• 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.

Rookie needs help picking from Craigslist amps for sale...

shaginwagin

shaginwagin

Apr 2, 2012
421
36
Arizona
#1
-----GO TO POST 65 FOR UPDATE----

Hey guys!

I need some help picking from a list of amps in my price range. They are all at least an hour drive from my house and I dont have the time or gas money to try them out. I am looking to get some insight on which ones to stay away from or simply arent worth owning. I play many styles of music so something that can "do it all" would be nice. (Imposible, I know, you catch my drift) I do mostly play Punk, Ska, Reagge, Rock with a P bass. No effects. The cab Ill be using is a SWR Workingman's 410T (rated 400w @ 8ohms).

Heres the list... in order of asking price 180 to 325... Cheaper is better for me, but if there is one I can get that is a "keeper" Id spend the extra money. Otherwise its a "starter" amp

Carvin Pro Bass 500

GK Backline 600

Behringer Ultrabass BX3000T

Carvin Redline R600

Hartke 3500

GK 700RB

Ampeg B2RE

Peavey T-Max

Eden Nemesis NA320

Carvin BX500

:confused::confused::confused:

This is a first "head" purchase for me so any and all help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!! :bassist:
 
#2
i'd steer clear of the behringer stuff and the gk700 cuz it's a bi-amp style head. definitely look at the carvin and ampeg stuff. a tube preamp is always a bonus but not needed. just make sure you get the power rating you need and see that it has the kind of speaker connections you like/need. google the make/model of the heads you like and get more input on their specs. you might bring your cab and a cable to try em out before to see if it works with your cab and your sound. good luck.
 
#6
Ditto on the 700RBII.. although the Hartke 3500 is pretty darn solid and is pretty freakin loud too. Those would be my picks.
 
#9
I use a Peavey Tmax 210 combo at my band's practice space and its gets very usable tones. Especially with P basses.

I recently had a Hartke 3500 head here for a little while and was very surprised at how good it sounded through my 215 cab. I really liked it a lot.

Both of the above have built-in compressors (only a single knob control, but they work) and lots of EQ shaping options so you should be able to find your tone in there somewhere.

As much of an Ampeg fan as I am, I'd stay away from the B2RE, it'll be a solid amp that will last, but I think that line of heads sounds really sterile and lifeless.

That's all I have experience with from your list.
 
#13
I have used the Hartke, the 700rb, the 700rbII, the carvin redline and the Eden as backline quite a few times. Also, the Behringer like 5 times. There, I said it.

The Hatke surprised me with its accuracy, power and not too much of a baked-in flavor, unlike the GK's. It is easy to dial in different basses and tones.

However, the GK700rbII sounds pretty wicked awesome w/a P bass and those styles of music you mentioned. I would have to lean towards that. And it's not like the GK is incapable of dialing in a "flat" sound, it just won't look quite flat on the EQ

You should be able to get pretty darn loud with that setup, but either head is capable of farting out the speakers if pushed too hard. I have seen both those heads hanging around and lasting a long time over the years
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back