Help me pick a new amp and cabinet for my Roscoe!

Fishheadjoe · #1 02-09-2009, 12:17 PM

Well, as the title suggests, I am in the beginning stages of replacing both my currents amps (Traynor YBA-1 and Sunn Beta Bass Combo) and am looking to you much more experienced folks for some advice.
I really want to get the most out of my LG, but amps is an area that I have very little experience with.
To date, my research has lead me toward Berg cabinets, considering the new 4x12 or perhaps the 2 x12.
Amps suggested to me - Markbass.
What would you experienced with Roscoe types suggest or am I on the right path?
I know that this may well be posted in the amps section, but I am really hoping to get suggestions from Roscoe heads as it will be my main bass.
Currently, I play in a classic rock type band and I will be playing is some of my local watering holes in the future.
Thanks for you consideration!

fishheadjoe

VroomVroom · #2 02-09-2009, 12:31 PM

Tons of possibilities, Joe. I will say this - I'm in love with my Epifani setup, and I've already burdened the forum enough with sound files from my UL 502 amp and UL 310 & 410 cabs. However, I offer that info to offer this info: I recently played a number of Roscoe basses through a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 and a Shuttle 112 cab. The sound? Awesome! Remarkably close to the transparency of my Epi rig at a definite fraction of the cost.

Good luck finding what works for you, and hopefully you'll be able to try out a number of brands and products, if for no other reason than to eliminate them from your search.

RocketMusic · #3 02-09-2009, 01:24 PM

Yep, the new Genz-Benz Shuttle MAX 6.0 and 12.0 are fantastic lightweight heads (600W and 1200W respectively, 10 lbs or less). Epifani, Schroeder, and the Genz-Benz UBER series cabs are all killer lightweight cabs. I've heard great things about Bergantino's, too, but I've never actually played through one so I cant speak to it with any authority.

Gard · #4 02-09-2009, 01:34 PM

You're likely to get dozens of suggestions, all of which are going to be very good.

There are quite a few exceptionally well-made, good sounding amps and cabinets available these days, any of them will do a great job. I recommend trying to get a chance to spend as much time trying out as many different combinations as you can find and decide which sounds best to your ears.

FWIW, my rig:

Eden WT-550
Eden D-210MBX
Epifani UL310 Series II

I'm pretty happy with it, plenty of SPL to keep up with a loud drummer & guitarist, still has a nice punch and plenty of clarity. The Epi cab is wonderful, because it weighs next to nothing!

DrMWP · #5 02-09-2009, 02:02 PM

Love mine
Thunderfunk 550A, EA and Epifani cabs. Fat city!

JOME77 · #6 02-09-2009, 03:32 PM

My favorite is the Thunderfunk 550 with 2 Bergantino HT-112 cabinets. Awesome punchy live sound! KILLER musical mid's!

As Gard stated, you'll get plenty of great suggestions, all good. If you really dig the 410 sound, I'm partial to the Epifani. The Epi 310 is a killer cabinet too (and very light).

I just like a Roscoe with the Berg HT-112's .....did I already state that?

....but I do!

..............Especially for classic rock!

Big Mother · #7 02-09-2009, 03:58 PM

Is anyone using Aguilar amps or cabs?
I have been meaning to go try some out, I think they look really cool in the tweed, wonder if it sounds as nice as it looks.

FWIW, I use and Eden Metro with a Trace Elliot 1153 (small 1x15" cab), cant complain, sounds real good.

BM

jimb213 · #8 02-09-2009, 04:30 PM

Testing out some gear last week, I played a Genz Benz shuttle 6.0 (not the Max - they sold that the day it came in!) through a bergantino AE210, and it sounded fantastic. I actually liked the AE210 better than the 410 sitting right next to it! I have a Genz GBE750 and NeoX212 that sounds great; the shuttle Max is basically the same preamp in my GBE with a lightweight power section, so I'll probably be moving to one of those soon... I'm really curious to try the Uber cabs, as well.

I love the GB stuff because it's so versatile. I play in a progressive/alternative/slightly experimental band, I play with an acoustic pop singer, and I play in church, all with the same setup.

CactusmanDoug · #9 02-09-2009, 04:42 PM

I have a Markbass 210 combo that I dig. Not a lot of features but it's lightweight and transparent with nice punch. Markbass currently has an exclusive contract with Guitar Center so you'll have to go there to check out a new unit.

Happy Hunting.

skb5string · #10 02-09-2009, 07:20 PM

SWR SM-900 head and Eden XLT 4x10 4 ohm. Loud, punchy, clean and articulate! Real happy with this set up.

dataBASS5 · #11 02-09-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CactusmanDoug

Not a lot of features but it's lightweight and transparent with nice punch.

