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Recommendations . . .

Jul 23, 2014
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What is a good 500-600 watt bass amp, under $1,000? Please, I don't want to hear about what's on sale this week on some website. If you have had or used (especially for gigs) any amps that fit my description, tell me about your likes and dislikes.
 
Maybe narrow it down a little. Under $1K for just an amp, or for an amp and cab? Piggy-back or combo? Do you have a specific type of music you play? A specific tone you want?
Maybe narrow it down a little. Under $1K for just an amp, or for an amp and cab? Piggy-back or combo? Do you have a specific type of music you play? A specific tone you want?
Any configuration will work. Type of music is a mix of country, softer rock (like the Eagles, Bob Seger, Crosby Stills and Nash) some contemporary Christian. Desired tone would lean more to the mellow side. Would also have to have XLR output. My current possibilities are Fender Rumble and Hartke either HD 500 or HD508.
 
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So a rumble 500, either a head and cab or combo, would do you well then, if your options are the rumble or the hartke.

The combo would probably be cheaper out the door than a head and cabinet with the same speakers, and a bit easier to carry since it's all in one piece, but heads have their advantages, too - like not having to carry the whole combo everywhere if you just decide to leave a cab at your practice space.

Hartke makes GREAT kit as well. I used an hd25 briefly when I was abroad and it got surprisingly loud and I could get a fair few tones out of it. Nowhere near as loud as any 500 watt amp will go, mind you. If I had to pick I'd grab the rumble simply because I've SEEN the rumbles in person, whereas where I am hartke can be very hard to find. If you see one in person that looks big enough - don't hesitate to at least check it out.
 
Any configuration will work. Type of music is a mix of country, softer rock (like the Eagles, Bob Seger, Crosby Stills and Nash) some contemporary Christian. Desired tone would lean more to the mellow side. Would also have to have XLR output. My current possibilities are Fender Rumble and Hartke either HD 500 or HD508.
Ampeg BA210v2