Hey All...a little amp head advice if you please!

[FIREpunkMEDIC]

Hey everyone!
So, I play both guitar and bass, and am now in a new project playing power-pop/punk covers of classic songs. Looking for a great sounding head for that with my Custom PJ bass (see avatar!) with Fralin PJ set in it...so good. Playing through either a 4x10 or 2x12. Anyway its really come down to 3 that I am into...

-Orange OB1-500
-Darkglass Microtubes 900 V2 (no real experience with class D but the options and versatility are cool, PLUS headphone jack for silent practice)
-Ampeg V4B (concerned about maybe being underpowered?)

Anyway, I'm not too concerned about weight since I am used to carrying heavy stuff around (firefighter) and my guitar amp is a Vintage Marshall JCM800 and Orange 4x12. Tossing in a couple links for tone samples as to what bass tone I'd kinda go for.





Cheers!

 

[abarson]

Sorry, no experience with any of those amps.
Just want to let you know you're not being ignored.

 

[FIREpunkMEDIC]

Sorry, no experience with any of those amps.
Just want to let you know you're not being ignored.

Haha thanks! All good, any particular amp you ARE a fan of you'd recommend checking out? I mean, who doesn't love trying out different options?!

Cheers!

 

[abarson]

Well, I do have a hankering for a Mesa Boogie D-800. I don't try for that grindy tone, so I can't vouch for it being the right choice for that, but I found it to have lots of oomph and a character that made me smile.

 

[FIREpunkMEDIC]

Ooooh I played one of those a couple years ago at a show in Madison! Killer amp, TONS of ooomph. Definitely a grinner!

 

[Funk With Me]

I have an old V4b and it’s a great amp, but I don’t know if it’s the amp you want.

The Orange sounds interesting to me. I would bet there are some good, edgy bass sounds there.

I know nothing about Darkglass amps.

 

[Skullheadrac]

I vote V4b all the way. It's my favorite to go with my band. I also have a JCM800 (with telecaster). The two mix well with each other in my opinion.
The grind and grit mix well with the 800.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

If you are playing in a sane volume band the V4B could do the trick depending on the cab you choose. The more efficient the louder . The V4B will get you that tone easily.

 

[FIREpunkMEDIC]

Thanks guys! LOVE the input coming from real world experience, this forum continues to be top shelf.

 

[FIREpunkMEDIC]

If you are playing in a sane volume band the V4B could do the trick depending on the cab you choose. The more efficient the louder . The V4B will get you that tone easily.

Any recs on a good effficient cab? Would an ampeg 212AV be efficient enough? Currently have a 410HE which I believe is not TERRIBLY efficient. Correct?

 

[Jakeman]

Any recs on a good effficient cab? Would an ampeg 212AV be efficient enough? Currently have a 410HE which I believe is not TERRIBLY efficient. Correct?

I use a V4B into a 2x12AV. Best rig I've ever had, and I've had many. Highly recommended.

 

[Iristone]

The V-4b has a post-preamp XLR out, so you might be able to squeeze more volume by connecting to a PA ot small power amp. Tone-wise you can't beat an all-tube Ampeg.

 

[DaMoose]

I also use a V4B into a 212AV. I love it!! I have never needed more volume than it would give me. I guess if you had a crazy loud band with no FOH support, you might want more, but first try adding another 212AV cab if you like that tone. Everyone has different tastes in tone, but this combo matches mine.

 

[vvvmmm]

Ex-Hex and Bob Mould Band both use Orange bass amp's; there's lots of vids on the uchoob.

If ever I replace my PF500, it's what I'm going for.

If ever I replace my HD160, I'll go for the V4B (or the PF50T - depending on my band sitch).

 

[74hc]

I played the Darkglass Microtubes amp at the Kiesel showroom. Awesome amp. If I had the dough for one of those, I'd get it.

 

[Killing Floor]

You play Fralins, that means you can responsibly handle good information.

Check out Mesa's Subway series. The prices are right, the specs are accurate, not fluffed. And with the new TT there are a lot of D800+ or WD on the used market. Plus they have about best post sale support in the music industry if you ever need it. And I believe warranty is transferrable if you buy used. Someone call me an idiot if I made that up. I've been called way worse. Still standing. Anyway, look at Mesa. Also look at GK.

 

[MichelD]

I have a 1970s V4B. I never felt under powered competing with two guitarists with Fender Twins playing community and dance halls in the 1970s and bars and clubs in the 1980s and 90s. I used a big Ampeg 2x15 cabinet or a 1960s Fender Bandmaster 2x12 cab. Classic Ampeg tone.

I have no idea what Orange amps sound like.

 

[JoeWPgh]

If a V4B isn't loud enough, please think about your hearing!!!

 

[Pulverizor]

I thought those kind of bands use a more clanky GK sort of sound? I reckon the Darkglass would come closest if you don't want a GK amp.

 

[Funk With Me]

I used a V4b with a 2x12 happily for a couple years of hard gigging. There was only one time where it wasn’t enough amp, and that’s because a rushed set up at an outdoor gig resulted in the crew not getting the bass in the mains. I also used it with a 6x10 for a time happily.