Time for a new cab. Help needed.

[creis2]

So I've always been an Ampeg guy. My father, who's been gigging for decades, still has his original Ampeg SVT 810 rig. That cabinet has been across the world so many times and has been in multiple van accidents, although it doesn't look pretty, it still has its original drivers and sounds amazing.

I used to have an Ampeg 410hlf, traded it for an Ampeg SVT 610 before I could put any abuse on it. My 610 is beginning to fall apart and today I noticed one of my speakers is coming apart. I haven't pushed this thing hard nor have I ever abused it, it's a made in china model and feels cheap. THe fact that it is falling apart proves to me Ampeg no longer makes them like they used to.

Since I'm in my mid 20's, I want a cabinet to last me as long as my father's did. I don't care about cosmetics, I just don't want to deal with drivers breaking on me and panels falling apart on tour. Like I said, I don't abuse my gear but if I'm spending 1000 bucks on a cab, I want it to last.

Does anyone have any reccomendations? I had an Ashdown MAG 410 for a short while and despite the low price, I found the cab to be very well made. I really want a 610 (410 is a little small, I like to push a lot of air, and an 810 is much too large for my Volkswagen Station wagon).

I was thinking about the Ashdown ABM 610 or the US made 610 they have out, although I find $1500 a lot of money. I like the ashdown sound, but I'm concerned about quality. The ABM costs $850, which is right in my budget. It also handles 800 watts, 200 watts higher than my current cab.

Can anyone reccomend a 610 to a guy that treats his gear well, but wants something that will holdup like his old man's ampeg?

[One Drop]

You are an ideal candidate for a Bergantino NV610.

Look for a used one, and get a cover if you want it to look good for a long time.

[creis2]

Wow! This thing looks awesome. It looks right up my alley. Where do I find one of these used? How much do they go for new?

I live in Boston, but I don't see any dealers in my area, where can I get one of these?!

[eeyorebass]

Jim Bergantino is based in Mass. Shoot him an email, and you may be able to get one direct.

[christw]

Originally Posted by One Drop

You are an ideal candidate for a Bergantino NV610.

Look for a used one, and get a cover if you want it to look good for a long time.

+1

[HMZ]

Mesa Boogie stuff is build like a brick **** house.

[dmusic148]

There's an nv610 in the classifieds right now.

[ronaldpdbrandt]

And it's in Massachusetts! Jump on it, brother!

[RC52]

Good luck creis2 ! Let us know if you get it. Curious to know what you think . I have never had the opportunity to hear one , let alone play thru one as the closest store to have them is 4 hours from me in Atlanta

[tekhedd]

Agree: it sounds like you need a Bergantino. Great tone; well built. Absolutely love my 322.

[will33]

To be fair, the newer import cabs are being made out of real plywood again, much better than the osb/chipboard stuff they made them out of here for a while...it is better than that. That said, they went overseas for the same reason everybody else does...so they can make stuff cheaper. That doesn't stop at labor. They'll cheap out wherever they can, quality of glue, the time they allow it to set before moving on with the build, the drivers (initial sound quality is one thing, lasting 20+ years is quite another), etc. Check out the bergs and mesa's. I haven't played through a mesa 610, I have had the opportunity to play through a berg 610 exactly twice. It's probably what you're looking for. I don't think it quite lived up to all the raving it gets, especially considering the price, but close. The build quality is good. Don't hesitate to look at quality used gear either.

[mophead]

If you loved your Dad's 810 you will really love the Berg 610. And mucho easier to move around also. If you have a deal on one nearby used I would not hesitate to jump on it before someone else does.
Add some skid rails on the back and maybe the side depending on how you load and you 've got a cab that will hold up and give you a great sound.
Check it out.


New ones are $1349 so some of the used ones in the classifieds lately are real deals!

[will33]

I would also be remiss if I didn't tell you to have a look at the BarefacedBass 69'er. The best designed 610 out there.

[creis2]

Thanks everyone! I contacted the guy selling the cab and I'm meeting with him tomorrow. I got very lucky, I usually have bad luck with internet deals, especially when I sell gear.

I'm thinking about buying some small sheets of sheet metal from home depot and bolting them onto the cab.

Does anyone have advice regarding DIY skidplates?

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by creis2

Wow! This thing looks awesome. It looks right up my alley. Where do I find one of these used? How much do they go for new?

I live in Boston, but I don't see any dealers in my area, where can I get one of these?!

There's one at Bass San Diego.

http://basssandiego.com/images/400_BERG_nv610.jpg

[will33]

Originally Posted by creis2

Thanks everyone! I contacted the guy selling the cab and I'm meeting with him tomorrow. I got very lucky, I usually have bad luck with internet deals, especially when I sell gear.

I'm thinking about buying some small sheets of sheet metal from home depot and bolting them onto the cab.

Does anyone have advice regarding DIY skidplates?

Yeah, don't pay stupid money for something labeled as a "skidplate". Take the cab down to a local metal shop and have them make you something out of some diamondplate or whatever you like. That stuff they make skateboard skidrails out of works great on cabs too.

[One Drop]

Or buy a strip of Teflon and screw down two parallel rails, probably the cheapest and lightest option. This allows you to drag the cab over sills on car trunks, etc.

Good luck on the deal, hope it works out for you.