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Seeking advice for first Cab/Head setup.

syndroam

syndroam

Sep 30, 2009
163
159
Hellas
#1
After moving to a new town and joining a new band, I am in need of a new amp.
I own only a small GK practice amp because with my previous bands I used to rehearse at a rental studio so I used whatever was provided there.
Now we rehearse at our place and my 70watt GK simple can't cut it.
We play heavy rock/stoner so I have to compete with one loud fuzzy guitar. I want something that will be strong enough for small venues as well. Willing to spend 700euros (~850 dollars).
What I found is:

Ampeg PF-350 head & PF-115HE
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This setup is super portable (24kg) and offers ampeg sound. Is it loud enough or should I wait a little more and buy the PF-500? (my guitarist is not using a monster amp just a 150 marshall)

Orange Terror Bass 500 & Cheap Cab
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The amp head is using most of my budget so I have to buy the cheapest cab. I like the tube-y rude sound of the Orange. Will it sound awful with this warwick cab? Should I not go frankenstein and buy same brand cab/head?

Which one should I chose? there is no possibility of checking out the setups in person (no serious music stores near my area, I will buy online). Anything I should know about the above setups? Is there any other amp you think I should check out?
 
#2
Does the guitarist have 412 cab? I don't think a single 15 cab will cut it against a 412 or even a 212 especially after you describe him as LOUD. Less than 300 watts to a single 15 will not cut it in small venues either but may be ALRIGHT in a practice situation. You are better off going used - a sturdy 410, two 210's, two 15's, and 500 watts of power should do alright.

Keep in mind a cheap bass cabinet is NEVER worth it. No matter what you put into the cabinet, the cabinet will be the weak point of your rig. A really good cabinet (or several of the same ones) plus a middle ranged bass head almost always work just fine.
 
#3
The standard, three-part advice I give to anyone playing in a louder rock ensemble is (1) buy 500 watts or more and (2) buy a pair of 8 ohm cabs, each with two speakers in it. That can be two 10s or two 12s. In your case I'd try to get 12s. Under no circumstances should you buy a single 15 and think that's going to do it in a band like this. it won't.

Why a pair of smaller cabs instead of one big one? It's modular. In some settings you may only need one. (Likely not with this group, but life is long and you never know what future projects may be.) And I would argue it's easier to move two small cabs than one giant one. (Others may disagree.)

Finally, (3), buy used. Saves a ton of money.

As an example, my own rig is a GK MB500 micro head and pair of GK cabs, a 210 and a 212. (Better if they're matched, but the 210 was a purchase of opportunity.)
 
#4
Ok I will get the PF-500 which is 500watts.
Unfortunately I am reading tons of negative reviews about the PF500 on MF and other places.
Many claim that the amp died after very light use or that the cooling fan never worked. All have returned it.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ampeg-pf-500-portaflex-500w-bass-amp-head
That is a big issue because I would not like to get in the mess of returns.
Has anyone got this amp head and can tell me about this problem?
 

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