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$500 lightweight cab?

#21
pisces_bass said:
I'm researching "modern" lightweight cabinets and have a $500 budget. This will be to pair with an existing Bag End S15D 8ohm cab and powered by a Quilter BB800. I am slowly updating my setup from 20+ years ago and it's a whole new world of bass gear! I have no complaints about the Bag End; it still delivers what I'm looking for in a 15. This second cab will be a modular addition for playing outdoors or when I want to leave a cab somewhere and have a second at home.

I'm a hobby player with regular low-stakes gigs playing Americana with a band. We don't have a drummer so I'm in charge of tempo, feel, thump, etc. I play a 4 string passive j-style bass.

From reading threads here and looking over sites like Reverb, it looks like my budget limits me to something like a Trace Elliot Elf 2x8 or shopping the used market for a 2x10, 1x12 or 1x15 from the likes of Aguilar, Berg, Epifani, Genz Benz/Genzler. Seems like the Mesa subway stuff will be out of my budget.

My buddy has an Audiokinesis 1x12 that I got to play on for a larger gig doing rock covers with a drummer and full band and it blew me away for such a small cab. But that realm . . .super cabs. . . will likely be overkill for my needs as well as out of my budget.

All you modern gear folks . . .am I on the right track? What other options should I consider?
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You might want to consider getting a second Bag End S15D. Two of those bad boys in tandem sound quite good, IMHO. Use one for quieter gigs ... two for louder gigs.
 
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#23
pisces_bass said:
This thread has been a good education and exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks to the community for your input.

After reading up on the options and sleeping on it . . . I'm leaning towards finding another Bag End 15 and using the extra $$ for a decent preamp/DI pedal. I'm GASing for a Tone Hammer or TE Transit B to fill out my sound and tweak to the room.
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Lots of cool stuff available for all things 'bass' these days! Since you're about to go down the rabbit hole of preamp/DI boxes, take a look at the GK Plex and Ampeg SCR-DI while you're at it. The Transit-B and TH both sound good, also. Just depends what sound you want and features you like.
 
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#25
pisces_bass said:
This thread has been a good education and exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks to the community for your input.

After reading up on the options and sleeping on it . . . I'm leaning towards finding another Bag End 15 and using the extra $$ for a decent preamp/DI pedal. I'm GASing for a Tone Hammer or TE Transit B to fill out my sound and tweak to the room.
Click to expand...

Probably what I would do. You can get a single cab to do whatever you need but if you like the Bag End a stack of two should cover every thing. Those are some really great cabs. A great sound is great sound regardless of whether it the latest and greatest thing. Are there other amazing bass things out there? Yes, lots. Will they make you happier than the Bag End you already like? Maybe, maybe not. Will a 2X15" Bag End stack kick a$$? Hells to the yes!
 
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#27
i love my Schroeders, new 12PL weighs 28 lbs, and has a SPL of 102 DB. But to find newer model Neo Schroeders, $500 probably ain't gonna get two of anything.

DSC00756.JPG


Top is a 12PL, bottom is a 12-12L (dual 12", one is corner slot loaded.)
A super loud rig, light weight, small foot print, and can carry one cab in each hand and get onto a stage.
BTW, the amp is a Genzler MG800.
 
#31
Kipp Harrington said:
Nothing wrong with a Rumble 115 (or 210). I think these cabs get slighted by many because of their affordability... and for your purpose(s), I would at least give them a look.
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Seriously. You can get TWO Rumble 1x15 or 2x10 cabs for $500 used all day. Heck, two brand new 1x15 cabs is only $600. There is a reason they are so popular. Its a quality line from the biggest name in musical instruments at an unbeatable price.
 
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#34
Whatever happened to the GK MBE gen 1 cabs that used the neo drivers? Good grief wished I had gotten another one or two of those. I have a 4 ohm 212 and it weighs less than 40lbs. Best standalone ever.
 
#36
I am a firm believer in “you get what you pay for”. But also want to prioritize my spending to maximize bang for buck. So how is it Fender Rumble cabinets cost 1/2 of the premium options? Are they assembled overseas with lesser components? Or do they sell so many it’s a matter of scale?
 
#37
pisces_bass said:
I am a firm believer in “you get what you pay for”. But also want to prioritize my spending to maximize bang for buck. So how is it Fender Rumble cabinets cost 1/2 of the premium options? Are they assembled overseas with lesser components? Or do they sell so many it’s a matter of scale?
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The Rumble line is the most popular line of bass amps/cabs in the world because they are solid, reliable, lightweight and inexpensive. Look at all the online user reviews of their cabs for yourself and play them if you have a chance. Yes, they are made in Asia, where most everything else is made these days. If you want a higher end cab with upgrades, that would be their Neo series of cabs, which are still pretty lightweight. Those are made in Mexico.
 
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