Putting together rig for under $1,000?

[Octavian]

I've searched here and have come up a bit empty. I've found great advice on specific rigs, but not much on starting from zero, so I thought I'd see if y'all could help me spend some money. My cap at the moment is $1,500 and if possible, would like to buy this in stages.

Bass: '84 Fender Jazz
Styles: blues, classic rock, funk and will ultimately be exploring some solo stuff
Venues: Small clubs where I'll be using my amp, the venue's PA system or in larger venues, direct to the board.

I don't anticipate gigging every weekend, or even once a month, so I don't need pro gear. However, I don't want starter cheap crap either. Something for the serious intermediate?

If you had $1,500 to invest in an amp, and/or pre-amp, or combo amp for this situation, what would you buy?

[jmattbassplaya]

Go used.

No matter which route you take (tubes, solid state, full stack, half, etc...) you`ll likely get a good return on your investment just in case you buy something and end up not liking and want to flip it. Plus it`ll let someone else take the initial depreciation hit instead of you.

Anyways, I`d suggest getting either a 4x10 or two 2x10 cabs. Also, don`t skimp on the cabs. If it comes down between getting an amazing head and a crappy cab or getting an okay head and a great cab go with the latter option.

As far as heads are concerned, if you go solid state make sure it`s at least 450watts. Anything less might not be loud enough in a rock band setting with two guitarists and a loud drummer. Some people will tell you that you don`t need that much if everyone just plays quietly, but that`s not likely to happen. It`s better to have the headroom and not need it than need it and not have it.

If I were in your position or able to start over I`d get two used Markbass 2x10s, a used Markbass TA501, LMII/III, or SD800, and throw a VT pedal in front of it whenever I wanted an Ampeg tube tone.

[Octavian]

Thanks. I haven't gotten as far as new vs. used yet. Just trying to figure out the overall rig configuration.

For instance, if I'm going direct to the board, like the last gig, should I get a pre-amp first? Or can I run from the amp to the board? I apologize in advance as it's been a LONG time since I've had to deal with any of this stuff and would like to do this as close to right as possible the first time...instead of buying and swapping gear.

[Smurf-o-Deth]

I, very recently, by going used, picked up a like-new TC Electronic RH450 with the R4 footswitch as well as a practically-new RS112 cab for the grand total of $1040 (would have cost $1550 "new"). I'm not pushing my purchases (though they are awesome), I'm just reinforcing the power of shopping used (TB Classifieds for the win).

[Infidelity]

Originally Posted by Smurf-o-Deth

I, very recently, by going used, picked up a like-new TC Electronic RH450 with the R4 footswitch as well as a practically-new RS112 cab for the grand total of $1040 (would have cost $1550 "new"). I'm not pushing my purchases (though they are awesome), I'm just reinforcing the power of shopping used (TB Classifieds for the win).

+1 on this or you can do the very awesome Bergantino HT112ER + Markbass LMII..

[phatbass]

My general plan would be to get the best cab you can.

Then get a SansAmp Bass Driver DI and a power amp. This gives you a preamp and a DI, and if you decide you don't like the SansAmp sound you can sell these easily and you'll always get yer money back if you bought used and didn't get gouged on the price.

Make sure the SansAmp's one of the later ones that has the switchable output level (Line/Inst) that the arrow in this pic is pointing to.



Make sure it has this switch - the earlier ones are almost identical apart from the switch and DON'T have enough output to drive a power amp properly. This one has enough grunt to drive a power amp properly when switched to line output.

[bassguppy]

$1,500 can get you quite a rig on the used market.

Just to narrow things down can you name any bass players whose tone you like and want for yourself?

Blues, classic rock, & funk tell me Ampeg-ish but there are a lot of other tones in those genre's.

[faulknersj]

Like they said....buy used!!

[waleross]

http://www.music123.com/Gallien-Krue...45840.Music123 $599.00
and
http://www.music123.com/Gallien-Krue...40435.Music123 $449.00
These (2) links are for new stuff with warranties, etc. I would go to one of the large music chains if you can and try out heads and cabs with your bass.........Good luck . . . .

