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Amplifier Replacement Advice

Replace or not to replace that is the question?

  • Total voters
    16
P

paulos

May 1, 2005
4
0
Telford Shropshire midlands
www.gran-torino.com
#1
Hiya

I'm thinking of replacing my 10 year old Trace Elliot GP7SM 15" Combo amp as I got a better clearer sound just going through a PA recently at a studio.

I'm a full time proffesional bass player that doesn't know too much about Amp's. I do alot of travelling including flying etc. but don't have any roadies so the amp would need to be as transportable as my current amp.

The problem is that I don't know where to start and I don't know if it's worth the money it might cost to replace my amp as it does the job fairly well and i've never had a problem with it?

Any advice from those of you in the know would be very much appreciated

P
 
#2
My $.02 - try some stuff out. If you're going for clarity, you're talking about Epifani, SWR, Eden, just to name a few.

I've never tried any of their amps (except the SWR Workingman's 4004), but if you're a minimalist then check out some DI boxes. No amp needed, just run straight to the PA. There's a lot to choose from in a lot of different price ranges and I can't really say that you're going to get what you pay for. You can usually find a good one for under $100.
 
#3
I'd expect a lot of the Pro's to chime in here.

However, knowing that you prefer a "clearer" sound as you did when going direct,

I'm going to recommend

A great portable DI - MANY people dig the Summit Audio TD-100

Though if you do not mind carrying a rack bag then I suggest the Avalon U5 - I owned one and it sounds great.

As for amps and cabs you can do a few things here

you can separate them - go for a QSC PLX2 power amp

and get a cab (go for the lighter stuff - Epifani seems to lead the pack in that department)

Or you can go for the power Bergantino stuff - specifically the IP112

ON the other hand - some may suggest a lightweight head like a MarkBass or Thunderfunk

I owned a T-funk and it is EXTREMELY portable.

IF I was in your position.

Id drop about $2000US on a Thunderfunk and an epifani UL115

Rack the T-funk in a soft bag and get a cart for the Epi.

And when you fly - just take the T-funk and make sure youve got cab backline when you get there.

Many will attest to the TFB550's swiss army knife abilities when you pair it with different cabs and place it in different rooms.

The DI ain't that bad on it either.
 

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