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Amp upgrade issues

R

Reckless

Jun 19, 2008
87
0
Michigan
#1
Hello TB'ers!

I've become interested in getting a small portable amp setup. At this point in my life I'm not doing anything that requires large rigs. I use a Ampeg B2R head fitted with a Ampeg SVT410HLF. Man that thing is a pain to move around. I tend to just jam with people so I'm looking for something that has a good amount of power, but still easy to carry by one person or one trip.

What I'm looking for in tone is something that is pretty flexible, but specifically jazz, funk, and some good ol' slap bass. I'm also looking towards an amp that would be great when used with a stand-up bass.

I've been reading, reading, and reading around on TB and many other sites about different amps. I've come down to 3 that have caught my attention:

Mesa boogie Walkabout Scout 12
Genz benz shuttle 6.0 12
Mark bass LMII

If there are any better options feel free to shoot them out. I'm not in a rush to go out and buy them right away. But once I have the cash I'm going to decide on a setup.Anyways it seems mesa boogie stuff is hard to find locally, but I've seen it pop up on TB. They all sound nice btw, but which would be a better choice?
 
#2
the best choice tone wise is the one you like the best.;)

these days there are a ton of small cabs that will get close to the volume of a 4x10 but not be so darned big. try a bunch and see what you like. i would advise against a combo amp as they are more unwieldy that seperates and they are not flexible. you're stuck with the whole package.

the only other input i would give is to pick a compact head with enough power so you won't find yourself wishing you got something else later on.
 
#5
daveo119,

I found the setup worked out for me when I played in a metal band. The SVT410HLF really gets a lot of low end, like a boomy kind of low. This worked perfectly since the band I played with tuned to drop A. Even though I hear talk that the Ampeg B2R doesn't have much headroom, I never had to turn the volume past 12'O clock playing with them. I guess maybe the cab made up for the amp.

As of now I really don't play in a metal band, or a performing band in fact. Yet this setup still works out for me, tone and power is good. The only catch is that the cab weighs like 120lbs (don't remember the exact weight). My friends refer to it as the washing machine when we move it around.
 

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