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Inexpensive Ampeg-ish Recommendation for Gigging

#81
I’d look for a used SVT Pro 3 or similar and a 4x10 cabinet if your doing loud shows. I reckon if you can’t be heard with that rig, your band is too loud.

If you like the combo format, Ampeg make some great combos too. I played the 150w version on the pool deck of a cruise ship (so outside) and it was surprisingly loud.
 
#82
scott67 said:
I’m playing in a metal cover band these days. Both guitar players are playing through 4x12 cabs with Marshall and line 6 heads. My ampeg BA210 with an additional 15” cabinet easily holds its own.
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Damn! The band I'm in must be REALLY loud! I ran an Ampeg BA210 with a 410 extension cab and was barely cutting it. The amp was cutting out occasionally. Not impressed with the BA210. Other than myself, a drummer and guitar player (who users a 100 watt Marshall head and 412 cab).
 
#83
mcrawfordmusic said:
I’d look for a used SVT Pro 3 or similar and a 4x10 cabinet if your doing loud shows. I reckon if you can’t be heard with that rig, your band is too loud.

If you like the combo format, Ampeg make some great combos too. I played the 150w version on the pool deck of a cruise ship (so outside) and it was surprisingly loud.
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Ps, I agree with what others have said about trying to work with your EQ to sit better in the mix. This is by far the best option and the first step to take.

Rumbles are very low end exaggerated in my opinion, so try citing some lows and boosting the midrange.
 
#84
I should mention that when I was looking at the PF class D series several years ago or more, I thought has one moved up from the 350 thru the 500 to the 800, the better it sounded at the same volume. More so than I would have expected.

The 800 had an Ampeg vibe that the 350 didn't really have, and the 500 some, to my ears. This was back when people were complaining about the longevity of these, particularly the 500.

I was coming from tube amps at the time, and ended up with Ampeg's BA combo. So I would probably find the 350 fine now as that BA probably reconditioned my ears. Switched to Markbass and GK recently, but I still do love the classic Ampeg tone.
 
#87
J-Mags said:
I've been playing a Fender Rumble 200 1x15 combo with my punk band, and it's been pretty good, but the guitar player in my band has switched from a 1x12 to a 4x12, and I'm not always cutting through. I also am thinking I might want a more Ampeg-ish sound. I've grown accustomed to walking into the door to gigs in one trip, and while I'm not going to resent another trip to bring in an extra cab or something, I'm certainly not going to be buying any SVTs or 8x10s.

I'm looking for a rig that approximates a classic thick Ampeg rock sound, doesn't weigh too much and fits in my Honda fit. I've been playing music forever, and I know that there's no substitute for the real thing, but I also know that there are a zillion substitutes that sound kinda like the real thing, which is probably good enough for me. I don't want to deal with more speakers than a 2x12 or a couple of 2x10s if I can help it. We're not that loud, but 135 watts into a 15 is marginal.
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Pf800 and pf115he. Head attaches to the top and flips inside with your cables. One trip, huge sound, fits in your car. You could get by just fine with a pf500, but the 800 will get you most out of the cab. Trust me, It can take it.

You can get it on installments from zzounds.com no credit required.
 
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#91
On the used market, you could probably get a Tone Hammer and an SVT212AV for under 1k. The EQ and controls are REALLY interactive, but set the right way I'm very happy with it as a smaller form factor SVT-like rig (though the cab definitely isn't small).
 
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#92
There are a ton of amps out there that will accomplish your task. It's hard to suggest any one amp because it's so subjective and personal. There are a number of class D amps on the market that weigh in under 5 lbs, fit in a gig bag and provide plenty of power.
 
#93
C43ED5B5-2A21-4DDA-B221-9E3C7AC6D55D.jpeg
two fingers said:
Yeah if your guitarist is going for a half stack, the only thing that wins that battle is speaker surface area. There are no small cabs.... and certainly no CHEAP small cabs.... that carry the day against a half stack. You don't need a different compact amp. You need a less compact car and more speakers, unfortunately.... and earplugs. I beg you. Get some really good earplugs. 50 year old you will thank me later.
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Amen!
J-Mags said:
I've been playing a Fender Rumble 200 1x15 combo with my punk band, and it's been pretty good, but the guitar player in my band has switched from a 1x12 to a 4x12, and I'm not always cutting through. I also am thinking I might want a more Ampeg-ish sound. I've grown accustomed to walking into the door to gigs in one trip, and while I'm not going to resent another trip to bring in an extra cab or something, I'm certainly not going to be buying any SVTs or 8x10s.

