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Advice on picking boomy, warm combo?

#21
magikmarker said:
What a thoughtful set of suggestions!

I do think I need 200 watts or so from a combo, as I can't expend PA miking: in this case, size matters.

I'm wondering if there's some no-name or diamond in the rough that the insiders know about that does the ampeg/fender/mesa/etc warmth plus clarity at a better price and with good power. Used is even better!
Click to expand...

Please think of when you buy that bass amp/combo that's right for you, having a DI option on the amp is a nice, nice feature.
A.) If you ever need it, and even if you don't, you'll have it there already on the amp.
B.) No separate DI box to carry around, and consequently, risk loosing. (seen it happen more times that I can say)
C.) Even if you don't need the obvious volume potential that a DI unit in conjunction with a PA system can provide, even adding a touch of your signal in any mains/FOH system can help immesurably with bass signal presence. This isn't so much for your tone shaping on stage (you control that), but for what the audience actually does hear, which is not always what you think they will hear. Aka- a DI (and with the right soundperson) enables you to BETTER give the audience the sound you think they should hear, to a large degree.

And worst-case scenario, you could always at a DI box to your setup later if/as needed.
 
#23
P-Bass > Sansamp VT pedal > Markbass LMII > GK112-II

I have this setup and it sounds really full and warm with plenty of headroom to spare. And you could probably put it all into a Honda Civic with room to spare.
 
#24
I use a Trace Elliot 715x for small to medium gigs. In a bigger room I add a 1028H 2x10 cab. As is, it's 300w with the 2x10 it's 500+w and the sound is fantastic once you dial it in.

It has a nice foot-switch to activate compression etc.

The two guitarists use modded 100w Marshall 1/2 stack, and it keeps up fine.

I'm using a bigger rig now because I found my dream amp, but this works and sounds great, as well you can pick them up for a great deal.
 
#27
Cool discussion. Some suggestions here are terrific--re. DI, Mesa Walkabout, and more.

I fear that this discussion wants to push me to crossing the $750 price threshold. However, perhaps like some other readers, I must maintain (as a pre-emptive measure) said threshold to accomodate Wife Acceptance Factor.

"Look! Daddy has a new boutique bass amp, but oops the broke-down front porch hasn't been fixed in years...."

Call that a Father's Day prophecy.
 
#28
I just picked up an Ampeg B3158 used for slightly north of $200. It has both parametric and a 9-band graphic EQ, lots of tonal options, gets pretty thick for my ears. It's the one with both the 15" and the 8" driver, not too overly large, definitely "backseat-able"... Just another one to throw into the mix!
 
#30
Buy used, and buy a separate amp and cab. You get twice as much quality/power for your money, and it is easier to make a change to improve your rig or replace a dead component.

Also, combos are generally bigger, as a single package than separate modules, and combos are heavier to move, as a rule.

I carry a 3.75 lb 600 watt head in a light laptop case in my right hand, a 38 lbs UL210 Epifani s1 cabinet in my right, while wearing a dual bass Mono gig bag on my back. Single carry, baby!

Separate modules will fit way better in a small car. For ~$750, you should be able to find a good +300 watt head and a very good 210, used. Don't be cheap with the cabinet, but do buy used. Did I mention used gear is a better deal...LOL! :smug:
 
#31
I use an Ampeg BA115 for home practice, I have even used it at small gigs and went DI.
I also had a Fender 250wt 115 Bassman I got when they came out in 05'. I had many compliments on that amp as I also used this at some gigs instead of lugging a 410 cab and a Fender 300T MONSTER of a head. (I went to a Marbass LM3-Nice and Light).

Poking around at GC I tried an Acoustic B200. Wow what a great Classic Rock sound.

My opinion is either a FenderBassman or the Acoustic.
 
#32
Apologies for what may seem like a non-answer, but when I used a P-Bass, EVERYTHING sounded boomy when I rolled of the treble knob completely. Have you tried this? If that works for you, maybe you could get whatever amp/cab you wanted.
 
