Amp/cab sound vs the cost

[Fuzzbass]

"The rig sounded fantastic". From what vantage point did it sound fantastic? Was there a PA System involved here? What signal path did the bass player have to the sound person?

I have made the same mistake of thinking a rig sounded really good when it was really the PA System and DI setup from the bass player.

Excellent point, and I'll take it a step further. "The rig" includes all points in the tone chain beginning with the bassist himself, to his strings, to his bass, to his onstage amp rig. And as you and others have correctly pointed out, if that bassist ran direct to the PA, then the OP might not have heard the onstage amp rig at all.

I own some boutique amp gear, but also own some Fender gear, and I am impressed with Fender: my Rumble combos and Rumble 800 head. Tone coloration is minimal with EQ set flat. Even if the OP was hearing nothing but the other bassist's stage rig, it might be "grass is greener" syndrome. But again, non-amp factors matter a lot: bassist, bass, strings, etc.

 

[Marko 1]

Im currently using Fender Rumble gear. Ive been pretty happy them, but that rig I heard the othet was superior in every way, including the price apparently.

I don't know what your present Rumble gear consists of,

but if your budget and needs are such that a rig similar to the one you saw was attractive,

I'd investigate further before dismissing the idea.

 

[groovepump]

Did the other bassist have a D.I. Before his amp going to front of house? Do y’all play the same bass? I only ask because I have gone down rabbit holes chasing a tone thinking it was one thing but it was another.

I was standing behind his rig, so I couldnt hear front of house. He was running a Bass Mods J. Im sure that didnt hurt, but it was more of the way the amp was loud & sounded clear etc that I was impressed with. I was checking it out after the show, and my impression was that the cabs at least were very solidly built. The bassist said that anytime he sees one of those cabs for sale, he buys it. Guess if I come across one I'll pick it up.[/QUOTE]

I , too, use a Bugera 210 cab. I love it. They sound better than many other "higher-end" cabs. They are no longer available, but I would definitely buy a used one if it is in good condition and hasn't been thrashed. These cabs are on the heavier side but built solid.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Avatar cabs meet your criteria for higher end tone, higher power handling and inexpensive prices.

I gigged with two, Avatar, 210, Neo cabinets stacked as a vertical 410 for nearly 15 years in a working band.

Their loaded with Eminence U.S.A 2510 Neo drivers, Foster/Fostex horns, Eminence x-overs.

Power handling is rated at 500 watts per cab with the 2510 drivers.

The Avatar cabinets were designed by Eminence for Avatar to be used with Eminence components.

I'd place Avatar's cabinet build quality on the same level as Ampeg.

Avatar is mail order only, no middleman, that's how they keep prices down compared to new, brand name, manufacturers cabinets.

avatarspeakers.com
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Love mine too! I have the neo 2x10s and used to own a used neo 2x12, but sold it for sake of space and it being in poor shape from the get-go. Mine were paired with GK heads, but they'll sound good with near any amp running through them. Mine had the Deltalite-II's in them though.