old punx, new amps

[blacker]

I used to play in punk bands until selling all my gear quite a few years ago and giving up on the music. Before we would just play with any old amps we could get our hands on regardless of tone etc so while I understand the principles behind amps & cabs & their wattage etc I have never spent much thought on what would do for me.

I have recently started with a new band that have been going for a while and are looking to do more gigs very soon, so I am looking to get me first proper gig-able set of head & cabs of my own, can anyone suggest for what to go for in terms of head & cab sizes & a good make? we play metal/punk/thrash kinda territory if that makes a difference (I assume they'll be rocking it quite loud), and we would be doing smallish/medium venues.

Have a provie budget in the region of £500. Basically I need something that will be loud enough until when I can upgrade to something that suits me better

I have been reading up on the amps threads and have learnt loads (thanx everyone) but tbh I would love a bit of experienced feedback from other posters, any help at all would be appreciated.

[christw]

If you were on this side of the pond, I'd suggest a GK 700RB or 800RB head and 410 cabinet of some variety. I'm not sure what's widely available over there though.

[tdub0199]

GK 700RB II would be a great head and maybe pair it with a GK RBH410 cab....

[Din Of Win]

Up the punx!!!

I've played in a myrriad of different "punk" bands over the years... thrash, crust, powerviolence, screamo, pop... in all cases, the unifying 'thing' has been:

-loud

-cheap



So... for 3 years i toured with a Kustom200 head and an old ampeg 2x15... i bought both the head and cab together, used, for $400. I like it SO much, that i still break it out these days!





So... moral of the story... BUY USED!!!

The head will PROOOOOBABLY be solid state. I'm a fan of 70's and 80's built-like-a-tank solid states... Sunn, Kustom, Acoustic, and Peavey!!

The cab... i HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY reccomend a 2x15. For 1, they are cheaper. I see 2x15s on the local craigslist routinely go for sub-$200. For 2, this will get you the volume you need for a loud punk band. At the same price, you may find a 4x10... but i've always felt like the 2x15's are louder (mainly due to the 2x15s being 4ohms, and the cheaper 4x10's being 8ohms). Older Peavey 2x15s are a fave of mine!


Good Luck!!!

[garmenteros]

+1 to acoustic and peavey used rigs... Id spend about 250USD on a head, and spend the remaining $$ on a good cab... 2 15s or 4 10s will suffice....

[Calaverasgrande]

The GK400RB and 800RB are venerable punk rock bass heads. Paired with a a decent
4x10 or 2x15 they get plenty loud. Though on an 8 ohm 4x10 you will get less watts with a solidstate head. I think the 800rb would be at 200 watts instead of 300. Not positive.
On your side of the pond I'd be looking for a used Trace Elliot. Either a V4/V6 or the older black light models with the graphic EQ, like the Gp12SMX, AH500 etc.
Of course the ultimate punk bass amps are either an Ampeg SVT or Mesa Boogie Bass 400. Tube roar!
As far as cabs go I am not sure what is available over there, though again, Trace cabs are great quality if a bit bulky.

[bassguitar808]

I'm using a early 90's SVT III into a Fender 2x15 cab

earthquaking tones

[sammyfallen]

I'd also suggest going the Peavey route. I had a solid state Peavey Firebass and Peavey 215 that was a great combo.

I have some pricey amps and some cheap amps. I tend to use the cheaper ones much more often...

[JimiLL]

Hartke LH 1000

If you need more grind put a Sansamp in there somewhere and be done.

Ungodly loud as well