New rig advice (limited budget)

[MattParasite]

Hi!

I did have a Trace Elliot 250w going through a 2x10 cab & 1x15 cab and the power/volume was just right to compete with two very loud guitarists going through 4x12's and a heavy-weight drummer! I am after a new rig as it is just not keeping up these days, toured far too much and not really looked after. It's sounding all wooden and muffly these days.

I play fast aggressive hardcore punk, I use a clean sound and a Boss Bass Overdrive pedal here and there.

I want something loud and reliable but not too bulky or, and most importantly...not to pricey! what would people reccomend?


Thanks in advance

[cchorney]

I am told Carvin and Peavey are both pretty good in the "DBs per buck" department. I would also suggest - and I know this is crazy talk - having the guitar players turn down a bit.

Just for hahas, you should try stacking your cabs so the 115 is on the bottom and the 210 is on top of that, on its side so the drivers are vertical. You'll get better dispersion and you'll hear yourself better because you'll have a driver closer to your ears. This is a free "fix" so that's pretty much the bomb for a cheap solution!

[MattParasite]

i've tried alsorts, servicing, the lot. It's just had it's day. It's been toured ALOT and i've been very generous letting entire bills of bands go through my rig, stuff like that.

It used to sound nice, growley yet punchy but these days there's not much clarity. Would rather just get a fresh new rig, as im sure it wouldn't survive another tour.

[Bass_Pounder]

Can't really make a recommendation for a complete rig "on the cheap"

However, you should note that if you are tired of "just keeping up", you will need an amp with about 4X the total power your guitards are using, and enough speaker surface area equal to the total they are using.

[MattParasite]

well my price range is between £700-£1000, sorry should have mentioned that.

[jeff7bass]

Give us a desired speaker configuration (410, 212, dual 210’s etc…) and you’ll get some good responses.

[MattParasite]

Originally Posted by MattParasite

well my price range is between £700-£1000, sorry should have mentioned that.

I was using a 1x15 and 2x10 before, am happy to go through something similar or a 4x10 instead.

[CL400Peavey]

I would say get your head tuned up and then pick up an 810 or two 410 cabs. I doubt your head is really lacking power, but your speaker area is suffering. More speakers will increase your volume dramatically, and miss matching cabinets doesn't help either.

[alecduncan]

Did you like the Trace Elliot tone?

If so, the AH500 with a 4x10 (or 8x10) would be right up your alley. Trace is one of my favorite brands, and I plan on getting a full Trace Elliot rig when I can handle it financially.

Other options, but I'm not sure how viable they are across the pond:

-GK 700RB (or 1001RB) with 4x10 Neo (and get another 4x10 Neo later). Or, get two 410RBHs. Or, go for a 2x12 configuration if you prefer 12" speakers. I really like the 1x15Neos but I feel they don't get as punchy or "growly" as you'd want.

-SWR 550x with 4x10 Goliath (and get another 4x10 later). Or, get the 6x10. Or, the 8x10. Fantastic tone and seems good for your requirement.

-Hartke HA500 (or any hybrid head, really) with 4x10 HyDrive (and get another 4x10 later).

Hope this helps.

[scottfeldstein]

There's probably a few different ways to get you where you want to go, but here's what I'd do. If budget is a big concern, get all of it used.

1. Get rid of everything you use now.

2. Get an amp head of at least 500w @ 4 Ohms.

3. Get some serious cabinetry. Try a pair of 410 cabs. Or one big 412 or 810. Stop mismatching cabs. It only really works when you're biamping. And biamping is an over-engineered solution in search of a problem. Get a pair of big, matched 8 ohm cabs.

4. ???

5. Profit!

[sad_katz]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

There's probably a few different ways to get you where you want to go, but here's what I'd do. If budget is a big concern, get all of it used.

1. Get rid of everything you use now.

2. Get an amp head of at least 500w @ 4 Ohms.

3. Get some serious cabinetry. Try a pair of 410 cabs. Or one big 412 or 810. Stop mismatching cabs. It only really works when you're biamping. And biamping is an over-engineered solution in search of a problem. Get a pair of big, matched 8 ohm cabs.

4. ???

5. Profit!

Big +1


I'm thinking Hartke - not too expensive and reasonably loud. Depending on tonal goals, either the HX (rolled-off lows, punchy) or AK (warm lows, rolled-off highs) should work. I'm partial for the LH-500/1000 head. Quite heavy tho.

Gallien Krueger rigs also work for aggressive tones (MB500 and 2xNeo 410 or 2xNeo212). Much lighter and more expensive than the Hartke.

[Adam Bomb]

I agree with the 810 solution (including a pair of 410s). I understand that you said, "not too bulky". But, if money is a concern, IMO you have to choose between bulk and holding your own in an aggro hardcore punk band. Especially if you are generous with your rig to other hardcore punk bands. I am afraid that a 210/115 rig in your situation is bringing a knife to a gunfight. Remember, ideally your head shouldn't have to work too hard, and 250 watts isn't gobs of powah.

Sounds like you like the Trace. Especially if you are on a budget, replacing the cab alone is likely to be a more efficient solution that replacing the head *and* the cab. (And replacing the head alone is probably no fix at all.)

Good luck!

--Bomb

[drdunwoody]

I've heard great things about the Ampeg 410HLF in terms of VOLUME from a single cab. I don't have one myself though so...
Carvin does put out a LOT of sound for the money. I do have some of their 15" cabs and they produce a lot of volume. I can't imagine a pair of them (which are way cheaper than 2 cabs of 4x10s) not being loud enough unless you are playing under major hearing-loss conditions (which you shouldn't do).

[jungleheat]

I would try the head with different cabs and the cabs with a different head to see why you aren't getting the sound you used to. Then either replace or fix whatever is the problem.