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Amp+head vs Combo?

#61
MX5J6 said:
I really don't know if I want to just buy some cabs, spend a little more and build my own and have something special because I built it or spend a good amount of money and get something really good quality though I will probably be getting a Fernandes Tremor 5. So that will set me back another 1100. I just need to get a decent rig. Hmm. How good would the Headliners do vs say 4 Ohm cabs I'd make myself or something done by JHawk?
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Well think about it, and don't be rushed if you can help it. Is there a particular reason you're pretty keen on a Fernandes Tremor 5? The cost of that plus a custom built cab is a lot to bear in a short time - certainly relative to your initial budget.

My suggestion is to check out the new and used market - With you're time and expanded budget you should be able to get a great rig, head and cab, as well as a great bass able to give you any desired tone possible or very close to it. Try as many as you can, basses and rigs, and enjoy :D
 
#62
I have heard the Tremor 5 Deluxe and the sound amazes me. I haven't really heard anything like it in another bass. Plus the look is just what I'm looking for. As for the rig I just need something I can practice with and that I won't have to upgrade and spend more money on when I start playing gigs and such.
 
#63
MX5J6 said:
I have heard the Tremor 5 Deluxe and the sound amazes me. I haven't really heard anything like it in another bass. Plus the look is just what I'm looking for. As for the rig I just need something I can practice with and that I won't have to upgrade and spend more money on when I start playing gigs and such.
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If you can try one of the Tremor 5's and get on well with it, go for it. Likewise if you can order one new with a good return policy you should try that. The bass may sound like perfection, but you may not connect with it, and if you can get your money back if it doesn't work out, so much the better.
The best advice is to compare and contrast - play a few 5er's before playing the tremor - ideally around the same time. If you can take samples of how they feel and sound that may help you pick one.
If you have a satisfactory bass for the moment, I'd look at getting the rig first, while trying to preserve enough dosh to be in a pretty good position to get a bass that's awesome pretty soon after.

Now to get a rig you can play gigs with in a loud and very down tuned way, I don't know if there is a guaranteed single solution - But if you get a pretty powerful head that's flexible in tone, or a rack with separate pre and power amps, and a sensitive cab that can go loud and low, you should be off to a good start. I'd look at getting an 8ohm cab and a head that can handle 4 ohms - That way you can jump up to monster rig should one cab be enough.
 
#65
MX5J6 said:
Are there any cabs you'd recommend?
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Well there are supposedly a lot of good ones out there - I had a pretty decent budget myself and got myself one of these: http://barefacedbass.com/product-range/compact.htm

I think it's along the same lines as a Bassic:
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But I can't guarantee it. It (the compact)can go loud and deep, but it isn't going to do the doom metal kind of earthmoving bass violence. Sounds lovely though, but not in a hi-fi sparkly way.

Depending on budget after amp and bass (or for amp and bass) you can get a custom built 'half stack' option like I did, or get a full stack for around the same price (like a 412 or 215 ??) in an off the shelf model. Or go used and see what's out there etc. etc. I'm not all that experienced to be honest, I play with some people close to me but not close to gigging ATM - I think you had best let your ears make the final call. Good luck, and no matter what you choose, treat it well, play the hell out of it and try to keep the GAS monster at bay for a bit.
 
#66
I know which amp I want and the bass so that is just a matter of saving, but the cab is really difficult. i was looking into 2x10's because they are easy to carry, or going with a custom 12"/15". I really just need something easy to transport but that will give me some good growl and is loud enough to be heard over drums and guitars. So should I still sitck to custom cabs or are there mass prod. cabs that can give me that sound? I can go as high as like say 1K give or take a cab but would prefer to go around $500-$600 or under.
 
#67
MX5J6 said:
I know which amp I want and the bass so that is just a matter of saving, but the cab is really difficult. i was looking into 2x10's because they are easy to carry, or going with a custom 12"/15". I really just need something easy to transport but that will give me some good growl and is loud enough to be heard over drums and guitars. So should I still sitck to custom cabs or are there mass prod. cabs that can give me that sound? I can go as high as like say 1K give or take a cab but would prefer to go around $500-$600 or under.
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For 5 or 6 hundred bucks, new or used, you can probably get an awesome custom cab or off the shelf cab, but depending on how loud the guitars and drums are you may need to compromise. I'd look at getting the growl at the bass, effects or amp stage - not at the cab, as that way you can control the growl better without using loudness as some guitarists are wont to do. Try a few cabs, get an Idea of where you thing you should go.

