Help! I’m suffering from amp choice overload!

[Sixgunn]

You're welcome (seriously)!

 

[Stumbo]

Whatever you choose, be sure the amp will fit on the cab width wise unless you really like the "power T" look.

One additional accessory to pick up is an HPF/LPF. It will protect your speakers and allow you set the overall speaker eq. to match cabs from back in the day, if you choose.

 

[mmbongo]

Mesa Subway. Top of the heap. And as @Stumbo said, a HPF is helpful with any amp. Luckily the Mesa Subway has one built in!

 

[shadven]

Ampeg V4B with either a 4x10 or a 2x12 cab. I'd lean towards the 4x10.

 

[Charlzm]

I’m in the market for vintage sounding amps. Something that can get a little grind on its own as I like it a little distorted when I dig in.

Since then I’ve been looking at everything. Mesa Bass Prodigy, Mesa D800, Ampeg SVT, Tech 21 VT Bass 500, Orange OB1-500, Aguilar DB750, etc...

Seems simple enough...

Ampeg: Portaflex Series - PF-500

Ampeg: Pro Neo Series - PN-210HLF

 

[SirMjac28]

Orange AD200B you're welcome.

 

[Altitude]

Easy. Let's narrow it down to two.

1) SVT and a 4-10 or 2-12. It's the sound in your head and you know it. This is the only choice if weight isn't an issue. Anything else is simply incorrect. (I recently acquired an SVT-CL and 4-12 Ampeg cab myself, so I'm putting my money where my mouth is.)

2) Mesa Subway and and two of their 1-12 cabs. It's modular, lightweight, and thumps. This system has literally taken the bass amp market by storm. This is the only solution if weight is an issue and money isn't.

I'm here to help. The others will try to lead you astray. Pay no attention to them.

This is a good answer, but if you choose path #2 consider taking a chance (sight unseen) on two of Duke LeJeune's Audiokinesis 1x12 Hathor or Changeling cabinets instead of the Mesas. Nothing at all wrong with the Mesa cabs, but Duke's designs have their own thing going on. Similar size and weight. Duke is build-to-order though. My order took a couple months.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Gallien Krueger Fusion Series with two Neo 112's. Or one Neo 212. Both setups would be killer. 500 or 800 watts.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I forgot to add... I drive a Mini Cooper so 810s are out. Probably can’t do a 610 either.

RE: Mini Cooper

Wel, maybe not an 810, but how about (4) 210s? One on the front seat, and 3 in the back...

Seriously, I hope your job situation worked out. I only sold one piece of equipment due to an employment situation but that was a long time ago. It sucked, as you know.

Lots of good choices. I’m Not going to try to sell you on what to buy, but my standard advice is to be patient, look for a good value that sounds good and fits the style you are likely going to play.

 

[BaltBass5]

Quilter BB800 and Quilter cabs (210 or 112 or any combo)

Light, killer tone, easy controls, plenty of headroom, you won’t regret it!

 

[Hand slap]

I forgot to add... I drive a Mini Cooper so 810s are out. Probably can’t do a 610 either.

I w

I forgot to add... I drive a Mini Cooper so 810s are out. Probably can’t do a 610 either.

I will tell you, I was able to slide both an Eden & Ampeg 610 in the back seat of my Camry, I am a big fan of the 610, it’s the perfect cab.

 

[DanAdams]

Oh! This is the part where everyone just mentions which amp they own right?
I have a GK mb210... it's fine.

 

[alembicbones]

I recently picked up a Darkglass Microtubes 900 and Genzler Magellan 212T. It's a light weight rig, gets really loud if need be, whether clean or distorted, and is very nice at low volumes too. Couldn't be happier.

Bones

 

[fhm555]

You are describing the Fender Rumble line. I would recommend the Rumble 500 head and which ever cab you fancy.
Or, my current favorite is the Fender Bassman 500 Hybrid which has the same power section but with a tube pre-amp.
I got me original Rumble 500 combo because of the vintage sound you can get with it. It can sound very old school.
All the components are small and light and would fit in you sample car quite nicely.
~~ Problem Solved ~~

What he said, another vote for a Rumble 500 from another Rumble 500 owner.

 

[GnomishViking]

I’ve heard great things about the tech 21. Don’t think they sell many though.

 

[Anhg77]

I use a Gallien Krueger 700rbII head with two mesa subway cabs (a 115 and a 210). This combination sounds great. Very loud, defined and agressive. I love it.
The mesa subway cabs are extremely light and portable, specially considering the power they can manage and how loud they get.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

SVT CL and 2 410HEs

 

[sigterm]

2nd on the genzler magellan 800, it's got so much versatility and it's easy to find the right tones. I've got mine dialed in with the cab options and drive settings I want and it's just a button press to call them up.

I also have a mark bass LMT 800 and don't recommend it. I enjoyed it for a while but never dialed into something I was satisfied with leaving alone. It does sound really good with my ray34.

 

[RedWire75]

Thanks for all the recommendations everybody! I’ve got a lot to look at.

 

[juancaminos]

All of these amp posts are killing me over here. All these new (to me) light weight amp choices, I had no idea. Darkglass? I had to look it up. There's nothing light in my arsenal. Im supposed to be cutting back and enjoying more with less but all this talk about new basses, new speakers and new amps is just kiling me. I was real happy with what I have and even (kind of) happy with the prospect about getting rid of 3/4 of it. But now? I would really like to be standing on stage with a new Jaguar Bass in my hand looking at my new Fender Rumble. And maybe have my new Squire Fretlss Jazz setting there waiting for the right song. Geez I'm going to have to go away for a few years again...not.