sounding Peavey bass amps - good power for their rating, too... You should be able to pick one of those up for $150-$200, tops... Regarding the 1820 - they sound good at lower volumes, but not so much if you have to push them - and they tend to blow the 18 if pushed hard enough... They also are big and heavy - and not worth much more than $150-$200, tops...

If it were me, I'd try to get the head for $150, and shop for a used 410, like a 410TX, TXF, or TVX - and you should still be able to stay at $400 or less...

If you're still set on buying the whole rig, it isn't worth more than $400 total, IMO...

- georgestrings

bazguitarman · #7 12-24-2011, 11:33 AM

Thanks guys. I appreciate the honest feedback. I think I will pass on this rig for right now. Merry Christmas to all.

Eric

ksandvik · #8 12-24-2011, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazguitarman

Thanks guys. I appreciate the honest feedback. I think I will pass on this rig for right now. Merry Christmas to all.

Eric

Your back just thanked you.

pbassnut · #9 12-24-2011, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksandvik

Your back just thanked you.

... as did the foundation of your house and your neighbors ... an 18" speaker lit up inside a house is like an indoor earthquake.

John D · #10 12-24-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbassnut

... as did the foundation of your house and your neighbors ... an 18" speaker lit up inside a house is like an indoor earthquake.

Put your $500 toward a PF-350/PF-115 rig. Your ears will thank your. Look in the hot deals section of this forum for tips on how to buy at the lowest prices. Good deals going on now, on-line.