Amps and cabs have come a long ways since "the refrigerator" was introduced. Is it still holding on or do you think it will eventually be eclipsed by the newer/smaller bass cabinets?
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Future of the Ampeg 8x10
- Thread starter hired hand
- Start date
Before someone comes in to talk about the Bergantino NV610 cab, I think it will hold it's job for a long time. There are many companies that produce them, and they are gorgeous sounding.
there will always be a place for huge heavy cabs. the same that a marshal full stack will always be cool(i never thought so but..)
a 2 1x10 setup doesnt hit you the same as an 8x10, no matter how good it sounds
a 2 1x10 setup doesnt hit you the same as an 8x10, no matter how good it sounds
Uh oh, another Ampeg thread!
If Ampeg maintains quality from their new factory, I'm pretty certain that the SVT/"Fridge" combination will be an equipment benchmark for ....well, a loooong time. This despite other great cabs like the Bergie, Accugrooves, and the soon to be (I understand) Genz-Benz 8x10!!.
Reason? Classic tone and presence (if you like that sort of thing). To get full-on headroom from a powerful head like an
SVT, I think you get best results with the design of 8-10" driver enclosure.
If Ampeg maintains quality from their new factory, I'm pretty certain that the SVT/"Fridge" combination will be an equipment benchmark for ....well, a loooong time. This despite other great cabs like the Bergie, Accugrooves, and the soon to be (I understand) Genz-Benz 8x10!!.
Reason? Classic tone and presence (if you like that sort of thing). To get full-on headroom from a powerful head like an
SVT, I think you get best results with the design of 8-10" driver enclosure.
They are the b-52 Stratofortress of bass cabs.
They are big and heavy and have been around for a while and will probably be around for a while longer.
They are big and heavy and have been around for a while and will probably be around for a while longer.
Its iconic.
Even if they dont maintain quality, think about how many ampeg SVTs and 810s there are out there
.
I think its just something that is always going to be there!
Even if they dont maintain quality, think about how many ampeg SVTs and 810s there are out there
.I think its just something that is always going to be there!
I agree. Its becoming easier to just pick up a fridge than go around testing all these other cab combinations. The fridge works and its simple, other than moving it. As far as competition from other makers, the "Ampeg" sound is so popular among bassist on this forum, thats what people buy.
Although, I have seen the rising popularity of the 412, particularly the Aggie GS412. Thats another hot larger setup. But I think, the fridge, the Marshall stack and the P bass will all go at the Apocalypse. Until then, they are staples of the scene.
Although, I have seen the rising popularity of the 412, particularly the Aggie GS412. Thats another hot larger setup. But I think, the fridge, the Marshall stack and the P bass will all go at the Apocalypse. Until then, they are staples of the scene.
Luckily, for me, a local Guitar Center had a brand new 2006 ( MADE IN USA ) Ampeg 8X10 sitting around. Needless to say, I bought it, last night!
Although I don't see it as the trend ... neither do I see a time when they disappear like the dinosaur
My guitar player commented on the state of bass rigs just the other day, about how they (guitar players) for the most part use rigs almost, if not exactly like anything from 1966 but bass rigs are so eclectic. Over the years he has seen me downsize and use many different rigs.
The whole "Mini rigs of doom" thing is the trend I see, and yet there will most likely always be the big ole rigs, for their presence and raw power alone.
... I like mixing both a 2x10 over a good old 1x15 cab.
My guitar player commented on the state of bass rigs just the other day, about how they (guitar players) for the most part use rigs almost, if not exactly like anything from 1966 but bass rigs are so eclectic. Over the years he has seen me downsize and use many different rigs.
The whole "Mini rigs of doom" thing is the trend I see, and yet there will most likely always be the big ole rigs, for their presence and raw power alone.
... I like mixing both a 2x10 over a good old 1x15 cab.
I wonder the same thing about Fender "vintage" basses. I keep tinking that when the people that grew up with them die, there will not be the same desire for them. But then again, I still see some of my favorite bass players playing fender, so it keeps the love alive.
same for 810 cabs. Its what the BIG rockers use.
Jonathan
same for 810 cabs. Its what the BIG rockers use.
Jonathan
This is essentially what I was going to post. Here are a few reasons the 8x10 will never die:
1) Sound. This is obvious. If it sucked, it would not have carried through until today. They have a recognizable and well-liked sound that has graced stages and record albums since the 60's.
2) Availability. If you need volume and you go to your local store, what are your choices? Not everyone here has direct, hands-on access to some of the new light weight alternatives. But I can virtually guarantee those same people can show you where to find the Ampeg fridge.
