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searching for head...

journeyman77

journeyman77

Jul 1, 2009
63
2
#1
Hi all, following the suggestion of Bongomania to start a new thread regarding my search for a head, here i am:

I already own a Kempton BB-315 cab (1x15'' rated 300W @ 8 ohms) so i am looking to buy a head.
This could be a new head or used as well.
I am waiting to hear your suggestions:bassist::bassist:

Specs are:

1- Located in Greece, currency used is Euro
2- Max budget is about 300 euros (~400 USD)
3- Bands/artists i like, includes Pink Floyd, RHCP, Victor Wooten, Madrugada, Rory Gallagher.
4- I am in a band playing -not so famous- covers and the rig is needed to replace a current 60W combo, during rehearsals (for the time being:p).
5- The initial local search, showed that there are available some used heads like Hartke HA3500, SWR Studio 220 (400€), and brand new rig of GK (Backline 600 + 115 cab for 300€).
To be honest i am looking for the GK rig but i guess if it is better to invest my money in a head only since i own the above said cab.

Thanks in advance:bassist:
 
#6
I own two of the amps your looking at.
First, the studio 220, nice practice amp, good tone at low volumes. It can not produce the volume needed for a live show without clipping .
This amp is only used for recording, it has a great preamp, and nice features that make it a good "studio" amp.

Second, the HA3500. This is my rehearsal and gigging amp. It's loud, rugged, has nice eq, and has stood the test of time. The onboard compressor is of no use to me. I can cop any number of tones with this amp.
The hartke is easily imo the better gigging amp. I very happy with mine.
 
#7
Yeah Hartke is going to provide a lot of value for your budget. The LH500 is 300 eu new from Thomann, and if that HA3500 is in your budget second hand, it's a fine choice.

There are several "micro" heads in your budget, but you will want to do some careful reading about each one. For example one may be unreliable; another may have bad customer service from the company; another may not sound as good as its "big brothers" from the same brand. Invalid Link Removed

Also be sure to check their wattage at 8 ohms, because it will be a lot less than the rating at 4 ohms (an amp is usually advertised at its 4 ohm rated wattage).

With the GK amp/cab combo, see if that cab is 4 or 8 ohms. If it's 8, you can use it in combination with the cab you have already, and that would get you a lot of loudness. :) If the one they are selling is 4 ohms, you would not be able to use that with your 8 ohm cab (with most of the amps in this price range).
 
#8
Imho the GK RB700 would be a great head.

£200-£250 used (I saw one posted on Gumtree UK) and you will have a head that will give you sounds from some of the bands listed as well as a great sounding well made amp.
 
#9
Hi again, no news about the quest for the new head...
I wanted to ask something else, i have the option to borrow an SWR Headlite (400W@4 ohm) head or an SWR Goliath IV 4x10 (800W @ 8ohms).
If i chose to get the head is it wise to search for a cab of about 400W @ 4 ohm?
If i chose to get the cab is it wise to search for a head of about 800W @ 8 ohm?

To chose the head and get another 8 ohm cab is not an option.
 

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