• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Amp Advice- At my wits end. Help?

Frankenwill

Frankenwill

May 6, 2011
79
0
Sugar Hill, Georgia
www.facebook.com
#1
Quick rundown of what has gotten me to where I currently am. I recently purchased an Orange TB500 along with an Orange SP410 isobaric cab. I used the sp410 for gigs as it was wonderful to haul. I got an Ampeg 8x10 for the rehearsal space as it is really large and open, and the Sp410 wasn't cutting it for me at rehearsal. This rig is great, and has a great tone, but is not the tone I am after. I originally thought a little grit to my sound we be a good thing, but have realized it doesn't fit. At this point I am realizing I want to get a rig that is very clean, but has SOME warmth to it (doesn't sound processed). Some mild vintage tone would be nice but clean vs. dirt all day long. Also, I have had issues with my Orange breaking up at louder volumes and farting out on me. This drives me insane and is something I want to alleviate in my search for a new rig. I have tried a few amps and cabs but have yet to pull the trigger, and any input would be extremely appreciated (I'm beginning to get flustered with the never-ending gear hunt).


Now for things I have considered:
I have looked into the Mesa M6/M9 Carbine, Genz Benz, TC electronics, Aguilar(although the high end that I really wanted is slightly out of my price range), and have even considered just going with a nice pre-amp and power amp set up.

As far as cabs go I have narrowed it down a bit further: As far as cabs at the music store, I love the bergatino cabs. The 4x10 seemed clear, responsive and didn't seem like it would fart out on me, but I always hate blasting amps in the music store. I also am meeting with a local musician in the Atlanta area that currently has a few FEARful cabs for me to try out to see if I want to go this route. I just worry about DIY projects as I have a bad habit of getting in over my head, but I suppose I could have one built. Also, I would love to just have one cab that is somewhat easy to haul to gigs but will also suffice at practice.

Overall, I would love to get out of this spending roughly <$1500 for the amp, and <$1000 for the cab, but those figures have a bit of wiggle room as I plan on selling my current rig. I need loud, clean, warm tones (if that makes sense). My 1980 Rickenbacker 4003 deserves the best amp to go along with it! Thanks TB!
 
#2
I recommend the M9 Carbine or GB shuttle 9.0. Clean, but rich, not sterile, oceans of power, great EQ sections&#8212;power to spare.

It is hard to go wrong with a Bergantino 410, but the Epifani UL410 is also great, IMHO.

I use a 4 ohm Epifani 410 cabinet, and with a 2 ohm capable head (like the M9). I can add an 8 ohm Epifani UL210 to the 410 (exact same drivers in both), and run 610s off the the M9 without it even trying. :eek:
 
#4
Good advice so far, keep em coming. Joey: For some strange reason I have a general distate for GK. I had a lower end GK that I had to put up with for a few years, and despite the fact that I know their higher-end gear is good, I can't get myself to give them a chance (silly, I know). At this point I guess I am leaning a bit towards the Mesa M6/9 + either a bergatino or Epifani 410. Unless I go fEARful in which case I will probably go with a pre+power setup (or maybe the M9).
 
#6
I recommend a MarkBass TTE-500 randy Jackson head. I picked one up Tuesday and I am completely blown away. All the feel, sound, and looks of a old school tube amp. But with some modern features thrown in. And only weighing like 13lbs is a plus too. As far as cabs go, Id go with the MarkBass 104HR, or the Ampeg SVT410hlf (I have a 610 on the way that I'm absolutely psyched about) well. There's my 2 cents
 
#8
Frankenwill said:
I've looked into markbass as well. I will give them a shot next go around at the music store as well. Anyone out there want to throw in their two cents worth on Pre+power amp vs a single unit?
Click to expand...

I do. Especially if you're going fearful, but applies to any cab, it can be the ultimate in clean headroom. Crown XLS series amps are all under 12 lbs, 2 rack spaces, and not too hard on the wallet. Then you have choices between several preamps or channel strips.

Check out the Avalon vt737, the eq may be too subtle for you or the compressor may be a touch slower than you like. I personally really like the eq, and found that there is a mod for the compressor. Very clean, very warm.
Also out there is the LA610 from Universal Audio... Smaller price, but shares the clean warmth of the Avalon, and I like the compressor better. If you go channel strip, go tube and don't skimp, you can really hear the difference in the low quality ones.
Sansamp RBI/RPM... Different sounds from each, both very good rackmount units.
BDDI, can make several good tones, one of them being slightly SVT-esque. Don't let the lack of a mid control scare you away, if you cut both bass and treble it results in a mid bump.
WTDI from Eden, Haven't gotten to use one myself but hear good things about it. Has a compressor.
Sadowsky Pre... Same thing, no compressor. Same circuitry that's in an onboard Sadowsky pre, or pretty close.
SVP-CL, SVP-Pro, discontinued SVT preamps. Part of the standard SVT grind is the power tubes, and you don't have that with these, which can be a good thing, if you're looking to go clean.

I miss anything?

EDIT: I just saw your budget up there when I reread... 15/6/1 can be under $500 with the kit, and you can scale how much you do depending on your skills. There's a precut kit, a kit of just the drivers, drivers and hardware... Or have the entire thing built for you. Check out [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] to find an authorized builder for pricing if you like. Kits are at http://www.speakerhardware.com/ under fearful kits. XLS1000 is $300, bridges into 700w at 8ohms.

If you can get both of those in the $1k range then you're still in budget for the LA610 which is really a nice unit, and it sounds like it might be right up your alley. GC tends to stock them if you want to demo it. I'd suggest getting familiar with semi-parametric eqing before you do, as it's not a bass specific item, and you'll have to set your eq points with it.
 
#10
Great info there Jim. I'll repost after I've tried the fEARful and then I will have a better idea of what route I should be going. At this point I'm pretty much thinking fEARful + pre/power or Mesa+ Bergatino/Epifani.

Paul- Yah, I understand the limitations of the isobaric. I've definitely pushed it to its limits and I know I expected too much out of it. You live and learn, and then you go fEARful.....is that the saying? :D
 
#12
I missed the MXR M80... Another pedal preamp. I found it to be cleaner than the BDDI, but also less musical. Definitely another one to audition if ya choose to go that route.

Neat part about the pedal preamps... They're all in the $200 range. Means you can have more than one of them, to suit what mood you're in :p
 
#14
Quick Update bump. I went out to try out a fEARful cab that a local dude allowed me to come play through. I was extremely impressed with the overall amount of sound such a tiny cab was able to put out. I also liked the way the cabinet didn't color my tone much, and the high clarity it had at loud volumes. That being said, I realized that I may want to shy away from going fEARful as I am really not handy in general. I think I would be better suited to buy a cabinet from a company that I can contact in case I have any troubles, and probably through a store that I can contact for similar reasons. So I now have it narrowed down to the following:

Head: Epifani UL501, Mesa M9 Carbine, Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0
Cabinet: Bergatino HD410, Epifani UL3-410

Any advice as to narrowing this down or opinions for or against any combos would be appreciated. I know I am probably overthinking this, as any of these combos would be great, but I am a student and a full time musician. I don't mind spending a good amount in order to get the best, but I want to be POSITIVE that I will be happy with what I get before I pull the trigger. I have played the Mesa M9, and the Genz shuttle 9, as well as the bergatino hd410 cab, but all at different locations. I am not able to find a music shop locally that carries Epifani, but have heard wonderful things. I simply want loud, clean, and high clarity. Any insight, as always, is extremely appreciated!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back