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Help with my first rig!

T

two1frets

Jul 17, 2009
18
0
#1
Hey,
First off, I've been doing some searches around this forum and its members and responses have been so helpful. Thank you all so much.

So I've been looking into getting a new rig, actually my first rig, since I've been mooching off of my dad's gear.

My current gear:

Sting '51 Tele P-Bass (Currently, I'm really into playing slap bass, although this may not be the best bass for it!)

Fender Bassman 50 Silverface (late 60's to early 70's im guessing)

I've been looking into buying the Ampeg SVT-410HLF, and then using the Fender Bassman 50. I was wondering whether this is a good combo, or whether it will sound horrible for bass...

Another possibility is to buy a new head, cab, or both. If you suggest something, please keep in mind that I'm not horribly rich, and that the total cost should be around $1000, give or take $100. :bassist:

Thanks a lot!

(P.S. If I am unclear on anything, just ask me to clear it up!):hyper:
 
#2
The Fender Bassman 50 paired with the SVT410hlf should make a very classic, low end heavy, sweet sound. Just be aware, if you start playing with a drummer, you'll want a bigger head, but since you'd already have the 410, there's plenty of amps that pair well with that.
 
#3
Thanks for your reply! By the way though, I don't own the SVT-410HLF, I've just been looking into it and it caught my eye!
Anyways thanks!

If I were to upgrade to a different head though, which one would you suggest?

I'm still looking for a couple more opinions? :hyper:
 
#6
1) Save that head. It's cool and really won't sell for that much right now. Makes a decent guitar heard too

2) $1000 can get you a great rig if you buy USED. If that were *my* budget, I'd get and used SWR Goliath 4x10 (As low as $200, as much as $400) and a good head. I don't think I'd get an SWR head - I've had three different ones and in the end found them to be dull. I'd get a used GK700RB - ~$300... then you have money for a 2x10 for smaller gigs.
 
#9
Buying used, you can get a killer rig for under $1000. Mesa, Ampeg, SWR... if you're near a large metro and willing to haggle a little, it shouldn't be a problem. I've seen plenty of pro quality heads or cabs with dirt cheap asking prices.



BigOldHarry said:
1) Save that head. It's cool and really won't sell for that much right now. Makes a decent guitar heard too

2) $1000 can get you a great rig if you buy USED. If that were *my* budget, I'd get and used SWR Goliath 4x10 (As low as $200, as much as $400) and a good head. I don't think I'd get an SWR head - I've had three different ones and in the end found them to be dull. I'd get a used GK700RB - ~$300... then you have money for a 2x10 for smaller gigs.
Click to expand...

Like it's always said, tone is subjective, but i've owned a GK 700rb and I prefer my SWR SM400 by far. I absolutely love this head and it's certainly one good for slap style bass if that's what you're into, but YMMV!
 
#10
Get a Carvin BX1200 ($549 new). You can put any cab (or combination of cabs) with it. Tons of power, features and one of the most versatile heads around.

Link Removed

Yes, I'm biased. But I can't think of a head that offers more for less than $600 new.

Of course the BX500 (at $499 new and only 6 lbs.) or the BX600 (at $399 new) are great choices too.
 
#11
I seriously suggest checking out Kustom's GrooveBass 310c Combo. I've had mine for a year and a half and still can't say ANYTHING bad ,save it's heavy(138lbs)but it has plenty of handles/casters/grab bar,so I manage it easily alone. Check MF for the specs but in a nutshell 1200watts,Punch-a-Plenty,B-I-G lows!!! I now have Bassman,Silvertone,Ampeg,Accoustic,and GK gear getting dusty:smug:
 
#13
You know.... I played a Carvin BX500 the other day and was VERY impressed... for that pricepoint you really can't go wrong. If you combined that with something like an Ampeg 410 cab I think you could get a very balanced rig with "vintage tone" capability.

To be honest I quite like the Carvin and Avatar NEO cabs as well, but I think they might (emphasis might) be a bit too hifi given the gear you play and are used to the sound of.
 
#14
funkingroovin said:
I seriously suggest checking out Kustom's GrooveBass 310c Combo. I've had mine for a year and a half and still can't say ANYTHING bad ,save it's heavy(138lbs)but it has plenty of handles/casters/grab bar,so I manage it easily alone. Check MF for the specs but in a nutshell 1200watts,Punch-a-Plenty,B-I-G lows!!! I now have Bassman,Silvertone,Ampeg,Accoustic,and GK gear getting dusty:smug:
Click to expand...

I seriously considered the Groovebass 310c Combo. It was the 138 lbs. that kept me looking for a different head. That and the fact I already have two killer 115 neos, so I only needed a head. But the 310 cab looked interesting. But then again my whole rig, even with the 30 lb. BX1200 and two 115's, still only weighs 84 lbs. combined. The head is heavier than either 115 cab.
 
#15
Ok, thanks for your responses!

I've loosely been drawn to the idea of buying the Ampeg SVT-410, and then using the Bassman 50 with it. If that combination isn't good, then I will have to buy a new head. I was really drawn to the Carvin BX1200, but you can't buy them anywhere in Austria (and I think it would be such a pain to ship it to a relative and then to me.)

Any other ideas for heads that would go well with a Ampeg SVT-410HLF?

EDIT *** Any opinions of the Ampeg B-2RE or Ampeg B-1RE with the SVT-410HLF? *** EDIT

Feel free to reply, as the more opinions the better!
 
#17
I think the SVT-3 is out of my budget... I've been looking around though.

What about the:

Hartke LH-500
Peavey Tour 700
Warwick PROFET 5.2
Ampeg B-2RE
Ampeg B-1RE

How would these sound with the SVT-410HLF? Which one would be the best?

Thanks
 
#20
The most important opinion on which head will pair with that cab is gonna be yours. It's really important that you personally play through each amp you're considering, to get an idea of what they sound like. Otherwise, it's all just a guessing game. Of the amps you've listed, I'd suggest the Peavey, but that's MY opinion. You really need to use your own ears to make this decision.
 

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