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Rig shrinkage advice

antiochbass

antiochbass

Sep 27, 2007
74
0
Sycamore, IL
#1
I'm looking to shrink my rig down from an Ashdown 300R + 4x10 to something that isn't as heavy and doesn't take up as much room. I'm a college student and this year good storage space has become a precious commodity. I'm looking for probably at least the same output, as I'd still like to be able to gig with it. I was thinking maybe a 2x10 or something with a smaller or lighter (or both) head, but I am open to suggestions. I'll be working with about $700. My ideal tone is that of a ric through an ampeg tube amp but that's definitely not realistic right now. As close as I can get to that nice tube-y sound would be awesome. Having more than one channel wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing either...So, ignore my parameters if you have to, I just want to know what my options might be and what everyone else likes in terms of a smaller, but at least equally powerful rig. Thanks!
 
#9
Space is a problem? Vertical space is a problem? You don't gain floor space by say going from an 810 to a 410. You do gain some space by going from a 410 to a 210 if you stack it on its side, but then where do you set the head? Compact quality costs a lot of money. This is because you still expect the same performance out of two speakers as four.... Nobody ever likes to get less...
 
#10
Perhaps a good 2x12? Genz-Benz's NeoX cab is vertically aligned and pretty compact, and should be available used for under $700. Keep your amp (I assume it's standard rackmount size, so even in the best-case scenario you're only going a few inches smaller) and you can do a lot with the money.

Another option is Bergantino's HS210. Stood on its side, it's very small with its 12.5" depth. There are a couple used on the classifieds here now.
 
#11
Coming from Ashdown, are you looking for a very Tube-like feel and tone with some overdrive ability? The TC Electronic rh450 kills for that, combined with their rs210 or rs212 cab. The rs210 sounds like it would be perfect for you. It has a 14" x 14" footprint, so very tiny, yet it stands up vertically. The head sits squarely right on the top. The rs212 is deeper, and you could add it later for a full stack that is the same width and height. Killer combo! Check out the videos on the TC Electronic website.
 
#12
How about a pair of Avatar neo 210's and a small head (Carvin, GK, or Markbass). Stacked on ends, it makes a great slim tower of tone and takes up half the floor space as your current rig. Alternately, you could go with a 2x10 and a 1x12 to mix it up. There's some good pics of this in this thread: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=542084&highlight=avatar&page=10

It may be over your budget, but if you buy used (Avatar comes up used all the time on TB) you should be able to get quite close to your budget.

As an alternate option, I've been gigging an Ampeg portabass setup for 5 years now. The Portabass 210 (2x10" neo cab) and the 250 watt Portabass 250 amp are great for small and medium size gigs. They are no longer made, and there are lighter and more powerfull rigs, but they come up for sale rather cheaply now and then. My rig cost me around a grand at wholesale when I worked for GC, and you could probably find it for your budget now.
 
#13
I have an Ashdown ABM115 mini. It's a 15" speaker, in a smaller than usual enclosure. The result is a nice size, lightweight (I haven't weighed it, but it's well under 15kg) and sounds good. Because of teh smaller size, it feels even lighter because it can be carried so easily. It's rated at 300W 8ohm. I got it used with an Ashdown MAG250 head. Nice pair.

I also have a TC Electronic RH450, and I bought the 2x10" cab (RS210). It's a really good sounding cab, the adjustable tweeter is pretty cool, and not as easy to carry as the mini 115 but still ok. Small footprint is nice.

The ABM 115 mini is not made anymore, I think. But second hand if you find one it won't be expensive. The TC Electronic is a great cab and you might just be able to afford one with your budget.

I love using BOTH cabs. I have the 115 below, and the 2x10 stacked vertically. That way I can use the full 450W of my RH450 (or 250 from the Ashdown) in what is still a very small rig, very portable, and very loud. I tend to use one cab only, but if I need a bit extra, two cabs is really good.
 
#14
thanks for all of this guys, really good stuff! i wish i could afford that RH450 head. Maybe i'll be able to snag one used but it'd be a long shot. that carvin bx500 still looks pretty tasty. I have noticed that good small stuff can get pretty pricey, but just having something lighter would be such a relief. Anyways, thanks to all who took time to make a suggestion!
 
#15
antiochbass said:
thanks for all of this guys, really good stuff! i wish i could afford that RH450 head. Maybe i'll be able to snag one used but it'd be a long shot. that carvin bx500 still looks pretty tasty. I have noticed that good small stuff can get pretty pricey, but just having something lighter would be such a relief. Anyways, thanks to all who took time to make a suggestion!
Click to expand...

when I was at uni, I couldn't afford what you have right now, so don't feel too bad :)

there's lots of good heads that are not too expensive, and portable enough. For me it's more important to get the right cab. That's what I'd focus on.

Good luck!
 
#17
If storage space is a precious commodity, you need a small footprint, takes up less floor space. Hopefully you can still go taller.

210+210, both stood on end to make a vertical column...skinny and tall.

112+210...same footprint but not quite as tall

112+112...same footprint and not quite as tall as the previous but any of these should handle playing a bar gig or something bigger where you'll be run through the PA anyway.
 

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