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need advice on downsizing

M

melissalmurphy

Jul 11, 2001
38
0
51
dallas, tx
www.myspace.com
#1
i've read the threads on combos, but didn't find the advice i was looking for. i'm wanting to go smaller. we rarely gig, and my 2 x 15 cab is just to big to lug around for recording and practice. i play in a 3 piece rock band, so the bass can definitely be heard. i like a nice low tone, not too bright or plunky, but not distorted. and price is a factor. i really can't spend more than $400.

1. would it be better to just downsize to a smaller cabinet and keep the same head (peavey session bass), or trade both for a combo? for some reason my husband favors the combo.

2. since most people don't seem to be in favor of the combo...would you recommend a 115 cab, 112, or maybe even 210? i want something that could gig if mic'd.

3. opinions on gaillen-kruger backline and swr cabs? (the lower dollar ones)

i know the best way is to go test stuff out, but we've got a little baby and live an hour from a music shop. want to go in with a pretty good idea of what i want. thanks for any advice you have.
 
#2
You're probably looking for a used single 15 combo. The combo will make life easy for you and it won't be a bear to lug around. Or $400 could also get you a new SWR Workingman's 1x15T. Someone else will no doubt chime in with some ideas. :)
 
#3
"Won't be a bear to lug around"??? You had better check the "Combo Amp Megathread". Do a search on "combo amp" and read some of the nightmare stories from combo owners. Some of the tales in that "Pros and Cons" thread will send a chill down your back. And that one about the banged up shins made me cringe. Check it out. :eyebrow:
 
#5
With the Sssionbass head you want a 4 ohm cabinet so you can use all your watts. I'd check out Avatar, maybe a 2x10 or 1x12. I've had both Avatars and thought they were great. I'm not sure which ones are available in 4 ohms. But I'm sure someone up on there Avatar's will chime in with the info. ;)
 
#6
I think combos are too heavy to lug around. I find it much easier to move a head and a smaller cab. Think about what it would be like to move your amp AND cab at the same time.

I would keep the head and look into the possibility of get one or two 1x12 cabs. 12's seem to give the best performance vs. size ratio.

Based on my limited experience I would recommend the Avatar sb112. http://www.avatarspeakers.com/
 
#7
Joe Beets said:
With the Sssionbass head you want a 4 ohm cabinet so you can use all your watts. I'd check out Avatar, maybe a 2x10 or 1x12. I've had both Avatars and thought they were great. I'm not sure which ones are available in 4 ohms. But I'm sure someone up on there Avatar's will chime in with the info. ;)
Click to expand...

I agree that you want to run a 4 ohm load to get the most out of your Peavey head. I believe all Avatar cabs are available in 4 ohm.
 
#9
What kind of 2x15 cab are you currently using? Depending on what you have there are single 15" and even single 12" cabs that may very well be louder and sound much better that your 2x15 set-up....Downsizing doesn't always mean Downgrading, and Downgrading can be Degrading, and, well you get the point..
 
#10
lowphatbass said:
What kind of 2x15 cab are you currently using? Depending on what you have there are single 15" and even single 12" cabs that may very well be louder and sound much better that your 2x15 set-up....Downsizing doesn't always mean Downgrading, and Downgrading can be Degrading, and, well you get the point..
Click to expand...

it's a fender vt bassman. still has the original fender speakers. doesn't sound bad, doesn't sound great.
 
#11
I went for a lightweight rig and recommend cabinets with 'Neo' speakers in them. This reduces the weight a lot and makes them easier to carry.

eg Accugroove. Pricey but when you hear them they will blow your mind. The Tri 112L is a 1x12" + a 1x6" + 2x tweeters

Another make is Epifani again good but pricey

Small heads include

Accoustic Image focus weight 5lbs and 600 watts into 4 ohms
" " Clarus weight 5lbs and 200 watts into 4 ohms

GK RB1001 [I think thats right] weight about 15 lbs, popular on this board

Yamaha 500 weight about 10lbs new on the block not sure of specs.

Thunderfunk not sure of the weight but fantasic with Accugroove.

Walter Woods possibly the ultimate at 7lbs and 1200? watts but it is very very expensive.

Regards

Matthew
 
#12
matthewfoote said:
I went for a lightweight rig and recommend cabinets with 'Neo' speakers in them. This reduces the weight a lot and makes them easier to carry.

eg Accugroove. Pricey but when you hear them they will blow your mind. The Tri 112L is a 1x12" + a 1x6" + 2x tweeters

Another make is Epifani again good but pricey

Small heads include

Accoustic Image focus weight 5lbs and 600 watts into 4 ohms
" " Clarus weight 5lbs and 200 watts into 4 ohms

GK RB1001 [I think thats right] weight about 15 lbs, popular on this board

Yamaha 500 weight about 10lbs new on the block not sure of specs.

Thunderfunk not sure of the weight but fantasic with Accugroove.

Walter Woods possibly the ultimate at 7lbs and 1200? watts but it is very very expensive.

Regards

Matthew
Click to expand...

thanks for the recommendations, but you lost me at the word "pricey"! ;)
 
#13
matthewfoote said:
I went for a lightweight rig and recommend cabinets with 'Neo' speakers in them. This reduces the weight a lot and makes them easier to carry.

eg Accugroove. Pricey but when you hear them they will blow your mind. The Tri 112L is a 1x12" + a 1x6" + 2x tweeters

Another make is Epifani again good but pricey

Small heads include

Accoustic Image focus weight 5lbs and 600 watts into 4 ohms
" " Clarus weight 5lbs and 200 watts into 4 ohms

GK RB1001 [I think thats right] weight about 15 lbs, popular on this board

Yamaha 500 weight about 10lbs new on the block not sure of specs.

Thunderfunk not sure of the weight but fantasic with Accugroove.

Walter Woods possibly the ultimate at 7lbs and 1200? watts but it is very very expensive.

Regards

Matthew
Click to expand...

All of these choices are WAY out of the price range!
 
#14
Joe Beets said:
With the Sssionbass head you want a 4 ohm cabinet so you can use all your watts. I'd check out Avatar, maybe a 2x10 or 1x12. I've had both Avatars and thought they were great. I'm not sure which ones are available in 4 ohms. But I'm sure someone up on there Avatar's will chime in with the info. ;)
Click to expand...

i didn't do my physics homework. ohms are resistance, right? so fewer ohms means less resistance?
-clueless
 

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