• 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.

Rig Advice for someone without a car

S

Shaerah56

Guest
Mar 19, 2014
71
19
Calgary AB Canada
#1
Hi TBers
Here's the situation: Due to not being able to drive I need a good loud rig that'll fit in the back of smallish cabs, on a hand cart for transit/walking or have its own tiltback transport system. I have to be able to pull it behind me. I've currently got an MB Fusion and may be upgrading to a MiniMega this summer if it's as good as it looks from description and specs.
I play mostly metal at this point, but I don't have a steady band so that could change. I'm a 5 stringer, so I'd like something that can handle the low B, but still give me some clarity for higher notes.
The options I've found I can test before buying are the Mesa Powerhouse 1200 and a Traynor 8x8 cab. Other options I'm looking at are AudioKinesis and Barefaced, a stack of TC Electronic 2x10's, or a 6x10 from Mesa or Ampeg.
Are there any other suggestions I should think about? Opinions on the cabs mentioned for my type of music? Should I give up, find a stage monitor or set of IEMs and do everything through the PA and hope I don't get a gig where there isn't one?
Thanks for any opinions offered.
 
#2
Keep your MB Fusion, the only "upgrade" is if you have the 500 and go to the MB Fusion 800 (speaker killer if you are not careful with the power).
The 610 from Mesa or Ampeg would be a real good choice, but not sure if they will fit in a cab. Speaker cab is your biggest limiting factor here. That Traynor 8X8 looks like it could be tasty! Go try that dude out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mb94952
#3
Wow, you're eyeing up some BIG cabs for someone without a car!

I'd seriously consider a fEarful 15/6(/1). Versatile enough for most kinds of music. They can also be built very light. They can handle a sh**load of power without farting out (perfect to compete against loud guitar stacks).

Whatever you get, get a really nice cushioned, waterproof cover for it. That will protect it, and hopefully make it less obvious that you're pulling around a lot of money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Winoman, kcole4001, Bill Whitehurst and 4 others
#5
J Posega said:
Wow, you're eyeing up some BIG cabs for someone without a car!
Click to expand...

Seriously.

Most people in that situation would be looking at 1X12 combos, although those really aren't going to accomplish what you describe.

The Mesa Powerhouse 1200 is arguably their worst cab. If you want a Mesa cab of that size go for the 610, 412, 810, or 215. Any of them will be better than the 1000/1200.
 
#6
make friends with someone with a car. Buy them drinks to be your roadie. You can't be a bassist without transport, seriously dude. What you gonna do,wait at the kerb with all your gear waiting for a cab? what if you need to pee? leave it there on the kerb? what to do what to do......
Maybe befriend a cabbie,get his mobile # to call when you need him, I've had a few cabble friends,this works really well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GBassNorth, odarellmc, cchorney and 1 other person
#7
Yeah, I see life without transportation as very difficult as a bassist. I cringe whenever drummers don't have a dedicated place to set up their kit, could you imagine one with no rehearsal place or car?
 
#10
J Posega said:
Wow, you're eyeing up some BIG cabs for someone without a car!

I'd seriously consider a fEarful 15/6(/1). Versatile enough for most kinds of music. They can also be built very light. They can handle a sh**load of power without farting out (perfect to compete against loud guitar stacks).

Whatever you get, get a really nice cushioned, waterproof cover for it. That will protect it, and hopefully make it less obvious that you're pulling around a lot of money.
Click to expand...
Huge boxes for no car, imo :woot:. Yeah, a 15/6/1 easily duals 410s, but is lighter/smaller (~45lbs. & ~25 x 20 x 16).
 
Last edited:
#12
It's definitely difficult. But until they figure out how to let people with little to no sight drive I'm depending on others or transit. I do have some numbers of cabbies, but waiting especially after gigs could be an issue.
I'd love to just get a 1x12, get someone to make a nice strong backpack type case for it and go that way, but I haven't seen anything that'll handle the Fusion at full power in a form factor I could carry on my back. Except maybe Barefaced, and possibly fEarful, though I haven't really looked into fEarful much.
As for a girlfriend with a car, yeah that's been a fantasy since I've lived on my own. Hasn't come true yet though. They don't seem to grow on trees. Or bus stop poles.
I'll cross the PH1200 off my list, the negative opinion by far outweighs positive.
Again, thanks for the responses.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dickfitts
#15
You must have some big small taxis. Or no clue.

My 2x15 only just goes into the back seat of a Camry. A Camry is about as big as taxis get here unless you go luxury.

Although it fits, it's not feasible as it would wreck the interior. And it's not a big cab. My Trace 1518 is big for a single and will only fit on the front seat. None of your big choices will fly.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ComposedFiend
#17
Shaerah56 said:
It's definitely difficult. But until they figure out how to let people with little to no sight drive I'm depending on others or transit. I do have some numbers of cabbies, but waiting especially after gigs could be an issue.
I'd love to just get a 1x12, get someone to make a nice strong backpack type case for it and go that way, but I haven't seen anything that'll handle the Fusion at full power in a form factor I could carry on my back. Except maybe Barefaced, and possibly fEarful, though I haven't really looked into fEarful much.
As for a girlfriend with a car, yeah that's been a fantasy since I've lived on my own. Hasn't come true yet though. They don't seem to grow on trees. Or bus stop poles.
I'll cross the PH1200 off my list, the negative opinion by far outweighs positive.
Again, thanks for the responses.
Click to expand...
Well, something akin to a 15/6/1 or 15/6, regardless of manufacturer. You mention Duke's boxes. How about a Hathor 1855? A literal monster :woot:. About 1.5 times a 15/6/1 in potential volume.

http://www.audiokinesis.com/hathor-1855.html
 
Last edited:
#18
o_O;)o_O;)
dBKptBl.jpg

:bassist::bassist::bassist:
 
  • Like
Reactions: PortlandBass77

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back