I haven't tried them but apparently some of the GK and Hartke cabs are amazing for the money, as are things like fEARful and a lot of others, but the lighter and custom options, as you know, tend to cost a fair bit more. To get a great tone you probably needn't go to the extreme of high-end builds. Check around, as it's your ears that will be the judge:D.
 
#69
MX5J6 said:
Was looking into maybe the Markbass Traveler 102P and 151P. I am still considering though, fEARful cabs.
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Both very awesome with pretty heavy power handling. I was considering both before going for a barefaced cab. Both appear on the used market, but markbass is far more common. Both are pretty expensive but light and generally described as awesome.

As I understand it neither will add any growl or zing to a bass tone, but reproduce it pretty well and sound very good. This is probably a good thing :D. High end stuff with a good number of fans. I've never heard a fEARful cab in person but I've heard PA cabs so I have an idea of how they'll sound - which is: good sound in = good sound out. Every markbass rig I've heard sounded good, and were pretty loud - but I've no experience playing through one. If you can try a few you should be able to narrow it down. I got my cab with the option to return it. If finances allow, you might want to get a cab and head, see how it plays, and if you find it inadequate you can return it. This would need a band or single rehearsal to really figure what's needed I'd guess . . . that could limit when you can get and return the rig.
 
#70
+1 to going used and also I agree that on Guitar Center's used section of their website good deals can indeed be found from time to time. Especially on cabinets mainly because they don't want stuff sitting on their floor for a long time, basically out with the old in with "new" so sometimes they will mark stuff down just to get rid of it (but of course still make some sort of profit).
 
#71
klejst said:
+1 to going used and also I agree that on Guitar Center's used section of their website good deals can indeed be found from time to time. Especially on cabinets mainly because they don't want stuff sitting on their floor for a long time, basically out with the old in with "new" so sometimes they will mark stuff down just to get rid of it (but of course still make some sort of profit).
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And of course storing cabs takes up a lot of room. Including bass and guitar cabs & combos it's understandable if they don't want to keep a few hundred of each at every branch! :eek:
 
#72
Combo amps are nice and convenient, but I have rarely found any with enough wattage to do anything beyond low level practice. My Ampeg BA115HP runs a nice 220w and sounds pretty good on 9 for volume and gain, but barely peeks out with a drummer and guitar. There aren't many combos that have a lot more wattage that aren't going to cost you as much as a stack, so then whats the point?
 
#73
socialleper said:
Combo amps are nice and convenient, but I have rarely found any with enough wattage to do anything beyond low level practice. My Ampeg BA115HP runs a nice 220w and sounds pretty good on 9 for volume and gain, but barely peeks out with a drummer and guitar. There aren't many combos that have a lot more wattage that aren't going to cost you as much as a stack, so then whats the point?
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Aye, I always felt 410 or the like Combo's were rather silly - even 212 combo's are likely to be a fairly bulky affair - which is a big blow to the convenience!

Perfect for some though!:smug:
 
#74
Going to talk to someone today about their recommendations for custom cabs. Probably 1x15/12 or even a 2x15 and maybe a 1x12. Will see what they suggest. Does anyone have recommendations for which fEARful cab(s) I should go with for decent sound?
 
#75
MX5J6 said:
Going to talk to someone today about their recommendations for custom cabs. Probably 1x15/12 or even a 2x15 and maybe a 1x12. Will see what they suggest. Does anyone have recommendations for which fEARful cab(s) I should go with for decent sound?
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Cool stuff - They all have pretty insane output for the size and weight AFAIK.

I'd recommend a 15/6/1 or 15/6 if you want the fEARless cabs - or
a Bassic if you're looking at a fearless design.

My thought process is thus: You'll struggle with a dually or 1515/6 or other 'fridge' sized cab in the back of smaller cars, and the cost of a full size 215 fEARful or fearless is a fair bit more than a 115 design.

I'm suggesting 15's as they are apparently only slightly more expensive, but can get much louder than 12" driver designs - although the 112's and 212 designs are noticably smaller.