[wes stephenson]

dude you could get a gallien kreuger mb2 500 for like 499 and an avatar 212 shipped to your house for 450 max. and i promise you will be more than happy with the sound and amount of volume...

[prokfrog]

Carvin BX500, and two Epifani PS112's

Tone, Power, Features, and Flexibility for days!!

[Foz]

$1,500 for a blues /rock rig?

I'd get one of the guys on the fEarful thread or Don at LowDownSound to build me a 15/6+1 box, add the good but cheap GreenBoy xover with the Duke LeJune horn HP, load it with the Eminence 3015LF + 18Sound ND6410 + BMS4540ND

http://www.talkbass.com/wiki/index.php/Fearful

should run ya +/- $750 including hardware

Shop used for a nice pre and a power amp that will do > 500 watts into 8 ohms... if you don't demand ultra-lightweight and DSP in the amp for biamping*, keeping that under $750 should work out OK even if you get a nice tube pre.

= a booteek rig for +/- $1,500

On the cheap you might try an Aggie ToneHammer and one of the those Peavey IPR's wired up to run bridge mono [all in $1,200 ???].

*biamping works great with these cabs - so adding a switch for biamp mode and DSP to the amp is a nice upgrade IMO.

[Tangentor]

I had a $1000 cap and went with a gently-used Aguilar S410 cab and a new GK MB500 head. I had serious doubts about the ability of the head, but I am fast coming to trust it...

If you have time for some LENGTHY MB500 impressions/experiences, check out http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/new-gallien-krueger-mb500-owner-first-impressions-existential-musings-666234/#post9261248.

[Pilgrim]

I'm going to recommend what I'm using - it would be perfect..USED.

Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0, and one G-B 12T speaker. That gives you 375W and a combo that's highly portable at 35 pounds. Sound is fantastic!

For 600W, add a second 12T speaker. Alternatively, buy a 2x12 G-B cab with neo speakers and you will rock well.

[logicman69]

GK MB210 should cover most styles and gig situations for $600 new, it has an extention speaker out so you can add a 115 cab if you want a "full stack".

If you want a head and cab situation, check out the Hartke LH1000 Head ($500 new), paired with the Hartke HyDrive 410 ($600 new). The LH1000 provided 1000watts of power in mono mode, has a tube preamp, and very simple EQ setting. It's a fantastic sounding rig with plenty of power.

As far as used vs new. For speakers I like to buy new, just cause I know no one had beat on the speakers before me. Speakers are tough to judge the wear and tear on, and at least with a new cab you get some sort of warrenty. Some stores like us and GC do offer warrenties on used gear, and while I cannot speak for GC's warrenty, I know ours does cover speakers.

Just my 2c

[jmattbassplaya]

Oh yeah, definitely try out everything you might be interested in before you pull the trigger on anything.

[plangentmusic]

Originally Posted by Infidelity

+1 on this or you can do the very awesome Bergantino HT112ER + Markbass LMII..

Very similar to what I'm using. But Bergantino's ain't cheap! But damn, they sound amazing.

[wave rider]

Originally Posted by Octavian

Thanks. I haven't gotten as far as new vs. used yet. Just trying to figure out the overall rig configuration.

For instance, if I'm going direct to the board, like the last gig, should I get a pre-amp first? Or can I run from the amp to the board? I apologize in advance as it's been a LONG time since I've had to deal with any of this stuff and would like to do this as close to right as possible the first time...instead of buying and swapping gear.

Many integrated amps have the line-out built into it so you will only need the preamp if you decide on the pre/power amp separates route. You can also add the line-out as phatbass suggested with a pedal.

If you can be patient, buying used can give great bargains. I've done well on Craigslist, Ebay, Talkbass, and, surprisingly, new too. Keep an eye on the Hot Deals forum...

=wr=

[Zirc]

I think you should buy my 1000W Eden 410 cabinet for $400

[poorbassist15]

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ack?sku=484901

I dig this.