#34
+1111 for the Mesa Walkabout. I jave the 12"a nd NEVER need to add bottom. I play old fender P and J basses with flats and upright through it. A bit of money though.
Heard great things about the Ampeg B100 also. If my budget couldnt swing the Mesa, I would check that one out too.
 
#36
Keep the suggestions rolling in, please.

I tried the Mesa Walkabout (new at guitar central) and omigod was it sweeeet. Huge sound and precision plus sexy warmth plus sonic boom. And small. And that James Bond detachable amp head? Amazing.... Truly left the Trace Elliot, Ampeg combos, and GK combos in the dust. BUT...

BUT even used, they're about $900, and new, well that's way too much at this point.

I saw a Bassman 50 head on CL for $400ish, but worry about the low power for even smaller gigs.

Found an Ampeg b100r USED online for around $300 plus costly shipping. That might be the answer for now. UNLESS someone can recommend a great classic-style head with power (200w+) and warmth to spare for under $450, and recommend an excellent cab/speaker with 1 15" driver in $300 range. The 15" seems non-negotiable for us low-end theorists. Or have I been miseducated by what I hear in Pino's sound?
 
#37
magikmarker said:
Keep the suggestions rolling in, please.

I tried the Mesa Walkabout (new at guitar central) and omigod was it sweeeet. Huge sound and precision plus sexy warmth plus sonic boom. And small. And that James Bond detachable amp head? Amazing.... Truly left the Trace Elliot, Ampeg combos, and GK combos in the dust. BUT...

BUT even used, they're about $900, and new, well that's way too much at this point.

I saw a Bassman 50 head on CL for $400ish, but worry about the low power for even smaller gigs.

Found an Ampeg b100r USED online for around $300 plus costly shipping. That might be the answer for now. UNLESS someone can recommend a great classic-style head with power (200w+) and warmth to spare for under $450, and recommend an excellent cab/speaker with 1 15" driver in $300 range. The 15" seems non-negotiable for us low-end theorists. Or have I been miseducated by what I hear in Pino's sound?
Click to expand...

The notion that a 15" is inherently "warmer" or can "go lower" than a 10" or a 12" is an absolute myth. In fact, most 4x10" cabinets have lower extension than most 1x15" cabinets.

You'd be best served to just judge each cab with your ears, or the suggestion of those who have actual experience with each.
 
#38
Thanks for the demythologization. That's really helpful, as always.

Perhaps space-wise, the same small cab could hold 2 10" speakers and push the low end air wanted on a par with a strong 12" or 15" speaker.

Unfortunately in these days of internet used sales and GC store hegemony, those us who are very price-conscious often don't get to try everything out in person first. I know that's a big risk, but I guess this is why I read these forums obsessively and critically (especially since magazine reviews are useless since everything provided by advertisers gets a rave review).

I hope this thread may be useful to other hobbyists in same shoes: newbies looking for best classic-sounding (warm, fat, thick, sticky, stinky, but also clear, precise without being surgical or digital sounding) bass combos or very small rig... And all for under $750!

Basically I'm looking for something used and competitive sound-wise with Mesa walkabout combo (but more affordable). I suspect many of us are on this search.
 
#39
You can probably find an SWR 350 or 550 silver face amp head used for ~$300. That leaves enough to get a used cab of top quality. The 210, 410, and 2x12 are good, and there are others.

Look for Acme, SWR (pro series), Epifani, Bergantino, Aguilar, and Accugroove. There are also some nice cabs from Avatar. The 410 form factor is probably not your friend for your vehicle, IMHO. Mesa and GB have some great smaller cabs, too.
 
#40
To OP : maybe I'm a bit biased, but your tone needs say Ampeg BA115 to me. And if you want some extra thickness and grain, you may want to add a SansAmp VT Bass. I stand a loud guitarist + a loud drummer + keyboards player with this, though never cranking gain or volume over halfway.
 

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