Help choosing an Amp Please

mellowbassist · #1 11-07-2009, 07:22 AM

Hey guys,

this is my first thread here. I was wondering if you guys could help me in regards to choosing an amp.

I currently, have a Gallien Krueger BL112 (100 watts) amp, but am quickly finding that it's not powerful enough for what I need to use it for.

I currently mostly play on my churches worship team, but I'm also starting to play on a cover band that does everything from Motown, Funk, Classic Rock, etc.

I'm not working with a big bugget here. Actually, I need something that's going to be under $1000.

How many watts would I need to cover a crowd of say 300+?

Would I be better getting a combo again (for ease of transportation) or will I get more out of a head and cab?

Any particular models you recommend?

Please let me know guys. I'm counting on your expertise and experience to help me make a WISE decision. Thanks in advance.

Cheers

smogg · #2 11-07-2009, 07:42 AM

You don't need two combos, get a head and cab. If you like the sound of your GK combo just pick up a used 700rb or 1001rb-II. For cabs you could look at used GK, Avatar, etc.

Just check out the classifieds here, there are a lot of options in your price range used.

Emibass · #3 11-07-2009, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellowbassist

How many watts would I need to cover a crowd of say 300+?

that would be 7 wats / person (in terms of PA systems) but this power it´s better to be handle by the Church PA system,

You have to think what amp is good for you and not to be heard by 300 people, that´s why PA systems were invented

RickenBoogie · #4 11-07-2009, 08:11 AM

As an average, look into heads with no less than 200 watts, up to 600 watts, and for speakers, a 4x10 is the standard, but a 212, 210/115, etc, so long as it's not a single anything.

klokker · #5 11-07-2009, 08:36 AM

Well, its just input. But if it was me, I wanted new, and I was hauling around a lot my recommendation would be to get one of the micro-amps like a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 or a Markbass Little mark III, with a 12" cab....combo or separate whatever. 500-600 watts into 4 ohms. They run about $500-600.

Then, since your budget is $1000 dollars I'd then add one 8 ohm 12" front ported cab.....which will give your 375 watts into 8 ohms. Another $500-600.

Then when you save some more money add another 12" cab and get the full 500-600 watts into 4 ohms. Total outlay of about $1500 over time and you'll have a killer rig that's not a PIA to haul around.

But that's just me and what I like. My son plays in a popular heavy metal band in town and their bassplayer plays through a Fender Bassman 250/115 combo (about $650 total).....and that works too...very well IMO......not for me, but it works and is sure loud enough.

There are tons of options and different brands, there's no way around doing your own shopping. But there is my opinion for what its worth.

kraigo · #6 11-07-2009, 08:47 AM

I'd watch the classifieds for a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0. With the 9.0 out a lot of people are dumping their 6.0's and the 6.0 is still a really nice amp.

For a cab, I love my NeoX 212T, but that might be hard to find with the change you have from the Shuttle 6.0. I'd contact Low Down Sound (Quote from 'Horny Toad': "VERY reasonable. Get in touch with Don Oatman. 313-205-0354 or ldscabs@yahoo.com") and have a Fearful 15/6 made.

KO

mellowbassist · #7 11-07-2009, 08:51 AM

I guess I forgot to mention that I also have a Sansamp Programmable Bass Driver/DI... so I can run through the house. But I want a rig that I can play in different venues and settings (pubs, lounges, weddings, churches, etc.)... Some of those places won't have a PA system.

I've seen some bass heads that are not too expensive, such as the GK Backline 600 (300 watts through 4ohms) going for under $500.

Know of any others? Cause then I can fit Head and cab under $1000.

PS: I'm working with Canadian Dollars here :-)

klokker · #8 11-07-2009, 09:04 AM

Hartke makes a highly recommended LH500 head for between $350-400. Check that out, it would give you the bucks for a wide variety of cabinets. A little heavier but still its getting good reviews.

mellowbassist · #9 11-07-2009, 09:28 AM

So what about the GK BL600... anyone has something to say about that head? Any advice?

B-string · #10 11-07-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellowbassist

So what about the GK BL600... anyone has something to say about that head? Any advice?

The G-K BL600 is a solid performer, loud for 300 watt rating and very versitile. I personally would not recommend the G-K BL cabs but many people are very happy with them. Go for a 212 or 410 cab, G-K, Avatar, Ampeg (if you must), fellow bass player here in town bought a Hartke setup. The Head still sounds good but he just blew his second speaker in his 410. They have a massive PA but the 410 just is not liking the low B. Model is the hydrive 410.5? Don't remember exactly the model, he was drooling over my G-K NEO 412 so I was not paying that much attention to the model number, sorry

mellowbassist · #11 11-09-2009, 06:01 PM

Hey guys, I made my choice. I'm going with the EDEN WTX-500 since I have just purchased D210XLT and D115XLT cabs (also from Eden). I have heard the WTX-260 and I loved the warm tone. So I'm looking forward to receiving it (ordered it today... can't wait). I'll keep you guys posted with a short review once I get it :-)

RickenBoogie · #12 11-09-2009, 06:26 PM

That should do very nicely. While you're waiting on the head, go get ya some good speaker cables, the shorter the better. Congrats.