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Recommendations for guitarist turned bassist.

M

mastermachetier

Aug 3, 2022
17
31
#1
Hello All,

I am looking to get a serviceable gigging amp setup for a budget of around $800. I am curious if you all could point to some cab and head options that would be good for gigging medium sized venues. I have been using borrowed gear and back-line stuff , but I am looking to get something that hopefully is on the lighter side if possible. For the sound I am looking It is basically a flat sounding amp so that I can hear the sound of my jazz bass. For reference I enjoy the sound of the fender rumble 500 combo and for borrowed gear I am using the old rumble 410 800w which I enjoy the sound off as well, but is pretty heavy.
 
#4
Welcome to Talkbass! :thumbsup: Regarding your question, do you want to buy new or are you okay with used? You'll get a lot more rig on the used market.

Prior to shopping however, I'd recommend spending some time listening to live performances or finding someone schooled in that to help you find a good gig rig. I say this because you mentioned wanting to find a "flat sounding amp". Why is this important? I've not known a guitarist who looked for a guitar amp this way (but I sure read about many bassists here who do!) :laugh:

My point is that good sound is good sound - regardless if it's via a "flat" rig or not. IMHO, the only way to achieve a "flat" response is to use a PA system with a 31-band EQ, and analyze it for each room (sounds quite impractical, right?) Probably not ideal for your needs.

Also, good bedroom tones don't always equal good band mix tones. Case in point - the Bassman 400 210 combo I had was the best sounding bedroom amp I've ever had. I would occasionally use it in other settings but with my band it was difficult to get a good stage mix with - it had too much low-end and not enough low-mids and mids. It would cause me to disappear in the mix.

This is why I like GK RB series heads (among others). I can plug it in, set the dials to noon, and it sounds pretty good - enough lows, but a thickness to the midrange and low-mids (along with clarity) that cuts through a mix. Speakers make a difference also, but my point is that your sound is a system of things working together: bass, effects (if any), amp, and cabinet.

If you want light, a modern class D head with 500-800 watts and a neo 212 cab would probably work for you. Maybe even a 410 (one of the lighter ones). I can't be of much more help as I like older, heavier equipment.

Raz
 
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#5
Razman said:
Welcome to Talkbass! :thumbsup: Regarding your question, do you want to buy new or are you okay with used? You'll get a lot more rig on the used market.

Prior to shopping however, I'd recommend spending some time listening to live performances or finding someone schooled in that to help you find a good gig rig. I say this because you mentioned wanting to find a "flat sounding amp". Why is this important? I've not known a guitarist who looked for a guitar amp this way (but I sure read about many bassists here who do!) :laugh:

My point is that good sound is good sound - regardless if it's via a "flat" rig or not. IMHO, the only way to achieve a "flat" response is to use a PA system with a 31-band EQ, and analyze it for each room (sounds quite impractical, right?) Probably not ideal for your needs.

Also, good bedroom tones don't always equal good band mix tones. Case in point - the Bassman 400 210 combo I had was the best sounding bedroom amp I've ever had. I would occasionally use it in other settings but with my band it was difficult to get a good stage mix with - it had too much low-end and not enough low-mids and mids. It would cause me to disappear in the mix.

This is why I like GK RB series heads (among others). I can plug it in, set the dials to noon, and it sounds pretty good - enough lows, but a thickness to the midrange and low-mids (along with clarity) that cuts through a mix. Speakers make a difference also, but my point is that your sound is a system of things working together: bass, effects (if any), amp, and cabinet.

If you want light, a modern class D head with 500-800 watts and a neo 212 cab would probably work for you. Maybe even a 410 (one of the lighter ones). I can't be of much more help as I like older, heavier equipment.

Raz
Click to expand...

Hey Raz , thanks !

By "flat" I mean something that gets good clean tones that is pretty much the idea. When I setup my amp EQ I typically go to noon and then depending on the room I might adjust bass and treble but not usually. I typically add mids until I cut enough to be properly heard..

I am 100% open to used. I don't need the rig to be super light either, just not crazy heavy. For a head its not the biggest problem either something the weight of the hartke is absolutely fine... not sure about going tube heavy though :laugh:.

