Oh nooooo! Another which amp thread....

DeanPlaysBass · #1 01-16-2011, 11:38 PM

Hi there! So my old combo amp just ain't cutting it

so I need a new amp! I am a freelance bass player so I need to have a variety of tones. I end up playing 3 different genres for the most part: singer/songwriter/folk, RnB and Jazz. I'm using an elrick 6 string and an active j bass. Portability is key. Light, small and powerful would be best. I want a cab and head in case there's backline so I can just bring the head.

I've been looking at the LMIII, Genz benz shuttle 9.0, TC Rh450. Cabs really not sure.

Thanks,
Dean

NKUSigEp · #2 01-16-2011, 11:43 PM

Aguilar TH500

Mirios · #3 01-16-2011, 11:44 PM

All of those are nice. I really enjoy Genz Benz products, but i'm sure others will tell you Mark Mass and TC.

Somewhere in your area where you can try them? I would recommend that.

DeanPlaysBass · #4 01-17-2011, 12:15 AM

The Genz benz is the one I'm most interested, but that's the only one I've had trouble finding locally. Every time they come in to a shop they scooped up really quick. What would you recommend for cabs? I looked at the acme B2 online, but there's no way for me to try it out.

Whens the aguilar shipping?

Basically Bob · #5 01-17-2011, 04:22 AM

I continually get positive feedback playing through my Bergantino AE 112's. They weigh in at 32 lbs each. Clean, full tone with nice highs. I use one of them with my Mark F1 in our small church of about 150 people with a drummer, acoustic guitar and piano. Never have had the volume past 3.

I use two, stacked at larger and outdoor gigs, In similar venues that you are playing. I am blown away at how great they sound, every time I have the opportunity to use this set up.

kosmicwizard · #6 01-17-2011, 04:25 AM

MESA walkabout combo with extension cabinet, the head is removable and since it isn't on your list it is another option for you to look into. Cheers.

#7 01-17-2011, 04:40 AM

FTW! I love mines so much, I've sold all my vintage tube heads!!

Whitbass · #8 01-17-2011, 04:29 PM

IMHO..based on tone;
1) TC
2) LMIII
3) GB 9.0

I hear great things about GB, but to my ears for thicker, richer, bass, the TC is the better of the three mentioned, MB being a close 2nd, then GB last.........but this is based on my tone preference......
I own 2 LMII, and almost bought a TC RH 450 recently....
the TC and LMII are not worlds apart tonally....IMHO.....
the GB is more of a different flavor.......again IMHO......

the TC sounds a bit less like a light amp....has more push and grunt vs the others.....but again the LMII/LMII is not too far behind............
all of these are quality, worthy pieces, depending on you needs and preference.....

dmrogers · #9 01-17-2011, 04:47 PM

While you are testing amps, hunt down a Thunderfunk and give it a try. I know the latest rage is to get the smallest, lightest head you can find, and that's great. But, the Thunderfunk is one of the most musical heads I have ever played through.

Plus their build quality and EQ leaves nothing to be desired!

As far as cabs go, if I were buying a new cab/cabs today, I would get a couple of Bergantino 12's. The one I have sounds great, full and it is light and easy to transport.

Good luck.