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$1000 For new bass amp,head and cab, or combo

R

Rick Willits

Mar 28, 2022
14
7
#1
was considering rumble 500, but was concerned about low volume. Tried rumble 800 couldnt realy hear any noticeble gain in volume.
I use a crate bx 100 for practice and gigs. lately have been having trouble matching volume with lead guitar mesa mini at practice and mesa filmore for gigs.
if i mic the bass into the pa still cant hear bass onstage despite usualy being about 2 feet from the amp.
i am hesitant to dump cash and find i have the same problem i started witn.
looking for suggestions for gear in the price range that will easily keep up with the rest of the band.
iusually have the volume on the bass about 1/2 to 3/4 so i have something left for intros. lately i crank for intro like sweet child, sweet emotion, and not cutting it.
thanks
 
#2
well, a 350/400W into 210 should be louder than 100W into a 115, so if Rumble didn't get there, verify, you're setting the gain right. try it with extension cab to see if additional 6dB will help.

if you're sure, you need more, you're looking for like a 800W head and 2x15, 2x12 or 4x10. which flavor? it's you to decide. don't forget to wear earplugs, if your stage volume is that high. also tilting/elevating a cab can make you hear yourself better.
 
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#3
I'd probably go with a Markbass CMD 102p. They're a little over budget but you can find them used and looks like GC has them on sale now. I've used that for a large blues band- 2x 12" guitar tube combos, keys, horns heavy drummer…. That little box brings the thunder! Extension out for a second cab, but you probably won't need it. Great, clear tone too, cuts right through a mix where you don't need tons of volume.
 
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#7
Rick Willits said:
was considering rumble 500, but was concerned about low volume. Tried rumble 800 couldnt realy hear any noticeble gain in volume.
I use a crate bx 100 for practice and gigs. lately have been having trouble matching volume with lead guitar mesa mini at practice and mesa filmore for gigs.
if i mic the bass into the pa still cant hear bass onstage despite usualy being about 2 feet from the amp.
i am hesitant to dump cash and find i have the same problem i started witn.
looking for suggestions for gear in the price range that will easily keep up with the rest of the band.
iusually have the volume on the bass about 1/2 to 3/4 so i have something left for intros. lately i crank for intro like sweet child, sweet emotion, and not cutting it.
thanks
Click to expand...

The posts suggesting more and bigger speakers are giving good advice. The fastest road to volume is via speaker. 410s can be had for cheap on the used market but are heavy. If you don't mind spending the cash, neo 212's are light and loud but it will cost you more. Whatever you get, I would recommend leaving yourself the option of adding another cabinet down the line of necessary.
 
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#12
FWIW........
The first generation GK 1001rb was 480 watts into 4ohm. The combo 2x10 was 8ohm, the UA 2x10 was 8ohm= 4ohm load I never had to play louder than 40% of total volume and it was quite loud. Any louder and the PA needs to do the rest. 500 watts and 4 tens will cover a lot of ground.
2012-01-15_16-55-50_92.jpg
2013-07-20_15-11-05_735.jpg
 
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#14
A 410 cabinet angled towards your ears will help a lot! I used to put a 2x4 short piece under it to hear it better on stage. I do suggest two identical cabs in your situation. That will get the volume you likely need/want, and should do well for you. A separate amp head is also a must.

What do your Crate combo knobs look like? Are you heavily cutting the midrange? Boosting the lows?

What is your location? I would not mind jumping on your local craigslist page and helping you find good used gear. You can also take advantage of GuitarCenter.com. Used gear has a 30 day return policy and you can have it shipped to the nearest store for pick up.

As for all of the volume knob references in this thread, take them with a grain of salt. You have to keep in mind that the volume knob of the amp head at half-way is not 50% of the amp head volume. It depends on the signal you are feeding the amp head, your playing techniques, and what your overall EQ looks like. The volume knob is the last piece of the puzzle.

For boosting during a specific song intro, I suggest getting the pedal in the link below. Leave the VPF knob all the way to the left and adjust the volume to what you need. This way, you can stomp on it when you need it. It's a CLEAN boost and should serve you well. Markbass MB Mini Boost Compact Boost Effects Pedal For Bass
 
#15
Smooth Operator said:
How about a used a Mesa Subway head and a decent cab?
Click to expand...

@Rick Willits ... ^^^^ this

I'm unfortunately having to sell my rig, which is a Mesa D800, and a Greenboy Audio Fearless F112... this rig will get you what you're seeking, easily, with more to give... plus, the cab is a kickback design , so if needed you can direct it up to your ears.. I've never had to do that because the cab performs so well.

PM me if you're interested, and I can send photos to
 
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#17
Rick Willits said:
was considering rumble 500, but was concerned about low volume. Tried rumble 800 couldnt realy hear any noticeble gain in volume.
I use a crate bx 100 for practice and gigs. lately have been having trouble matching volume with lead guitar mesa mini at practice and mesa filmore for gigs.
if i mic the bass into the pa still cant hear bass onstage despite usualy being about 2 feet from the amp.
i am hesitant to dump cash and find i have the same problem i started witn.
looking for suggestions for gear in the price range that will easily keep up with the rest of the band.
iusually have the volume on the bass about 1/2 to 3/4 so i have something left for intros. lately i crank for intro like sweet child, sweet emotion, and not cutting it.
thanks
Click to expand...

Your problem isn't the wattage, it's the amount and quality/efficiency of your speakers cabs. The increase in dBs going from 500-800 watts is barely perceptible. 100 watts into enough or better cab(s) can be pretty impressive volume wise. Best wishes on your search.
 
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#20
if i mic the bass into the pa still cant hear bass onstage despite usualy being about 2 feet from the amp.

This could be your problem. You're too close to the amp and it's probably aimed at your calves, which makes it very difficult to hear. Find a way of either tilting it or raising it up closer to your ears and, if the stage allows, move out as far as you can in front of it. If this works, you can solve the problem with no new gear and a very small investment in an amp stand or some kind of portable riser.
 
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