I have been playing now Bass in this band for like 3-4 months and guitar (17 years). The problem I am having with recommendations from friends who are bass players is the cost. No one seems to be able to recommend stuff that isn't like 800 for a head and 800 for a cab haha.
 
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#9
I was going to suggest to forget everything you learned about amps WRT guitars.

Seems like that isn't necessary, so you're starting out on the right foot.

Cut and clarity come from mids. Cutting midrange will disappear you in the mix. Boosting bass eq can muddy up the stage and rob you of power... as well as put speakers more at risk.

Undistorted bass guitar requires amp AND cab headroom to get loud. It's a good plan to have quite a bit of power and a good few cones moving. Better to have the capability and not need it. IME.

There is a TON of amazing gear around. The stuff that's inexpensive new right now is pretty impressive. Translate that same budget to used stuff and holy smokes there are some fantastic amps and cabs looking for a home.

And, yes, your bass playing friends are basically right.... you really do want to spend AT LEAST as much of the budget on the cab as the amp. The cab is hugely important with bass; and it isn't just the speaker in the cab.

Edit

Actually, on the used market, I'd almost suggest like 75% of the budget go to a cab that was the bees knees when it was new, then the 25% remaining on whatever amp has the most power. YMMV, of course. Happy hunting.
 
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#10
Redbrangus said:
Recommendation for a guitarist turned bassist? Play fewer notes. :D

Apologies. :(
Click to expand...
Oh and dont play like a guitar player , you actually have to think differently , I have played both for 40 yrs , they are different animals. Tons of Amp/cab options at $800 out there. I use Markbass amps now , I have 121 300 watt that I back up by PA and its fine , I also use a 2x10 combo CMD loud rig no need for PA most times..
 
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#13
mike buzzetti said:
Oh and dont play like a guitar player , you actually have to think differently , I have played both for 40 yrs , they are different animals. Tons of Amp/cab options at $800 out there. I use Markbass amps now , I have 121 300 watt that I back up by PA and its fine , I also use a 2x10 combo CMD loud rig no need for PA most times..
Click to expand...
Yeah I have the 12" and have used the 102 for backline. They just slay in a band mix. I know OP didn't want a combo but should consider these. I'm seeing used 102s for ~$800
 
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#14
basscooker said:
I was going to suggest to forget everything you learned about amps WRT guitars.

Seems like that isn't necessary, so you're starting out on the right foot.

Cut and clarity come from mids. Cutting midrange will disappear you in the mix. Boosting bass eq can muddy up the stage and rob you of power... as well as put speakers more at risk.

Undistorted bass guitar requires amp AND cab headroom to get loud. It's a good plan to have quite a bit of power and a good few cones moving. Better to have the capability and not need it. IME.

There is a TON of amazing gear around. The stuff that's inexpensive new right now is pretty impressive. Translate that same budget to used stuff and holy smokes there are some fantastic amps and cabs looking for a home.

And, yes, your bass playing friends are basically right.... you really do want to spend AT LEAST as much of the budget on the cab as the amp. The cab is hugely important with bass; and it isn't just the speaker in the cab.

Edit

Actually, on the used market, I'd almost suggest like 75% of the budget go to a cab that was the bees knees when it was new, then the 25% remaining on whatever amp has the most power. YMMV, of course. Happy hunting.
Click to expand...


Sorry the way I wrote things came out wrong. I meant I boost the mids until the bass cuts in the mix correctlty. I read it back and can see how it was misundersood :) but ya thanks for the advice . If we were going with 75% on cab aka ~$600 any specific sugggestions ?
 
#18
mastermachetier said:
Hello All,

I am looking to get a serviceable gigging amp setup for a budget of around $800. I am curious if you all could point to some cab and head options that would be good for gigging medium sized venues. I have been using borrowed gear and back-line stuff , but I am looking to get something that hopefully is on the lighter side if possible. For the sound I am looking It is basically a flat sounding amp so that I can hear the sound of my jazz bass. For reference I enjoy the sound of the fender rumble 500 combo and for borrowed gear I am using the old rumble 410 800w which I enjoy the sound off as well, but is pretty heavy.
Click to expand...
Welcome to bass. Your back will not like you anymore.
 
Last edited:
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#19
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