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Small modern sounding amp - ideas and suggestions?
- Thread starter Inconnu
- Start date
I've been researching a very similar set of parameters and agree with a lot of what's been posted already, GK and Markbass will probably suit you well for clean/transparent/modern tone. The PJB stuff is certainly impressive, though if you're accustomed to Ampeg, it could sound too bright for you (your ears should be the final judge).
A less talked about option that I'm intrigued by is the Traynor combos! The SB112 is only 25lbs for a 200W 12" combo with a reportedly very clean voicing (and under $750). Sounds like Gollihur has chosen them as the replacement for the Acoustic Image line after the founder's passing.
A less talked about option that I'm intrigued by is the Traynor combos! The SB112 is only 25lbs for a 200W 12" combo with a reportedly very clean voicing (and under $750). Sounds like Gollihur has chosen them as the replacement for the Acoustic Image line after the founder's passing.
Genzler has been mentioned once (mg350 combo), and I know it's a little above the $1k stated budget, but it's worth mentioning again. I have the Genzler Bass Acoustic Array Pro combo and I couldn't be happier with it...sound quality, flexibility (two completely independent and mixable channels), power, lightness. An amazing little combo, at about $1,300.
IMHO the cab often makes more of an difference than the amp. I believe SVTs are flatter than most bass amps, however the Ampeg 810E is one of the least transparent quality cabs I have ever played. So IMHO most of what people perceive as the SVT sound is due to the 810's baked in qualities. Also HiFi is often associated with a bit of a mid-scoop.
Million of people love the 810E, but IMHO MEH
. It rolls the highs and lows off way too soon for HiFi. You can use EQ to extend the lows, but in my experience no amount of tweaking can make this cab produce highs with glass or air. Plenty of potential for LoFi gank though. I suggest demoing cabs with your Micro VR. I am sure the SVT would sound better, but I think the VR would be closely enough that it's not necessary to lift the beast.
I have a fairly small rig that I really enjoy and sounds great and can get that Hi-fi sound.
GR Bass One-350 head and a GR Bass 1x12" 450 watt cab.
GR Bass One-350 head and a GR Bass 1x12" 450 watt cab.
Genzler Magellan 350 is $650, Magellan 800 is $1060. Either one will fit the bill.
edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
Genzler. After moving to Genzler my GAS is gone. For amps.
GK, GR, Markbass, Hartke, TC Electronic, Trace Elliot indeed, the list goes on and on and on... any of those brands are actually specialized in clear Hi-Fi tones, for less than 1000 bucks you can indeed get a 210 combo or small head + cab.
Ehem...+$150 and your killing me, Dave.
I just ordered a V1 AG700.
One of the most articulate, responsive clean amps out there.
Same here, though better for me to say that my GAS for amps other than Genzler is gone. I want a Kinetix 800 in the worst way!
edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
Same here, though better for me to say that my GAS for amps other than Genzler is gone. I want a Kinetix 800 in the worst way!
I went for a Kinetix a few months ago. It is pretty wonderful. But, the Magellan preamp is great as well.
GK MB series are, IMHO, incredibly versatile in terms of tone range. Definitely capable of modern/clean if that’s what you’re after.
They’re also small and light enough to use with external cabs, kind of like having a combo that’s small and light enough to use as a head.
