Tips for testing

markdax · #1 04-30-2011, 10:42 AM

hello again guys,
So ive been on the phone and found a store that has some of the heads i want to try out.
Im going to take one of my basses with me to test is there any thing else i should consider when demoing new gear in a store?
If i trial new cabs should i take my head with me too?
because i can only afford a cab or a new head should i also take my cab to try it wih any new potential heads?

seamonkey · #2 04-30-2011, 12:30 PM

Buy from a store that will let you return the head after a few weeks if it doesn't work out. You have to try it in real life in many venues. There are just no accurate specs on heads. You have no other choice.

Gearhead17 · #3 04-30-2011, 12:43 PM

When trying new gear, you should read up on the products you are going to try. The manual is number one though. You need to know what the knobs do and should test them in the store. Make sure you figure out how to set the amp to a normal setting (no boosting tone knobs and keeping the specialty buttons not pushed in) and you can hear what the amp does with minimal adjustment. By doing that, you can figure out how much you like the head's "actual tone". Don't like the head's "actual" tone? How much knob turning will it take to get what you want? If you have to turn everything on there to get what you like, you might want to look at something else. If you use a head that sounds good with little to no adjustment and is able to sound even better with a few knob turns - it's good choice.

It's usually a good idea to read a few reviews of the products you try - it's another comparison point and something to listen for when you are trying the product. Sometimes a cabinet strong in the low midrange (200-300hz) will sound like garbage in the store, but be amazing in the band situation.

Try to use different heads on the same cabinet. Usually, this is a simple operation of just flipping the speaker cables around. Tell the store what you are going to do and have fun!

Gearhead17 · #4 04-30-2011, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamonkey

Buy from a store that will let you return the head after a few weeks if it doesn't work out. You have to try it in real life in many venues.

Very good point. Probably the best way to evaluate new amp heads.

markdax · #5 04-30-2011, 12:59 PM

Thanks guys,
That makes a lot of sense,the store i was in the other week were kind enough to leave alone to help myself and make as much noise as possible, but i wasn't able to really get at the heads to use the same cab so they were set-up in brand rigs: a markbass rig & a tc electronic rig.
Im sure that by using the same make cabs and heads probably looks good in store but it didn't help me figuring out which amp was more suitable as i could never ascertain how much influence the cabinet was having.
Great tips - thanks

Laurent · #6 04-30-2011, 06:12 PM

I would recommend you bring your bass and your cab to try the amp you want.
Some heads work better with some cabs.
I would also try the head several time and compare it with other heads.
Be sensitive to the "placebo effect", any new head will sound great for a few minutes but will it sound good to your ears after an hour or more?
As far as a return policy, I think it's a bit over the top to think you may return a amp with has been giged and used for a few weeks. I would think it's more resonable to be able to bring an amp within a few days of home use if it's really not working for you.