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First big amp - advice

#21
I think I am kinda stuck getting a combo, or a head cab that are sold together on ebay.
If I bought a head on its own, I just realised i'd probably get the wrong cab, or end up spending £800 on the pair.
My budget keeps sliding up every time I look online, so i'm fixing it at £500 for both, or a combo.
So I guess a few of the above are coming out of my list!
 
#22
I'd say go with the head and cab, you'll have the versatility of being able to experiment with other heads and speakers. I'd recommend going with a good 410, and a 125-300 watt head, the 410 is the most versatile cab, and 125-300 watts is definitely sufficient, I don't have much of a brand preference, but I'd redommend the GK, their very reliable, and relatively versatile.
 
#23
as long as the combo has the capability of driving an extension cab and has adequate power its a matter of what sounds best to you. A lot of people get by with 300 watts and a 4x10, but you can never have enough power
 
#24
I just bought my first rig not too long ago and I am immensely happy with it, but do wish I had gone used for my first purchase. I got a 700RB-II head, mostly based on the recommendations of people here, and all of it proved to be true. Fat, growling bottom end and nice smooth high. It's a very versatile and lightweight amp. My favorite functions on it are the "boost" and "woofer" knobs to get a super, almost grindy growl out of the bottom end or a much smoother, more dub like sound depending on how you adjust it.

If you can find one cheap, I'd go for it. Very well built amps, IMO. :)
 
#26
I'd seriously look into the Peavey Tour series heads, either the 450 or the 700, second hand. Check eBay. They're nice amps and not very expensive. I don't have one, but I rehearse regularly at a place where they have them and I love them, I stopped bringing my own head because it sounds really good.
Then get a cab according to what you need the most: portability or volume.

Also, don't laugh, but the Behringer BX3000T head, or its sucsessor the BT4500T (300 and 450W) are pretty good sounding amp heads and very cheap. I once bought the 300W head with a 2x10" cab for £100 used, in great condition. That was lucky, but it gives you the idea that you'll have a lot of change from your £500 if you go that route, and you'll have an amp that's loud and sounds good. Keep the extra money for when you progress a bit more and you figure out what's your ideal rig. You'll be able to sell the Behringer with little loss (bought second hand) or keep it as a backup (at least the head), because you never know, even the best quality equipment breaks down sometimes.
 
#30
Wow, right by me. If you get round to considering a 15" cab for any reason, I've just got delivery of a brand new Invalid Link Removed, still unplayed. It was a spur of the moment order & I've realised I don't need it. Will be willing to let it go for a little bit less than asking price, & you save on delivery. Let me know if interested.
 
#31
roceci, I am interested in a peavey cab, and I was going to go with a 1x15 and a 2x10 setup.
PM me with price and model and i'll have a think.
Gotta get the amp sorted first though!!

Out of interest, where do you shop around these parts for bass amps?
 
#32
I got my current rig from a gear importer based just outside Cardiff, but I'd never have known they existed were it not for my missus' cousin working there. Got everything half price too ;)

Otherwise, there's the usual suspects in the centre (Cranes, Gamlins, GM Music) which between them have a fair bit of gear for you to try out. I tend to shop online tho, after I've tried stuff out in stores.

I notice a few people here have advised buying used gear for the price saving. They're right on that score, but you do have to go without guarantee or warranty of course, & you can get seriously ripped off if you don't know your gear. Your call.

Have PM'd regarding the Peavey cab.
 
#33
I have a GK 800RB and love it. I don't think anyone's mentioned it yet, but it has two seperate amps, one for high end (100W @8 ohms) and one for low end (300W @ 4 ohms) when used in biamp mode, or you can run full range using just the low end amp. Don't let the wattage fool you, these are RMS ratings at very low distortion levels. Volume will not be a problem when used with quality cabs. I am using mine full range through a Hartke 215 cabinet, but plan to add a 410 cab and run in biamp mode using the 100W high end amp for that.
 
#34
Seems to me that Ashdown should be highly competitive where you are as it's not an import. I also prefer it to most of the others mentioned. Ultimately it is your ears that have to be happy. How about a 1x15 combo for the styles you mention, then add a 2x10 for bigger shows/more snap and top end?
 
#35
Stu_Bass - I was originally looking at a combo, and ashdown was one of the makes I was looking at.
I am just thinking I may as well get the biggest most expandable setup I can for the money I have.
To tell you the truth though, I have no idea what sound I want yet, i'm fairly new to bassing, and this is my first rig!
So whatever I get, it'll very much be a suck it and see scenario!
 
#37
Evolmonster said:
Good advice mcnach, sounds like a plan!
I am based in cardiff, wales...
Click to expand...

Ah, too far from Edinburgh, regarding the Ashdown amp.
And, you know? I actually own the amp right now! :)

It turned out the seller was after a 5-string bass, and I was selling one. So we met last night and did a straight swap.

I just wanted an extra cabinet and the Ashdown seemed good, and portable. But the amp is really nice too, so I'm keeping it as backup.

Second hand is the way to go. Risky if something goes wrong, as you'll be out of warranty... but you can save so much that even if you had a repair bill within a year you'll still be saving money...
 
#38
mcnach said:
Ah, too far from Edinburgh, regarding the Ashdown amp.
And, you know? I actually own the amp right now! :)

It turned out the seller was after a 5-string bass, and I was selling one. So we met last night and did a straight swap.

I just wanted an extra cabinet and the Ashdown seemed good, and portable. But the amp is really nice too, so I'm keeping it as backup.

Second hand is the way to go. Risky if something goes wrong, as you'll be out of warranty... but you can save so much that even if you had a repair bill within a year you'll still be saving money...
Click to expand...


I forgot to add, the idea of this cab is that I now have a 2x10" plus the 15" if I need a bit extra. I think it's a nice combination and a lot more portable than a 4x10", for instance.

2x10" plus 1x15" (even the mini version) :bassist:
 
#39
Evolmonster - I am from Cardiff and got my rig from Gamlins. I have a MB amp and cab. I tried them out at the store and instantly fell in love. Gamlins tend to be the best shop there as far as Bass is concerned IMO. They have a good range of gear and don't mind you cranking it up to try it out.

Cranes are way too middle of the road, and GM music are oxygen thieves.
 
#40
Cheers mate. I was planning to try there this week.
Had a little look on the weekend, and they have a few Ashdowns, Messa Boogie, Mark Bass, Black something or other, and Line6.

I wanna try the ashdowns out. If they are any good, it would be a cheap option for me!
 

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