Amp/cab suggestions - punk, hardcore

Hard to go wrong with any of those.

And coming from an owner of both Barefaced and Mesa cabs...if you like the Mesa amp I'd strongly encourage you to check out the Mesa Subway 2x15 cab.

 

Probably 90% of every punk band I have seen, their bassist has the good old SVT with an 8x10. Then I have seen some Bassmans (Dirnt most noticeably) and a couple Orange. Never seen any punk or hardcore bassist using Mesa or Darkglass. I would be going Ampeg all day for that style. That SVT “grind” with an aggressive style of music like punk or hardcore is like peanut butter and jelly, it just works perfectly.

 

What amp(s) do you use now that don't seem to work? I've used all sorts of amps in my band and they've all managed to fit. I've also lost track of how many different kinds of amps I've seen other bassists playing in my local scene and in other cities when we tour. I think it is far more interactive in terms of what sound you like, what sorts of songs you play, what style you play with, and so on. Plus, as I'm sure you know, "punk" is not one genre in and of itself...you've already noted here that hardcore is one form of it.

So, yeah, I'd want to hear more about your current rig and what you don't like about it. Based on just looking at your suggestions, I'd say any of those amps would work, and a Barefaced cab could fit any situation or genre easily.

 

If you don't mind the weight, and can swing the initial cost, I'd look for a good condition Fender Super Bassman and 4x10 neo cab or two.

Next choice would be an SVT - and you might find some bargains here.

The amps you listed will all do the job okay, and they'll do funk very well. But if you really want a grinding punk rig, and if you want to be known as someone who has a punk rig, go big tube.

 

I'm a punk , hardcore guy .
Play a Jazz and model my sound to be similar to Hunter Burgan's ... from early AFI records ...
Or Joe Principe's sound... from early Rise Against records .

I found solitude in GKs neo 12 cabs
I play ampeg svt 2 pro , was playing with an ampeg 810.
The GKs can do punk & hardcore well , very balanced, warm and full sounding .
I was very happy to get rid of my heavy as F* 810.
The GK 412 is a featherweight compared to it.

 

I'm going to suggest something totally left field...

Go try a Marshall JCM800 Bass Series Head with an Avatar Neo 212. It's totally outside the box and the tone might surprise you...

 

Those JCMs are second in choice of Amps to an SVT for punk for sure. They have a fantastic dirty sound .
Its the Ace Of Spades

 

GK...all day...every day.
Rock on.

 

80s 800RB
2- Hartke 410
Neck pup

 

I play in a hardcore and use a DG M900 v.2 with two different 410 cabs. A lot of flexibility from total overdrive to clean and clear. Barefaced are pricey. I'd go with a RevSound cab or a Mesa Powerhouse or anything other than an SVT.

 

I'd totally recommend the WD800 out of those three. I have one that I bought recently and I'm in love. I've toured in punk/grind bands and mainly used an SVT-VR and 8x10 (AND a Darkglass B7K). Now I'm just using the Mesa. I wanted a little more with less weight, and the Mesa delivers.

Someday I'll own another SVT, but it'll be one from the '70s. The SVT is one of the greatest amps, I'm just not doing much musically. Aside from a few fests and a little tour or two, a lot of my gear is just sitting at home.

 

Old Peavey stuff is dirt cheap and punk as eff. I play (old) Mesa and (older) Peavey and dig them both.

 

Playing hardcore with a GK BL600 into 2 Acoustic 210’s with a Joyo American supplying the dirt. Don’t overthink it... get whatever gives you enough volume and a sound that works WITH YOUR BAND and play every note like it counts.

 

Example... I played Pauly’s Hotel in Albany, NY with this rig last night and my volume was barely at 10 o’clock. I brought a nuke to a knife fight.

 

I don't know where home is for you, @Skacoredan, but if you're anywhere near San Francisco, here's a classic punk rig at about the right price (no affiliation). I have this same head and a 1x15 Peavey cabinet, and it sounds right.

 

Lol that's perfect. For punk I'd imagine typical lead sled Peavey and the matching 2x15 widow cabs or 18" and 2x10 Peavey cabs.

ClassD ain't punk

 

There's a lot to be said for the staying power of Peavey within punk/hardcore. Jasmine from bay areas Torso (who are amazing) uses a Peavey. 8 gazillion HC bands use them and they are great sounding amps. When going back to bass I started using a Mark 4. It didn't work out with my Pawn Shop 4, but they're always a good option.

It all depends on what you want to sound like. Get what works best for you. Currently I use a Class D amp with two different 410s. It sounds massive. It works for me. Find what works for you.

 

I play punk/HC/Post-HC primarily, and some funk rock on the side.
Currently gig/use GK 1001RBii, 2 GK Neo212, or Barefaced 610 or Barefaced Super Twin. Cabs depend on venue access size etc.
I have had/used a Mesa D800+ with either of my Barefaced cabs. I have had a Darkglass M900 very briefly.
IMO:
Depending on the punk/HC tone you're seeking (old school '80's through mid-'90's or more modern zinginess post-late '90's) there are a ton of choices. While I have not heard the WD Mesa you cite, the D800+ has an incredible tone (which is not quite what I was seeking) and build quality which I would think would be in ANY Mesa product. The M900 Darkglass was returned within 48 hours, no matter the tone settings, it always sounded like there was a blanket over the cabs; dull and distant, sort of muffled. The M900 knobs are incredibly easy to bump/move and a sliding cable or accidental knock takes them off EQ settings.
The Barefaced ST sounded REALLY good with the D800+; 212s give a low end without mud, and highs are present without being brite as staring at the sun. Overall excellent. They can tighten very nicely for punch, and EQs can be set to loosen them up for more beefy lows.
While I prefer my 1001 coupled with my GK 212s, the 1001 works excellent with either Bf610 or ST.
...and one time I coupled the D800+ with BOTH the 610 and ST...fricken BIG sound/bam/*** was that...wow! LOL
Ok, so what am I saying?

IMO, more punk/HC versatility with Mesa and a ST than other amps you cited. I recommend ringing up Bf to check if a 610 would be more appropriate or not. Yes, they actually answer the phone and are one of only a couple of companies which provide impeccable customer service, whether local or international. Kudos to Brighton. ...and yes, get the custom cover; like a perfect glove.
-but-
I can get everything I prefer with GK1001RBii and 2 GK Neo 212s. Compression pedal optional. Even have gigged a GK MB212 combo with a GK MBP212 extension...SVT and 810 chuhhhh.
Good luck.

 

You want punk. Here ya go.