Should I get another bass or another amp?!

sbpark · #1 02-07-2013, 11:25 PM

So here's the deal. I currently have an SVT Micro head and two SVT210av cabs. Unfortunately I have one of the heads that isn't happy with two 210's and farts out when they are both connected. No warranty, as I picked up the head and cabs separately off of craigslist.

My only bass is a sunburst 1976 Precision in amazing condition. Great instrument and all original minus the pup & bridge (but am going to put a original bridge back on soon and have a thumb rest and bridge and pup covers on the way to return her to her former glory.

My question is, I've really been jonsing for a MIM Classic 50's P-bass, but also have been considering getting a PF500 amp because the SVT Micro doesn't like the two cabs together.

So if you could only get one, what would you do, pick up the new head, or pick up a second bass?

ShowLow · #2 02-07-2013, 11:29 PM

Flip a coin?

I really must recuse myself because I have not one but two backup amps...and a '50s Classic Series bass that I love, yet might sell someday to feed my GAS...

Seriously, your main axe is awesome and deserves a great rig.

tastybasslines · #3 02-07-2013, 11:35 PM

Whenever I see these threads, the answer is almost always the amp...

Leo Smith · #4 02-07-2013, 11:42 PM

That amp wasn't really designed to drive two cabs. At best, it's a cute practice amp for a coffehouse or other low volume gig.

I second the recommendation for a new amp. If you need a small amp, even a Phil Jones Briefcase or a GK MB150 will blow that thing out of the water, in my opinion.

zhollywood · #5 02-07-2013, 11:45 PM

You've got a sweet bass but a loony rig. I think we both know which one it should be!
I think you oughta put away that money ($750 if you're buying a new Classic 50's) and save up a little more and buy a used SVT ($900-1000ish) or something!

JoeWPgh · #6 02-07-2013, 11:49 PM

Keep the bass. That's your instrument. Limp along with the amp until you can upgrade that. After that? Keep the bass and add another.

sbpark · #7 02-07-2013, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zhollywood

You've got a sweet bass but a loony rig. I think we both know which one it should be!
I think you oughta put away that money ($750 if you're buying a new Classic 50's) and save up a little more and buy a used SVT ($900-1000ish) or something!

I don't need an SVT. I either play at home or jam with friends. I want a nice bass rig that has the ampeg sound, but don't need anything huge and don't want an enormous rig to tote around. The 210 cabs seem pretty versatile, but was also considering buying a PF115 cab eventually if I got the PF500 and also keeping the (2) 210 cabs for versatility. so it would be the same head, but two different separate speaker options. For rock stuff I can use the 210 cabs, and for country stuff I could use the PF115 cab.

sbpark · #8 02-07-2013, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeWPgh

Keep the bass. That's your instrument. Limp along with the amp until you can upgrade that. After that? Keep the bass and add another.

so a PF500 and two SVT210 cabs are considered limping along?!

Einherjar · #9 02-07-2013, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbpark

so a PF500 and two SVT210 cabs are considered limping along?!

Pretty sure they were referring to the SVT micro.

sbpark · #10 02-07-2013, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Einherjar

Pretty sure they were referring to the SVT micro.

zhollywood · #11 02-08-2013, 12:01 AM

In that case my vote is still for a new amp PF500 or not!

JoeWPgh · #12 02-08-2013, 12:02 AM

For playing at home, jams with freinds, or small venue gigs, 2X10 is all you'll ever need. Ampeg sound is a whole seperate issue, as that is a classic tube sound. It will likely weigh 1/2 a ton and be on the higher end costwise. TC Electronics makes a great combo for the price. 200some watts, a 15 and 35 lbs. SWR cabs are reasonably lightweight and pack a serious punch. I never seem to need it, but I can deploy a 1x15 and 2X10 SWR, and meet any imaginable need. I prefer the 2X10 when soloed. But the convenience of the TC Electronics combo rules.

JoeWPgh · #13 02-08-2013, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Einherjar

Pretty sure they were referring to the SVT micro.

This

sbpark · #14 02-08-2013, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zhollywood

In that case my vote is still for a new amp PF500 or not!

I think the PF500 is going to be bought tomorrow! I honestly think that amp with my (2) SVT210 cabs is a really versatile, portable set up that will get the job done jamming with buddies and perfect for at home with just one of the 210's. Especially with the '76 Precision with the vintage Dimarzio P pickup thats in it!

Spleenface92 · #15 02-08-2013, 12:18 AM

I say get a portaflex head...they're flat out wonderful.

sbpark · #16 02-08-2013, 03:19 PM

I picked up the PF500 this morning. GC is doing $70 off if you spend $349 or more, so I couldnt pass it up. They also had the PF350 on sale for something like $254 (it may have just been for the floor model, but I am not sure), but I thought it was worth the extra $$ for increased power, onboard compressor, more flexible EQ & direct out and am most looking forward to the mix control on the FX loop. Been looking for a used compressor and a used Boss LC-2, but may not need those now with the PF500. (I just was a touch of compression to even out everything, and was going to get an LC-2 so I could blend my vintage RAT,Small Stone phaser and Pork Loin with my dry signal.)

Spleenface92 · #17 02-08-2013, 03:21 PM

it's a fantastic head...and if you can get the matching cab, it's a fantastic rig. Juan Alderete has a PF-500 Rig...and he can't be wrong.

sbpark · #18 02-08-2013, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spleenface92

it's a fantastic head...and if you can get the matching cab, it's a fantastic rig. Juan Alderete has a PF-500 Rig...and he can't be wrong.

That's my next dilemma! Wondering if I should get a PF115 cab, or a 210. I have two SVT210av cabs, and have to say they sound pretty darn good. Wasn't sure if I was going to sell them and get the matching PF210 cab, or just keep the SVT210av cabs, and in the future buy a PF115. I really dig the look of the Portaflex cabs.

sbpark · #19 02-08-2013, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spleenface92

it's a fantastic head...and if you can get the matching cab, it's a fantastic rig. Juan Alderete has a PF-500 Rig...and he can't be wrong.

Oh, and I will say I'm pretty stoked The Mars Volta has broken up! Now all we need is ATDR to get back together again! Last years Coachella performance was awesome.

The tough thing for me is I listen to/play polar opposite types of music. When I jam with my friends its hard, heavy indie rock stuff (Refused, Gallows, Quicksand, etc) but also have a soft spot for bluegrass, old school country and stuff like old school Motown and really would like to play in a country band at some point believe it or not. I'm hoping the PF500 head is versatile enough to accommodate all that stuff, and am thinking that I'd just use the two SVT210av cabs for the heavy rock stuff, and the PF115 cab for the other stuff, OR sell off the SVT210av cabs with the idea of having two PF115 cabs! I've been a guitar player for 20 years, and the music I grew up with have everyone playing Marshall JCM800's through 412 cabs and the bass players all ran through 810 SVT's, so it's hard to wrap my brain around 15" cabs I guess!

Spleenface92 · #20 02-08-2013, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbpark

Oh, and I will say I'm pretty stoked The Mars Volta has broken up! Now all we need is ATDR to get back together again! Last years Coachella performance was awesome.

I'm gonna assume you don't mean A Day To Remember...but I'm a Mars Volta fan...although I'm more of a Juan fan than anything.
Who is this "ATDR"?