I am aiming for a pop punk tone (Ex. Mark Hoppus, Kenny Vasoli, etc. Looking more to "hear" the bass, rather than "feel" it.) and currently use a GK Backline 600 through a 15" GK cab that I got a steal of a deal on, but it isn't quite cutting it... Possibly a pedal or compressor would help? I'm using a Fender precision bass with seymour duncans, strum with a pick, and play in between the pickup and the neck. I've researched around and everyone says in order to get the tone I want, I need to run a SVT Classic through a 810 cab. The only problem with this is although I may gig in the future, I am mainly a bedroom/living room player and think a 810 might be super overkill for the house. Is there any way to get the same tone out of a smaller ampeg cab such as their 410HE or does the size of the 810 have quite a bit to do with that tone? Thanks for all the input!
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Ampeg Cab Question
- Thread starter Thing1
- Start date
The 410HE is pretty much half of the 810e - but it includes a defeat-able horn - so yes, the tone is close.
At a reasonable volume an Ampeg Micro VR head and one or two of the SVT210AV cabs sounds pretty close to its bigger brother 
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The footprint of the 410HE is 24" W X 16" D, the 810E is 26" W X 16"D, not much different. Of course the 810E is taller. Both are a lot of cab for a living or bed room. To get the most out of them you need to turn up the volume. A cabinet with 10's or 12's is more manageable.
You need to audition some amps and cabs to see what works best for you. Rather than an SVT, consider a V4B. At 100W it is still a very powerful amp but similar to an SVT. If you want solid state, check out the Ampeg PF series heads.
You need to audition some amps and cabs to see what works best for you. Rather than an SVT, consider a V4B. At 100W it is still a very powerful amp but similar to an SVT. If you want solid state, check out the Ampeg PF series heads.
I disagree with these 410 recommendations but as I am in the minority here I must be wrong. I also feel like most people here have focused on the wrong part of your post. You said you want to be heard more than felt. Its my experience with a lot of 410's there are way more lows. IDK how your GK cab sounds but my Ampeg 115 has more punch and stands out more than any of the 410's I've tried. I do agree that you should test out cabs at a store before committing but I'm not positive that the 410 is the way to go. You might just need the right 15.
Again, I'm in the minority here so feel free to disregard. It seems like because you mentioned an 810 everyone automatically says 410.
Again, I'm in the minority here so feel free to disregard. It seems like because you mentioned an 810 everyone automatically says 410.
Not every 410, 810, 115, 1245, 615, 308, or what ever design is created equal. The majority of the "ampeg" sound is found in the sealed 810. He doesnt need that much volume, or want to haul that much cab. In both cases, the 810e, and the 410he, are not huge down low. They are more low mid, and mid range oriented.
I dont particularly like either of those cabs, but for what the OP wants, they are probably his best bet.
Work your picking position, tone knob on the bass, and tone knobs on the amp.
Try a different type of strings.
If that stuff doesn't get you what you want, then think about more expensive stuff.
+1 to the 410he. Maybe a 210AV if you really don't need to be very loud.
Try a different type of strings.
If that stuff doesn't get you what you want, then think about more expensive stuff.
+1 to the 410he. Maybe a 210AV if you really don't need to be very loud.
... if that GK 15 is a Backline 15 (BLX), you could/will be chasing your tail ... tough to work with if discernable tones are your quest (maybe that is why you 'stole' it 
) .. I like GK's through sealed cabs (10's), and not a thing wrong with your BL600 (IMHO) ... maybe take your head to your local music store and just start trying ... you dont need to buy anything, you are on an information mission ... see what you like and dont, and then realize you are playing alone, and you may need to change it slightly to accomplish the same thing if/when you get into a band setting ... that is where plucking position, strings, etc will really come into play for 'fine tuning' as will33 mentions ... but at least you know you are starting with a gear package that can get you 'in the ballpark' of what you are after ... JMHO
... Those 210AV's are worth a look, especially if you see most of your time spent in a bedroom .. you can always add a second if/when you move to playing out more regularly ...
) .. I like GK's through sealed cabs (10's), and not a thing wrong with your BL600 (IMHO) ... maybe take your head to your local music store and just start trying ... you dont need to buy anything, you are on an information mission ... see what you like and dont, and then realize you are playing alone, and you may need to change it slightly to accomplish the same thing if/when you get into a band setting ... that is where plucking position, strings, etc will really come into play for 'fine tuning' as will33 mentions ... but at least you know you are starting with a gear package that can get you 'in the ballpark' of what you are after ... JMHO... Those 210AV's are worth a look, especially if you see most of your time spent in a bedroom .. you can always add a second if/when you move to playing out more regularly ...
