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Bad GAS...new amp, or new cab?

T

tomcaza

Nov 2, 2008
11
0
Minnesota
#1
Hey guys, I can only read so much before I just gotta ask for some advice. I'm an intermediate-advanced player, but I'm stupid when it comes to equipment.

I'm on a budget (college student), so I'm currently running a GK backline 600 with a Avatar 210, which was a huge step up from my Ibanez 65W combo. I guess it's OK, but I'm going to be playing a small show coming up and I may need to upgrade to get a more pro sound. It would probably be sufficient but I've got money to spend, and a fuller bottom would be nice. We'll be playing classic rock tunes, mostly, but I love, love, variety. I'm considering dropping $400, maybe $500 on a new piece of equipment (the fiance doesn't know yet...).

I can either upgrade my amp, I was maybe thinking a Carvin BX500 (new for $400!!), or an old GK 800rb. Or I could add another cab, Dave from Avatar says a 212, but I've also been considering vert stack 2x210 (allegedly superior). It will be an Avatar just because the 210 is certainly quality, and I support good businesses.

So I seek the consult of you, trustworthy TB colleagues, to share what a quality setup might work for me. I've certainly been doing my research, but I have little "live gig" experience to decide what I should do.

Thanks for reading this long post. Help. please.

Peace and Love,
Tom

Oh yeah, I play a Schecter Stilleto Elite 4.
 
#3
There are several things to support here, Tom. One is the GK line--tried and true, a well earned rep for getting the job done. If you like what you're getting from the 600, you'll enjoy stepping up. The tone vocabulary you've developed will transfer readily to something like the 800. Second, Avatar is well regarded around here, and keeping your speaker array coming from a single DNA source makes good sense.

I'm inclined only to question the phrase "more pro sound." You've got good equipment IMO, so adding speakers will add volume and dispersion but won't add a bit to your ability to elicit a barrage of flattery from an otherwise stoic listener.

Do you really mean "more pro look"? I don't mean that in a negative way--we all want to look good and play good, both. It's just healthy to be able to separate the two.

It will be interesting to read others' input and see how you sort all this out!
 
#5
Lee Barker said:
Do you really mean "more pro look"? I don't mean that in a negative way--we all want to look good and play good, both. It's just healthy to be able to separate the two.

It will be interesting to read others' input and see how you sort all this out!
Click to expand...

Hmm...that might be the case. I guess I hear other people play, and I think "I gotta have a rig like that." The GK is pretty versatile for what its work.

I think you're right Ricken. I guess I just needed someone else to confirm. I think I'm having a hard time accepting getting two of the same cab. In every other aspect of life it doesn't make sense, but I guess it would probably work here. Then I'd have the option of a 410, or a vert stack 210 (they are 8ohms btw). And a new amp is no good unless I've got more power (though I'd be able to sell my old one)...

Thanks again for your help guys.
 

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