What first gigging amp should i get?

[freddomaytee]

Hi,
I will start gigging in small British pubs soon and will need a larger amp. What is a decent, cheapish amp that is powerful enough to be heard and should I get a combo or head and cab?

[Gearhead17]

If you have the transportation for your bass gear, get a head and a 210 cab or better. A head and a cab almost ALWAYS will be louder than a combo. You can always upgrade each piece too. What brands do you have available around you? What brands do you like at the moment? What kind of band do you play in? PA support for the bass guitar? Rig on stage mainly just for monitoring?

[StyleOverShow]

Should be used and relatively cheap. Don't be fooled by size, it's the sound that matters, and Gearhead17 is right, be sure you can load it in your vehicle and still drive.

[dog1]

I am not a fan of combos. Head and a cab for sure. When selecting a cab, don't forget 12's. I would rather have a single 112 then a 210.

[LowEndMan2112]

Originally Posted by dog1

I am not a fan of combos. Head and a cab for sure. When selecting a cab, don't forget 12's. I would rather have a single 112 then a 210.

+1

A good 112 can compete with a 210, but it mainly comes down to personal preference. Me, I seem to like the punch that comes with 10" speakers a bit more, but a good 112 is always great!

I would go for Genz Benz myself, maybe a used NeoPak 3.5 (tough to find new as they're discontinued) or a Shuttle 3 or 6, depending on how much volume you want. Any of those heads + a NeoX 212 = killer combo!

[dog1]

Originally Posted by LowEndMan2112

+1

A good 112 can compete with a 210, but it mainly comes down to personal preference. Me, I seem to like the punch that comes with 10" speakers a bit more, but a good 112 is always great!

I would go for Genz Benz myself, maybe a used NeoPak 3.5 (tough to find new as they're discontinued) or a Shuttle 3 or 6, depending on how much volume you want. Any of those heads + a NeoX 212 = killer combo!

Great advice. I have an M-Line, Shuttle 6, and a Neopak 3.5 The Neopak is my go to head....with 2-112 cabs

[JimmyM]

Speaker size is irrelevant to anything but how much it beams highs and mids. All cabs should be judged on a case by case basis and not speaker size.

[LowEndMan2112]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Speaker size is irrelevant to anything but how much it beams highs and mids. All cabs should be judged on a case by case basis and not speaker size.

True that Jimmy! You've got to find what works for you, be it a bunch of 5 inch speakers like in Phil Jones' stuff, 10s, 12s, 15s or even 18s and up.

[dog1]

Sheesh! The OP was only asking if he should get a head and cab, or a combo. Let's not get too technical debating speaker size. I say head and 12's. I think that answers his original question.

[Marko5657]

What kind of music will you be playing, and how much stage volume do you expect?

[lazerbrains]

Simple answer to a simple question.

Get a 200-300 watt head and either a 115 or a 410 cabinet.

Tried and true rig for pub gigs.

Look for used if money is tight.

[jmattbassplaya]

Try to find a used 4x10. It'll cover you for any gig that wouldn't already require PA support.