Haha, I knew you didn't have the juice to get a real man's rig.

(I'm only kidding)

My Mesa Road Ready 610 and Crown K2 have never let me down. Of course, if you don't have roadies. . .

Recently I've come back to EA cabs and heads. For a tube sound that can be gritty, the new Genz Benz 12.0 MAX is tough to beat.

CactusmanDoug · #12 02-10-2009, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dataBASS5

Haha, I knew you didn't have the juice to get a real man's rig.

Another possible alternative to a legitimate amp might be the Poachdog 500. Although highly overated in all catagories, this unit does seem to consistantly excell above the rest at moving hot air.

Fishheadjoe · #13 02-10-2009, 06:43 AM

Thanks guys! You've given me plenty to think about and I've made a comprehensive list... gonna start checking out your suggestions and I will update this thread as I try stuff out!
Thanks agin!
Fishheadjoe

Gard · #14 02-10-2009, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CactusmanDoug

Another possible alternative to a legitimate amp might be the Poachdog 500. Although highly overated in all catagories, this unit does seem to consistantly excell above the rest at moving hot air.

ZZZZZZZING!!!!

...good one, Doug!

dataBASS5 · #15 02-10-2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CactusmanDoug

Another possible alternative to a legitimate amp might be the Poachdog 500. Although highly overated in all catagories, this unit does seem to consistantly excell above the rest at moving hot air.

+1 Nice job. Should have seen that coming.

In a related story, I am now selling tickets to the BEATING of CMD's lifetime!

PM me for details.

CrashClint · #16 02-10-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dataBASS5

+1 Nice job. Should have seen that coming.

In a related story, I am now selling tickets to the BEATING of CMD's lifetime!

PM me for details.

I will take two front row seats because I love a good beat down!

I must say, I bought a Epifani ul410 from Data and to me they are the best sounding cabinets. I use both an Eden WTX260 and a Epifani Quest II preamp with a Stewart 1.6 power amp and it sounds great.

Baird6869 · #17 02-10-2009, 08:51 AM

The gig I did last week with my Roscoe SKB-3005 was with a Markbass F1 thru a Sadowsky (Bergantino) 410. It sounded amazing.

I normally use an Ampeg SVT-CL (sounds even better IMO)thru the Sadowsky cab but I was too hung over and lazy to drag my 85lb SVT from the basement.

RTL · #18 02-10-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Mother

Is anyone using Aguilar amps or cabs?
I have been meaning to go try some out, I think they look really cool in the tweed, wonder if it sounds as nice as it looks.

FWIW, I use and Eden Metro with a Trace Elliot 1153 (small 1x15" cab), cant complain, sounds real good.

BM

Aguilar user right here.

After discovering the DB750, I have three words: Cold. Dead. Fingers.

Pair that with any nice cabinet, and it's just so impressive - in every setting I've put it in.

The cabs are fantastic as well, although I may end up going with a Bergantino AE410 or HS410 in the near future.

jzbass6 · #19 02-10-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Mother

Is anyone using Aguilar amps or cabs?
I have been meaning to go try some out, I think they look really cool in the tweed, wonder if it sounds as nice as it looks.

FWIW, I use and Eden Metro with a Trace Elliot 1153 (small 1x15" cab), cant complain, sounds real good.

BM

Another Aggie user chiming in, I'm using a Aggie SC500 head with either my GS212 or 2x GS112 cabs I love the warmth of the Aguilar stuff. I price point isn't bad either, the Epifani UL series cabs are great too.

VroomVroom · #20 02-10-2009, 10:11 AM

I was pretty darn close to going with a DB750 when I was last in the market. It is an incredible amp, and would've left me close to the sound I'd had for many years prior - Alembic FX-1 tube pre-amp into a Crown Power Base II power amp. By decision time, though, I'd fallen in love with reducing the weight of my rig (my Epi UL 410 weighs less than one of the Eden 210XLT's it replaced) and adding headroom. The easy answer, back in '05, was my current 502 amp. Were I in the market today I'd have to give serious consideration to one of the GB Shuttles - that line has really blown me away.

I've also just recently played through a Bergantino cabinet, and I was really, really impressed. I've yet to research their full product line, which seems loaded with various models...and unfortunately I don't have a dealer close by...but whenever it comes time to replace my Epis (hopefully way off in the distant future) the Bergs will get serious consideration. One final recommendation - AccuGroove. I ran a couple of Tri-112's for awhile, and was very impressed with the sound...especially when using the Roscoe.

Again, good luck with everything. There is just so much great stuff on the market, and all of this really comes down to what sounds best to you...here's hoping you can try out as many different brands as possible.