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$400 to spend

S

small alien

Nov 17, 2013
7
0
#1
Howdy. I'm new here. I've been reading threads for the last month or so and really enjoying the forum.

I've been playing bass with a new band for about 6 months. Kind of a loud punky blues-rock three piece (for now). I've been using my old TKO65 and it's just not cutting the mustard. I need more oomf. I like an organic sound. Not too slick. I play an '85 Ibanez Roadstar II. I play mostly finger style. Simple, melodic playing. We'll be playing small to medium bars, maybe a medium outdoor show in summer. That kind of thing.

I've looked at Ampeg combos a little. Curious about Peavey combos. I've read bad quality reviews of both. Markbass seems out of price range. Played a GK combo and did not like the tone.

What would you get for $400 bucks?

Thanks!
 
#2
Spend it on cocaine.

But seriously, just try around with a few combos and see which ones you like. If you like organic sounds try Ashdown; either the Five Fifteen-ABM100 100w 1x15 Combo or the Five Fifteen MiniRig Bass Stack
 
#6
Thanks, DannyBob. First idea is tempting but wife says no.

I know the question is kind of stupid because it's so open ended. I'm usually on a saltwater fish forum and it drives me crazy when people say, "what fish should I get?"

That said, I'd sure be interested to hear what people like or don't like and why. I did search the forum some but I'm looking for the most current opinions on what's out there now.

I'll play an Ashdown. They have a couple at a local store.

Cheers.
 
#7
small alien said:
Thanks, DannyBob. First idea is tempting but wife says no.

I know the question is kind of stupid because it's so open ended. I'm usually on a saltwater fish forum and it drives me crazy when people say, "what fish should I get?"

That said, I'd sure be interested to hear what people like or don't like and why. I did search the forum some but I'm looking for the most current opinions on what's out there now.

I'll play an Ashdown. They have a couple at a local store.

Cheers.
Click to expand...

No bother :) hope you find the one that's meant for you. And the wife ;)
 
#8
small alien said:
Howdy. I'm new here. I've been reading threads for the last month or so and really enjoying the forum.

I've been playing bass with a new band for about 6 months. Kind of a loud punky blues-rock three piece (for now). I've been using my old TKO65 and it's just not cutting the mustard. I need more oomf. I like an organic sound. Not too slick. I play an '85 Ibanez Roadstar II. I play mostly finger style. Simple, melodic playing. We'll be playing small to medium bars, maybe a medium outdoor show in summer. That kind of thing.

I've looked at Ampeg combos a little. Curious about Peavey combos. I've read bad quality reviews of both. Markbass seems out of price range. Played a GK combo and did not like the tone.

What would you get for $400 bucks?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you want something loud, decent, and cheap, check Guitar Centers used site. There are SWR 4004 heads for around $225-230 and SWR 410 cabinets for $165-200. That is probably what I would get used for around $400 or so.

Another option would be a TC electronics
BG250. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
250 watts at 35 pounds. This might get you closer to your organic sound...This guy's jazz bass sounds really good in the audio clip. Sam Ash has them $349.99 free shipping. Listen to the sound clip, let me know what you think. It has a tube drive feature that sounds great. I almost bought one of these...
 
#9
I would get some used stuff. You can get a Hartke HA3500 amp and a Hartke 410XL used for around 400 total and probably less for a different cabinet. That can keep up with up with lots of bands. I have two of those cabinets and that amp and I can keep up with two REALLY loud guitar players and a heavy drummer. The amp is very versatile and can get a lots of different sounds.
 
#10
Vince Klortho said:
I would get some used stuff. You can get a Hartke HA3500 amp and a Hartke 410XL used for around 400 total and probably less for a different cabinet. That can keep up with up with lots of bands. I have two of those cabinets and that amp and I can keep up with two REALLY loud guitar players and a heavy drummer. The amp is very versatile and can get a lots of different sounds.
Click to expand...

The Hartke would be great...
 
#13
Ditto on the used Hartke. I've always tried to like Peavey, but they just sound low-fi and boxy to me. Fender makes a "decent" sounding combo, but your best bet might be to scope out used stuff either at stores or on Craigslist. Just be sure to take your time/ check them out and plug in and twist and turn every knob to be sure it all works. You'll know when it sounds like it's something you want or not.
 
#14
Vince Klortho said:
I would get some used stuff. You can get a Hartke HA3500 amp and a Hartke 410XL used for around 400 total and probably less for a different cabinet. That can keep up with up with lots of bands. I have two of those cabinets and that amp and I can keep up with two REALLY loud guitar players and a heavy drummer. The amp is very versatile and can get a lots of different sounds.
Click to expand...

I'd second this, and usually do. For the money the HA3500 is a total rock machine. It's worth mentioning you can often find the 410 combo version of this amp for between $300 and $400. The price of gear in the US truly astounds me sometimes.
 
#15
Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2 can be had for $399 right now. Just do it, and find a cab for it somewhere. You'll thank me later.

A good bet for the money (for cabinets) if you are buying new Carvin BRX10.2 Neo. $399 and handles 600 watts.

I know all this is about twice your stated budget. But think about it.... An ultra light 600 Watt Amp and a fairly light 600 watt cab thtat will sound better than most any combo out there and if you ever want for more in the future just add another 2 x 10" cab and your good to go. This should go a long way toward short circuiting the inevitable "cycle of upgrades" at least for a while.
 
#16
Thanks for all the thoughts very much appreciated. Tried an Ashdown mag 300 210 combo today. I loved the tone. Not quite as much oomf as I'd imagined. Hooked up a 15 cab to it and it really fattened things. That whole package is 850 though.
 

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