Need help choosing gear

[mmesco]

Hi there I've been playing bass for about year I have a '85 NJ bc rich and I play mostly thrash, punk, and death metal. Some music I like too play is stuff from mortician and autopsy. I'm looking for an amp and cab or maybe a combo amp too buy. I currently have a rumble 40 that i usually just plug my earphones in but my band got out first gig coming up and I need to bring my own gear. What would you folks recommend ? I'm still new but I've been looking into an orange terror bass on FB market place but not sure if that's a good pick up any advice ? Thanks

 

[pbass2]

Used FTW!

 

[mmesco]

IMO all previous replies contain thoughtful advice/opinions for your situation. as my 2 cents worth, be aware that a lot of manufacturers amps and cabs have a "baked in " tone, meaning Fender sounds like a Fender, Ampeg sounds like Ampeg, and sometimes that works out in a given situation with a lot of e.q. knob twiddling, sometimes you cant get beyond what it sounds like. but every setup is different. I love Gallien Krueger, have a MB212II, but boy does it have that GK sound. In the longer term i would consider a neutral sounding amp and cab so your technique and bass guitar tone show more than being over-coloured by the amp/cab itself. much more useful for different generes of music/bands.

At a guitar center near me there's a bugera BTX3600 for 350$ I've never heard of that brand is it any good ?

 

[tothemax]

I play with a 6 piece band and I use an Ampeg BA210v2 combo (2 x10) 365w @ 8 ohms. With an Ampeg extension cab (also 2 x 10) it has 450w @ 8 ohms. It has a built in DI (Direct Connection to the PA using a mic cable (XLR)) which is nice if have room in your PA to support it. I'm pretty pleased with it, the Ampeg BAv2 and Rocket series have a "Scrambler" circuit that emulates the SWR grit. It works well. With an $600 - $800 budget you have some options, especially in the used market. I like the combo because it's all in one, for smaller gigs I use it standalone, for larger I add the 2 x 10 cab. Some folks prefer a head and cab combination, it's down to what works for you.

I think the majority are saying 500w would probably be a good starting point, and for metal that sounds right. FB market place sometimes has good deals, but I would also look into any used gear stores, this time of year most stores are trying to sell new gear - unfortunately music gear prices have gone up since COVID, hopefully heading back to normal. It won't hurt to find someone that knows bass gear (a bit anyway) to help you shop. It's important to make sure the gear you find is compatible, the power amp out is the impedance matching the speaker cabinet (with a combo it usually never an issue).

Going with a solid brand never hurts, Ampeg, Fender, GB, GK, Hartke, Peavey, etc... Just a word of warning with the Rumble 40... I loved the one I had, especially how light it was. When we had small practices I would bring it, as the volume got louder I'd push that little amp and eventually the speaker gave it up (luckily it was still under warranty). Those rare earth magnet speakers sound great and are super light, but IMO they can't take the abuse of regular spec'd out speakers. I exchanged it for an Ampeg BA115v2 (plus a few $$), which I leave in our practice studio, 5 years and going strong.

Good luck on finding a good setup,

Cheers

FYI: Bugera is made by Behringer... do a Google search on that model and see what the reviews say. In my experience, Behringer either works well, or is a poor product (not much in between). And you can't beat their prices...

 

[mmesco]

I play with a 6 piece band and I use an Ampeg BA210v2 combo (2 x10) 365w @ 8 ohms. With an Ampeg extension cab (also 2 x 10) it has 450w @ 8 ohms. It has a built in DI (Direct Connection to the PA using a mic cable (XLR)) which is nice if have room in your PA to support it. I'm pretty pleased with it, the Ampeg BAv2 and Rocket series have a "Scrambler" circuit that emulates the SWR grit. It works well. With an $600 - $800 budget you have some options, especially in the used market. I like the combo because it's all in one, for smaller gigs I use it standalone, for larger I add the 2 x 10 cab. Some folks prefer a head and cab combination, it's down to what works for you.

