NFBRD

[Hydraone]

New First Bass Rig Day. Everyone knows that.

So I picked up my first bass amp today. I'm a guitar player that's converting, so I needed a usable setup that would be loud enough to play with my hard rock band, but not break the bank. I think I did okay.

Gallien-Krueger 400RB Mk.IV head. Used, but in great shape. Made in USA, which is a nice bonus. I don't really have an ear for bass tones yet, but every review I've come across raves about it, so I figured it was a safe bet. 280w at 4ohms gives me 140w with a single 8ohm cab, right? Correct me if I'm wrong. All I know is that it's loud, and my bass player friend really likes it. I plan on mounting it in a rack case with a compressor and EQ or power conditioner. It has an effects loop and DI, so I don't think I'm going to be hurting for features any time soon.

Acoustic B410 speaker cab. I know the GC Acoustic stuff isn't highly regarded around here, but I work for them, so the price was (very) right. Brand new. 4 cheap speakers, very heavy, and I managed to score a free set of casters with it. I'm certain there are better cabs out there, but the price made this a safe bet that even if I don't like it, I can sell it for a tidy profit.

I just grabbed one crappy picture as I dropped it off at my practice space, but I'll get more.

All said, after tax I'm in for a hair under $300.

 

[basscooker]

might not be actually half the power. could be a little more or less, but depending on what you're up against in band volume, should do pretty well, just watch those mids. IIRC the rb's have a bit of a scoop baked in, so you might find yourself getting lost in the mix if you cut them on the eq. nice for under 300.

 

[B-string]

Keep the contour off and you'll have no mid scoop troubles (unless you want that Ampegish sound and are prepared to be mid shy). It is rated at 180 watts into 8 ohms (more like 200 really). Great amp head and a nice starter rig but don't go mucking it up with compressors and a EQ is really not needed as you have a huge choice of tone controls built in. Download the owner's manual [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] and try out the recommended settings as a starting place.

 

[Hydraone]

Alright, so, I gather that Ampeg's have a characteristic mid scoop? I've yet to dial EQ with a band, I'm sure it's a kill I'll pick up just like dialing a guitar amp.

I really dig the tone of a compressed bass. Though that's only by itself, perhaps too much punch for a non-solo situation.

The only reason I'd get an EQ is to fill up a slot in the rack I'm picking up. What would you recommend in it's stead?

 

[JimmyM]

Alright, so, I gather that Ampeg's have a characteristic mid scoop?

No they don't. If you want one, you can get one, but if you don't, you're not stuck with one.

 

[Lowbrow]

Also, you can set the RB flat engage the contour and then dial some mids back in.

 

[B-string]

Alright, so, I gather that Ampeg's have a characteristic mid scoop? I've yet to dial EQ with a band, I'm sure it's a kill I'll pick up just like dialing a guitar amp.

I really dig the tone of a compressed bass. Though that's only by itself, perhaps too much punch for a non-solo situation.

The only reason I'd get an EQ is to fill up a slot in the rack I'm picking up. What would you recommend in it's stead?

Rack tuner would be more useful as a "space filler" or even a vent panel.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Alright, so, I gather that Ampeg's have a characteristic mid scoop? I've yet to dial EQ with a band, I'm sure it's a kill I'll pick up just like dialing a guitar amp.

I really dig the tone of a compressed bass. Though that's only by itself, perhaps too much punch for a non-solo situation.

The only reason I'd get an EQ is to fill up a slot in the rack I'm picking up. What would you recommend in it's stead?

I will also throw another vote against the EQ, I would go tuner, maybe wireless if that if your bag. Oh, and contrary to what guitar players have been telling you for years, you really don't want to waste your time/money/space on a power conditioner. If you want more detailed info as to why, check out ONVI labs extremely informative website(TB user Bongolation's site I think)