Cheapest Path to Pro Level Gear?

[Felix1776]

Via the search function, I've seen that what constitutes "pro level gear" has been discussed quite a bit. Seems pretty subjective to me. I have been searching for a band or project to join and I've seen quite a few ads that mention that "pro gear" is a must. I'm also about to start working with a cover band. I feel like I have decent gear for some situations but I don't think I can say in good faith that I have pro gear. My gear consists of MIM P bass and active Jazz V basses and an Ampeg BA210V2 combo. I'm worried that my amp may limit me in terms of power. I've been curious about the quickest, cheapest route to step up to pro gear. Based on my own research, it seems I could go the route of a Hartke LH1000 and a hydrive 410 for around $700-$750 used. That seems like a lot of reliable power and decent tone for the money. Anybody found themselves in this situation? What did you do? Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[Rmackner]

I'd say any bass thats made from solid wood and at least a 115 or 410 cab with a 300W+ head.

 

[iualum]

Via the search function, I've seen that what constitutes "pro level gear" has been discussed quite a bit. Seems pretty subjective to me. I have been searching for a band or project to join and I've seen quite a few ads that mention that "pro gear" is a must. I'm also about to start working with a cover band. I feel like I have decent gear for some situations but I don't think I can say in good faith that I have pro gear. My gear consists of MIM P bass and active Jazz V basses and an Ampeg BA210V2 combo. I'm worried that my amp may limit me in terms of power. I've been curious about the quickest, cheapest route to step up to pro gear. Based on my own research, it seems I could go the route of a Hartke LH1000 and a hydrive 410 for around $700-$750 used. That seems like a lot of reliable power and decent tone for the money. Anybody found themselves in this situation? What did you do? Any feedback is appreciated.

Although not my absolute 1st choice, personally, the Hartke gear you mention is 100%, A.O.K. fine . And the P & J are no worries in the least, of course.

Nice little demo vid (your amp's just more powerful) …

 

[MoeTown1986]

Your basses are fine. Check craigslist for a used head/cab for cheap.

 

[Crater]

I'll second the suggestion for a 4x10 cab and at least a 300 watt amp head. When I was in this situation, I got an Ampeg PF-500 and a 4-ohm G-K MBE cab, both bought new, and still near your stated price point.

 

[BaileyMan]

I second that your basses are fine. I have two MIM Fenders that are both great. For gear, go used...go to some stores, bring a bass and play through some amps, figure out what you like and look for it used. I bought a used Ampeg PF-500 with 4x10 and 1x15 in practically new condition for $600.

 

[KramerDon]

Depending on what style music and venues you may be okay with your combo using the line out.I'd wait till you find your group/project,letting them know you're ready to upgrade if needed.The more you know the more it may help you focus on what you'll need power and size-wise

 

[Rmackner]

Depending on what style music and venues you may be okay with your combo using the line out.I'd wait till you find your group/project,letting them know you're ready to upgrade if needed.The more you know the more it may help you focus on what you'll need power and size-wise

With the amp being a HUGE part of your bass tone (more so then the bass itself) I would skimp out on the bass and not your amp.

 

[Jools4001]

With the amp being a HUGE part of your bass tone (more so then the bass itself) I would skimp out on the bass and not your amp.

+1 to that. A good amp, and especially a good cab, will flatter any bass; but a mediocre amp and cab will pull even top end basses down to it's level.

 

[Rmackner]

+1 to that. A good amp, and especially a good cab, will flatter any bass; but a mediocre amp and cab will pull even top end basses down to it's level.

And nothing beats having a amp with a awesome DI out the back for going into the PA or clean recording at home (Most combo amps doing even have a DI out).

 

[Acoustic356]

I think the idea of "Pro Gear" is kind of funny. I've shown up with basses that were made by friends of mine for $300 or less (which makes them custom, right), and cabinets with the badge removed (and called it boutique).

Most people only know a few name brands: Fender, Gibson... a lot of guitarists and vocalists don't know Alembic, Fodera, Sadowsky, Mike Lull or [insert boutique name here]

 

[Rmackner]

I think the idea of "Pro Gear" is kind of funny.

I think most people are just trying to say "don't show up with a 15W bass amp with a 8" speaker and a plywood chinese bass". Yes I have played with good musicians who use sub par gear that only starts to show how cheap it is when you start to gig with it regularity then things start to break down quicker then they should.

 

[klokker]

Weekend warrior here. Pro gear for me is gear you can make money with. I have some nice Genz Benz stuff, but for the back of trailers or rain, fog, mud, dew, grass and dust I take my old Fender 250/115 combo. It's been more than enough, if more is needed hook up to the PA.

Pro gear is gear you can make money with, and beat the hell out of. Personally, I think some of those old Peavey TNT combos are about as pro as you can get.

 

[stambroker]

Hartke, 80's Peavey, and Carvin are all fantastic amps for the value. I also tend to see GK 700RB-II rigs for used really cheap, and that's a killer head if you find a nice used set-up.

 

[pie_man_25]

I'd say that your combo is perfectly fine as-is, I've seen touring acts play through those along side two all-tube half-stacks, and still cut through. If you end up needing more than that, maybe looking into an extension cab - if your combo can do that, or as has been said already just getting a used head and cabinet.

 

[Rmackner]

I'd say that your combo is perfectly fine as-is, I've seen touring acts play through those along side two all-tube half-stacks, and still cut through. If you end up needing more than that, maybe looking into an extension cab - if your combo can do that, or as has been said already just getting a used head and cabinet.

I'm pretty sure those guys with combos on stage are DIed or Miced into the PA (and probably has a pretty sub par tone). At that point you would be better off using a sans amp or some other amp emulator pedal that has a good DI.

 

[pie_man_25]

I'm pretty sure those guys with combos on stage are DIed or Miced into the PA (and probably has a pretty sub par tone). At that point you would be better off using a sans amp or some other amp emulator pedal that has a good DI.

probable in larger places, with actual funding for that sort of thing, but I couldn't even hear the vocals through these PAs. I suppose the guitarists had some level of restraint - which is a rarity indeed.

Edit: I should probably mention that these agent high level touring bands playing in later bars, these are smaller bars and first time touring acts.

 

[Lobster11]

Based on my extensive experience in reading audition stories here at TB, I get the impression that one major source of disagreement about what "pro gear" means is that when the phrase appears in a CL ads, it means whatever kind of gear some guitar player thinks his bass player should be using. And guitarists, of course, don't always know a lot about bass gear, so there are lots of stories about people showing up at auditions and being told that their bass isn't good enough because it isn't a Fender, or their amp is good enough because it isn't an Ampeg.

 

[karl_em_all]

pro gear = quality made, capable of producing a pleasing tone, good power rating, doesn't break easily.

 

[Felix1776]

My combo does have an ext out for another cab. Maybe I'll look for a decent used 210. Good discussion.