Advice on buying ideal setup for individual practice

[morguloth]

I need help with picking out an amp/cab/combo.

I'm having trouble. On one hand, don't really have the opportunity to go try things at a store, so I need to try and figure things out to order online. On the other hand, most discussions and advice tend to be geared more towards playing in band, gigging etc.

I play 99% fingerstyle, no slap or tap and rarely pick. Jazz Bass ultra.

I have no intention of gigging or even practicing with a band. I play by myself, for myself and I'm trying to put together a setup that'll give me the 'best' tone- In my practice room. Most of the time I play with headphones on through my audio interface, but I just want to sound as good as possible when I feel like playing out loud and fully enjoying my hobby.

I play mostly Funk, Rock, Jazz, Blues. Main focus is definitely on the clean tone. Onboard distortion/effects of any sort are mostly irrelevant, but hey, I won’t kick some grit outta bed. Obviously, volume/power isn't an issue.

I figure the cab will likely have the biggest impact on the tone, rather than the amp, but perhaps not. My thinking was that given my circumstances, I'd want a single speaker(?) or perhaps a 2x10? I don't know. Weight is irrelevant as it won’t be moving anywhere.

Money/budget isn't really an issue within reason; not going to sell a kidney to buy some rare vintage tube filled with Lemmy's farts, but I'm lucky enough to be able to spend what I need to spend to get the best setup possible for my needs.

Thoughts?

 

[themickster]

Blackstar's strapline is 'The sound in your head'. Maybe that's the way to go.

 

[Nebadon2000]

There is a boatload of similar post on this forum and yes many give opinions based on 'You May' Gig
along with whatever they bought is the best.

So here is what I bought knowing I may never Gig again but I wanted best tone for my ears
Mesa WD 800 and Subway 1x15 Cab; not claiming the 'Best' but I am completely satisfied and have no 'What If's' or regrets and thoughts of 'Maybe something is better out there'.

From your post I can recommend considering Mesa, Bergantino, Aguilar, Genzler there are others but one of these should easily fit your needs.

Also Ashdown and a few others offer low powered Tube Amps if you feel that may be an option

Yes Cab is important but remember it's job is to reproduce what is sent to it; [from Bass/Strings, Amp head and personal EQ settings along with Room] but having great Cab does give you a better ability of hearing subtle difference of perimeters

 

[SamIAm_UK]

For a practice only rig I would suggest looking at the Phil Jones Bass Double Four.
Not the cheapest, but the tone is lovely!

S'manth x

 

[morguloth]

There is a boatload of similar post on this forum and yes many give opinions based on 'You May' Gig
along with whatever they bought is the best.

So here is what I bought knowing I may never Gig again but I wanted best tone for my ears
Mesa WD 800 and Subway 1x15 Cab; not claiming the 'Best' but I am completely satisfied and have no 'What If's' or regrets and thoughts of 'Maybe something is better out there'.

From your post I can recommend considering Mesa, Bergantino, Aguilar, Genzler there are others but one of these should easily fit your needs.

Also Ashdown and a few others offer low powered Tube Amps if you feel that may be an option

Yes Cab is important but remember it's job is to reproduce what is sent to it; [from Bass/Strings, Amp head and personal EQ settings along with Room] but having great Cab does give you a better ability of hearing subtle difference of perimeters

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, post isn't super original, but the specifics seemed to warrant it.

I'd love to try Mesa, but its not easily available here, same with Bergantino.

Aguilar is definitely at the top of my list; Tone Hammer 350 + Sl112 for example. Unsure whether a 2x10 or 1x15 will work best also. I wish I could try all this, but I have to go on theory.

 

[morguloth]

For a practice only rig I would suggest looking at the Phil Jones Bass Double Four.
Not the cheapest, but the tone is lovely!

S'manth x

Those Phil Jones things always intrigued me, but the unorthodox speakers always give me pause. I might just give it a try and take advantage of the returns policy if it doesn't work out.

Thanks

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

On a thread the other day a Tber in a similar situation decided on a Magellan + a new Genzler bass array cab, the kind with the (4) 3" speakers in front of a 10" or 12" woofer. I'm happy with my GK rigs but that really looked like a great setup - and he was basically trying to solve the same things you were.

