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Just Played Live Through an Ampeg 810

FrenchAK

FrenchAK

Jul 1, 2010
333
7
Golden, CO/Anchorage, AK
#1
...yes.

I see what all the fuss is about. I wasn't even using an Ampeg head (I was running through a DI and then to a SWR power amp), but the sound - oh, the sound. The wall of pure tone thumping away at the entirety of my body. The low, tight lows, the crisp, clear highs - I want.

The PA support was incredible, we played at what's essentially the most popular bar in town. I've never sounded so good. I know it's really not a big deal and most bassists have done it, but da-yum. :smug:
 
#12
Plays_For_Dog said:
What bar? I've been to Anchorage before and will be back again. I'll have some free time on my next visit and would like to know where to go to hear live music. Last time I was up, I crawled a few cool places downtown.
Click to expand...

Chilkoot Charlie's, on the west side of town. That's the main venue for local music. One of the local radio stations puts on a local showcase each Sunday night, and it's all kinds of music - which is nice, considering the massive metal scene up here. Other than the two bars I've played at, I'm not the best person to talk to about where to go, considering I'm still underage and any bar gig has to be chaperoned. :rollno:

But I can still point you in the right direction. :bassist:
 
#14
Ampeg is nice but if it were me, and I have played most 8 x 10's, I would go with the SWR Megoliath 8 x 10. Better tones more usable and if you wanted to use a dual power head and go with the crossover it sounds KILLER. Just a thought while on the 810 love.
 
#16
FrenchAK said:
...yes.

I see what all the fuss is about. I wasn't even using an Ampeg head (I was running through a DI and then to a SWR power amp), but the sound - oh, the sound. The wall of pure tone thumping away at the entirety of my body. The low, tight lows, the crisp, clear highs - I want.

The PA support was incredible, we played at what's essentially the most popular bar in town. I've never sounded so good. I know it's really not a big deal and most bassists have done it, but da-yum. :smug:
Click to expand...


You just described my experience from Saturday night precisely.

I had picked up the 810 that afternoon and ran it through a GK 700rb-II that night on stage.

I had the GK's master at noon and the gain at 9 o clock. I thought I was going to destroy the place (and i'm in a stupid loud metal band to begin with).

I've played 212's and 410's before... but d@mn does that 810 rock.

Yea its big and heavy, but good god did I get one hell of a tone out of it!
 
#17
^ I too just picked up an Ampeg 810 a couple of days ago. And I too got to experience it for the first time running through my GK 700rb-II,except it was at practice. I also had my GK master at noon and the gain at 9-10 o'clock. And i also rock out with a stupid loud metal band lol. But now I have the POWER! Not only does my cab tower over anything else, it will destroy anything in its path! My drummer said he felt like he was getting punched sitting in front of it LOL and our singer said he could feel it inside his head LOL and the guitarist said I was shaking **** off of walls. The looks on thier faces was priceless. Just felt great to finally be able to put my "bass" foot down. :D:bassist:

This cab does sound excellent. I will definately have to experiment with my EQ settings though. As this cab is voiced different from my now gone GK 410rbx. I did like a little of that tweeter tone coming through from the GK..But this Ampeg is tighter in the lows,has WAY more punch, and the highs sound natural and good. Plus it looks killer. Cannot wait to gig with this baby!
 
#18
When I was but a young boy seeing his first bands and getting the itch to play, ALL bassists had an SVT (tubes) with the 810, and ALL guitarists had at least 1 Marshall stack.
And every keyboardist had a Leslie.
It was just how things were done, and after decades of going full circle with smaller stage rigs and better PAs for clubs there's still no substitute for the real deal.

You know, the vocals and drums really DO sound better with less bass and guitar in the mains.
 
#19
FrenchAK said:
Chilkoot Charlie's, on the west side of town. That's the main venue for local music. One of the local radio stations puts on a local showcase each Sunday night, and it's all kinds of music - which is nice, considering the massive metal scene up here. Other than the two bars I've played at, I'm not the best person to talk to about where to go, considering I'm still underage and any bar gig has to be chaperoned. :rollno:

But I can still point you in the right direction. :bassist:
Click to expand...

I played there in the late 70s. Wild times! Protective wire across the front of the stage, horseshoe pits out back.

Is, "We screw the other guy and pass the savings on to you" still painted on the side of the building?
 
#20
810's do bring the rock for sure! I've been running two fender 810 pro cabs for the past few years...MASSIVE...this next tour I'm running a GB Uber 212 with an Uber 410...we'll see if the improved fidelity can compensate for the lack of air movement
 

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