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Matched brands that were a bust

P

pglaser01

Mar 19, 2013
1,612
2,694
St. Louis, MO
www.dudeabidesstl.com
Disclosures
If only I were that good....
#1
I did a quick search but didn't really see anything too close.

Brands always try to design their own cabs and amps to work perfectly with each other. I'm certain 99% of the time it works and sounds glorious!

However, just for discussion...had anyone had experience where they had a matching brand of amp and cab that just didn't work, but you tried it with something else and it just came alive?

For instance, played a PF 500 thru 2 115HEs....wasn't a huge fan, but threw a 1001RB on top....it was awesome.
 
#3
I believe the reality is that many of the less expensive cabs are basically speakers in a box. So not a lot of magic there.

I have always got the best results by looking at the strengths of the individual items. I used an Ampeg amp with Mesa cabs, Thunderfunk amps with Bergantino cabs and Aguilar amps with Barefaced cabs.
 
#5
meatwad said:
The GK + Ampeg mixture is always hard to beat. Even up against each brand being matched respectively.

It's actually the only "mismatch" in bass amps that seems natural, IMO.
Click to expand...

I am agree there, but I'm assuming you mean GK amps with Ampeg cabs? Or either way?

Any others who have experience with a "stack" that just didn't sound as good as brand mixing?
 
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#6
meatwad said:
The GK + Ampeg mixture is always hard to beat. Even up against each brand being matched respectively.

It's actually the only "mismatch" in bass amps that seems natural, IMO.
Click to expand...


I find this holds true for Ampeg cabs and GK heads almost universally. GK cabs and Ampeg heads are more hit and miss.

I never had success with SWR head/cab pairings. Either one always seemed to work better with something else.
 
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#12
Older GK cabs were a bust, you were better off with a variety of other cabs.

Hartke heads weren't so loved, but the Hartke aluminum 10's we're good for rock. (I found them fragile).

A lot of people used SWR and Eden cabs that didn't care for their heads.

Did you know Demeter made bass cabs?

I like Markbass heads on beefier construction cabs.

Does anyone like Epifani heads?

Fender bass heads from the 80's and 90's weren't good sellers.

Peavy Scorpion cabs are liked, can you guys name their best head designs that just have "that" sound?

Ernie Ball bass amps, period.

Warwick bass cabs.

Ashdown cabs.
 
#16
Saetia said:
GK RB series and SWR cabs rock as well. Toured a 700rb ii w/ Henry the 8x8 and it was Godly.
Click to expand...

RB series heads and Goliath family cabs were my sound for the 90's and 00's. RB 400 into a Goliath Sr. was tonal nirvana. The RB 400 is one of the few times I'd say get the less powerful head when compared to the 700. The "Riding the Rails" sound of pushing a 400 is fantastic. Paired with 6 or 8 10's and you could keep up with more than convential wisdom says you should be able to with that wattage.
 
#18
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