Bass amp recommendation for practice/rehearsal space

[BigDBass]

@DadBandJammer You know now roughly where I live . I have a Mesa D-800 head, Barefaced 2x12 cab, and an Eden 2x12 cab you are welcome to try out along with the Eden Metro combo we were PMing about. And a TCE 2x8 combo and a TCE 2x8 cab.

Honestly, based on my experience, I think a high powered head and 2x12 cab could be overkill for the rehearsal space you describe unless I'm missing something. Not to minimize the fun of a nice 800-watt head into a nice 4ohm 2x12

 

[kesslari]

What do you think of the Mesa D-800+? There's one of those with a matching Subway Ultra-Lite 1x12 cab near me for $1350. The 1x12 might be a little light (pun intended!) but probably good enough until I pony up for a 4x10 or a 2x12. Seems like a reasonable deal given what these go for new anyway. Hard to find anyone who has anything negative to say about the Mesa Subway line. I also see a few Reverb listings for just the head for $850ish. I could spend big on the head now, and find a cheaper local used cab.

Another one that looks interesting: Traynor Big Block BB115 combo. Again, more speakers/speaker area is ideal, but this has enough power for an extension cab. Very little discussion on these amps, although what is out there is positive. The old Traynor amps from back in Pete Traynor's day are famously rugged and reliable. I kind of like the idea of having something a little different.

That D800+ would rock your world and bassists will love you for it. A used 212 or 410 should be easy to find and affordable, especially if you’re not trying to go newest/lightest. If the speaker stays in your space weight is a non-issue. If you find yourself bringing it out you can replace it with a lighter can when you need to.

 

[Stranger Danger]

If you’re not moving it, I’d look for something old and heavy and loud as hell.

 

[DownUnder_Funk]

If you can find it, a 400RB/700RB with a 410RBH would be a killer rig.

 

[DadBandJammer]

28058172[/URL], member: 186302"]If you can find it, a 400RB/700RB with a 410RBH would be a killer rig.

Looks like there is a 700RB not too far from me on CL right now, asking $325. Listing says excellent condition, pictures seem to agree with that. It’s the original/mark I version, not the newer II series.

A few more possibilities have sprung up near me, any thoughts on these:

• SWR Working Pro 700 - $380
• Peavey Mark VI - $300
• Trace-Elliot AH600SMX - $600
• GK 1001RB - $500
• Peavey Max 115 combo - $225
• Acoustic B600HD with 2x10 and 1x15 cabs - $700

That Peavey combo might be a bit weak for my needs, but it’s cheap!

 

[BigDBass]

Trace-Elliot AH600SMX - $600

That one!

 

[StayLow]

That one!

Agreed. No question, *but* if cash is a concern then the SWR. The Peavey Mark VI could be a beast too.

I have a fair bit of experience with SWR, that Trace-Elliot, GK, and Peavey Mark IV and prior.

Acoustic B600HD with 2x10 and 1x15 cabs could be awesome for that price if the cabs are good. You can probably find some reviews. The modern era of Acoustic is (was?) an affordable (rubbish?) GC-exclusive brand (I believe), and that amp looks… not built to last.

Used, not particularly coveted, gear should go for 60% of new if it’s in excellent condition, so keep that in mind if looking at that Acoustic rig.

For the older stuff, see what it’s typically selling for on online marketplaces and offer to pay an average of that for comparable condition. Though that Trace head, if it’s clean and in excellent order, is worth a premium.

 

[DadBandJammer]

Thanks for the continued feedback, I appreciate it!

So the Trace Elliot is unlikely to happen - I realized it's actually too far of a drive.

So for cabs, an Ampeg SVT-810e just showed up in my local CL. I think that's complete overkill for my needs, but it sure looks like fun! I mean, I'll likely only drag it out once a year (for our block party), and otherwise it will live in the jam space.

So I'm thinking of the SWR or Peavey for the head to go with that cab.

If these deals fall through, I was looking over new gear. Compared to the used stuff mentioned here, how does the Hartke LH1000 head and HyDrive HD410 cab combo compare? Looks like this pair can be had for a little over $1100 new. Main complaint against the head seems to be the limited controls and Fender-style mid-scooped tone stack. Couldn't I put something like a GEB-7 in the effects loop and have something pretty flexible in terms of tone?

 

[StayLow]

People familiar with the Trace would probably drive extra far for it, but doesn’t mean you should. Maybe seller can meet you partway? Or negotiate a discount for the travel?

I’d otherwise get the SWR provided it has no red flags.

If Hartke, why not save money and get the 500w version? Still much more than loud enough.

Out of curiosity I read the LH manual. This type of EQ isn’t a problem if you’re used to it - which has a learning curve to it - but can be frustrating, counterintuitive, and even disappointing until then. If random people will be using it, as I think you indicated previously, this type of EQ may not be ideal. Flipside: simplicity of so few knobs is awesome.

The SWR’s features are convoluted by comparison, and can easily lead to trouble for your cab or mix if randos are getting too friendly with the enhancing and bass expanding. If it’s just you using the gear… go with whatever you prefer the look of.

If I were looking at new / small amps for rock, I’d be looking at GK Legacy.

Cabs: Ampeg 8x10 unless it’s way overpriced. There’s a limited market for such a huge, heavy cab, and you can work that to your advantage. Plus since it sounds like you might be in a loud situation, and having some speakers up high will help you be heard. And no matter what head you have, or EQ curve, this cab’s ideal for being present and punchy in any mix. It is *the* quintessential bass cab and always has been, for very good reasons, especially for rock.

 

[DadBandJammer]

If Hartke, why not save money and get the 500w version? Still much more than loud enough.

It's actually cheaper to get the HD410 and LH1000 combo deal. There is no HD410 and LH500 combo deal; there's either the 2x10 + 500w amp deal, or buy separates. The 2x10 + 500w combo is of course the cheapest; but buying HD410 and LH500 as separates is more expensive than getting the 1000w combo deal.

Anyway - that's all moot now! I bought the SWR WP700 and Ampeg 8x10 yesterday. Volume definitely won't be a problem! It sounds great to my ears. I agree, the tone controls on the WP700 are a bit counter-intuitive. But I think most people will only use the gain and volume knobs anyway. I'm not worried about it.

Thanks again everyone for the help and feedback! I'm quite sure this rig will be more than sufficient for many years to come!

 

[StayLow]

Brilliant. Have fun and rock the new year!