What do I need

[tekdiver500ft]

Well, I searched until my eyes hurt, but I can't find a (reasonably) simple answer. Come to think of it, I didn't find a complex answer, either.

Scenario: classic rock/blues band; drummer, keyboard using Roland KC350 amp, two guitars using Marshall DSL100 heads into Marshall 2x12 cabinets, vocals on Radio Shack 120 watt amp with 4, 12" 2-way speakers, and me.

Query: how much amp power/speakers do I need to balance this group? Specific suggestions (cheap is good!) are welcome, too.

[Alex1984]

I would say 200~400W should do. Depends a lot on how loud your drummer is. But the limiting factor seems to be your singer's PA, and if everyone limits their volume based on that, it should be pretty reasonable.

Tried Yorkville or GK yet? The Micro-VR is another inexpensive small rig.

[RickenBoogie]

The most important factor will be your spkr cab. Get a 4x10 with an amp around 300 watts, and you're set.

[tekdiver500ft]

I hadn't really looked at specific models yet, was trying to determine how much power and/or how many speakers I would need first, then look at inexpensive models in that range. I do like the sound of an inexpensive Ampeg, though.

[tekdiver500ft]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

The most important factor will be your spkr cab. Get a 4x10 with an amp around 300 watts, and you're set.

That's pretty much what I was thinking, but wanted to be sure.

Any decent but inexpensive rigs you can recommend?

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by tekdiver500ft

That's pretty much what I was thinking, but wanted to be sure.

Any decent but inexpensive rigs you can recommend?

Check your local Craigslist, check here...there are lot of good inexpensive rigs you can get used that are pretty good. Ampeg, Hartke, GK, Peavey, SWR, Eden...a few others whose names escape me. Just stay away from bottom of the line cabs, do your research, and when you find something that meets your criteria, get it.

[tekdiver500ft]

Sounds like good advice, Jimmy. I'll do that.

[Alex1984]

In terms of speaker sizes, a 2x10, 4x10, 2x12 or 1x15 should do just fine.

[georgestrings]

For classic rock, I like a good 215 and 300-500 watts...


- georgestrings

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by Alex1984

In terms of speaker sizes, a 2x10, 4x10, 2x12 or 1x15 should do just fine.

A 410 or 212, maybe - but IME, a 210 or 115 won't cut it in *most* 2 guitar rock bands... YMMV,


- georgestrings

[tekdiver500ft]

It seems like the consensus is that you need at least a 212, 410 is better, and at least 300 watts. I'll have to be on the lookout for such a critter...

[JimmyM]

410's aren't necessarily better than 212's...it's all a case by case basis...but for loud in the smallest possible package that doesn't cost an arm and a leg like cabs with neos in them, hard to beat a 410.

[ModulusQ5-122]

You can find a used older descent hartke 410 cab and a hartke 350 watt head at a pretty descent price. i Played that set up for years and never dissapointed me.

[tekdiver500ft]

Good to know. I'll look for a set like that.

[Alex1984]

If they're limiting their volume to the point where their vocalist can still be heard on that Radio Shack 120W 412 amp, a 210 or 115 should still be able to keep up.

15s are weird though, one's often not enough, and two's often too much.

The Peavey 410 TVX cab also has a good reputation for being inexpensive.

[tekdiver500ft]

Thanks, Alex.

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by Alex1984

15s are weird though, one's often not enough, and two's often too much.

Disagree again - how can a 215 be "too much" when your amp has a volume knob??


- georgestrings

[Alex1984]

I meant too much to carry. Also, my guitarist freaked out at the sight of a 215.