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First Bass Rig - Opinions on Cabinet

C

Carl E

Feb 26, 2008
16
0
Pittsburgh, PA
#1
Hi, as a newbie bass player (and long time guitar player) I am putting together my first bass rig. I have been lurking and reading old posts for a while, and here is what I have in mind. I want something relatively small that can grow if I get to the point where I am playing out without having to start over. Please let me know if you have suggestions.

I have a pending purchase of an Ashdown MAG 300, which puts out 300 watts at 4 ohms. My thought was to get a relatively inexpensive 8 ohm 1x12 or 2x10, such as Avatar or Carvin. That way if I need more volume I could add another 8 ohm cabinet. If I need more bottom end I could add a 15, or if I need more mids I could add another 12 or 10. I mostly am looking to play classic rock and blues, I don't slap or do any of the more modern sounding playing.

I know a lot of this has been covered in prior threads, but I wanted to put it together as it relates to my situation. What would be your preference to start with, a single 12 or 2 10s?. Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.
 
#2
Carl E said:
Hi, as a newbie bass player (and long time guitar player) I am putting together my first bass rig. I have been lurking and reading old posts for a while, and here is what I have in mind. I want something relatively small that can grow if I get to the point where I am playing out without having to start over. Please let me know if you have suggestions.

I have a pending purchase of an Ashdown MAG 300, which puts out 300 watts at 4 ohms. My thought was to get a relatively inexpensive 8 ohm 1x12 or 2x10, such as Avatar or Carvin. That way if I need more volume I could add another 8 ohm cabinet. If I need more bottom end I could add a 15, or if I need more mids I could add another 12 or 10. I mostly am looking to play classic rock and blues, I don't slap or do any of the more modern sounding playing.

I know a lot of this has been covered in prior threads, but I wanted to put it together as it relates to my situation. What would be your preference to start with, a single 12 or 2 10s?. Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.
Click to expand...

I like the sound of single 12s for classic rrock better than the 2x10, but the 2x10 might sound a bit louder, within the same brand. Your ideas are fine and for the money I think I'd go with Avatar. I'd start with the 1x12 and add a second one later.
 
#4
Sounds like a solid, well thought out plan to me. Also agree with a 212 for starters, though most 212's are 4 ohms. So, a 210 might be your best bet. Personally, I'd avoid single speaker cabs, (except for 15's), bass likes multiple drivers, and a 210 also sounds great on top of a 15.
 
#5
I've currently got an Ashdown MAG 300 going into an Avatar single 12. I've got no complaints. I don't really have any volume issues. I run direct out to the board so really I'm only using it as a stage monitor for me and the drummer.
 
#6
If you're looking for something that'll grow with you, 300 Watts may not be enough. All depends on how loud you play and how you eq the amp. If you are sold on the Ashdown sound I would probably look at 600 Watt version. Nothing worse than spending money on an amp and then having to buy another bigger one down the road. 300 Watts will probably do you fine though

As far as a cab, I agree with the others that a 212 is the way to go. The 212 is the perfect blend of low end and punch. Volume wise, a 212 can get almost as loud as a 410, but without the added weight.

I would personally get one 4 ohm 212 and call it a day as I think one 212 and several hundred watts will probably serve all your needs and 4 ohms would get maximum power to the cab. Unless you play to play outdoors without a PA there is probably no need for more speakers. At that point you would need thousands of watts and several speaker cabs to keep up anyhow.
 
#7
It kind of depends on what you want to spend and how much you want to haul. I, personally, don't like to haul a big cab and I'm a cheap bastard.

Generally think that whatever is on craigslist or the nearest used gear shop that is a decent sounding 2x10 would fit the bill. Extra points if you can get two matching 2x10's that are 8ohms a piece, so you can haul either one or two depending on if you're practicing w/ a band or gigging.

My 2cents. :smug:

btw I always keep the output on my MAG 300 all the way open and adjust the input to the volume. IMHO, one 8ohm cab will get you pretty far.
 
#8
2x10s and 1x12s do sound somewhat different from each other, so pick the one you like best. I currently have two 1x12s and use one or both depending on the venue. I could easily do the same with a 2x10 and a 1x15. Not really a wrong choice here.

Dan
 

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