3) Recognition. Hard as it is to believe, there are more people that play bass NOT on talkbass than there are here. This website (and forums in general) expose people to companies they might never have heard of. But all that positive press and those volume testimonials don't reach a large percentage of the bass playing community. The Ampeg 8x10 cinfiguration has been around and is a known commodity.
They see an Ampeg, they know what it can do. There is a certain cache that comes with bringing The Standard to the gig. It's kinda like bringing Lou Diamond Phillips to a party.
All that aside, I use Aguilar cabinets becaise I'm lazy and drive a Corrolla. I hauled the big stuff when I needed to. My current rig fits in my trunk.
Mike
Nothing moves air quite like a big cab does and the
classic 8x10 or even a 2x15 are well proven tone muscle
machines. I'll take an 8x10 over multi stack of smaller cabs
in a big gig situation anytime.
I'm all for the newer and lighter generation of amps and
speaker cabs of course. I don't expect the big cab to die
anytime soon as its a proven concept that works.
I think what is changing among bass players is that most
bass players don't want the pain of toting a big cab anymore.
We have a new generation of powerful and lighter
amps and speaker cabs that weren't around until recently
and who doesn't want an easier system to haul around?
The big rig isn't dead however and the joy of firing up
an original SVT rig and hearing and feeling that fat punchy
tone envelop you is a nearly religous experience for a lot
of bass players so much that many still refuse to give it
up. For those of us who still love the big rig with the big cab
it's worth it to us to go through the pain to schlep these
stonehenge sized pillars of tone glory to the big gigs. Just
make sure to wear your back brace and bring some aspirin.
classic 8x10 or even a 2x15 are well proven tone muscle
machines. I'll take an 8x10 over multi stack of smaller cabs
in a big gig situation anytime.
I'm all for the newer and lighter generation of amps and
speaker cabs of course. I don't expect the big cab to die
anytime soon as its a proven concept that works.
I think what is changing among bass players is that most
bass players don't want the pain of toting a big cab anymore.
We have a new generation of powerful and lighter
amps and speaker cabs that weren't around until recently
and who doesn't want an easier system to haul around?
The big rig isn't dead however and the joy of firing up
an original SVT rig and hearing and feeling that fat punchy
tone envelop you is a nearly religous experience for a lot
of bass players so much that many still refuse to give it
up. For those of us who still love the big rig with the big cab
it's worth it to us to go through the pain to schlep these
stonehenge sized pillars of tone glory to the big gigs. Just
make sure to wear your back brace and bring some aspirin.
Ampeg originally designed the SVT for a "perfect" situation-
Playing large arena-like venues, and originally, it was suggested that the SVT head be used with (2) 'Fridges!
Yes,,, the perfect situation-Playing in an arena to 50,000 people, while a road and sound crew loaded in and set up the gear. And your bass tech made sure everything was good to go with your instrument....
So all you have to do is enjoy the catered buffet, entertain the Ladies with stories of the tour, give them directions to the Hotel, and sign a few albums for the promotion people....
Nice, huh?
Applies to, oh, about .0001% of players that use the 'Fridge!
(Check out the story in "Ampeg-Story Behind the Sound"-
Waaay cool pictures and history).
So for the majority of us working-stiff players, we'll probably be grunting while we load these cabs in and out, well into....forever.
It's all about the sound.
Playing large arena-like venues, and originally, it was suggested that the SVT head be used with (2) 'Fridges!
Yes,,, the perfect situation-Playing in an arena to 50,000 people, while a road and sound crew loaded in and set up the gear. And your bass tech made sure everything was good to go with your instrument....
So all you have to do is enjoy the catered buffet, entertain the Ladies with stories of the tour, give them directions to the Hotel, and sign a few albums for the promotion people....
Nice, huh?
Applies to, oh, about .0001% of players that use the 'Fridge!
(Check out the story in "Ampeg-Story Behind the Sound"-
Waaay cool pictures and history).
So for the majority of us working-stiff players, we'll probably be grunting while we load these cabs in and out, well into....forever.
It's all about the sound.
I'm so glad i bought one of the last USA made baltic birch units. This cab tones down the brittle top end of my Stingrays in a pefect way and gives me all the punch and growl I could want. I don't miss having a horn at all when using this cab.
Doesn't fit in my car though, which is a bummer.
Doesn't fit in my car though, which is a bummer.
I don't see them going away anytime soon. I do, however feel that there are alot of great new options available to us non-stadium bands. I would never drag one around in the back of my car to play for 500 people. Especially with the advances in modern PA systems.
I wouldn't hesitate to pick up 2 or 3 if I was playing sold out arenas. Until then, I'm good with my UL310 or the HT322.
I wouldn't hesitate to pick up 2 or 3 if I was playing sold out arenas. Until then, I'm good with my UL310 or the HT322.