 

[SamIAm_UK]

Those Phil Jones things always intrigued me, but the unorthodox speakers always give me pause. I might just give it a try and take advantage of the returns policy if it doesn't work out.

Thanks

Yes, the cones are so small ... but, they have advantages over larger cones.
I use a PJB C4 and I play a 5er!
Mr Jones shares his approach in this interesting youtube video ...

Returns Policy FTW! lol
S'manth x

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

On a thread the other day a Tber in a similar situation decided on a Magellan + a new Genzler bass array cab, the kind with the (4) 3" speakers in front of a 10" or 12" woofer. I'm happy with my GK rigs but that really looked like a great setup - and he was basically trying to solve the same things you were.

Well, correction, maybe not exactly your situation but still looks great.
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/new-rig-day-going-small-er-going-genzler.1633865/#post-28055631

 

[morguloth]

On a thread the other day a Tber in a similar situation decided on a Magellan + a new Genzler bass array cab, the kind with the (4) 3" speakers in front of a 10" or 12" woofer. I'm happy with my GK rigs but that really looked like a great setup - and he was basically trying to solve the same things you were.

Those look super cool but don't seem to be able to get one here. Thanks

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

Those look super cool but don't seem to be able to get one here. Thanks

Sure thing, good luck!
So much great gear out there.

 

[Bodeeni]

I have been using the PB X4 on my desk for the last year and really love the small format. I have other amps arounds so this is only a desktop rig. If I was only going with one I would definitely look at the next sizes up in the Phil Jones. The small format and big low volume sounds makes for a great practice amp. The small footprint is really practical. They can go any place and not be a big clunky feature in the house.

 

[morguloth]

I have been using the PB X4 on my desk for the last year and really love the small format. I have other amps arounds so this is only a desktop rig. If I was only going with one I would definitely look at the next sizes up in the Phil Jones. The small format and big low volume sounds makes for a great practice amp. The small footprint is really practical. They can go any place and not be a big clunky feature in the house.

Phil Jones gaining in the polls

 

[MCF]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, post isn't super original, but the specifics seemed to warrant it.

I'd love to try Mesa, but its not easily available here, same with Bergantino.

Aguilar is definitely at the top of my list; Tone Hammer 350 + Sl112 for example. Unsure whether a 2x10 or 1x15 will work best also. I wish I could try all this, but I have to go on theory.

It helps to say where you’re located. Mesa is reestablishing its European presence as supply chain issues are easing.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Although you have no current intentions of gigging or playing out, I might still suggest doing an amp + cab option instead of a combo. If your needs change, it will be easier to buy a larger cab vs a whole new rig.

As far as actual suggestions, you really can’t go wrong with any of the modern, major brands (Ampeg, Markbass, Mesa, Fender, Aguilar, etc.). Everything is built to last and sounds good.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Why not peruse the TB classifieds for inexpensive combo amps in your area? Do you have things like Craigslist or FB marketplace?

 

[morguloth]

It helps to say where you’re located. Mesa is reestablishing its European presence as supply chain issues are easing.

Ya sorry. Europe it is. Spain specifically.

 

[morguloth]

Why not peruse the TB classifieds for inexpensive combo amps in your area? Do you have things like Craigslist or FB marketplace?

I live in Spain, so unsure. I'll look.

 

[theduke1]

I use a Rumble 40 in my music room.
Duke

 

[Barticus]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, post isn't super original, but the specifics seemed to warrant it.

I'd love to try Mesa, but its not easily available here, same with Bergantino.

Aguilar is definitely at the top of my list; Tone Hammer 350 + Sl112 for example. Unsure whether a 2x10 or 1x15 will work best also. I wish I could try all this, but I have to go on theory.

Can’t go wrong with the SL112 and a Tone Hammer or Mesa head. Depending on where you are, some things will be easier to get access to than others. Consider GR Bass (from Italy) as well, great sounding cabs and heads. Consider a Warwick Gnome iPro, nice sounding little head with headphones and USB.