What do y'all think of this rig

[soupdaddyinhere]

I'm really needing to upgrade my bass rig. I need something that I can get good tone at a pretty high volume(which I guess is pretty obvious.) But I've never had a budget to be able to test out equipment, or get anything more than a combo amp. But now that I'm on tour Im making pretty good money, but thats also the reason I need a good bass rig.

At our normal gig I play out of a Peavey Tour Series 450 with a Peavey 4x10. I really like the sound I'm getting from, so atleast for my first upgrade to a true rig, I figured I'd go with a the Peavey Tour 700. And I've heard really good things about the Ampeg SVT 410HLF.

What do you guys think about this? Do you think I'd be able to get something better for around the same price?

Thank You, Steven

[cableguy]

If you like the sound you're getting why upgrade? If you need more volume maybe add another Peavey 4X10. Or another 4X10 and the Peavey Tour 700. Nothing against the Ampeg it's a great cab, just seems like you like what you have going on with your sound.

[JehuJava]

I would go to as many music stores as you can and try out as many combinations as you can. I would also include pawn shops and used music stores as they have some great deals. If you're near Maryland I'd go to Atomic music...so many used items it's not funny. I tend to buy used gear to save money AND get the better gear.

The reason I say this is that it sounds like your pigeon-holing yourself a bit. Peavey has a great run-of-the-mill sound that IMO sounds awesome to new bass ears (mine included 22 years ago with a TNT 150). There are just so many other options out there.

But if you like the sound you have now...add another cab.

[Dekker]

Two options to consider before you get too many suggestions from the other folks online...

First, check out what your local music store rents - do they offer the Tour? Do they offer any of the other amps you were looking for? You might want to consider renting (or buy-and-return) one of the amps to test it out.

Second, just try it out in-store! Hopefully your local store has some friendly staff to help you through the soundcheck. Of course, you can't crank it with this option.

And just to help the others with their suggestions,
Peavey Tour 700 - $650 retail
Ampeg SVT 410HLF - $750 street

[soupdaddyinhere]

Thanks for the advice. The reason I need to buy both the head and the cab, is because the venue owns the 450 and 410. And the only reason I said that about the Ampeg, is because I've heard good things about it and I've heard that they're better quality than the Peavey cabs.

Hey JehuJava, I appreciate the advice, but I'm not really in a position to do that being that Im on the road so much. About all I can do is compare what I've played at venues and youtube videos.

[soupdaddyinhere]

And Dekker I've found both of those for alot cheaper on craigslist and ebay. The total setup from what I've found would be about $800 max

[Rick Auricchio]

Originally Posted by soupdaddyinhere

And the only reason I said that about the Ampeg, is because I've heard good things about it and I've heard that they're better quality than the Peavey cabs.

But if you don't like the tone, it doesn't matter.

Ampeg has a particular "voicing" of its amps and cabs. So does Eden. So do other manufacturers. A lot of your tone comes from your rig, so you really need to listen and go with something you like.

The best music stores are the ones who let you borrow or rent a rig to use at a gig. That's the only way you'll be able to try it in the situation you need. Often these are the small mom-and-pop stores. You won't get rock-bottom pricing; you're paying a little more to have that level of good service.

Here on the CA Central Coast, we have a small store that actually loans equipment for potential buyers. I know a guy who played a Telecaster with a tag hanging from the headstock---he was trying it on a gig.

[JimmyM]

The only thing I'd say about the Peavey cab vs the 410hlf is that the 410hlf goes super low, way lower than any other 410 I've ever played. A lot of folks love that it goes super low, but I prefer the sealed 410he since its low end response is more isn't so low. It's plenty low enough to be functional, though. Don't know how the 410he compares to the Peavey cab...all the Peavey gear I've played has been solid even though it's not my thing and Ampeg is totally my thing, but its something you might consider if you want to get an Ampeg rig.