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Cabinet/Amp Head Help - Ampeg/MarkBass

#21
I started out with an SVT 3Pro and a pair of SWR 210s. Great sound. I moved "up" to an Ampeg 410/115 stack. Still sounded good but more annoying to schlep. Finally bought an Ampeg 810 and a tube amp and have not looked back. The 810 is easier to schlep and the same footprint as most any 410 (as mentioned). Sounds excellent - to me - at any volume. 500 seems a little steep for a backline cab though.

The 3pro bias drift is real but a relatively easy fix if you're qualified. If not then maybe you know an honest technician?

I haven't used Markbass gear.
 
#22
IMHO, those prices seem high. I would say that none of those are a bargain and you could probably find a better deal here in the classifieds or elsewhere. If the price isn't an issue for you then pick what you like. I will say that the Ampeg SVT3 and 4 pros are prone to problems. A poster above mentioned the SVT3 issue and the 4s had power amp failures.
 
#23
Eight 10" speakers are loud no matter how you achieve it. If you like the Ampeg tone more than the Markbass you can get the 810 and pick up a 410HE down the road if you need to use a smaller cab. It's literally half of the 810 with the addition of a horn. Alternatively, you could buy two of those as well. I'm a firm believer in the sealed design, but your needs could outweigh mine as far as how much low end you want to achieve.
 
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#24
I second the comment about the Ampeg SVT-3 PRO having a bias drift issue. Though not true for all of these amps, it occurs frequently. Two possible remedies are: 1) adjust the bias potentiometer (pot) for approximately 25 mV across every bias resistor, then apply nail polish to keep the pot wiper from moving; and 2) replace the bias pot with a ten turn pot so that any movement causes little change in the bias voltage. Replacing a pot is not for the unskilled, so you may want to take the amp to a repair shop and specify replacing the pot with a ten turn pot. If the repair shop states they are not aware of such a part, refer them to Digi-Key to purchase a TT Electronics 10K trimmer pot, part number 987-1589-ND. The amp will no longer be in original condition, so save the original pot should you choose to sell the amp and restoring it to original condition is desired.
 
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#25
Thumpin6string said:
IMHO, those prices seem high. I would say that none of those are a bargain and you could probably find a better deal here in the classifieds or elsewhere.
Click to expand...

these are great white north prices. Trying to negotiate with the sellers of course. Man, if I knew it was going to be this tough to find the “stars are aligned” gear config, I’ll just stick with my crappy 200w yorkville 1x15. And rent as required.
 
#26
waveboy1234 said:
these are great white north prices. Trying to negotiate with the sellers of course. Man, if I knew it was going to be this tough to find the “stars are aligned” gear config, I’ll just stick with my crappy 200w yorkville 1x15. And rent as required.
Click to expand...
Even if you are in Canada, check the TB classifieds and reverb. I hate seeing fellow TBers over paying for gear.
 
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#27
I would pass on anything from a rehearsal space. Hard to replace markbass speakers. Plus they are asking too much. I bought a used 104hf for $350 that was in like new condition. Is there nothing else used in your area.
 
#28
five7 said:
I would pass on anything from a rehearsal space. Hard to replace markbass speakers. Plus they are asking too much. I bought a used 104hf for $350 that was in like new condition. Is there nothing else used in your area.
Click to expand...

So I'm starting to come to a conclusion of:
Fishing the market more. Seeing what's available. Reverb, classifieds, etc.
Renting gear for a gig when required. This band is still relatively new and looking for gigs. Thinking this will give me an opportunity to test out different rigs for gigs too.

Thank you everyone for the feedback. Keep it coming.
Definitely going to do more research and see what the market is like in a few months.
 
#29
Based on my taste, I would recommend staying away from Mesa, but not the Subway series. I'm not a fan of their heads except WD800, but the Subway 1x15 is quite impressive. Their 10 and 12 Subway cabs are good, but not for the money, imo.

I don't like Markbass cabs, but I've never heard or played through their 4x10. Just their 2x10 and 12s.

In the end, I have a Markbass head which I play through GK cabs. I like that combo. If I added anything, it would likely be a TH500 head, or maybe a WD800 if I could find a good deal on one.
 
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