• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Looking for a help on a band practice/small gig rig!

F

Fogoverla

May 19, 2013
84
0
Chicago, IL
#1
Been a lurker for a bit, first time posting. I have been amazed by the amount of help all of you provide to each other and was hoping you could aid me as well.

I have an old Ampeg B-50R amp I love, but it is not loud enough. Last time I used it when playing with some Jazz musicians I was barely heard over the drummer. I want to join a band and this Amp won't cut it, so I need to get a better rig.

Although I would love a tube amp, my wallet can't handle the cost. I am looking at dropping about 700 or so dollars on a head and cab.

Any Suggestions?
 
#2
Best bet is to look used. That way if you don't LOVE it you can flip it for about what you paid for it.

The classifieds here on TB has some GREAT deals. I would look for at LEAST a 15 or 410 cab. Avatar, GK, and other make good solid stuff.

Amp? Get at least 300 watts at 8 ohms, again GK would be a good starting point.

I'm sure others will be along any time now.
 
#6
My recommendation would be to get a Carvin BX500 head and then spend the other $300 on either a 2x10 cab or a (used) 4x10 cab, depending on your portability/power/brand name goals. The Carvin head is nice because it's about as small and light as you can get with a head, but it's powerful enough to give you flexibility if you find yourself needing more power. I believe you could get the BX500 and a cheaper Carvin 2x10 shipped to you for not much over $700, or you can save a few bucks by finding a cab locally.

FYI, While I use a giant power amp for my main rig, I use a BX500 for practices and smaller gigs paired with a Carvin 2x10 or Markbass 4x10.
 
#8
I remember playing around with Carvin's website in the mid 90's when you could create customer orders on the website. How do they sound? I find I can get a little bit of fuzz with my Ampeg B-50R when I dig in, not sure if that's ruining the cone or not though. :hmm:
 
#12
Doesn't Hartke use aluminum cones? How do they sound compared to a "standard" cone?

I am really tempted about the GB, sounds like I can really expand with that head, just want to know more about it, and I don't always trust "reviews" on internet stores.

I was looking at the TB Classified and couldn't find anything in my price range, or Location. I am just itching to play with others again and I don't want to make a rash decision.

Thanks for all the input so far! Best Forum I have came across so far!
 
#14
Fogoverla said:
I remember playing around with Carvin's website in the mid 90's when you could create customer orders on the website. How do they sound? I find I can get a little bit of fuzz with my Ampeg B-50R when I dig in, not sure if that's ruining the cone or not though. :hmm:
Click to expand...

You'll have a harder time doing that with the Carvin, since you'll likely won't be pushing it as hard. However, it does have a small tube (which can be engaged on and off with a button) and a "drive" knob to put in a little warmth/grit... although I haven't played much with that element so can't comment on how that would compare to pushing the smaller amp hard.

Otherwise it's a clean, clear sounding head with tons of EQ options. I use it for a relatively hi-fi, full range sound myself, but between the EQ and the optional tube it's got a lot of flexibility.
 
#16
I use a Carvin MB15 with their mb15 ext speaker. 200 watts w/o ext, 250 with. Each cab weighs 30 lbs, and it has tons of eq. I run most everything flat, with just a touch of the built in compressor. Sometimes a give a bit of low mid boost and run the contour close to flat for better presence. I use a Tbird a Dano longhorn and a Kala U-bass, and I'm happy with the sound for each bass. Its big enough for small to medium gigs for classic rock or blues by itself or run the line out to the mix if needed. Its enough for my needs. The GK combos are nice rigs also, but quite a bit pricier than the Carvin gear I believe.
 
#19
I use an Ampeg PF500. For practice, I put a 150 watt MCM 10" bass speaker in a sealed car subwoofer cabinet I had laying around. Works great, and I only paid $11 for the speaker (I bought a bunch on closeout a while ago.) If I need more, I have a ported 10 cabinet, or one of my 12" with 6" midrange cabinets. Less than $700 to be sure.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back