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I need to buy a gigging amp.

If you were me, which amp would you buy?

  • Acoustic B600H

    Votes: 5 5.8%

  • Ashdown MAG 600H EVO II

    Votes: 11 12.8%

  • Carvin BX500

    Votes: 23 26.7%

  • Line 6 LowDown HD400

    Votes: 2 2.3%

  • Line 6 LowDown HD750

    Votes: 7 8.1%

  • Peavey Tour 450

    Votes: 1 1.2%

  • Peavey Tour 700

    Votes: 9 10.5%

  • Other - Please specify

    Votes: 24 27.9%

  • Carrots

    Votes: 11 12.8%
  • Total voters
    86
Rimshot

Rimshot

Supporting Member
May 4, 2006
428
280
Chicago
#1
I've got my bass (MM Stingray 4 *drool*)
I've got my backup bass (KSD-704)
I've ordered a Tech 21 VT Pedal

I THINK I've decided that a good 2x10 will be plenty for me to hear myself on stage (figuring I can always add a second if I'm wrong, and whatever I get needs to fit into a Hyundai Sonata)

Now I need to decide on an amp.

I've narrowed it down to the following, based on price, wattage and ability to buy new (warranty):

  • Acoustic B600H
  • Ashdown MAG 600H EVO II
  • Carvin BX500
  • Line 6 LowDown HD400
  • Line 6 LowDown HD750
  • Peavey Tour 450
  • Peavey Tour 700

I'll be playing all covers, mostly Rock, Hard Rock and Power Pop.

I'd love to get the input of the folks who've used/tried any of these. Also, do you think a single 2x10 will be enough?
 
#2
Can I suggest an addition to your list?
A G.K. MB2-500 head.
I just recently went with one, it's 3.8 lbs. of pure dynamite!
350 watts at 8 ohms, 500 watts at 4 ohms, 580 watts total output at 4 ohms.
Mine was new from Guitar Center, $499.00.
Will a 210 be enough for a loud hard rock group...mmmmmaaaayyyybe...depends on the other instruments stage volume, foh, and how hard your drummer hits, size of the room, ect.
I'm running "two" Avatar Neo 210 cabinets as a vertical stacked 410 rig in a loud, 6 pcs., country/country rock group with foh at around 50% of the jobs we play, with both cabs it's more than enough for me!
 
#5
shoot-r said:
Can I suggest an addition to your list?
A G.K. MB2-500 head.
I just recently went with one, it's 3.8 lbs. of pure dynamite!
350 watts at 8 ohms, 500 watts at 4 ohms, 580 watts total output at 4 ohms.
Mine was new from Guitar Center, $499.00.
Click to expand...

+1 for G-K. Don't rule out a 700 RBII or 800RB either.
As for a 2x10 cab, I haven't found one I could gig with, although many around here do. I'd go with a 1x15, 2x12, or 4x10.

BTW Shoot-R; Does your MB500 give you everything your other G-K amps do?
 
#6
lbwdog said:
BTW Shoot-R; Does your MB500 give you everything your other G-K amps do?
Click to expand...

I've used the MB2 on 4 or 5 gigs and a couple of hearsals since I've had it.
LOVE IT!!!
I almost hate to admit it...but...with all things considered I like the MB2 better than my old 800!
Never thought I'd say that. :D
We'll have to wait 26 years or so to see if the MB2 will stand up like my 800 has.
 
#12
shoot-r said:
Can I suggest an addition to your list?
A G.K. MB2-500 head.
I just recently went with one, it's 3.8 lbs. of pure dynamite!
350 watts at 8 ohms, 500 watts at 4 ohms, 580 watts total output at 4 ohms.
Mine was new from Guitar Center, $499.00.
Will a 210 be enough for a loud hard rock group...mmmmmaaaayyyybe...depends on the other instruments stage volume, foh, and how hard your drummer hits, size of the room, etc.
I'm running "two" Avatar Neo 210 cabinets as a vertical stacked 410 rig in a loud, 6 pcs., country/country rock group with foh at around 50% of the jobs we play, with both cabs it's more than enough for me!
Click to expand...

A further suggestion. The new GK MB 210 combo 350W into the 210's add an extension cab for the full 500W $599 new 33 lbs the amp rocks.
 
#17
Rimshot said:
I'll be playing all covers, mostly Rock, Hard Rock and Power Pop.

Also, do you think a single 2x10 will be enough?
Click to expand...

Unless your drummer hits like Bea Arthur and your guitarist plays a low watt combo, a 2x10 is probably gonna be a disappointment. Most of the guys on here who get a 2x10 to work for them aren't playing rock and/or are playing with considerate drummers and guitarists.

I play similar styles in a cover band and need a 4x10 minimum. I usually just man up and bring a 4x10 and a 1x18, or two 4x10s. It's a pain but, imo, it's better to do extra physical labor to be sure your stage volume and headroom will be sufficient.

Also, I voted other. GK. Good, loud, bang-for-the-buck pro gear. I play an older GK700, does the trick. if I were in the market now, I'd look at their hybrid head, too.

Good luck!
 
#18
So far, no love for:

Acoustic B600H
Ashdown MAG 600H EVO II
Line 6 LowDown HD400
Line 6 LowDown HD750
Peavey Tour 450​

Unsurprisingly, carrots are in the running.

GK has at least 7 write in votes

Eden is waaaaay out of my price range (hence the options listed) and Markbass is a bit too steep as well.

This is GREAT feedback…you guys are the best! Keep it coming.
 
#19
I don't own one, but out of your list I voted Carvin. I almost bought one simply for a backup head, but went with a used GK600 instead (which I'm very happy with). From reading on TB, other review sites, and researching carvin.com, I believe the BX500 to be a fantastic combination of features, power, weight, reliability, and overall value. I especially liked the optional footswitchable mute and EQ.

Oh, and I don't think a single 210 will be enough for rock gigs without PA support. I gig with a 210 and 212, and rehearse with just a 210. It's enough for rehearsal but I like to have more power on tap at a gig. IMO.
 

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