Comparison1.jpg


The person you're meeting (Assuming they can meet the greenboy level of build) will know a lot better than I.

As I understand it 'Decent sound' is not the half of it - they can pump out incredible sounds at ear shattering volume - with the right amplification.
 
#76
I was looking into the Bassic 1x15 and 1x12 however after seeing the fEARless f112 (wish I knew what a fEARless f115 ran) I am really considering spending a little more on those. We will see what happens though.
 
#77
MX5J6 said:
I was looking into the Bassic 1x15 and 1x12 however after seeing the fEARless f112 (wish I knew what a fEARless f115 ran) I am really considering spending a little more on those. We will see what happens though.
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Good thinking. An open mind should serve you well. I think the choice of cab line - fEARful, fEARless, or other custom will be largely dependent on tonal goals - if you only need the typical bass frequency range (old school tone) then the super lows and highs will be wasted (and the extra cost needless).
If you are drop tuning or looking for a Hi-Fi tone and/or maximum flexibility then the mid driver and horn/tweeter is essential to the design, as is the extreme low end capable woofer.

The specific hardware choices (type and size of drivers, and how many there are!, fittings, and finishes) will be up to budget, volume needs and what you think looks awesome!.

That's my notion of how it may go . . . you'll figure it out as you go! There are a lot of options, and it's easy to get obsessive over some of the details. Be honest with what's possible with your budget and your current and anticipated needs. Great thing about an 8ohm 15/6/1 or Bassic is you can double up should you need to vibrate roomfuls of people to the point of ridiculousness! :D :bassist: :D :bassist:

P.S. I may be getting carried away in my enthusiasm for excellence in tone - I shan't be pointing you in any specific direction. Most cabs rapidly decrease in value after purchase, and I would encourage anyone to try before you buy if at all possible as it truly is your ears making the final call!
There is a massive amount of info out there and no ready shortcut to the best fit, aside from trial and error, for the most part. Nothing will replace first hand testing at high SPL!
 
#78
Yeah I plan to drop tune so I will be sure to mention that and see where things go. My budget is flexible as long as I'm not spending like $1300+ per cab. Otherwise I can pretty much get what I am looking for. I also like how the cabs I am looking at are so light compared to mass produced cabs which are usually a good deal heavier and may not be the exact tone I am looking for without spending tons on even heavier cabs.
 
#79
MX5J6 said:
Yeah I plan to drop tune so I will be sure to mention that and see where things go. My budget is flexible as long as I'm not spending like $1300+ per cab. Otherwise I can pretty much get what I am looking for. I also like how the cabs I am looking at are so light compared to mass produced cabs which are usually a good deal heavier and may not be the exact tone I am looking for without spending tons on even heavier cabs.
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The weight and the idea of having a very balanced cab was what swung it for me to get a custom cab - barefaced don't give a lot of options, but the weight is sweet, and the cost is very attractive.

The wait will drive you silly, but if it's akin to a fEARful or a barefaced it'll be worth the wait or then some! Still beats the wait being zero (grab one from the shop floor) and the weight driving you silly up and down stairs for years to come! :mad:
 
#80
Ok so I need some suggestions, I figure I will have about $1900 to spend on (a) cab(s) and a head. I can pretty much (with shipping and taxes) buy an amp and cab(s) that are almost $1000 each. I think that is a pretty good budget considering i am going to spend around $1100 on a new bass.

So I can either get something like the fEARful 1212/6/1 and a $300-$400 head or I can go another rout and get a cheaper non-custom speaker like a good Markbass or aomething and a nicer head with moar powah.

So since i already have the option of the 1212 layed out in front of me i would like some suggestions for other cab/head combos i should look at. I need a cab under 70lbs and not too big dimension wise. So probably something like a nice 4x10 or something along those lines. 2 cabs or a single larger one, I don't really care. i just want the best for what I can get. New or used, i figure with almost a stack for cabs and a head i can afford to possibly go new on the head or cab or something.

Was considering something like the Genz Benz ShuttleMAX 9.2 and the Markbass Standard 4x10. If i go slightly over like $100-200 over i will be fine but no more than that. I would also prefer two 8 Ohm cabs, two 4 Ohm cabs (if the head can go to 2 Ohms obviously) or a single 4 Ohm cab.

So suggestions?
 

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