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Amp advice: Light, Powerful, Reliable!

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by crazyphil, Jul 28, 2003.

  1. Jul 28, 2003 #1
    crazyphil

    crazyphil

    Aug 12, 2002
    Hamilton, Bermuda
    Over the next 2 months our band will be purchasing several pieces of gear and I'm looking at some bass heads. Seeing as I don't know what size venues we'll be playing, I need a head with lots of headroom and I want something light. More importantly, however, is the issue of reliability. Living in Grand Cayman means that if something breaks down, repairs will not be possible without expensive shipping to the US.

    Also, I'd prefer solid state over tube (although a single-tube pre-amp is fine).

    My current considerations ar: GK 1001RB (good power, light, but reliability is a concern), Peavey FireBass 700 II (good power, reliable, but heavy as hell), and a Mesa Walkabout (lower power, light, expensive, more than 1 tube).

    Anyone have any other ideas?
     
  2. Jul 28, 2003 #2
    NeedMoreBass

    NeedMoreBass unregistered

    Feb 14, 2003
    GK 1001Rb is an excellent choice. Reliability would be a concern with the old model, but the new model just released last month is redesigned for reliability. :bassist:
     
  3. Jul 28, 2003 #3
    RicPlaya

    RicPlaya

    Apr 22, 2003
    The Mitten
    gk1001rb, reliable and they are everywhere so I don't see a problem with repairs if need be. Oh and they sound good too.
     
  4. Jul 29, 2003 #4
    Jerry J

    Jerry J Supporting Member

    Mar 27, 2000
    P-town, OR
    I typed a big reply on this and for some reason it was sent off to never-never land.

    So I'll be brief. EBS Fafner....I love mine. Lightweight and crazy loud into a 2 or 4 ohm load. I've been inside mine to change out the tube and it all looked very nice in there.
     
  5. Jul 30, 2003 #5
    Mcrelly

    Mcrelly

    Jun 16, 2003
    Minnesota, USA
    I've been gassing over the EA iamp800 800w into 4ohms, 19Lbs. some people like it better and eden and walter woods!!! :eek:

    I've heard some minor reliability problems...tuner loose.
     
  6. Jul 30, 2003 #6
    oddio

    oddio

    Jun 27, 2002
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    EBS Fafner! Lightweight, massive power and the most reliable head I've owned... and it will run cool all night driving a 2 ohm load.
     
  7. Jul 30, 2003 #7
    tombowlus

    tombowlus If it sounds good, it is good Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 3, 2003
    North central Ohio
    Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
    crazyphil:

    While I own an love the Mesa Boogie Walkabout, I do not think that it would satisfy your "lots of headroom" requirement. Yes, it is very loud for its rating of 300w into 4 ohm, but I wouldn't consider that lots of headroom. An M-Pulse 600 might be a better option. The iAMP 800 is also certainly worth consideration, as is a Walter Woods, if you can afford it.

    Do you play in the Seven Mile Beach area, or someplace less congested? We get down there every so many years. My Dad's former partner had a place at the Cayman Kai, which I really liked (before the hurricanes).

    Good luck, Tom.