New Bass Rig

[workinthecorner]

Hi everyone, so I'm looking to start putting together my first "real" bass rig. I just sold my old setup which was a Behringer 4500 head and Peavey 2x15 Black Widow cab. Basically the cab was just a monster to move and my band's shows never required that much power, what with direct outs and PA systems. From selling that I've got about $400ish on hand to start buying up new gear. Very exciting I know.

I'm not exactly too sure where to even start with this project, if I need a 4x10, or a 2x10 and later add a 1x15, etc. In the past I played a Fender Bassman 1x15 combo (think it was 100W). That on its own didn't have enough power for anything besides quieter band rehearsals. I'm in the Ann Arbor/Detroit area of Michigan and have been looking through Craigslist but having some experienced help would be great. I don't know what's considered good or bad for amp heads/cabinets, etc. There's quite a bit for sale at reasonable prices I just don't know what to get.

I play pop-punk/punk/alternative rock (i.e. blink, nofx, offspring, ak3) so I don't know if that's a factor in what brands I should be looking at. It's a whole new, big world of bass amplification so thanks for the suggestions/recommendations.

 

[Bass_Pounder]

FYI - a 2X15 puts out about as much as a 4X10.

If a 2X15 was overkill for what you do, so will a 4X10.

 

[Mousekillaz]

SWR,G-K or Eden. All make great products.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I'd run a 4x10, but as Bass_pounder said, it will be overkill if a 2x15 is.... so turn down.

The 4x10 will probably be easier to move than a 2x15 if that helps.

Just go to the music store and find out what you like, find out what your heroes play and start trying those. Then once you have an idea of what you like, start looking for something used.

 

[workinthecorner]

Yeah it wasn't so much the power of the 2x15, it was just the transportation of it. But I didn't know whether going with a 1x15 and a 2x10 would be better than just a straight up 4x10. So some of the ones I've found on CL are
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Like I said lots to look at

 

[Mousekillaz]

Just go to the music store and find out what you like, find out what your heroes play and start trying those. Then once you have an idea of what you like, start looking for something used.

Great advice!

 

[Lo-E]

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There's your rig.

 

[Mousekillaz]

SWR 350x - GK 4X10 would be my call

 

[esa372]

I'd recommend two 210 cabs.

Take one for smaller gigs; both for larger.

...and, of course, align the drivers vertically.

Can't go wrong.

 

[Mousekillaz]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] ... both cabs together would cover ANY situation!

 

[workinthecorner]

Mousekillaz- I saw that and yeah am definitely considering that, but then I need to decide between the SWR 350x head or the Workingman 4004. Or I could go with the already put together Acoustic Rig [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Only thing is with that head it's a much more underpowered rig

 

[morewattsplease]

out of those id go with the swr head (either one). The GK cab looked nice.

 

[Mousekillaz]

The 350X is a way better choice. The 350 series are from SWR's flagship product line along with the SM series. They utilize a tube preamp which the WorkingMan series do not.
I own a WorkingPro Amp which is the newer line than the WorkingMan series. Its a still good amp but given your choices the 350X would be a better choice.

Acoustic's "new" line IMHO are not very impressive. It's my belief that someone (Guitar Center) bought the rights to the name to cash in on Acoustics former reputation. Incidentally SWR's Steve W Rabe was an engineer at the old (real) Acoustic.

 

[rnarrington1]

I live in Howell, Mi. and checked out those gk cabs....... id look elsewhere. They have certainly had a well played life if you know what i mean.

 

[workinthecorner]

Not to keep asking more and more questions but.......how about this compared to the SWR350X [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] I haven't looked into it too much but it is cheaper and an Ampeg (which is what a ton of my "heroes" use, SVT but still)

 

[Mousekillaz]

I live in Howell, Mi. and checked out those gk cabs....... id look elsewhere. They have certainly had a well played life if you know what i mean.

Are all the drivers working properly? or is it just typical nasty rat fur?

 

[Mousekillaz]

I'm not a big fan of Ampeg anymore. They were bought out by CRATE and then by Loud Technologies. Who also own Mackie and several other product lines. Any one familiar with old and new Mackie gear can tell you they've really slipped on quality since then. I believe they build all there stuff in China or Vietnam or wherever the cheapest production can be found.
SWR is now owned by Fender but from what I've seen it's actually been good for their line.

 

[SteveC]

Get the set 350. Those are great heads and almost indestructible. I had 2 over the years and my friend gigged one hard for years. No brainier.

 

[workinthecorner]

I don't care at all about looks or anything so as long as those GK speakers still work well like people have said they do then their "trashy" appearance doesn't faze me. I should be able to get that 350 head too so I'm excited 'bout that. Thanks for the help ya'll

 

[workinthecorner]

Thoughts on Carvin gear? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] If the GK cab is really shot then this is an option I think