I'm looking for a rig that approximates a classic thick Ampeg rock sound, doesn't weigh too much and fits in my Honda fit. I've been playing music forever, and I know that there's no substitute for the real thing, but I also know that there are a zillion substitutes that sound kinda like the real thing, which is probably good enough for me. I don't want to deal with more speakers than a 2x12 or a couple of 2x10s if I can help it. We're not that loud, but 135 watts into a 15 is marginal.
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Sounds like you might have some current solutions in mind as far as your current “rig” is concerned, etc,. So even if we occasionally “drone” on here, think of all of us old Geezers here on TB like the crazy set of Grandparents that you never had. Our minds my be slightly “twisted”, but our hearts are in the right place. Lot’s of great suggestions have already been made. I believe you already have a pedal or two in place ? Anyway, for what it is worth, thought I’d throw out this as just an idea. This one is currently my “second” channel, SVT or no SVT. They don’t make this one anymore, but there are some good used ones for sale online right now. If you want to “Bash and Trash” with the best of them, this one is it. Depending on how it is set, you can send people running for cover in a heartbeat. Going to try an get a picture up also. Ok, sorry, Grandpa needs a nap and a cold one.
 
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#96
74hc said:
Sounds like the guitarist actually has a 36-watt version. Tell him to just switch out a driver or both in his 2x12, and fit his volume into the mix. If not fire him. If you cannot, then leave. Your hearing is far more precious than the band.
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This isn't a quit/leave the band kind of issue. He doesn't have 36 watts. He's got 2 EL-84s. 18 watts can get really loud, especially if you have 4 efficient speakers. I've played guitar for 40 years, and the only time I've had to go over 22 watts is when I'm playing baritone. But he hasn't gotten ultra-loud all of a sudden, he's just changed his EQ in a way that the bass doesn't stand out as much. His previous sound was something that a lot of guitar players would have avoided due to its lack of low end, but I liked it, both for personal (obvious) and aesthetic reasons.

I'm still finding out what I like as a bass player, and how it fits in the mix. I like nice tight, non-boomy lows, thick mids, and a top end that captures a lot of click (I play flats), but isn't clangy. I want it to ramp up to a classic 80s punk sound when I dig in, and lean toward old school hard rock when I play normal. It's not rocket science, I just don't understand the available sounds the way I do when I'm playing guitar. I'm really 80-90% of the way there. I'm just looking for some more presence. For now, I'm planning to get an extension cab and mess with pedals some more.
 
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#97
J-Mags said:
This isn't a quit/leave the band kind of issue. He doesn't have 36 watts. He's got 2 EL-84s. 18 watts can get really loud, especially if you have 4 efficient speakers. I've played guitar for 40 years, and the only time I've had to go over 22 watts is when I'm playing baritone. But he hasn't gotten ultra-loud all of a sudden, he's just changed his EQ in a way that the bass doesn't stand out as much. His previous sound was something that a lot of guitar players would have avoided due to its lack of low end, but I liked it, both for personal (obvious) and aesthetic reasons.

I'm still finding out what I like as a bass player, and how it fits in the mix. I like nice tight, non-boomy lows, thick mids, and a top end that captures a lot of click (I play flats), but isn't clangy. I want it to ramp up to a classic 80s punk sound when I dig in, and lean toward old school hard rock when I play normal. It's not rocket science, I just don't understand the available sounds the way I do when I'm playing guitar. I'm really 80-90% of the way there. I'm just looking for some more presence. For now, I'm planning to get an extension cab and mess with pedals some more.
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Have your ever tried roundwounds? That change alone may get you very close to what you're looking to achieve.
 
#98
dwade said:
Have your ever tried roundwounds? That change alone may get you very close to what you're looking to achieve.
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I really don't like playing roundwounds with a pick. The attack sounds messy to me. I can get a pretty good punk rock grind if I really wail on my bass and use a preamp, but that's not necessarily the sound I'm going for. I like rounds when I'm playing with my fingers, which is about 10% of the time in this band.

Part of it is which bass I play. When I play my JB I have a lot more presence, but it's much harder to get the click I like that locks right into the guitarist's palm mutes. When I'm playing my Mustang, sometimes I have trouble cutting through with the note, but the clicks always cut through.
 

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