Amp Choices! Opinions needed

[Alexthephotoguy]

So apparently lots of bass players are either in desperate need of money, or upgrading all of their equipment. I am in need of an upgrade to start playing rock (nothing too heavy) in small to midsized venues. Looking on craigslist, I have been able to find the following - each combo for $400 or so- and would love to hear your input on what you would choose:

Option 1: Hartke 3500 amp and a Hartke XL 410 cab (aluminum cones)

Option 2: GK 700rbII amp and a GK 410 cab - this one is supposedly "road worn and missing 2 knobs" but "works perfectly and sounds great." Not sure of which model the cab is

Option 3: Peavey Firebass 700 and a Peavey 410 cabinet- 4ohm- both in good shape.

Option 4: There's also an Ampeg Br2 amp head out there for $225, but I'd have to find a 410 to go with it.

I'm choosing only 410s right now because I have access to a Peavey 15" cab from a friend if I need it for bigger gigs.

Thoughts? Hoping to test the GK tomorrow and the Peavey Friday. Also- anything specific to look for when I'm testing each?

Thanks guys!

 

[RickenBoogie]

Of those choices, I'd pick either #2 (depending on "how" road worn), or #3, which is a known quantity. But, you're definately on the right track, there's deals out there.

 

[Sten]

I think if the GK works, it could be the best. I do not recommend Hartke XL range cabs to anyone.

 

[Alexthephotoguy]

Thanks Guys! Anyone else?

 

[Lia_G]

I vote GK, again, depending on the amount of abuse.

Cheers,
Liam

 

[Jaco who?]

I vote GK, but you should say where you are so I can go snatch the Peavey.

 

[Hamrhed]

I use GK- so I say GK

You wont find a more dependable amp on the planet...

 

[KaizerWilhelm]

I say, GK. I've used my current rig for 4 years and it's never let me down.

 

[mattbass8]

+1 for the GK

 

[srxplayer]

I would narrow it down to the Peavey and GK. Play them both with your own bass/es and decide for yourself which one you like better. Both rigs should be solid performers and both have very good reliability records. The Peavey stuff however will be heavy.

 

[Grizzly700]

GK for sure if its in decent condition.

 

[mophead]

The B2R is an OK amp and pretty reliable but you might run into volume issues with a rock band.

 

[dmrogers]

I would narrow it down to the Peavey and GK. Play them both with your own bass/es and decide for yourself which one you like better. Both rigs should be solid performers and both have very good reliability records. The Peavey stuff however will be heavy.

The Peavey is heavy, however very dependable. I still play through mine and it sounds great. Although I use a 4x12 Peavey cab. I wouldn't hesitate to use mine anywhere, even without a backup.

If it has been taken care of, should be a good system.

Good Luck!

 

[lorenk]

i say GK too, the 700rb or 400rb is my next amp purchase...love the GK grind

 

[Kyon`]

I would say of the first three, try them each out? Is that possible. The ampeg br2 I liked a lot but it didn't cut it with a rock band for me, even with pa support at times.

 

[dog1]

Of course it's best to try them all out, but that doesn't always give you a good idea of how each set up will preform in a live situation. With that said, I would go with the Peavey.

 

[Alexthephotoguy]

Thanks guys. Played the GK and it sounded awesome. Might snatch it up because the Peavy guy's outta town for a little while.