Newb bass amp Q's from a guitarist

Lublin · #1 03-23-2010, 11:21 AM

Hey everyone. I'm a guitarist and new here. I'm going to be taking up the bass guitar position in a new project I'm in and I don't know much about bass amps. The group will be playing mainly medium-sized clubs and some will not have a PA capable of producing an acceptable direct-out bass sound (small PA speakers).

I'm looking for suggestions for a portable bass amp that can handle this task which while not breaking the bank. I'm partial to Fender basses, so I'll mostly likely be using a P or a J bass and the music will be rock/alternative rock.

Thanks much!

EricF · #2 03-23-2010, 11:41 AM

Generally speaking, you'll probably need something along the lines of a 300W (or larger) amp and a 410 (or larger) cab. A small combo will most likely not be sufficient for the kind of music and venues you're talking about.

Double Agent · #3 03-23-2010, 11:47 AM

I humbly suggest that you consider the Gallien-Krueger MB212 combo. 500 watts into 2 12" speakers and it weighs under 40 lbs. Costs about $700 new. They are hard to find as they just came out and are pretty popular because of the cost/weight-to-power ratio. But it would be worth the effort to track one down IMO. You'll have a VERY hard time getting that much power in such an affordable and portable package anywhere else.

Lublin · #4 03-23-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Agent

I humbly suggest that you consider the Gallien-Krueger MB212 combo. 500 watts into 2 12" speakers and it weighs under 40 lbs. Costs about $700 new. They are hard to find as they just came out and are pretty popular because of the cost/weight-to-power ratio. But it would be worth the effort to track one down IMO. You'll have a VERY hard time getting that much power in such an affordable and portable package anywhere else.

Wow, that looks like the answer right there! They look fairly new, so finding one used will probably be pretty difficult.

Thanks very much for the suggestions. I would love to hear more!

stflbn · #5 03-23-2010, 12:41 PM

I agree with others above that you want 4 speakers or more. I would not expect 2x12's to cover a loudish gig with no PA support regardless if it's 500w's or not. Speaker coverage will keep you heard.

DrVenkman · #6 03-23-2010, 01:08 PM

You might also look at the Gallien-Krueger MB210 combo. Very similar to the MB212, except it includes a connector to drive an external speaker cab.

I'm pretty new to this myself but I've heard lots of people say it's not just the watts but how much speaker area you have, so the MB210 coupled with an external cabinet might be better than the MB212 (which you can't hook to an external cab).

Lublin · #7 03-23-2010, 01:17 PM

I have a buddy who is thinking of selling his mint Ampeg 410 HLF cab and I'm pretty sure I can grab it off him for around $400. Maybe I should do that, grab some kind of head and call it a day?

Webtroll · #8 03-23-2010, 01:33 PM

I guess portable is in the eye of the beholder! Why not 2X 4X10s?

bassbombs84 · #9 03-23-2010, 01:40 PM

i'd grab that 410 hlf and buy a head, at least 100 tube watts

EricF · #10 03-23-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lublin

I have a buddy who is thinking of selling his mint Ampeg 410 HLF cab and I'm pretty sure I can grab it off him for around $400. Maybe I should do that, grab some kind of head and call it a day?

The 410HLF is a very good stand-alone cab, and the price is reasonable (although if you shop around, you might be able to score one for a little less). Being that it's a 4ohm cab, you're going to get the most out of pretty much whatever amp you hook it up to.

The next step if to hit eBay, craigslist, and (best of all) the TB Classifieds, and look for an amp that fits your price range. When you find something that you think might be a good fit, come back to this forum and do a seach to see what other users are saying about it.

waleross · #11 03-23-2010, 02:35 PM

You get what you pay for. Good Bass equipment is not cheap.
I am invested in Ampeg and Fender. Now an Ampeg 410HLF 4ohm cab would set you up. Try to get these used if possible. I prefer new but see what's out there first. By going with a head and a separate cab you can replace either one as the need arises. I see that the HLF is already mentioned......................................:co ol:

RFord04 · #12 03-23-2010, 02:46 PM

$400 is a good price for the 410HLF, go for it. I've been through a few cabs, and I recently came back to the 410HLF. It's a great cab, although I personally didn't like the sound of a tube amp through it (too "loose" of a sound, probably because it is ported and goes very deep. I like sealed cabs with tube amps.)

I'm using it with a Mark Bass LMII (500 watts in to 4 ohms) and it'll cover pretty much any venue I play, including larger clubs. The LMII heads can be found for less than $400.

Double Agent · #13 03-23-2010, 02:55 PM

Markbass LMII and Ampeg SVT 410HLF would be a very capable rig. You would definitely be able to hear yourself, that's for sure.

Rick Auricchio · #14 03-23-2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFord04

$400 is a good price for the 410HLF, go for it.

Look and listen carefully to be sure the speakers haven't been trashed. Any unexpected noise or distortion is cause for concern. Any creases in the cones mean the speakers are shot.

Lublin · #15 03-23-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

Look and listen carefully to be sure the speakers haven't been trashed. Any unexpected noise or distortion is cause for concern. Any creases in the cones mean the speakers are shot.

I was present every time that cab was used meaning it was used at lower volumes about 15 times.

johnk_10 · #16 03-23-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

I agree with others above that you want 4 speakers or more. I would not expect 2x12's to cover a loudish gig with no PA support regardless if it's 500w's or not. Speaker coverage will keep you heard.

i disagree completely. it all depends on the 2x12 cab.
with enough power, my el whappo jr. easily puts out as much or more than my ampeg 8x10 fridge (or my 610HLF), and my 1212/6 puts out as much as any of my three 2x15 cabs.
my band plays pretty darn loud sometimes, and i never have PA support.

Lublin · #17 03-23-2010, 07:30 PM

OK, my buddy agreed to sell me his mint and barely used Ampeg 410 HLF for $400. Now what heads should I be considering? I plan on purchasing and playing a Jazz Bass through it. Being a guitarist, I love the skinnier neck!

johnk_10 · #18 03-23-2010, 07:42 PM

IMO, for the money, its hard to beat a Markbass LM II or a GK 1001RBII.

Lublin · #19 03-23-2010, 07:59 PM

Found a Markbass LMII for $300. Hmmmmm...........

johnk_10 · #20 03-23-2010, 08:17 PM

that's a steal!