Peavey Mark IV

[edbnuts]

First post...

I currently have a Peavey Mark IV with an 1820 cab. I want something lighter, which cab would you recommend as a replacement with this head? I'm also considering maybe going combo.

Thanks

 

[bass32]

I was about in the same boat as you. I have a Peavey Mega Bass amp with a Peavey 1820 cabinet. Love the sound I get, but I'm getting too old to lug it around. Besides the rig is 20 years old and the amp started crapping out on me. (fixed by a Peavey tech for $65) Rather than trust the old rig I decided to update. So here's what I did.
I bought a Hartke HA5500 amp and Hartke Hydrive 410 cabinet. I'm amazed at the bottom end I get from these speakers, however I do play a five string and I think a 15" is needed to properly carry the B string. So I'm thinking of getting the Hydrive 1x15 to go along with it. I'll be carrying 2 cabinets around, but my back says that's better than 1 heavy one. Other than that I'm satisfied with everything.
I do use a rack with some other gear and it's not any lighter with the Hartke amp, but the 410's are at least half the weight of the Peavey 1820 cabinet.
Here's a pic.
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[christw]

There are a myriad of capable lightweight heads and combos on the market right now. Finding the right one for you starts with narrowing the options.

What kind of music do you play?
How would you describe the tones you shoot for?
What's your normal EQ look like on the amp for your bass(es)?
How loud is/are your band(s)?
What size gigs do you play?
Will you have PA support?
(What do you like about the Mark IV/1820?)

First things to look at would be things like the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] which can be found for better deals than the one I linked. Going to a music store and trying out as many amps as possible is always a good starting point to figuring out which ones are for you.

I moved in on a Genz Benz ShuttleMax 12 because it was one of the few heads to offer a strong EQ section, blendable channels with tube OD, more than enough power for any situation, and incredible size and weight savings all in one affordable amp to do it all for me. That said, I still adore my old '70 something Century Bass 200 head. It's probably 20 some pounds but sounds great. I'm still torn on what direction to go with lightweight cabs myself... fEarfuls are probably what I'll end up with later though.

 

[dhomer]

I used to play a couple of those older Peavey heads, and IMO they are still quite relevant. I done some modeling on some 2-12/mid (2ohm cabs) with the idea this would be a neat upgrade for these vintage Peaveys. If you might be interested, PM me I can revisit 'em..