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Amps for different genres?

#22
da axeman said:
I use a pick, and my teacher taught me to play hard to the point of nearly breaking the strings, so volume isn't an issue :smug:
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That's just plain goofy, man! :rolleyes:

For one thing, it's a very good way to develop chronic repetitive stress injuries in your hands and wrists. For another, as Jamiebass mentioned, it's a great recipe for choking your tone. If you want lots of volume, invest in a quality big rig with a high-wattage amp and/or high-efficiency cabs. Lower the action on your instrument, learn to play with a light touch - then crank the volume! :bassist:

The idea is to get your gear to do the hard work - because that's what it's there for.

I'm not here to knock anyone's favorite genre...but there seems to be this sort of macho/masochistic thing going on in metal that is really self-destructive. Some of the metalheads have got the absolute worst technique - then they wonder why they get cramps & shooting pains in their hands, and why they can't squeeze out any more volume from their instruments - no matter how much they abuse the strings...:rollno:

MM
 
#26
da axeman said:
Do different brands of amps sound better for different genres of music or can can you get any amp to sound the way you want it for any type of music :confused: :confused:

If it does depend on the brand of amp can I get some advice on amps for metal (all types of metal)

Thanks in advance for any comments.
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Man that question is so loaded you may have a megathread soon....

anyway my two cents: From a speaker cabinet standpoint its somewhat true that your band, or moreover the volume level of your band may necessitate more or larger speakers. A 115 combo isnt gonna work for a thrash metal band, and there's no need for an 810 in a jazz trio.... but this goes mostly without saying...

As far as amplifiers go, I'm of the mind that a really high quality amplifier, or good separates will serve you well in any kind of act.
 
#27
da axeman said:
did I mention I am looking for a stack/cab not a solid state amp(unless it is awesome :) )
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Hey man, I think you have a confussion (IMHO). Solid state has nothing to do with the amp configuration. There are all kinds of amps nowadays. Let's say you could have a preamp into a solid state amp, or into a valve amp, into a cab. There are also heads that combine these things.

On my own experience, I think you'll be safe with Ampeg, and then you could search for more info about amps and look another direction if you want. But that's just my opinion.

And people, please, be calmed, you don't need to yield at him because of the technique issue, he's over here with a question, not a complain.
 
#28
I'm in an originals & cover band so I need some different sounds. I got the Line 6 BassPODXTLive.
Line6.jpg


It's got a reasonable SVT clone built in that I use a LOT
(I had one for 15 years ok...1970's ~ 1980's)
OleManRivers1980s3.jpg


and many other amps that "come close". The SVT will do many things for sure but there are some it can't. It will do "metal" and rock quite well.

Jest my 2 cents if you don't want to pay the Ampeg price...AND you want flexibility with a built-in tuner.
 
#32
da axeman said:
Most people saying Ampeg, how does it compare price wise to other brands?
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Hi Axeman,

Sorry to bring up the topic again, but what guage picks are you using? I used to do heavy downstrokes, but I switched to 0.60mm Nylon picks and now I do down up down up down up strokes, so much easier, sounds so much better! Give it a go. :)

Ampeg are fairly expensive here in Australia, the combo's are a decent price, and the new range coming out look nice and loud. That is if you can find one in NZ or AU, I only know of one Aussie store that stock Ampeg. I'm sure there are more though. How will this amp be used? In a band situation, or as a practice amp?
 
#33
ROON said:
Hi Axeman,

Sorry to bring up the topic again, but what guage picks are you using? I used to do heavy downstrokes, but I switched to 0.60mm Nylon picks and now I do down up down up down up strokes, so much easier, sounds so much better! Give it a go. :)

Ampeg are fairly expensive here in Australia, the combo's are a decent price, and the new range coming out look nice and loud. That is if you can find one in NZ or AU, I only know of one Aussie store that stock Ampeg. I'm sure there are more though. How will this amp be used? In a band situation, or as a practice amp?
Click to expand...

I use .73 mm guage picks and use down/down up strokes depending on speed. I am looking for an amp to be used in a band situation
 
#37
the mesa 400+ is probably what you are looking for, for a perfect metal tone

and the playing really hard guy.. how hard you play doesnt effect how loud you are anyways, you can make yourself quieter by playing lightly, but there is no difference difference between beating your strings and playing a little agressively
trust me, try it out
and if its that metallic sound you want, get it from your amp and bass
 
#39
Axeman, thats freakin awsome that your bass teacher used to play for 8 foot sativa, awsome metal band and he has a sweet tone. I think a pick does give a good metal tone, i may start doing so as my swr sucks for metal.
 

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