• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Old fart, new amp. Suggestions?

Get any amp that you want, that fits your wallet and does not hurt your back and stick a Tech 21 VT Bass DI in front of it. Done!.

As a bonus, you get the sound of your rig if you bypass the VT Bass DI and then you get Fliptop, SVT and other Ampeg-ish sounds when you engage the VT Bass DI pedal.
 
@paulygonemad — You'll be fine with any head you can lift comfortably, afford, and that has at least 500 watts into 4 ohms. Do not get an Ampeg pf-500, which is a notoriously unreliable unit. Yes, put a VT Bass pedal in front of it, if you wish it. Assume you will spend ~$700 on a new head, unless you go used (used you will save about $200 on a $700 head).

The main issue is, IMHO, is getting a great cabinet or two that can do the job. It should be 8 ohms so you can add another if you wish. Any top quality 212, 210, or pair of 210, 112, or 115 cabs are a good way to go.

What if you get a cabinet, but don't like it? Fine. Sell it and try another kind. Oh, wait. If you get a combo, you can't just sell the cabinet—you are stuck, so DO NOT GET A COMBO.

There are also a lot of great cabinets from the fEARful, fEARless, AudioKinesis, Fitzmaurice, and Barefaced tribes. Check them out. You can even get a kit for fEARish and Fitzmaurice cabs with all the wood cut, all the drivers, wires, even glue, etc., from these folks: http://www.speakerhardware.com
 
@paulygonemad — You'll be fine with any head you can lift comfortably, afford, and that has at least 500 watts into 4 ohms. Do not get an Ampeg pf-500, which is a notoriously unreliable unit. Yes, put a VT Bass pedal in front of it, if you wish it. Assume you will spend ~$700 on a new head, unless you go used (used you will save about $200 on a $700 head).

The main issue is, IMHO, is getting a great cabinet or two that can do the job. It should be 8 ohms so you can add another if you wish. Any top quality 212, 210, or pair of 210, 112, or 115 cabs are a good way to go.

What if you get a cabinet, but don't like it? Fine. Sell it and try another kind. Oh, wait. If you get a combo, you can't just sell the cabinet—you are stuck, so DO NOT GET A COMBO.

There are also a lot of great cabinets from the fEARful, fEARless, AudioKinesis, Fitzmaurice, and Barefaced tribes. Check them out. You can even get a kit for fEARish and Fitzmaurice cabs with all the wood cut, all the drivers, wires, even glue, etc., from these folks: http://www.speakerhardware.com
Agee on the advice to avoid a combo and go modular. Gives you much more flexibility in the long run.
 
I love my Demeter VTBP M 800D - 10.5lbs - 800 watts at 4ohm... 500 at 8ohm. It's a beast! I have a Big E MAS112 cab being built. The whole rig will weigh around 65lbs and capable of 800 watts. I'm all about getting lighter!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0463.JPG
    IMG_0463.JPG
    51.2 KB · Views: 44
  • Like
Reactions: murphy
Sold my vintage SVT and 8X10 flatback two years ago....I can still lift it (macho macho man), but after a couple cocktails who wants to.

Genz Benz Streamliner 900.....plain and simple, they nailed it. Some of the Neo cabs, quite simply don't get the woof woof right, although I played a couple Bergantino, that were pretty darn good.......So whatever you can lift, late at night...think swing and heave. Personally it's all about multiple 10's.....such a sweet musical voice.

Good luck....and bass on.
 
...I am currently leaning towards a gk modular system. The gk mb212ii (or 115)combo with the same powered extension cab...
Club size will be small to mid...
You guys are too funny :D. Man wants a simple lightweight combo and soon a 200 watt Meatsmoke and two 810 will be up.

Well yeah, but two 810's will really need a CA9 with a Verellen Meatsmoke pre-amp, won't they? Oh OK, maybe a just CA6...:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
But seriously, a nice 12/6 with a GK MB fusion 550 would probably nail it, and a second 12/6 would make it very modular!
Heck any pair of good 112's and a micro head, and he's Bangin'!
 
  • Like
Reactions: B-string
The tecamp stuff is super quality, sounds amazing and really light - my puma 900 head is 2.2 pounds! they make ever configuration of cabs that you can imagine (and a few you never dreamed of too!)
 
  • Like
Reactions: interp
You all are very helpful, thanks
Budget is around 1500, but I'm willing to push to 2k. I'm off the combo kick, thanks for that. A few lightweight 212's and a class d head seems the best route. Had a chance to try a tone hammer, nice little head. One 212 for a small club circuit with a spare if needed seems logical. That th500 is great. Good stuff, thanks.
I didn't even think about the vt. Very smart.