• 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.

So after two threads, I think I've finally made up my mind on my first rig...

dukeisdog

dukeisdog

Aug 2, 2005
2,740
156
33
Victoria, British Columbia
#1
Well my first thread was on the Behringer 810/Ashdown Mag 300, and I decided to pass on that.

My second thread was on the Fender Bassman 250/115 cab, and I decided to pass on that, also.

But today I got the chance to give the Hartke VX410 cab out, and I think I fell in love... I realize it isn't as good as it gets or anything, but at 16, I have a tight budget, so I think I'm set on that cab.. I can pick it up locally for $365.99 brand new.

Then I came across another Kijiji ad, this time, a guy is selling a Carvin BX600. It is used, but in great condition, and he is asking $300 for it. I'm hoping to convince him to go down to about $275, but my parents want me to go for $250 so I'm going to do that.

I'm potentially going to get a decent sounding rig (to my ears) for $615. Is this the route I should be going?
 
#2
I'm in the same boat. I think its better to spend only what you have to but not getting total crap amps. It would be nice to have a custom Mesa Boogie rig but wait awhile till you get really good before you spend $2500 on amps.
 
#8
if you've got a little more for a hydrive, that would be the move. hydrives are cool. i'm convinced it's all about the cab when it comes to tone, so get as good as you can afford. having said that, the older hartkes do sound good...just not my thing.
 
#9
JimmyM said:
if you've got a little more for a hydrive, that would be the move. hydrives are cool. i'm convinced it's all about the cab when it comes to tone, so get as good as you can afford. having said that, the older hartkes do sound good...just not my thing.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was eying the Hydrive 410 at the store I tried out the VX, and it's really nice. I just don't have $700 to blow on a cab. This will be my first rig, really. I've been playing combos since I started about 6 years ago, and I expect to get a job, and save up for something a little better. I wanna eventually get the Mesa Powerhouse 215 with the 400+, but that'll take a few years.

Like I said, I don't expect this Hartke to be my Mesa, or Orange, I just mainly want it for local shows when my band gets up and running again, (which will happen soon, I hope), and for home practice, considering my Behringer combo I got with my first bass is blown to ****.
 
#12
dukeisdog said:
Well my first thread was on the Behringer 810/Ashdown Mag 300, and I decided to pass on that.

My second thread was on the Fender Bassman 250/115 cab, and I decided to pass on that, also.

But today I got the chance to give the Hartke VX410 cab out, and I think I fell in love... I realize it isn't as good as it gets or anything, but at 16, I have a tight budget, so I think I'm set on that cab.. I can pick it up locally for $365.99 brand new.

Then I came across another Kijiji ad, this time, a guy is selling a Carvin BX600. It is used, but in great condition, and he is asking $300 for it. I'm hoping to convince him to go down to about $275, but my parents want me to go for $250 so I'm going to do that.

I'm potentially going to get a decent sounding rig (to my ears) for $615. Is this the route I should be going?
Click to expand...
I think you did pretty good there.

One tip: if you are not super happy with the tone of your rig try using BDDI... even the behringer version sounds good and is only like $35cdn new at L&M.

You're only 16 so there is lots of time to buy better stuff down the line.
 
#13
rodl2005 said:
how much is an AVATAR 410??? Yeah I'd go for a paper cone 410 over the Hartke. Won't hurt to wait another week or 2 & you'll find PLENTY on eBay in that time.
Click to expand...

the hartke VX is paper cones.

i own a VX and for the money its a solid cab. of course i only paid about 215 american for it. it might cost a bit more in canada, but not that much more, wait it out, find a better deal.
 
#14
Ahhhh My mistake- I didn't mean to BASH Hartke cabs at all- some are great- the budget line -OK. I LIKED the Paper cab 1x15" Hartke I used once.
Bottom line- IF YOU Like it- go for it!! & +1 to the BDDI pedal to give yo'self some tube-ish warmth & grind. The Behringer one IS OK But the Tech21 SABDDI is way better, & even VTBASS pedals aint that pricey & will sound great with yr rig.
 
#17
Get in touch with Avatar. Could even call them. Sometimes they have units that have been sent back of some reason or another, still work fine, you could get a good deal and immediate shipping. That's what I did, my 2x10 Neo Avatar has done 50+ gigs so far, no problems and it was a refurbished unit I got for $200 or so.

Then get a used GK, 500W or so head. I would stay away from the Backline set, but if you find an 800Rb or so, those are nice, seen them on sale here in the Bay Area for $300 or so. Might need a little bit tech work in case the unit has been used a lot. You should be rocking. If you want to change head or cab later have the flexibility to switch, or mix-and-match other gear. GK700 are also nice.

(I'm a MarkBass player myself :-) but I think that is out of your price range.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back