See http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243070 for background. The Ampeg solution didn't really work out and wasn't plausible.
So back to square one.
I went to Rock City Guitars in Somerville and they had a lovely B-15S (which I've wanted for a long time), but would have been underpowered and quite frankly, I don't really need another Ampeg amp
They told me about the Bergantino, but it wasn't in stock. They did have the IP310, though. A bit more background (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243167) - I've always pretty much used a 1x15" or 2x15" except for the SB-12 I owned for awhile. I generally don't like speakers smaller than 15".
I also am a tube guy - solid state doesn't work for me historically. I tried that new Yamaha digital one as well as a few others over the years.
All you need for the IP series since it has the built-in power is a DI for an active bass and a DI with a gain stage for a passive bass. I tried the IP310 with an ART Tube MP. Holy crap. This thing sounded friggin' amazing. I didn't have my basses with me, but this thing still sounded good.
So, I asked when the IP112 was coming in and wanted to audition it. Now, I know that the price is nuts ($1800 or so), but in my quest for tone and lightness, I've learned you can't be cheap. The Walkabout Scout certainly wasn't.
So they got it in the next week and based on my SB-12 experience, I was thinking it would have no low end. I eat my words. To say this amp sounded amazing would be the understatement of the year. I tried the IP112 with my Fender Bass V, my '78 P, and my two Tokais ('57 and '64 reissues). Again, tried it with the ART Tube MP. I got the sound of my basses with a tad bit of tube coloration, and whoooo boy. I got that "oh yeah, this is going to be a painful purchase, but oh so worth it" moment.
I even tried it with the 1x12" matching extension cabinet (which takes it to 1000 watts), and it sounded even better. But I don't need 1000 watts.
I bought that and the ART (got the ART cheap, what the heck) and brought it to rehearsal for the Rush tribute band. There was the sound I had been looking for and it cut. No fiddling like the Mesa. The band was amazed, too - this thing is L-O-U-D.
I then used it that weekend on two gigs with the Rush band, and in both places, the sound guys were amazed. At the second club despite having a line into the board, he didn't have me on. That's how much the Bergantino cuts.
With the IP112 you can hear every note cleanly with deep, rich bass and nice highs. Perfect balance. No mud (unless you have it at the pre).
The IP series will really only sound as good as your bass is - nothing to hide it. The pre you use is the only place that can color your sound more (besides the horn attenuator on the can).
I can't describe how small the IP112 is, either. At both venues I got looks which said, "You're playing through that dinky thing?", but they summarily shut up once we started playing.
It's easier to carry than the Walkabout Scout is not only because it is smaller physically, but the handle is on top and in a place where things are balanced.
Bottom line: if you can afford it, audition it. You won't be disappointed.
Anyone want a Walkabout Scout 1x15"? LOL
So back to square one.
I went to Rock City Guitars in Somerville and they had a lovely B-15S (which I've wanted for a long time), but would have been underpowered and quite frankly, I don't really need another Ampeg amp
They told me about the Bergantino, but it wasn't in stock. They did have the IP310, though. A bit more background (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243167) - I've always pretty much used a 1x15" or 2x15" except for the SB-12 I owned for awhile. I generally don't like speakers smaller than 15".
I also am a tube guy - solid state doesn't work for me historically. I tried that new Yamaha digital one as well as a few others over the years.
All you need for the IP series since it has the built-in power is a DI for an active bass and a DI with a gain stage for a passive bass. I tried the IP310 with an ART Tube MP. Holy crap. This thing sounded friggin' amazing. I didn't have my basses with me, but this thing still sounded good.
So, I asked when the IP112 was coming in and wanted to audition it. Now, I know that the price is nuts ($1800 or so), but in my quest for tone and lightness, I've learned you can't be cheap. The Walkabout Scout certainly wasn't.
So they got it in the next week and based on my SB-12 experience, I was thinking it would have no low end. I eat my words. To say this amp sounded amazing would be the understatement of the year. I tried the IP112 with my Fender Bass V, my '78 P, and my two Tokais ('57 and '64 reissues). Again, tried it with the ART Tube MP. I got the sound of my basses with a tad bit of tube coloration, and whoooo boy. I got that "oh yeah, this is going to be a painful purchase, but oh so worth it" moment.
I even tried it with the 1x12" matching extension cabinet (which takes it to 1000 watts), and it sounded even better. But I don't need 1000 watts.
I bought that and the ART (got the ART cheap, what the heck) and brought it to rehearsal for the Rush tribute band. There was the sound I had been looking for and it cut. No fiddling like the Mesa. The band was amazed, too - this thing is L-O-U-D.
I then used it that weekend on two gigs with the Rush band, and in both places, the sound guys were amazed. At the second club despite having a line into the board, he didn't have me on. That's how much the Bergantino cuts.
With the IP112 you can hear every note cleanly with deep, rich bass and nice highs. Perfect balance. No mud (unless you have it at the pre).
The IP series will really only sound as good as your bass is - nothing to hide it. The pre you use is the only place that can color your sound more (besides the horn attenuator on the can).
I can't describe how small the IP112 is, either. At both venues I got looks which said, "You're playing through that dinky thing?", but they summarily shut up once we started playing.
It's easier to carry than the Walkabout Scout is not only because it is smaller physically, but the handle is on top and in a place where things are balanced.
Bottom line: if you can afford it, audition it. You won't be disappointed.
Anyone want a Walkabout Scout 1x15"? LOL
I love hearing about new people trying these out for themselves...
Darn gigs....
That sounded amazing. 
