Reliable Amp??

[Running Rhino]

I have been hired to play bass in a band and I need a 'true and reliable' amplifier. I want something that is even across the range but has a stronger focus on the 'fat low' than the 'tinny punch'. I am looking for something that is well built with the perfect low end. I literally know nothing about bass amps so if anyone basic information it would really help me out. Thanks for your time in advance.

 

[J. Crawford]

Ill get it out before anyone else.

Price range?
Genre?
Your bass?
How loud?
Where will you be playing?
What other musicians are in your band that you have to compete against?

These and many other things are very important. When given these, we can really help you.

 

[B-string]

So let me get my head around this; You have been "hired to play bass" but don't know anything about bass amplification? You want perfect low end. Do you want to have a place in the mix or just rumble out some one notes to full in "the sound"? (That is not playing bass guitar).

 

[J. Crawford]

So let me get my head around this; You have been "hired to play bass" but don't know anything about bass amplification? You want perfect low end. Do you want to have a place in the mix or just rumble out some one notes to full in "the sound"? (That is not playing bass guitar).

I found this odd too, but I went with it.

Im waiting for the OP to answer my post. We need details, or its pointless.

 

[B-string]

I found this odd too, but I went with it.

Im waiting for the OP to answer my post. We need details, or its pointless.

With you on that

 

[Running Rhino]

Hey thanks for your interest in helping.

Yes a drummer who I have been playing with for the past few years is putting together a band and he wants me to play bass. And I am really serious about the music but I never really learned anything about the instruments or amplifiers.

So to answer your question:
Price range?
Less than a thousand
Genre?
Rock/Funk (in the sense of Chili Peppers)
Your bass?
washburn 4 string but this will change
How loud?
medium?
Where will you be playing?
small clubs
What other musicians are in your band that you have to compete against?
there is a drummer, pianist, and guitarist

 

[Running Rhino]

So let me get my head around this; You have been "hired to play bass" but don't know anything about bass amplification? You want perfect low end. Do you want to have a place in the mix or just rumble out some one notes to full in "the sound"? (That is not playing bass guitar).

No I certainly am not looking to rumble aimlessly. I play with a pick and I try to be melodically deliberate.

 

[B-string]

Now we have something to work with! First thing really deep low end can get muddy, bounces in the room to much so keep that in mind. I know the first thing I wanted was a really deep low end, so I learned that was a mistake and learned to go for a better ballance.
The amps I know best would be GK (Flea from Chili Peppers uses GK), small clubs the 400rb IV and although I like GK's cabs I'm thinking Avatar 212.
Genz Benz guys will know what sound GB amps will get. The tube guys are next.
If you want to buy once and be done with the amp head go with the 700rb II it will carry you through medium to large gigs with a second cab. The GK Neo 212 might be to brite sounding for you (although you can turn down the tweeter), the Avatar will be more mellow and more affordable.

 

[Running Rhino]

B String thanks for the help!

I have heard good things about the quality of Gallien Krueger.
Do you know anything about this 'goldline' amplifier:
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...Head-and-4x10-Bass-Cabinet-Package?sku=483504

And the Genz Benz amp combos seem really choice but I am not sure they are in my price range.

 

[JimmyM]

I've heard those heads are pretty good for the money but I would get another speaker. Very boxy sounding IMHO. If you skimp anywhere, don't skimp on the speaker.

 

[Bluesbob]

My son's friend has the older, pre-Neo Avatar 2X12 and it is LOUD! He used to power it with an old MusicMan 65-watt guitar head and his father forbid him to play it in the house anymore because he caused a window to crack. Twice. Andersens. I thought that was funny.
As far as a head goes, the Goldline GK looks pretty nice, lotsa features, good power (depending on the accuracy of the ratings). You can get good deals on older Hartke heads, too.
Stay away from combos. You're better off with a separate head and cab(s) in your price range.
You have to decide between a 4-ohm or an 8-ohm cab. I would get the 4-ohm, so as to get the most power out of your amp with one cab. Others will say go for the 8-ohm so you can add a cab at a later date. A 2X10 and a 2X12 cab sound great together. You may want to go there eventually. I don't care to transport more than one cab and have gone for maximum output with minimum weight, which for me meant a (Neo) 4X10.
This is going to be fun for you. Playing bass in a good band is one of the most rewarding positions (musically) you can find. Locking in with a drummer, setting the beats, hitting off-beats and syncopation, learning bass lines and the language of music... I envy you. Good luck.

 

[dean owens]

i don't know much about that goldline head... but i know i love gk's. i also know, if you got a 700 rb-ii you would probably be set for life. you can get them used for anywhere from $350.00 (on the lower side) to $450.00 (about the highest reasonable price i've seen). throw in an avatar cab and you have a very nice rig for not a lot of cash. i would seriously check the classifieds here and see what people have.

 

[Bluesbob]

I just checked out that head at MF, G-K and HC. G-K doesn't even have it listed in their products. The single review on HC is not favorable, especially concerning reliability.
If you spend your hard-earned money for the Avatar ($369 + $48 = $417 that leaves $583 for a head. The 700RB-II goes for $600. I agree that this head is one that will last and give reliable service to you for as long as you want it. Stretching your budget $17 would be a prudent use of your financial resources.
But there are other options, such as buying used, although you might not feel comfortable with that. Check out this Link Removed. It goes to 2 ohms, so you can use two 4-ohm cabs, it puts out 500 watts at 4 ohms, matching the (4-ohm) Avatar 2X12 cab and it's on sale for $400, leaving you money to buy a decent speaker cable, tuner and whatever else you might need.
You could certainly do a lot worse than an Avatar-Carvin rig.
Stay away from that Goldline.

 

[xgator4u]

Now we have something to work with! First thing really deep low end can get muddy, bounces in the room to much so keep that in mind. I know the first thing I wanted was a really deep low end, so I learned that was a mistake and learned to go for a better ballance.
The amps I know best would be GK (Flea from Chili Peppers uses GK), small clubs the 400rb IV and although I like GK's cabs I'm thinking Avatar 212.
Genz Benz guys will know what sound GB amps will get. The tube guys are next.
If you want to buy once and be done with the amp head go with the 700rb II it will carry you through medium to large gigs with a second cab. The GK Neo 212 might be to brite sounding for you (although you can turn down the tweeter), the Avatar will be more mellow and more affordable.

+1 good advice, GK nuff said.

 

[B-string]

If you go to Invalid Link Removed request a quote, the 700rb II was just a little over $500. last I heard, free shipping and top notch customer service IF you ever need it.
Don't have any experience with the Goldline amp, it is exclusive to MF and company.