I think the majority are saying 500w would probably be a good starting point, and for metal that sounds right. FB market place sometimes has good deals, but I would also look into any used gear stores, this time of year most stores are trying to sell new gear - unfortunately music gear prices have gone up since COVID, hopefully heading back to normal. It won't hurt to find someone that knows bass gear (a bit anyway) to help you shop. It's important to make sure the gear you find is compatible, the power amp out is the impedance as the speaker cabinet (with a combo it usually never an issue).

Going with a solid brand never hurts, Ampeg, Fender, GB, GK, Hartke, Peavey, etc... Just a word of warning with the Rumble 40... I loved the one I had, especially how light it was. When we had small practices I would bring it, as the volume got louder I'd push that little amp and eventually the speaker gave it up (luckily it was still under warranty). Those rare earth magnet speakers sound great and are super light, but IMO they can't take the abuse of regular spec'd out speakers. I exchanged it for an Ampeg BA115v2 (plus a few $$), which I leave in our practice studio, 5 years and going strong.

Good luck on finding a good setup,

Cheers

FYI: Bugera is made by Behringer... do a Google search on that model and see what the reviews say. In my experience, Behringer either works well, or is a poor product (not much in between). And you can't beat their prices...

You guys are so nice this is my first time posting here on this thread your advice has helped me so much thank you guys
I have another question then, I live in the LA area does anyone know any good used/second hand stores in the city ? If so I'd love too go check those out thank you so much

 

[monsterthompson]

I have another question then, I live in the LA area does anyone know any good used/second hand stores in the city ? If so I'd love too go check those out thank you so much

A lot of shops have closed up over the years. Years ago Mesa has a Hollywood shop with a few used pieces in stock. It was by Guitar Center and Sam Ash. Sam Ash had used stuff but closed up. Same story for a few other places I could've suggested a few years ago. Your best bet at variety is to see what's at the various Guitar Center shops, filtered by location you'd be willing to drive to. There are probably a few smaller shops still around, but I'd guess many of them have inventory viewable online.

True Tone in Santa Monica is a nice shop (was there a couple years back).

This thread has a few others.

Thread 'Shopping in LA'

Mar 4, 2023

I've got a friend on tour right now and she's looking for recommendations for shops in LA. She's interested in buying a bass, not sure what kind exactly.

If there are good musician-friendly guitar shops that you could recommend, she would appreciate it.

• TroyK
• Replies: 59
• Forum: Miscellaneous [BG]

 

[6thplanet]

Hartke HA3500, 5000, or 7000. Freaking fantastic affordable amps to get ya going.

 

[lokikallas]

View attachment 7382713
I found this on fb market place they say it cracks when it gets loud but it's cheap what do you guys think ?

Pass... that thing would be ok if it was in perfect working order, but if they claim "crackles" then no way unless it's under 30$. That thing looks older than me lol.

 

[lokikallas]

Hi there I've been playing bass for about year I have a '85 NJ bc rich and I play mostly thrash, punk, and death metal. Some music I like too play is stuff from mortician and autopsy. I'm looking for an amp and cab or maybe a combo amp too buy. I currently have a rumble 40 that i usually just plug my earphones in but my band got out first gig coming up and I need to bring my own gear. What would you folks recommend ? I'm still new but I've been looking into an orange terror bass on FB market place but not sure if that's a good pick up any advice ? Thanks

Bugera is nice, a lot more than you need honestly. At 1800W, it may endanger any cabinets you find in your remaining budget, plus it probably weighs a metric ton. I would aim for an old Ampeg B2R, and any 410 and call it a day. That is essentially what the Ampeg at you rehearsal space is, in a different form factor. with 800$ you could definitely find a PF500 or Rumble 500 which each weigh about 10 lbs. NOBODY needs an 1800W amp.

 

[tothemax]

Call John Carruthers shop, they should be able to point you in the right direction around LA.
He's been one of the top luthiers in LA forever, his old shop was in Santa Monica. He builds custom guitars now, but any of his staff should know some good shops. Is the Recycler still in business? Craig's list?

