• 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.

Please help! Durable, dependable amp needed ASAP.

Jirishman

Jirishman

May 16, 2011
206
170
Chicago
#1
I'm in a bit of an emergency as I'm just beginning a 3 week long tour, and my current bass amp is having problems. I really need suggestions for a durable, dependable, and affordable bass amp ASAP.

A bit of backstory: I gigged on an Orange Terror Bass 500 for 4 years without a problem. But over the course of the past 3-4 months, things slowly break down. I've had it repaired twice, but ultimately had to send it back to Orange recently so they can diagnose & fix it.
I purchased an Ashdown Little Bastard 500w hybrid as a backup during the period when the Terror bass is on the fritz, and things are good for a while. Then one night it produces no sound. Amp tech takes a look; says one of the preamp tubes blew and its a quick fix! Well, oddly enough I guess the amp tech only replaced one of the tubes, because when I finally pick up & play the amp, its still not working (as you can imagine I was fuming). So I replaced the other preamp tube myself, and we're back in business for a few practices. This brings us to tonight, when I go turn on my amp right before my gig and it cuts out as if nothing was ever fixed or replaced.

I'm basically at the end of my rope trying to fix or deal with these amps, so I'm open to whatever suggestions you may have. I just want to feel like I can depend on my rig again. I don't throw these things around and they don't get dropped; I even kept them in a separate part of the band van so they didn't get jostled around with the other gear.

I'm driving through Austin, TX tomorrow so will most likely stop at Guitar Center to purchase a new amp. Looking for something in the $5-650 range that will be reliable. Prefer solid state or hybrids over tube amps since they're easier to move around night after night.

Thank you all.
 
#5
Jirishman said:
I'm in a bit of an emergency as I'm just beginning a 3 week long tour, and my current bass amp is having problems. I really need suggestions for a durable, dependable, and affordable bass amp ASAP.

A bit of backstory: I gigged on an Orange Terror Bass 500 for 4 years without a problem. But over the course of the past 3-4 months, things slowly break down. I've had it repaired twice, but ultimately had to send it back to Orange recently so they can diagnose & fix it.
I purchased an Ashdown Little Bastard 500w hybrid as a backup during the period when the Terror bass is on the fritz, and things are good for a while. Then one night it produces no sound. Amp tech takes a look; says one of the preamp tubes blew and its a quick fix! Well, oddly enough I guess the amp tech only replaced one of the tubes, because when I finally pick up & play the amp, its still not working (as you can imagine I was fuming). So I replaced the other preamp tube myself, and we're back in business for a few practices. This brings us to tonight, when I go turn on my amp right before my gig and it cuts out as if nothing was ever fixed or replaced.

I'm basically at the end of my rope trying to fix or deal with these amps, so I'm open to whatever suggestions you may have. I just want to feel like I can depend on my rig again. I don't throw these things around and they don't get dropped; I even kept them in a separate part of the band van so they didn't get jostled around with the other gear.

I'm driving through Austin, TX tomorrow so will most likely stop at Guitar Center to purchase a new amp. Looking for something in the $5-650 range that will be reliable. Prefer solid state or hybrids over tube amps since they're easier to move around night after night.

Thank you all.
Click to expand...
Sort of an add on question to this post. (I hope that is allowed?)
If you have a hybrid amp that has two tubes and one goes out as happened to the OP.
Is it recommended that one replace both tubes at the same time?
 
#6
danster said:
GK 700RBII or 1001RBII
Click to expand...
Jirishman said:
I'm in a bit of an emergency as I'm just beginning a 3 week long tour, and my current bass amp is having problems. I really need suggestions for a durable, dependable, and affordable bass amp ASAP.

A bit of backstory: I gigged on an Orange Terror Bass 500 for 4 years without a problem. But over the course of the past 3-4 months, things slowly break down. I've had it repaired twice, but ultimately had to send it back to Orange recently so they can diagnose & fix it.
I purchased an Ashdown Little Bastard 500w hybrid as a backup during the period when the Terror bass is on the fritz, and things are good for a while. Then one night it produces no sound. Amp tech takes a look; says one of the preamp tubes blew and its a quick fix! Well, oddly enough I guess the amp tech only replaced one of the tubes, because when I finally pick up & play the amp, its still not working (as you can imagine I was fuming). So I replaced the other preamp tube myself, and we're back in business for a few practices. This brings us to tonight, when I go turn on my amp right before my gig and it cuts out as if nothing was ever fixed or replaced.

I'm basically at the end of my rope trying to fix or deal with these amps, so I'm open to whatever suggestions you may have. I just want to feel like I can depend on my rig again. I don't throw these things around and they don't get dropped; I even kept them in a separate part of the band van so they didn't get jostled around with the other gear.

I'm driving through Austin, TX tomorrow so will most likely stop at Guitar Center to purchase a new amp. Looking for something in the $5-650 range that will be reliable. Prefer solid state or hybrids over tube amps since they're easier to move around night after night.

