• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Next upgrade?

Lord Trau

Lord Trau

Oct 21, 2007
85
12
California
Disclosures
Copywriter, Dunlop Manufacturing
#1
For about a year I've been using a GK Backline 110 combo amp (my first amp, a Peavey 115 I think, was this ghastly gargantuan thing that only puts out 60 watts). It's a very reliable amp, and sounds pretty good, but I feel like I'm ready for the next level. I really want to go beyond the combo amp.

I'm in a three-piece rock band, just me, the drummer, and the guitarist, and I really don't feel like I have to compete with them to be heard. Our first show was in a coffee shop last month, and the 70 watt GK was perfectly suitable for that environment. In the near future, however, we'll be playing small to medium sized clubs, so I'm looking for at least that kind of power. Also, I'd prefer not to have a refrigerator, but if that's what I'll need for what I want out of a stack, tell me that's just the way it has to be.

The main consideration is really the tone. But what does that mean? I'm pretty sure I want a head with a tube preamp. I'd love to be able to get that natural, subtle overdrive from Geezer Butler's sound on the Ozzy Sabbath albums, but I do understand part of that sound was due to a blown-out speaker. It might even be possible to get that sound from a pedal (VT Bass? I haven't tried it).

Possibly the most important information: What is my budget? Well, I'd like to get something by Christmas time; plenty of time to save, but really I'd like to spend under 1,500.

I appreciate your feedback, and feel free to ask for clarification on anything I was unclear about.

Thanks!
 
#2
Finding "that tone" is a matter of knowing it when you hear it. You might get what you want with maybe a G-K head and a pedal unless you find a not-too-exotic head that allows you to drive the preamp tube or tubes up where you want. Given your budget, you can even look around for a preamp/power amp option if you come across a pre that makes the sound in your head. With 400-500 watts in your rig, I'd expect you to be fine.

In terms of cabs, there's a whole lot of stuff out there with potential. I've always liked 4x10's for covering just about any situation, but if you want to have a smaller option, you could consider a 2x10 plus a 1x15 or whatever pair of cabs that make it happen. I use a pair of 2x10's just because my car is too wee for a 4x10.

Even if you cruise the classifieds here, you'll see that there's serious bang for your buck in the used market. You can probably put a semi-serious performer of a rig together for under $1,000. Take some time to shop around.
 
#3
He said "wee..." heh heh, huh huh!

Since you mentioned the VT, I consider it a must-have for those who want an overdriven Ampeg sound but don't want to turn an SVT up to 10. I think it sounds even better than most tube preamps for that tone, and it sounds almost as good as a vintage Ampeg all-tuber.
 
#4
groove: I have been thinking that 4x10s would be the way to go in terms of cabs.

Are there particular models that stand out to you guys?

Jimmy: I probably will end up getting the VT Bass pedal even if I get an SVT because, as you alluded to, I probably won't want the overdrive on ALL the time.

There are many SVT models, it seems. How do they differ from each other tonally, if they do? I have looked at a few of the YouTube videos with Dino, but he focuses much more on the external features rather than the sound.

What kind of sound do you expect from an SVT versus a GK or a Genz Bens?
 
#5
Lord Trau said:
There are many SVT models, it seems. How do they differ from each other tonally, if they do? I have looked at a few of the YouTube videos with Dino, but he focuses much more on the external features rather than the sound.
Click to expand...
I'm afraid that's something you have to experience for yourself. Words don't describe it. But just so you know which are which, the SVT-CL and VR are all-tube and everything else with the SVT name is hybrid with a tube preamp and MOSFET power amp.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back