What amp for gigs?

[SkateBass1995]

I play in a band that plays medium sized venues. i need something portable but powerful, and it cant cost too much. i had these amps in mind... just wantede some opinions

Buy Acoustic B200H and B410 Stack | Amp Stacks | Musician's Friend

Buy Acoustic B450 450W 2x10 Bass Combo Amp | Hybrid Combo Amps | Musician's Friend

[WhoDidTheElf]

What is "can't cost too much."? Got a dollar amount?

I'm personally not a fan of Acoustic, so I won't say any thing there, but I can say that I doubt a 2x10 would be enough for larger gigs.

[JimmyM]

The Acoustic stuff is OK but not especially noteworthy. Between the two I'd take the B200H and B410 because the cab is bigger, but I think you can do better for a cab on the used market. Tons of 410's available used that are better.

[SurferJoe46]

Actually - if he decides to go Acoustic - the B-450 can indeed run with the pack. It's 600Watts down at 2Ω and it will absolutely fill most venues except possibly a stadium.

Besides, it has pre/post and XLR and Tuner Out and a switchable Notch Filter unlike the B-200 or the B-200H.

It's 210s and horn are pretty stout and I used mine to fill a few pastures and a small auditorium in the great outdoors for quite a few gigs.

Then I added a B-115 under it, and although SOME people eschew them as the right thing to play - that combination was pretty good although in truth I could get the 115 a little angry sometimes.

Personally - the B-450 on top of a B-410 is a very good combo and that gives you 610s and 2 horns.

I've run down to 2Ω a lot and the unit is right with me even in semi-direct sun at 100ºF and for hours at a time, pushing either another 410 or the 810.

The only caveat I'd offer is that the sound is obviously 'Olde School" and if you like that, (I do) then I don't see any danger or problem in the Acoustic.

I know Jimmy doesn't like them, but the B-600H is a very powerful head to be considered for serious sounds and power all by itself and on whatever cab you may have or buy.

Like all Acoustic gear - it's heavy.

[Balog]

What kind of music, what other instruments in the band, PA/FOH support or no, dollar amount, current gear etc...

Until moar data is available, this is just people telling you what works for them.

Also, used is always more bang for your buck.

[kosmicwizard]

The amount of drivers is going to make WAY more of a difference in volume than watts. To the OP, buy used, peavey, avatar, G-K 1001RB-II ... These are the things you want to have for cheap. Or spend a bit more on the used market, buy Ampeg and you NEVER really have to worry about it dropping in value. Cheers.

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Actually - if he decides to go Acoustic - the B-450 can indeed run with the pack. It's 600Watts down at 2Ω and it will absolutely fill most venues except possibly a stadium.

Besides, it has pre/post and XLR and Tuner Out and a switchable Notch Filter unlike the B-200 or the B-200H.

It's 210s and horn are pretty stout and I used mine to fill a few pastures and a small auditorium in the great outdoors for quite a few gigs.

Then I added a B-115 under it, and although SOME people eschew them as the right thing to play - that combination was pretty good although in truth I could get the 115 a little angry sometimes.

Personally - the B-450 on top of a B-410 is a very good combo and that gives you 610s and 2 horns.

I've run down to 2Ω a lot and the unit is right with me even in semi-direct sun at 100ºF and for hours at a time, pushing either another 410 or the 810.

The only caveat I'd offer is that the sound is obviously 'Olde School" and if you like that, (I do) then I don't see any danger or problem in the Acoustic.

I know Jimmy doesn't like them, but the B-600H is a very powerful head to be considered for serious sounds and power all by itself and on whatever cab you may have or buy.

Like all Acoustic gear - it's heavy.

[JimmyM]

I don't mind the Acoustic heads so much...I'm mainly not a fan of their cabs. They use chipboard. They don't sound bad, but I think there's better in that price category and slightly higher.

[SurferJoe46]

Used gear is used and somebody got rid of it for a reason - and I've seen enough ruptured cones and burnt driver coils to say that you can buy cheap - and you can buy used - but the sweet taste of cheap USED gear goes sour when it's screwed up and you're on your own with no new gear warranty.

Do what you want - you MAY succeed with used gear. Or not.

[steelhead2]

considering a pair of 4x10 fender or PV cabs,,,'modular' done cheap. a 4x10 and 500 watts SS should cover it with a P bass?

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Used gear is used and somebody got rid of it for a reason - and I've seen enough ruptured cones and burnt driver coils to say that you can buy cheap - and you can buy used - but the sweet taste of cheap USED gear goes sour when it's screwed up and you're on your own with no new gear warranty.

Do what you want - you MAY succeed with used gear. Or not.

I've had pretty good luck with used gear. Of course, it helps to know a little something about the gear so you can tell if stuff is broken, but many people turn over perfectly good gear just to make a change, so it's not unheard of to find good used gear.

[faulknersj]

I've never had an issue buying used on talkbass.

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I've had pretty good luck with used gear. Of course, it helps to know a little something about the gear so you can tell if stuff is broken, but many people turn over perfectly good gear just to make a change, so it's not unheard of to find good used gear.

This is true if one can actually play the gear first, but there are a lot of CL and other sites that someone might buy from that has unscrupulous sellers. Just be careful and take someone who knows gear - with you.

James; are you available?

Originally Posted by faulknersj

I've never had an issue buying used on talkbass.

THAT may indeed be a very safe haven for used gear.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

This is true if one can actually play the gear first, but there are a lot of CL and other sites that someone might buy from that has unscrupulous sellers. Just be careful and take someone who knows gear - with you.

James; are you available?

Fly me to Cali and put me up at a 4 or more star hotel and I'm there

[SurferJoe46]

Let me check my frequent flier miles. Back to ya in the first of the week - OK?

[JimmyM]

[SteveC]

Get whatever Genz Benz you can afford. Great gear, great sound, and great service...even used, even if you aren't the original owner.

[SurferJoe46]

@ SteveC:

Ya know - I have not been able to form an appreciation for the GB gear, as I find it all too bright and actually totally compliant to the bass.

What I mean is that it sounds too technically correct - like digital verses analog. There's just too much clarity for me I think.

Now that's good if you are playing and seeking very modern sounds and ungodly attack, but the gut-shaking full-spectrum thunder just isn't there for me.

[SBassman]

We need to know if the amp is Your Monitor - or all of your amplification. Will you be going through the PA, too?

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

@ SteveC:

Ya know - I have not been able to form an appreciation for the GB gear, as I find it all too bright and actually totally compliant to the bass.

What I mean is that it sounds too technically correct - like digital verses analog. There's just too much clarity for me I think.

Now that's good if you are playing and seeking very modern sounds and ungodly attack, but the gut-shaking full-spectrum thunder just isn't there for me.

Well, it's no Ampeg that's for sure - thank goodness.