Need Advice...

[DustinC90]

I'm currently running an Ampeg SVT-450 into an Ampeg 2x10 cab. I also have an Ampeg 8x10 cab. I'm wanting to get rid of the 450 and the 8x10. The head just isn't loud enough for 450 watts, and I'm not completely satisfied with the tones. I'm wanting to get a solid tube head that will be loud and have good tone running through just the 2x10. I don't play huge venues, but I need enough volume to sometimes cut through without coming through the system.

Reccomendations on heads to pair with my Ampeg 2x10?

 

[bassguppy]

What model cab is your Ampeg 210? How many ohms? Not all 210's are created equal but a 210 can only go so far to fulfill your volume needs. More speakers = more volume.

 

[Joe Louvar]

+1 to the above.

I'm currently running an Ampeg SVT-450 into an Ampeg 2x10 cab. I also have an Ampeg 8x10 cab. I'm wanting to get rid of the 450 and the 8x10. The head just isn't loud enough for 450 watts, and I'm not completely satisfied with the tones. I'm wanting to get a solid tube head that will be loud and have good tone running through just the 2x10. I don't play huge venues, but I need enough volume to sometimes cut through without coming through the system.

Reccomendations on heads to pair with my Ampeg 2x10?

450 watts is plenty of power to get loud, however a 210 isn’t. You need more speaker and if you don’t like the tone of your current 210 you may need different speakers too.

 

[DustinC90]

It's the SVT 210 classic. 8 ohms.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ampeg-svt-210he-classic-series-bass-cabinet

The head won't even get as loud as I'd like for it to get when it's running thru my 810. It's just not cutting it. I've heard other people with the same complaint as far as that head is concerned.

 

[LowEZ]

That cab is never going to be loud no matter what you drive it with.

 

[DustinC90]

Well then let's start over.

I need a small rig. I travel a lot. Minimal space. I often play very small venues. I sometimes play medium sized venues. I need something with good tone, enough power to be clear with drums, and portability.

Throw me some ideas.

 

[BassmanPaul]

I use the 2x10 format but I'd never use just a single one. in a vertical stack two take up the same stage area as one.

 

[DustinC90]

Car space is an issue.

 

[Winfred]

I use the 2x10 format but I'd never use just a single one. in a vertical stack two take up the same stage area as one.

Yep. That. I do the same thing. Use a 2x10 for small gigs, and another 2x10 stacked for larger gigs. 500 watts total, and it's more than enough volume for the stage.

And my spine is happy.

 

[dbd1963]

115?

I haven't enjoyed the sound of my Avatar 210 by itself, at least compared to the 115 by itself. That is a sweet sounding cab. It's also lighter than the 210 so easier for me to lug around, and running it by itself (with an Ampeg Portaflex pf-500) has been fine for my rig. I'm going to get rid of my 210.

 

[DustinC90]

I want a different head. The Ampeg SVT-450 just doesn't sound good to me.

 

[RickenBoogie]

Find an amp you do like, pair it with a good 2x12. Don't skimp on the spkrs. Better to have cheap amp/good spkrs than the other way 'round. A good 2x12 will cover alot of volume. Find an amp with 300- 500 watts.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Car space is an issue.

Transportation is always an issue for bass players. It's part of the job description! If you're buying a car getting your gear into it should be foremost in your mind.

You still NEED to have the equipment to play the gig. A single 2x10, I consider, inadequate to gig with no matter how much power you have.

 

[chadds]

Except for that rather gigantic Eden 2x10 I've never found a 2x10 that was adequate. Even for coffee house gigs a 1x12 does it better for me.

 

[bassguppy]

I want a different head. The Ampeg SVT-450 just doesn't sound good to me.

decide on your price range and wattage needs. You state loud so I would guess a minimum of 100 watts. Lots of options but that also depends on your finances. Ampeg, Fender, Traynor, Peavey, Aguilar, etc...I could keep going.

What do you consider "good tone"? One persons good tone could be opposite for someone else. Any examples you've heard that you'd like your tone to emulate?

As for a small rig and car issues how much gear can your auto haul? for a smaller rig I'd go with a pair of 210's or 112's and the head of your choice.

 

[CL400Peavey]

Well then let's start over.

I need a small rig. I travel a lot. Minimal space. I often play very small venues. I sometimes play medium sized venues. I need something with good tone, enough power to be clear with drums, and portability.

Throw me some ideas.

fEARful 12/6 or 15/6.

Ampeg SVT-7 pro, GK MB 500/800, Genz SML-900, or which ever high power micro feeds your tonal needs.

 

[wcriley]

A fEARful 12/6 is as small as some 210s. Weighs 40 lbs or less. Feed it enough power (400-500 watts) and it can bury drummers.

 

[DustinC90]

I'm working with $1000-$1200 of headroom. I'm playing worship music mostly. I really like tone along the likes of Onerepublic/Coldplay/etc. A strong clean tone.

 

[DustinC90]

I drive a Scion xB, so I could haul a freaking 8x10 if I traveled alone, but my band often combines gear in my car to go to gigs.

 

[Alex1984]

I'd take at least a 212 or a 12/6 if I were you. A single 210s really won't cut it, two of them might do. IIRC, the 450H is just the B2RE in a fancy case, I'd go for either the SVT 7 Pro or the PF500 if you wanna stick with Ampeg. The Mesa WalkAbout is a personal favourite as far as small heads go. If you want affordable all tube stuff, the YBA-200 and VB-2 are good.