Lightweight rig for heavy music

[Ender_rpm]

FWIW, he stated he has the EBS410Classic, which is pretty light for a 410, around 70 pounds IIRC. I know mine is pretty easy to lug, a little heaver than my old Avatar Neo410, but (over) built a bit better as well.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

I'm definitely going to save up for something good that I can keep for a long time. I think I can put a decent rig together with this info. Think I'll save up and head down to Thomann to try things out.

Way cool, and you're very welcome. Have a fantastic weekend.

Cheers,
Joe

 

[Kügel]

Well to be fair, I was originally just looking at replacing the head but come to think of it, I wouldn't mind getting some lighter cabs as well

As I said, I'm currently using the EBS Classic Line 410 cab, the site states that it weighs 34kg/76 lbs.

Someone suggested Barefaced cabs and they do seem like the way to go. Though I'm not very familiar with combining cab sizes and their impact on your tone. What I'm looking for is a midheavy tone with some growl. Though the bass also has alot of influence on this I suppose.

 

[DukeLeJeune]

Someone suggested Barefaced cabs and they do seem like the way to go. Though I'm not very familiar with combining cab sizes and their impact on your tone. What I'm looking for is a midheavy tone with some growl. Though the bass also has alot of influence on this I suppose.

Barefaced offers an incredible amount of sound per pound, I can't comment on the voicings of their different cabs, but owner/designer Alex Claber can certainly advise you.

In the "midheavy tone with some growl" department, you might also look into Baer, as I think that description may be more in line with the native voicing of the Baer ML112.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Another option worth looking into is the Gallien-Krueger MB212-II bass combo.

A 500W bass amp into a compact 212 cab weighing only 37lbs total.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MB212-II

 

[JLuisBass]

Hi there. I play mainly in a Hard Rock band, sometimes in a Versatile Rock covers band and I'm looking for something lightweight as well. So far, I've narrowed it down to this options:

For heads:
- [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] (Versatile sound)
- [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] (I love the Aguilar sound!)
- [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] (For a vintage/tube/with more character sound)

For cabs (I might get two from the same model for a louder rig, when needed; or to leave one at home and one at my practice room):
- Barefaced Big Baby 2
- Acme Low B-112 Full Range
- [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]​

My criteria is rather simple, I want a head adaptable enough to get different rock-based sounds, with or without effect pedals, three tops (having too many would defeat the purpose of easy-carrying); as to power output, I think 500w @ 4Ω will suffice. Regarding cabs, I seek clarity, punch, loudness and deep lows; all in a small-to-medium-sized and lightweight package.

I'm still undecided and considering other brands like Carvin, Warwick and Gallien-Krueger for heads; Mesa Boogie, fEARful and Bergantino for cabs; but I'm leaning towards the Eden WTX500 (4.3 lb) and the Barefaced Big Baby 2 (26-29 lbs depending on the type of grill).

Well... This are the options I'm examining and I guess the final decision will depend on budget and on the shipping availability.

I hope my case will help you with your situation by giving you some other alternatives. \m/

 

[alexclaber]

All three of those heads will work very well with the BB2 and you'll hear their distinct range of tones. The Terror Bass will play loudest and the WTX will be the least loud but it won't be quiet by any means - certainly louder than that those others with the loudest amp.

The Terror Bass is a bit of one trick pony but you can run an outboard preamp in through the FX return so the Terror Bass becomes solely a power amp. The TH500 is proving popular with our customers and I enjoyed the variety of tones and feels when trying one recently - and it goes damned loud!

 

[chaosMK]

You might like an Orange Bass Terror 1000. Probably not the ultimate in versatility but should be great for your particular application.

 

[DrDAV14]

I have had GREAT luck matching my GK MB Fusion 500 with a Barefaced 69er. Total rig is less than 60lbs(27kilos) and is large enough to impress, and small enough not to scare.......and tone for days.

 

[bgavin]

OP,
Consider your cabs, and your typical terrain.
A lot of players like a tall 'n skinny tilt-back that is easily wheeled about.
These have skids on the back, so they can be levered into a pickup bed with ease.

If stuck with a 4x10 configuration, I'd opt for a pair of 2x10 which is less weight per box.
You can mix and match, depending on the need.
Obviously, NEO drivers in the cabs.

The custom builders might entertain a well-braced design using 3/8" baltic birch, and swiss-cheesed bracing for light weight.
A cleated and braced build with this thin BB can be pretty sturdy and very light weight.

I have my RB in 3RU ultra short ATA knockoff rack.
At 18 pounds, the RB is surprisingly hefty (which I like).

SKB is redesigning their XRack series as I write this, so their new design might be worth a peek.
A rack bag and micro-D head will still be the least weight and size.
My bassist plays an LM-III and gig bag... very small package to tote.

 

[Thundar]

OP,
Consider your cabs, and your typical terrain.
A lot of players like a tall 'n skinny tilt-back that is easily wheeled about.
These have skids on the back, so they can be levered into a pickup bed with ease.

If stuck with a 4x10 configuration, I'd opt for a pair of 2x10 which is less weight per box.
You can mix and match, depending on the need.
Obviously, NEO drivers in the cabs.

The custom builders might entertain a well-braced design using 3/8" baltic birch, and swiss-cheesed bracing for light weight.
A cleated and braced build with this thin BB can be pretty sturdy and very light weight.

I have my RB in 3RU ultra short ATA knockoff rack.
At 18 pounds, the RB is surprisingly hefty (which I like).

SKB is redesigning their XRack series as I write this, so their new design might be worth a peek.
A rack bag and micro-D head will still be the least weight and size.
My bassist plays an LM-III and gig bag... very small package to tote.

I have discovered that, for me, this is really the best. I have a Hartke 215 that I have added casters and a tug-bar to, an LDS 215 that has kickback casters and bar, and an older GK NEO 212 with kickbacks and a retractable handle and these all make my life easier....and none of them weigh over 70 lbs.

 

[JHOODII]

Gk MB Fusion head, and two single GK neo 112 cabs. The head has three tubes, and I think it would work great for any style of playing.