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Need suggestions on amp setup for Gibson G-3.

zartalexander

zartalexander

Guest
Mar 17, 2012
105
9
California
#1
As of recent I have been trying to research the most ideal bass set-up for my situation. Right now I am using a Sunn Coliseum 300 SS amp, connected to a vintage Sunn 2x15 (1000s, I think?) and an Ampeg 1x15. The tone is pretty cool, but the volume is limited because I am afraid of blowing out the older speakers again in the Sunn. Plus, carrying around two separate cabs takes up a lot of space and is a pain sometimes.

Right now I think I am looking to get an Ampeg 8x10 for my cab so I can just have all of the power I ever need in one unit. But the question is:

Should I keep my Sunn head? Will it be loud enough running at 4 ohms? Would it be wise/possible to re-wire the 8x10 to 2 ohms?

or

Should I look into getting another head to pair with the 8x10? I was looking at Ampeg SVT series and also the Orange Bass Terror 1000? Any opinions/suggestions?

If it helps shape your commentary, I am using a Gibson G-3 bass and I like somewhat-bright, punchy mid-oriented tones with some grit/dirt. I play hardcore/punk/loud noisy stuff.

Thanks.
 
#2
My first 'real' bass was a G3 and still one of my all time favorites...perfect little grind machines!

Wish I could be more help on the amp purchase, but that's pretty personal stuff...I used to use a GK400rb and one or two 115 cabs with my G3 and loved it for a punchy yet grindy punk rock tone...if that helps at all :)
 
#3
Well done D.o.R. I've been calling my '77 Alder G3 a "grind machine" for years, & you're the 1st I've also heard refer to it as such:D:thumbup:
As stated, very personal choice.
Using both the 215 AND the Ampeg 115 might be a limiting factor depending on impedances, but......, hard to go wrong with either an all tube SVT, & those Orange TB1000 or even the TB500's are LOUD li'l feckers.
If you're looking at 300w tube amps, throw the new Fender Super Bassman into the mix- superb amp!!
 
#4
rodl2005 said:
Well done D.o.R. I've been calling my '77 Alder G3 a "grind machine" for years, & you're the 1st I've also heard refer to it as such:D:thumbup:
As stated, very personal choice.
Using both the 215 AND the Ampeg 115 might be a limiting factor depending on impedances, but......, hard to go wrong with either an all tube SVT, & those Orange TB1000 or even the TB500's are LOUD li'l feckers.
If you're looking at 300w tube amps, throw the new Fender Super Bassman into the mix- superb amp!!
Click to expand...

GREAT amp recommendations! I like those new Aggie Tone Hammer amps quite a bit as well. Expensive, but I recently tried the brand new Mesa Strategy and that thing is a hoss if you really want to go crazy, and spend a lot of money!
 
#5
zartalexander said:
Should I keep my Sunn head?
Click to expand...

If you like it, then why not?

zartalexander said:
Will it be loud enough running at 4 ohms?
Click to expand...

300 watt old school leadsled SS amp? Maybe. I've never really been a fan of old SS heads but if it works for you and was loud with the vintage 2x15 it should be pretty damn loud with an 8x10.

zartalexander said:
Would it be wise/possible to re-wire the 8x10 to 2 ohms?
Click to expand...

No. Neither.


zartalexander said:
Should I look into getting another head to pair with the 8x10? I was looking at Ampeg SVT series and also the Orange Bass Terror 1000? Any opinions/suggestions?

If it helps shape your commentary, I am using a Gibson G-3 bass and I like somewhat-bright, punchy mid-oriented tones with some grit/dirt. I play hardcore/punk/loud noisy stuff.
Click to expand...

Get whatever amp floats your boat and gets you a tone you like. The G3 is very mid-heavy already, and sounds like a G3 no matter what amp you use (IMO). If you like some baked in dirt, the orange amps would be right up your alley. I don't use my G3 much these days but when I was using it it was with my Ampeg V4 and SVT through either a 4x10 or 8x10 cab. It was very loud, bright, and honky at all times.
 
#6
If you are looking for a new cab, I recommend you look at a greeboy Dually 215 loaded with 3015's. It is more sensitive than an Ampeg 810, and will be louder with the same amount of power. If you are looking to upgrade your amp as well the Agi TH-500 is a great place to start, and so is the Ampeg PF-800, or a Genz Benz Streamliner.

If you wanted to go all tube, there are some cheaper options, but you will have to shop used.
 
#8
Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I might get an 8x10 to start and see how that sounds with my Sunn. If it's not sounding the way I want, I think I'll go with the Orange or Ampeg amps.

Question on the Ampeg SVT amps, though:

Are the SVT-Pro 3, 4 (etc.) amps good in terms of what I'm looking for? Is any one particularly better than the other? How do they compare to the SVT-CL? (I like the tones I have heard from those a lot, but I think they are out of my price range a little...)
 
#9
Nice amps but not in the same league as the all tube Ampegs imo.;) Again, don't forget the new Fender Super Bassman. Unreal amp. I don't miss my old SVT at all. The "vintage" channel wounds as much like the SVT-VR (only better imo) & then u got another channel.
I dunno about where you are, but here in AUS they're cheaper by a long shot too! :thumbup:
 

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