Thank you all.
Click to expand...
Ignoring all other factors in the tube (hybrid) vs solid state argument. An all SS amp would avoid the Ashdown problem that you experienced. Assuming your Ash was purchased new and not used, It seems odd that it gave up the ghost so soon. That being said, we have a phrase we use in electronics, Infant Mortality. Simply meaning that if a piece of equipment or a component has a flaw that will cause failure, it will happen early on. Hopefully within the warranty period.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bigbri and MTFD24
#10
Thank you for the suggestions. Another band's bass player was kind enough to lend me a GK MB500 last night, and I surprised with the tone despite having no time to really tweak any settings. Any opinions on that model?

I'm certainly not going to give up on the Ashdown (will have another tech look at it when I'm back home), but for the time being I just need something that I can trust will produce sound when I turn it on!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mike A
#11
I have an MB500- haven't toured with it,but use it extensively for local gigs. I'd feel pretty confident about it,if I were you. I pair it with a Schroeder cab-sounds great and is very durable. Given your time frame,you'd probably have to go with a different cabinet brand. Good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: TomB and B-string
#12
If a tube fails, a good tech would identify the bad tube and replace just the bad tube. If the tech can't identify the bad tube, or is pushed by management to increase sales, or just doesn't know any better, or is wild ass guessing (also called "shotgunning") the repair, then he would replace whatever he thought you would be willing to pay for.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cfsporn, LUCE, JackANSI and 5 others
#14
Old Garage-Bander said:
Sort of an add on question to this post. (I hope that is allowed?)
If you have a hybrid amp that has two tubes and one goes out as happened to the OP.
Is it recommended that one replace both tubes at the same time?
Click to expand...

Not really. Unless it is a known problem with the "brand" of tube the other tube may continue to work fine for 10-15 years of constant use.

OP the G-K MB500 would be a solid choice IMO.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mike A
#15
Hartke 3500...I'm on my second one but both have proven reliable and stalwart. Cost should be right in your range. Great tonal options, tube and solid state preamp controls, built in compressor, 10 band graphic eq, separate low and high boost and effects loop. I love em myself. And its way easier than toting around the 74 SVT I had for a few years.
 
#16
Jirishman said:
I'm in a bit of an emergency as I'm just beginning a 3 week long tour, and my current bass amp is having problems. I really need suggestions for a durable, dependable, and affordable bass amp ASAP.

A bit of backstory: I gigged on an Orange Terror Bass 500 for 4 years without a problem. But over the course of the past 3-4 months, things slowly break down. I've had it repaired twice, but ultimately had to send it back to Orange recently so they can diagnose & fix it.
I purchased an Ashdown Little Bastard 500w hybrid as a backup during the period when the Terror bass is on the fritz, and things are good for a while. Then one night it produces no sound. Amp tech takes a look; says one of the preamp tubes blew and its a quick fix! Well, oddly enough I guess the amp tech only replaced one of the tubes, because when I finally pick up & play the amp, its still not working (as you can imagine I was fuming). So I replaced the other preamp tube myself, and we're back in business for a few practices. This brings us to tonight, when I go turn on my amp right before my gig and it cuts out as if nothing was ever fixed or replaced.

I'm basically at the end of my rope trying to fix or deal with these amps, so I'm open to whatever suggestions you may have. I just want to feel like I can depend on my rig again. I don't throw these things around and they don't get dropped; I even kept them in a separate part of the band van so they didn't get jostled around with the other gear.

I'm driving through Austin, TX tomorrow so will most likely stop at Guitar Center to purchase a new amp. Looking for something in the $5-650 range that will be reliable. Prefer solid state or hybrids over tube amps since they're easier to move around night after night.

Thank you all.
Click to expand...
Genz Benz are good and light weight.Very reliable and you can try it with a used or new cab.Even a used GB Shuttle would take care of your needs. They way around 4lbs. 600w or 900w should suite your needs.You could go on line find what you want and they can send it to GC. I know they have a lot of used GB cabs. A fender rumble might work out for you as well
 
#17
GC's here have VERY limited bass stock, new or used. Nothing but Fender rumble, new Acoustic series, some Ampeg stuff and then a lot of practice amps.
Occasionally something decent used like a GH 700RBii etc.
Maybe have a backup plan to hit a local shop in case you can't find anything if their inventory in anything like here in MI.

If you can spare the extra few bucks, I would highly consider the Mesa D-800 @$699 if you come across one.


Otherwise GK as mentioned would be my next go too. Used Genz-Benz Or the rumble 500 head.

Wort case you can buy something to get you through the gigs then return it. Gives you some more time to find something that you would want to keep not being under such pressure.

Best of luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: SirMjac28
#20
OP: Some info from your friendly neighborhood San Antonian

Depending on where you're going through Austin (and more importantly what time--rush hour on 35 is killer), there are two Guitar Centers--one in the Northern part of the city, the other in the Southern part.

Also, if you're looking into the Mesa D-800 (only a small amount above your stated range), Austin Guitar House's (Northern part of town) website lists it as in stock. Great amp--lots of reading on here about it, and I think many would recommend it.

Again depending on your entry and exit points, Round Rock just a bit north of Austin also has a Guitar Center

Good luck in the amp search and the rest of the tour!
 
  • Like
Reactions: dukeorock and wintremute

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back