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Need Mature, Experianced Advice... or whatever you got.
- Thread starter GreggBummer
- Start date
Ashdown MAG 300 gets my vote!
or try the TB classifieds. good gear, reliable guys selling it, you can't lose.
or try the TB classifieds. good gear, reliable guys selling it, you can't lose.
Now you've got me. I have to admit that I am probably the extreme case of "spec freak." I bought my most recent two amps without listening tests, and I build my own speakers.
Also note that I am not dissing Behringer, but am only trying to establish a level playing field.
- Mar 11, 2005
- 2,541
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- Employee - Basscentre Melbourne
I'd go for the backline unless i could find something 2nd hand - an older GK800RB, or used 700 at a great price
I know full well that different models within a line can give different performance levels, but if the Behringer 4500 was in any way, shape, or form similiar to the Ultrabass 600 I bought, I would run like the wind in the other direction.
It is tough to ignore their ridiculously low retail prices, believe me I know, but I am done like dinner with their bass gear. Other stuff, perhaps here and there, mixers,etc.
Out of curiosity, anybody who is running a 4500, does it have that fabulous patented "Dynamizer" feature? Mmmmm, delicious. Gotta love something that turns you down the harder you play and that can't be defeated.
Sorry, I've been pyschologically damaged by that amp.
GK Backline or used GK 700 or 800 if you can find one. In terms of the Backline you already have a way around the biggest shortcoming of the backline stuff which is their speakers.
JKT
It is tough to ignore their ridiculously low retail prices, believe me I know, but I am done like dinner with their bass gear. Other stuff, perhaps here and there, mixers,etc.
Out of curiosity, anybody who is running a 4500, does it have that fabulous patented "Dynamizer" feature? Mmmmm, delicious. Gotta love something that turns you down the harder you play and that can't be defeated.
Sorry, I've been pyschologically damaged by that amp.
GK Backline or used GK 700 or 800 if you can find one. In terms of the Backline you already have a way around the biggest shortcoming of the backline stuff which is their speakers.
JKT
Lots of opinions!
Another vote (here) for buying used. If you're patient, you will find a good buy. It just takes time.
Check the classified ads here on TB and your local area. Keep in mind the best place to test is on the gig or rehearsal (if you play out with bands). I've bought amps that sounded great in the store and then absolutely sucked on the gig (ADA for example). And then the opposite can happen too (SWR comes to mind).
It's good to listen to other players, and if 9 out of 10 say a pc of gear is crap - it probably is crap. But use your own ears too.
Good luck!
Another vote (here) for buying used. If you're patient, you will find a good buy. It just takes time.
Check the classified ads here on TB and your local area. Keep in mind the best place to test is on the gig or rehearsal (if you play out with bands). I've bought amps that sounded great in the store and then absolutely sucked on the gig (ADA for example). And then the opposite can happen too (SWR comes to mind).
It's good to listen to other players, and if 9 out of 10 say a pc of gear is crap - it probably is crap. But use your own ears too.
Good luck!
Look for a used LMII
Or save up.
best bang for buck.
Pro quality tone.
I'm still in my 30's, had a long break from playing and with 2 kids am only able to put a little a way each month. Its taken a while but I got an MB SA450 recently, absolutely class. Now I am saving painfully slowly for a pair of Bergantino AE210 cabs.
You got the jump on me cab-wise, me on you amp wise.
I basically decided if I was going to spend money on any gear it would be the best, and I'd just wait a bit longer.
The satisfaction of having superb kit will make up for the interval where i'm runnig a pair of really tired laney 4x10s from back in the day.
You could always get the behringer as a stop gap, but you must know you are pretty much throwing the cash away doing that, since its resale value is squat, and it will in all probability die anyways....
on the plus side the longer you save for the more options you get
when I started saving it was for Bergantino HS210s, now they are old news!
Or save up.
best bang for buck.
Pro quality tone.
I'm still in my 30's, had a long break from playing and with 2 kids am only able to put a little a way each month. Its taken a while but I got an MB SA450 recently, absolutely class. Now I am saving painfully slowly for a pair of Bergantino AE210 cabs.
You got the jump on me cab-wise, me on you amp wise.
I basically decided if I was going to spend money on any gear it would be the best, and I'd just wait a bit longer.
The satisfaction of having superb kit will make up for the interval where i'm runnig a pair of really tired laney 4x10s from back in the day.
You could always get the behringer as a stop gap, but you must know you are pretty much throwing the cash away doing that, since its resale value is squat, and it will in all probability die anyways....
on the plus side the longer you save for the more options you get
when I started saving it was for Bergantino HS210s, now they are old news!my first recommendation
if you live in the usa buy a unit made in the usa
second recommendation, find a company that has been in business for longer than five years
my choice would be either g-k or mesa
u can find a new/used g-k for between 300-500
or a used mesa walkabout head for 400-600, guitar center was selling used with warranty for 450
i have blown up way too many amps from every manufacturer,
ashdown, hartke, hiwatt, h-h, carlsbro, park, ampeg, sound city, marshall, vox, acoustic, peavey, fender, sunn, jordan, and more... the difference is sometimes it may take a very long time for imported replacement parts to show up, if that is no big deal to you then ok
the other option is a used tube head, like a sunn or a fender (showman or twin)
i still use my showman head in loud situations
you may find one for 300-600
oh make sure the amp output matches your speaker
if you live in the usa buy a unit made in the usa
second recommendation, find a company that has been in business for longer than five years
my choice would be either g-k or mesa
u can find a new/used g-k for between 300-500
or a used mesa walkabout head for 400-600, guitar center was selling used with warranty for 450
i have blown up way too many amps from every manufacturer,
ashdown, hartke, hiwatt, h-h, carlsbro, park, ampeg, sound city, marshall, vox, acoustic, peavey, fender, sunn, jordan, and more... the difference is sometimes it may take a very long time for imported replacement parts to show up, if that is no big deal to you then ok
the other option is a used tube head, like a sunn or a fender (showman or twin)
i still use my showman head in loud situations
you may find one for 300-600
oh make sure the amp output matches your speaker
I second or third the idea to look in the talkbass classifieds. The gear is usually in excellent condition and you get a much better selection than in any store.
I have the GK Backline 600 and I have owned the Behringer. The Behringer wasn't bad, but it wasn't as powerful as the GK. The GK has GIVE(gate induced valve effect) which is awesome, I don't know how the Virtual Tube Circuit is on the Behringer.
Go with the Backline 600, it's a geat amp.
Go with the Backline 600, it's a geat amp.
Isn't the Backline 600 also made in China like the Behringer? So it technically could have the same "spotty" workmanship?
Take a look at the Carvin site. They have good American made equipment at reasonable prices. You can try their equipment in your own home for ten days and, if you don't like the unit, send it back for a full refund.
Paul
Paul
