Noob likes Ampeg and needs to upgrade :D

SpitfireCWII · #1 09-02-2011, 06:52 PM

Hey there,

I am sorta stuck between a rock and a hardspot on this one.

My current setup is a Fender Jazz 24,Squier Jazz, and a Fender Rumble 15. Its a okay amp for practicing, but lately its just been lacking, it becomes all distorted after I raise the mids and treble past a certain point.

I like my jazz basses but wouldnt mind getting a Precision bass just to see how it sounds with flats. The main problem is this, my parents think my amp would be more then loud enough with a drummer

and I am kinda getting to the point where practicing on my own is only so fun. I found a drummer and he has a 150 watt peavey and well.. It cant be heard overtop of him playing, I have to crank the volume all the way and at that point, it just doesnt sound to good at all and if I dont sound good then the rest of the band wont sound good.

I have played through a few Traynors,Line 6, Ashdown,G&K, and Ampeg. A Jazz with an Ampeg stack sounds reeaalllyyy good in my opinion. I have a $1000 budget and really dont know anything about amps at all,ampeg espically. I really want to have control when playing with my drummer and maxing out the volume isnt really "control" in my opinion.

For $1000 could I get myself a half decent ampeg rig ? Whether it be new or used ?

JasonKain · #2 09-02-2011, 07:05 PM

I play in my church with a Carvin BX500 through a tc electronic 2x12, and it functions fairly well. As loud as I need. I'm actually using a VT Bass pedal for my Ampeg sound. So, that's one way to go. It's not something I'm 100% happy with tone wise, so I'll tell you what I'm looking into.

I'm planning on going to the Ampeg PF-500 amp, and either 2 Fender Rumble 4x10s or a couple Bill Fitzmaurice Jack 115s. The Jacks are a bit more expensive, but from everything I've read, they're altogether better cabinets. Either way, the PF-500 is $400 new, the Fender Rumbles are $300. Now, there are other tricks to help you ot, such as angling the speaker cabinet up, just elevating it off the floor, and so on. Just my 2 cents.

Marton · #3 09-02-2011, 07:06 PM

You could get a PF-500 with a PH-115HE cab, or any other used Ampeg cab. But the PF-500 head seems like a great deal for that Ampeg tone at low cost.

Rockmusician · #4 09-02-2011, 07:08 PM

You can usually find a good Ampeg rig for around $1,000. I just picked up a new SVT 6 Pro head, 1100 watts for $650. There are plenty of deals around.

Gallien Krueger would be another good choice. They are reliable and have a lot of power for the money.

Marton · #5 09-02-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockmusician

Gallien Krueger would be another good choice. They are reliable and have a lot of power for the money.

I agree that GK are just awesome, but they don't sound very much like Ampeg.

But I'm with you there, my SVT3-PRO is long gone, but my 700RB-II is not going anywhere, ever.

SpitfireCWII · #6 09-02-2011, 07:13 PM

I tried a VT Bass Pedal and to be honest, it really didnt sound like the Ampeg rig 3 feet away at all in my opinion. How are the PF-500s ? I have never had the chance to play through one yet.

JasonKain · #7 09-02-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpitfireCWII

I tried a VT Bass Pedal and to be honest, it really didnt sound like the Ampeg rig 3 feet away at all in my opinion. How are the PF-500s ? I have never had the chance to play through one yet.

I played through a PF350 at a Guitar Center near here and it sounds pretty good to my ears. It does clean really well, and that's what I need. Dunno how well the PF series does the dirty Ampeg sound, but you can check one of the threads on the PF series for more info by more experienced users.

Quick Youtube brought up this test drive video: Ampeg PF-500 Test Drive - YouTube

kb9wyz · #8 09-02-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marton

I agree that GK are just awesome, but they don't sound very much like Ampeg.

Understatement of the year.

But I agree with you about GK. Love that GK!

One thing I found that I like for something with a less than GK sound, either Acoustic or (even better) Ashdown. Ashdown EVO make my face happy and my bowels empty.

Definitely · #9 09-02-2011, 07:25 PM

GK 700RB-II (new about $600, used probably around $400) and a good cab, I suggest new for a cab. SWR WorkingPro 4x10 400 watts at 4 ohms ($550), GK NEO 2x12 600 watts at 8 ohms ($600)

JimmyM · #10 09-03-2011, 01:24 AM

You can put together an Ampeg stack for $1000 or close to it, if you can catch a sale. You could do a PF500 and two PF115he's or two PF210he's, which would be my choice for a serious rig in the $1000 neighborhood, but they have a few different amps and cabs you could put together. I have an original B-15 and an original SVT, and the PF heads and cabs can sound so much like my B-15 that you really have to do some critical listening to spot the differences.

I'm an endorser but I was a fan first