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First rig

R

rtaylor

Feb 9, 2008
13
0
36
#1
Ok so I've finally decided to buy my first proper gigging amp, I've been playing about a year and a half now and I find that my Laney RBW300 combo really isn't cutting it, it lacks the fullness and tone I want to get out of my bass. I've been browsing amps and was thinking about buying the Gallien Backline 600 with a full stack of matching backline cabs, a 115 and 410. Just wandered if this was a good idea, the only problem is budget and it seems that the U.K seems to have extremely high prices for equipment such as amps.

Guitar-wise I play a Fender MIM Jazz bass and 3EQ Musicman Stingray just in case that helps.
 
#2
A good amp will cost you, but once you have an amp you really like it'll last you through several basses. I think my amp must be about 15 or 16 years old and I have no plans to replace it unless it goes all Chernobyl on me. I still have my original head as a back up, and I believe that one is a 1986 vintage.
 
#3
Yeah I just have a real issue with funds, I need power, quality and value. It just seems like the GK backline series is the way to go at the moment as the GK amps have he perfect tone for me but I am unable to afford anything like the 2001rb (I think) or the RBH cabs. So I figure the way to go is the GK backline series? Any other feedback?
 
#4
I have been using a GK 2001RB for a few months now. When I was shopping for one I tried several of the Backline amplifiers. They sounded great! In fact, I'm not real sure how big the difference is between the different lines. Probably a little less potent power section and maybe cheaper components, but they still sound great.
For years and years I wouldn't own anything but SWR (I still use their cabinets BTW). And I was always impressed by their Working Man's series amplifier. Same idea as the GK backline. Good equipment to think about. For the love of everything holy though stay away from Behringer.
 
#6
Yeah I'm definatley staying away from Behringer I owned an overdrive pedal from them (not the same I know) but within six months it had died on me, so just no life to their products from what I've heard. I figured if I get a backline stack now that on the off chance my band does go somewhere I can upgrade to something better at a later date. Is this a good idea? Thanks again guys

for anyone that's interested Link Removed
 
#7
I recomend that you only buy one cab. Take the money that you would have sunk into the second cab and buy the best amplifer you can afford. You will thank me later. Shoot for 450-600 watts and a name you trust.

In fact, if money is tight now but might be better later, I would sink almost all my $ into a good amplifier and pickup a good or even "just ok" used cab in the meantime.
You can always add more and better cabs, but you can't add "more or better" to a solid state amplifier.
 
#8
Eilif said:
I recomend that you only buy one cab. Take the money that you would have sunk into the second cab and buy the best amplifer you can afford. You will thank me later. Shoot for 450-600 watts and a name you trust.

In fact, if money is tight now but might be better later, I would sink almost all my $ into a good amplifier and pickup a good or even "just ok" used cab in the meantime.
You can always add more and better cabs, but you can't add "more or better" to a solid state amplifier.
Click to expand...

I agree. One cab should be sufficient for now. Get a really good amp first.
 
#10
The Backline 600 certainly made my short list when I was choosing my first real rig just a little while ago. Guitar Center seems to always have some deal going on a GK half stack. You might have your own horrible chain store doing likewise. Perhaps it is called Guitar Centre. Anyway, perfectly fine choice, I think.

--Bomb :bassist:
 
#12
JoeVictim said:
Heavy Peavey gear seems to be cheap everywhere. Look into a good peavey cab used and cheap, spend as much as you can on the head...that's what I did.
Click to expand...

That's a good suggestion. Used Peavey stuff is bombproof, good sounding, and as long as you don't drastically overpay, there's not much chance of losing any cash if you sell later.
 
#13
I used to own a gk, and they have gret tone, but i dont dig on the whole biamp thing on the larger models so i bought a mark bass, the little mark II, holy crap ran it through my 2x15 cab, and literly nocked stuff off the walls of our studio, on 4, 648.00 after tax, beyond all others thats what id recomend, wont run 2 ohm though so if youu want 4x10 and a 15, get them both 8ohm. the nighboors will hate you for years to come. it got bass amp of the year from bass player magizine for a damn good reason. line out, bal, line in, 4 band knob eq(just like a gk) mater olume and a pre. also it has a couple of sound shaping knobs, on gets more of a vintage bass drum sound the other gets a more modern and distict sound, find your own mix, another plus, wieghs nothing, this wasnt a deciding factor, but damn its nice, fits in my briefcase with my cords and straps. cant beat it. and 500 watts is more than enough for any gig sort of pushing a stadium, which youll prolly never need to do, and if so its got a line out so do what im doing, get another one. mine will run 410s and a 18 as my main, and the 2x15 as the balance. seriously great amp.
 
#14
Ok so today I found a 2nd hand 700rb head with a 410rbx cabinet for £700 so Id say around $1450. Would this be a lot better? I played through it and found it was such a great clean sound and for not too much more than a backline would of cost me.
 
#16
rtaylor said:
Ok so today I found a 2nd hand 700rb head with a 410rbx cabinet for £700 so Id say around $1450. Would this be a lot better? I played through it and found it was such a great clean sound and for not too much more than a backline would of cost me.
Click to expand...
A 700RBII head goes for $600 new in the US. A 410RBX cab goes for $900 new in the US. I have no idea how much extra you all pay for American stuff, but over here, nobody on earth would pay $50 less for used as opposed to new.
 
#17
FWIW I got my first "real rig" a year and a half ago after playing for 12 years. For years I played on a Crate 150 Combo that was a tank and a workhorse. I hated the amp but could never sink money into an amp. My first amp was (and still is) my Backline 600 driving a Madison 8X10. So not too shabby for a first Rig...I have to say that getting an amp that can really crank is just so liberating. I'm sure I'll upgrade at some point, but right now I have the perfect rig for my situation...
 

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