Carruthers Guitars​

Phone Number: 805-482-9696​

Address: 4700 Calle Carga, Camarillo California​

Shop Hours: 10AM - 5PM Tuesday to Saturday​

Short story:
Probably 40 years ago when I lived in the desert, our bass player tried to set up his Rick and really messed it up. I called a friend in LA and he gave me John's shop number. We called at 9:00am on a Saturday morning (we were two hours away, east of Mojave). He said he would wait for us, if we immediately got on the road... couldn't have been nicer, did the setup himself. While we were waiting. We were looking around the shop and there were cases on the shelf marked "Santana" and "Clapton", we had no idea and were so thankful for the friend that pointed us at his shop.

Good luck!

 

[mmesco]

I play with a 6 piece band and I use an Ampeg BA210v2 combo (2 x10) 365w @ 8 ohms. With an Ampeg extension cab (also 2 x 10) it has 450w @ 8 ohms. It has a built in DI (Direct Connection to the PA using a mic cable (XLR)) which is nice if have room in your PA to support it. I'm pretty pleased with it, the Ampeg BAv2 and Rocket series have a "Scrambler" circuit that emulates the SWR grit. It works well. With an $600 - $800 budget you have some options, especially in the used market. I like the combo because it's all in one, for smaller gigs I use it standalone, for larger I add the 2 x 10 cab. Some folks prefer a head and cab combination, it's down to what works for you.

I think the majority are saying 500w would probably be a good starting point, and for metal that sounds right. FB market place sometimes has good deals, but I would also look into any used gear stores, this time of year most stores are trying to sell new gear - unfortunately music gear prices have gone up since COVID, hopefully heading back to normal. It won't hurt to find someone that knows bass gear (a bit anyway) to help you shop. It's important to make sure the gear you find is compatible, the power amp out is the impedance matching the speaker cabinet (with a combo it usually never an issue).

Going with a solid brand never hurts, Ampeg, Fender, GB, GK, Hartke, Peavey, etc... Just a word of warning with the Rumble 40... I loved the one I had, especially how light it was. When we had small practices I would bring it, as the volume got louder I'd push that little amp and eventually the speaker gave it up (luckily it was still under warranty). Those rare earth magnet speakers sound great and are super light, but IMO they can't take the abuse of regular spec'd out speakers. I exchanged it for an Ampeg BA115v2 (plus a few $$), which I leave in our practice studio, 5 years and going strong.

Good luck on finding a good setup,

Cheers

FYI: Bugera is made by Behringer... do a Google search on that model and see what the reviews say. In my experience, Behringer either works well, or is a poor product (not much in between). And you can't beat their prices...

Just saw this come up it's a 500w head and desc says 2 speakers might need too be replaced but what do you guys think ?

 

[jtg]

Just saw this come up it's a 500w head and desc says 2 speakers might need too be replaced but what do you guys think ?

SWR is real pretty sounding and mid shy, probably the opposite tone you're looking for, but that's a great deal with plenty of power and speaker and if you dip the bass and goose the mids it could work well. At least until you can save up $50 and a case of PBR for a chöadhammer.Try it out, but only if you can find replacement speakers on the cheap.

 

[mmesco]

SWR is real pretty sounding and mid shy, probably the opposite tone you're looking for, but that's a great deal with plenty of power and speaker and if you dip the bass and goose the mids it could work well. At least until you can save up $50 and a case of PBR for a chöadhammer.Try it out, but only if you can find replacement speakers on the cheap.

This is the other one I had saved in my market place what do you guys think ? I want too go try it out as well

 

[jtg]

Now you're talking. That's not a ton of watts by modern standards but you're in the right tone neighborhood and those 15s will get you lots of SPLs. Talk em down. Old peaveys should be cheap. It'll be a bear to schlep.

 

[tothemax]

I would check them out, make sure they work before making an offer. You don't want to get to gig day with a project. That SWR looks like it's been through a war, the Peavey looks like it was taken care of. Ditto on making sure you can find speakers, if you go with the SWR. Either of those leaves you some room in your budget...

You should, within reason, turn them up, to make sure the speakers don't crack or fart out (or the power cuts out). Peavey stuff is built like a tank.

Good luck