You are reading something in my post that isn't there.
What I suggested was honestly considering the gear he purchased. There was no "wink wink, nudge nudginess implied"
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In a gigantic bind, what should I do Talkbass?
- Thread starter Crit222
- Start date
You are reading something in my post that isn't there.
What I suggested was honestly considering the gear he purchased. There was no "wink wink, nudge nudginess implied"
I would go for the GC used route, find something you might like, put it through its paces, and return it IF it doesn't live up to expectations, or doesn't work properly.
The OP has $400 as an emergency fund . I think he shouldn't spend the whole wad on an amp.
Maybe a lead sled power amp and a preamp pedal from classifieds/Craigslist would be cheaper than blowing the fund before xmas.
Maybe a lead sled power amp and a preamp pedal from classifieds/Craigslist would be cheaper than blowing the fund before xmas.
I'm in Pittsburgh. I just bought a Trace AH350SMX from a decent mom and pop music store and had it shipped here. I haven't put it through its paces yet and am re-tolexing the headcase for it, but if it's feasable, come and get it... I'll be happy to lend it to you.
Even if you're a Browns fan.
Even if you're a Browns fan.
I didnt read all the posts, only the OP and a few on the first page so if this was already covered, disregard...rent an amp. Or, if you are going through a PA, get a cheap DI to get you through. Dont blow your emergency money on an amp.
Two thoughts for you-- Gallien Krueger MB200 and a used Peavey Made In USA head.
The MB200 gets pretty loud with two cabs. And it will make a super backup amp in the future. I bought an MB200 then bought the MB500. Love them both.
Now on the used Made In USA Peavey. Every major city has a pawn shop with a dusty old Silver Fin Peavey. They were made in the 80's and the durability was excellent. As been said in the past, when the world ends, the only thing left will be Peavey amps and the cockroaches! ha ha
Good luck and keep us posted.
The MB200 gets pretty loud with two cabs. And it will make a super backup amp in the future. I bought an MB200 then bought the MB500. Love them both.
Now on the used Made In USA Peavey. Every major city has a pawn shop with a dusty old Silver Fin Peavey. They were made in the 80's and the durability was excellent. As been said in the past, when the world ends, the only thing left will be Peavey amps and the cockroaches! ha ha
Good luck and keep us posted.
yup ^^^^^
Welcome to rock and roll. Wheel, and deal... the show must go on. Sink or swim. Just show up with your bass and no stage rig. You'll be cranking in the FOH system via their DI, and maybe get a decent monitor mix. It's a great exercise in seeing how good you are at playing ampless. Dealing with the trials and tribulations is what builds character on the gig - an invaluable thing to have if you plan on ever earning a living on the road. (It ain't for sissies.) Who knows, you might actually like it!
Lots of good options mentioned. Renting/borrowing makes sense to me if you're pressed for time and tight on cash.
I agree with agedhorse that you should check (or have someone check) the cabs to make sure that they're sound.
Re. your friend who's anal about letting others use his gear, tell him that he can come to the show if he's worried about it and help set the levels, etc. If the cabs are in good shape and he only needs to loan you an amp, that should put his mind at least somewhat at ease. Your choice, of course, as to whether you want to deal with him or not.
If you're able to buy something reliable and sufficiently powerful to cover your gig without overextending yourself financially, that could make sense as well -- even if it's not your favorite thing ever, you can play it while you look for something you like and then sell it. If you get a good deal on it, it might even make sense to keep it as a backup.
EDIT: You might also call or swing by the venue to see what, if anything, they'd have for you to play through.
I agree with agedhorse that you should check (or have someone check) the cabs to make sure that they're sound.
Re. your friend who's anal about letting others use his gear, tell him that he can come to the show if he's worried about it and help set the levels, etc. If the cabs are in good shape and he only needs to loan you an amp, that should put his mind at least somewhat at ease. Your choice, of course, as to whether you want to deal with him or not.
If you're able to buy something reliable and sufficiently powerful to cover your gig without overextending yourself financially, that could make sense as well -- even if it's not your favorite thing ever, you can play it while you look for something you like and then sell it. If you get a good deal on it, it might even make sense to keep it as a backup.
EDIT: You might also call or swing by the venue to see what, if anything, they'd have for you to play through.
As/usual. .. @agedhorse makes a great point (& great amps. ...but that's another story. ....or is it? )
Find out exactly what yr cabs are. ... re Impedance (ohms) !!! If they're 4 ohm cabs or even if ONE is a 4 ohm cab. ..then ya kain't use em together with a 4 ohm minimum amp!
Another plus for getting the Mesa Subway amp. ..which is ok with 2 ohm load.
And. ..here's the twist- a'la Hitchcock. ... @agedhorse designed this amp.
Oh my. ... I should get into screen writing. ..hey? Hey? HEY? ?? Jeeez.... tough crowd.
A Fender Rumble 500 head is $400. No doubt you could get an even better deal. Brand new with warrantee.
Keep your emergency cash. Buy a new amp of your choice with 24/36 month financing. If you like the amp, keep it, it not return it and try another one.
Or just go ahead and buy a Mesa D800 or D800+ using 24/36 month financing, and you will probably keep it.
Or just go ahead and buy a Mesa D800 or D800+ using 24/36 month financing, and you will probably keep it.
People saying it's "unethical" to buy an amp then return it: get over yourselves. If a store has a no questions asked return window, it is actually entirely within the scope of that agreement to do exactly that. Don't project your ethical priorities onto a known business risk. That said, I've never done it (exactly).
I have a little different perspective on the" screwing over the retailer" buying and returning idea.
I worked in the music retail business for many years including about 5 at GC. My recommendation is to go to your local GC, see what they have in their used head selection that will work with your cabs. Find a mid-level employee, be honest with him/her of your motives. "I need a head to get me through the weekend and I will be returning it.".pay a small restocking fee, bring him a six pack and return it in the same condition. If you really want to do it right, let them know what you're really looking for, let them track it down, leave your "rental" fee on store credit for the purchase of what you actually end up wanting.
When you work in a big retailer like GC it's kinda nice to help the gigging pro on occasion vs the normal riff-raff you deal with.
I worked in the music retail business for many years including about 5 at GC. My recommendation is to go to your local GC, see what they have in their used head selection that will work with your cabs. Find a mid-level employee, be honest with him/her of your motives. "I need a head to get me through the weekend and I will be returning it.".pay a small restocking fee, bring him a six pack and return it in the same condition. If you really want to do it right, let them know what you're really looking for, let them track it down, leave your "rental" fee on store credit for the purchase of what you actually end up wanting.
When you work in a big retailer like GC it's kinda nice to help the gigging pro on occasion vs the normal riff-raff you deal with.
Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
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a lot of the used heads here would do fine
I would consider grabbing any of them...or the $150 Behringer - any of them will be plenty loud for a couple gigs, will sound decent and can later serve as your backup
I would consider grabbing any of them...or the $150 Behringer - any of them will be plenty loud for a couple gigs, will sound decent and can later serve as your backup
