Returning Metal Bassist has $500 for an amp head

[cptnapalm]

Cabinet: Ampeg SVT-410HLF
Bass: Gibson Explorer Shadow
Genre: Metal (Death, Black, Heavy or any other modifier except Nu or Hair)

My budget for a head, new or used, is about $500.

I have always been a "I shall be heard!" bassist. I play with my fingers. I also tend to love weird equipment: see my bass for an example.

I have also forgotten everything I used to know about matching heads and cabinets.

Lastly, I need to get a head pretty soon.

What would recommendations be for a commonly available or known available head to power that cabinet for that musical style?

Kind of a generic question, but I'm running around all the time and haven't gotten back up to speed on things yet. So, more appreciation than is commonly the case will greet any answers. Thanks!

 

[Toastfuzz]

Any 450+ watt head out there will do you

 

[jowens004]

If I were you I would be bidding on this.

Trace Elliot RAH 600 SMX Bass Amp | eBay

 

[fenderhutz]

You could go get a Peavey Firebass used for 300-400 bucks and run two 410HLF's if you wanted to (or other cabs). 700 watts at 2 ohms. Built like a tank. Check GC used site. They have a 30 day return policy.

 

[Vinny D]

There are plenty of amps out there (check the gear for sale section)
If looking for new the Hartke LH500 or for just a few dollars more the LH1000.

 

[fenderhutz]

If you want something new.

Get a price quote from RMC Audio for a GK 700 RB II. This head new would be my pick. They might be able to get you in the 500 range.

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[Joe Gress]

A used GK 700 RB-II or 1001 RB-II will suit you pretty well.

 

[zachoff]

Used Peavey VB-2

 

[mikeddd]

Gee, I guess we have to modify The Question to read "What is the best under-$500 amp for metal?"

 

[cptnapalm]

You guys are made of gold plated awesome

 

[pacojas]

any used Mark Bass amp

 

[fenderhutz]

any used Mark Bass amp

But only for this type of metal.

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[JimmyM]

My favorite in the sub-$500 category these days is the Ampeg PF500. $400, great sound, will give your cab as much as it can take, and is relatively tiny. Juan Alderete recently switched over to the PF500 from the SVT-VR's and he's pretty demanding when it comes to tones.

But really, any 300-500w amp will work for you so go play a few and pick out your favorite.

 

[chaosMK]

But only for this type of metal.

 

[cbass1]

gk1001rb-ii

 

[cptnapalm]

These are the ones I looking at, over and over:
1) GK 1001RB-II There is one for sale in the classifieds on here for $500.
2) Ampeg PF500
3) The oddity: Sunn Coliseum Bass on eBay. According to the seller, it is 500W.

 

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

I'd say the GK 1001RB-II would be my pick. You can find some used at the Guitar Center site for around $400. If you want even more grind and grit just find a used sansamp VT bass pedal. That's a head and pedal combo I've used with great results for metal.

 

[cptnapalm]

I'll definitely keep that pedal in mind. Thanks.

 

[cableguy]

I'd say the GK 1001RB-II would be my pick. You can find some used at the Guitar Center site for around $400. If you want even more grind and grit just find a used sansamp VT bass pedal. That's a head and pedal combo I've used with great results for metal.

+1 on the GK RB series. I just picked up a used 700RB-II for $325.00. Used it for an outdoor show with a sansamp bass driver DI in front for a little hair. It sounded fricken awesome.

 

[hyp.spec]

A used GK 700 RB-II or 1001 RB-II will suit you pretty well.

+1