Time to get a real amp.

OkkultistBass · #1 11-03-2011, 05:02 PM

So after a few years of playing through some...not so nice amps, I've come across the money to get a nice stack.

I have a $2,000 budget. That is like completely maxed out, too. I prefer going used because it's cheaper and gets here quicker.

I play a mixture of Progressive Metal/Rock, "Groove Metal", "Djent", New Wave, Shoegaze, Experimental Rock/Metal.

Hoping to stray away from the typical SVT-3 PRO with an 810E. Don't get me wrong, I think they're good amps, but I'm looking for something a bit different.

AdamR · #2 11-03-2011, 05:10 PM

Ashdown abm 500 and a 6X10 cab?

Alex1984 · #3 11-03-2011, 05:21 PM

Any interest in all tube? Also, a real SVT is quite different from the SVT 3 Pro, hopefully you haven't ruled that out yet. Mesa hybrids and tube offerings are good, and the Carbine line seems to get more attention than the Big Block line. The Traynor YBA-300 is something that people are getting really excited about.

If you wanna stray away from 810s, your next best option would probably be a 215 or a 412. I'm a fan of 10s though.

Is weight an issue with you? Out of lightweight offerings, GB seems to be pretty dominant in that market.

chaosMK · #4 11-03-2011, 05:24 PM

If you are playing modern metal Mesa rigs are made for it.

OkkultistBass · #5 11-03-2011, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex1984

Any interest in all tube? Also, a real SVT is quite different from the SVT 3 Pro, hopefully you haven't ruled that out yet. Mesa hybrids and tube offerings are good, and the Carbine line seems to get more attention than the Big Block line. The Traynor YBA-300 is something that people are getting really excited about.

If you wanna stray away from 810s, your next best option would probably be a 215 or a 412. I'm a fan of 10s though.

Is weight an issue with you? Out of lightweight offerings, GB seems to be pretty dominant in that market.

I like 8x10s, but I'd like to stray away from the Ampeg SVT-810E.
I'm kind of limited when it comes to craigslist in my city. Someone's selling an Orange 410 cab for $800. But then I'd need a head and finding an Orange head is fairly heard.

waleross · #6 11-03-2011, 05:44 PM

While $2000 is a lot of money, you'll find real fast that it won't go all that far. You can,however get more if you but the right stuff used. Looking for a good deal on the head first, is the way I would go . That way you can concentrate on the right cab or cabs. I would take your time and do your homework by trying to play as many rigs as you can get to..........................Good luck ................

grendle · #7 11-03-2011, 05:49 PM

Shopping used you can put together a full sick rig for 2000. Check here craigs, guitar center, and every where else. I didn't care much for my svt 3 pro, but you'll have to pry my svt2 preamp away from my cold dead hands. The similarities stop at the power switch. I found that for $200. A 1200 watt power amp for $125, and 8x10 cabs can be had for $500 and under. There is so much out there right now to choose from. The Orange stuff is ok, but I've heard better from other gear with a pedal, they seem like a one trick pony to me. Deals are out there to be had, if your not finding what you want , just hang on to your cash for a bit so your ready to go when deals come up.

Johnpjm · #8 11-03-2011, 05:55 PM

I'd suggest a Mesa/Boogie M9 Carbine going to some kind of 8x10. I haven't had much experience with cabs that big, but I have used a M9 before, and they are KILLER.

RickenBoogie · #9 11-03-2011, 06:23 PM

With that budget, you can put a nice rig together. Best suggestion would be to go out and play through everything, and get your own personal hands and ears on experience. That way, you have a better idea of what's what.

deeptubes · #10 11-03-2011, 06:37 PM

I found a new, old stock GK 1001 RB-II for $620. I also picked up an SWR Workingman's Tower (8x10) gently used for $500. I played through Ampeg for 9 years. Got rid of that rig for my current one. Night and day. Sounds much cleaner, yet full, deep, and bassy, all at the same time. When I crank it, crap falls from the ceiling. No exaggeration. I would recommend my rig to absolutley ANYONE.

PortableMadness · #11 11-06-2011, 09:54 AM

I'm playing the same style music and just picked up a Mesa Carbine M6. I'm running it through an Ampeg 8x10.....this setup is absolutely perfect for that djent/progressive metal tone.

The M6 is no one trick pony either. The eq is very versatile and I can dial any tone I want. Highly recommended

lowendblues · #12 11-07-2011, 04:56 AM

GK MB800 and a pair of GK 212 NEO's. It'l run you about $1800 out the door brand new from RMC Audio.

You could slay about any gig with that.

oinkbanana · #13 11-07-2011, 05:45 AM

your location is showing as San Diego...
so get this SVT VR
AMPEG SVT-VR Vintage Reissue / 300 watts

and then this 810
Ampeg and Carvin Bass Speaker Cabinets

i'm sure you can get that 2100$ total down to 2000$,....
you won't regret it.

edit: get a different cab if you don't want the 810e.

smcgov · #14 11-07-2011, 05:56 AM

I'd start first with a power amp, I'd get a Crest Ca-6 or Ca-9....then you can try any preamp you want..it's going to be heavy but when you're playing outdoors at Six Flags or something you'll thank me. I personally would go with a tubed preamp, I've done guitar center shootouts for hours on end when i was single with other bass players and we came to a concensus that the Eden pre sounded the best overall followed very closely by the Demeter. Your ears are your ears however.

For cabinet I would go with whoever makes a 4x12 or 6x12...12's are super punchy and retain their depth....You could easily do this under 2K and have a large arena quality rig.

krstko · #15 11-07-2011, 08:24 AM

Hartke HA5500 + Hartke XL (810 or 410 + 115) is a monster metal rig

..and you can get it for about 1500$

L.A. BASS · #16 11-07-2011, 01:17 PM

I'm a HUGE fan of the Mesa M9 Carbine and any combination of their Power House 10's...
If you want a huge, warm, tight sound or for that matter, any sound you can imagine and built like a tank quality with ultra cool looks to boot. I would drop the $$$ on a Mesa rig... I do like the Ashdown stuff as well, but I'm really into the "Made in America" trip and I only support American builders... You can spend less on other brands, but in the end. You pay for it with cheap components and breakdowns on the gig... My motto is simple "Buy the best, it only stings once"

bassgod0dmw · #17 11-07-2011, 01:35 PM

Bergantino NV610 + GK 1001 RB-II

Can be had for just shy of $2000 on the new market, less if you go used.

PortableMadness · #18 11-07-2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oinkbanana

your location is showing as San Diego...
so get this SVT VR
AMPEG SVT-VR Vintage Reissue / 300 watts

and then this 810
Ampeg and Carvin Bass Speaker Cabinets

i'm sure you can get that 2100$ total down to 2000$,....
you won't regret it.

edit: get a different cab if you don't want the 810e.

An Ampeg 8x10 for $500!?!

Damn, too bad he doesn't live in Nor Cal, I'd be all over that.

Alex1984 · #19 11-07-2011, 02:17 PM

You can definitely get a great rig for less than $2000. Shop here on the For Sale boards on TB Classified.

You can probably get an SVT-CL for around $1000, then pick up a decent cab for about $750. I personally wouldn't want to go the pre-amp/power amp route unless if there's something very specific that you want to achieve. However, if you do go that route, Crest CA6/CA9s are great power amps.

HeavyRockBasser · #20 11-07-2011, 02:31 PM

Worth the drive to Santa Ana. I got their best stack for about $1600. That's including the enclosure for the head, a dolly board, and tax. Brand new with warranty.