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Still not happy with my tone :(

B

bassforce

Feb 7, 2007
564
8
#1
I think I've found a perfect bass, strings, cab and even cables
BUT I still havent found a perfect amp.

My current setup is:
Fender US Vintage '62 Pbass '97-98 with LaBella 760FL flats
Ampeg SVT-3PRO with SVT-410HLF cab

I love the bass, I love the cab BUT I have some issues with the amp. The sound is nice, but I find the power amp a little bit dull - the preamp sounds way better with normal 100% solid state non-mosfet PA.
I think I still have to look for my perfect amp.

I need something:
funky, gritty, dirty, warm, punchy, lo fi and oldschool for my current cab and bass.

Mostly for motown, stax (Booker T & MG's) and other oldschools like Sly & Family Stone, The Meters - I play only finger style, occasionaly with the pick - no slap'n'pop.
And no clean, modern music :)

Maybe old Gallien-Krueger 800RB?
Post your advices, my budget is limited to the cash I could get selling my 3pro.
 
#4
I was an SVT-3 pro owner for a while because I thought I wanted an Ampeg, but after a few months I went straight back to my 800RB and I'm never goin' back. All the adjectives you used to describe the tone you're looking for can be had out of the 800RB; just take a look at the "Opinions on the 800RB?" thread. The best part is that used 800RB's are nearly everywhere and are pretty inexpensive (~$300 tops for one in good condition).

Edit: I sold the SVT-3 Pro for $350 and found an 800RB for $300 (after tax), so I MADE money :)
 
#5
bassforce said:
I think I've found a perfect bass, strings, cab and even cables
BUT I still havent found a perfect amp.

My current setup is:
Fender US Vintage '62 Pbass '97-98 with LaBella 760FL flats
Ampeg SVT-3PRO with SVT-410HLF cab

I love the bass, I love the cab BUT I have some issues with the amp. The sound is nice, but I find the power amp a little bit dull - the preamp sounds way better with normal 100% solid state non-mosfet PA.
I think I still have to look for my perfect amp.

I need something:
funky, gritty, dirty, punchy, lo fi and oldschool for my current cab and bass.

Mostly for motown, stax (Booker T & MG's) and other oldschools like Sly & Family Stone, The Meters - I play only finger style, occasionaly with the pick - no slap'n'pop.
And no clean, modern music :)

Maybe old Gallien-Krueger 800RB?
Post your advices, my budget is limited to the cash I could get selling my 3pro.
Click to expand...



I have a 700rb-II that works extremely well with an SVT410-HLF...


- georgestrings
 
#6
Here's a link to the thread I mentioned earlier in case it falls off of the front page:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=588253

As georgestrings mentioned, the 700RB-II is an awesome amp as well, and has a bit more headroom than the 800RB. The 800RB has 300w @ 4 ohms (400 if you hook an 8 ohm cabinet up to its 100w output as well), and the 700RB-II has 480w @ 4 ohms.
 
#9
The only thing that corcens me is:
"The rear heat sink gets too warm with a 4ohm load for European standards, at least that was stated by a G-K rep."
I live in europe.

JENDRAL BASS said:
IMO

Any USA Fender Jazz Bass - Aero type 1 PU - ACG Onboard Pre - GK 550 Hybrid Amp - GK Neo 410 Cab

:hyper:
Click to expand...

You gave just the opposite of my sound :D Jazz bass and neo cabinet = not for me.

acubass said:
When I was deciding on an Ampeg 4x10 cab, I tried both the HLF and the HE. I chose the HE because it was punchy. The HLF IMO is a very very boomy cab, not punchy.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but I found HE lacking in lows department. I think punchy, bright head might be good sollution for boomines of this cab... and i LOVE THOSE MIDS! I never heard so sweet mids, no neo cab can compare IMHO.
 
#10
acubass said:
When I was deciding on an Ampeg 4x10 cab, I tried both the HLF and the HE. I chose the HE because it was punchy. The HLF IMO is a very very boomy cab, not punchy.
Click to expand...
I did a :eyebrow: when I saw the OP mention the HLF, but if he likes it, he likes it! I tried out an HLF at my local GC and although I could dial out some of the low-end, there was still too much emphasis on those low frequencies for my tastes. :atoz:
 
#16
"...funky, gritty, dirty, warm, punchy, lo fi and oldschool for my current cab and bass."

Bassforce, have you made adjustments to your graphic EQ at all? The reason is 'funky and punchy' can usually be dailed in with graphic EQ on most amps. And your tube control will provide for some of the 'dirty, warm' along with your flats/humbucker set-up. Only one left is gritty= overdrive pedal?

Maybe you've exhausted those possibilities....just another thought... .

Jimbob
 
#17
No. I don't use graphic EQ - it suck the tone too much (I can hear a huge quality drop after turning on graph eq on 3pro)

I can dial pretty much using knobs, BUT still have that strange feeling that this is not my tone, and my perfect tone is out there in different amp :P

Am I too obsessive? :P
 
#18
bassforce said:
No. I don't use graphic EQ - it suck the tone too much (I can hear a huge quality drop after turning on graph eq on 3pro)

I can dial pretty much using knobs, BUT still have that strange feeling that this is not my tone, and my perfect tone is out there in different amp :P

Am I too obsessive? :P
Click to expand...
No. You just don't have enough tubes. While the 3 Pro is a good head, it ain't an SVT. Only thing out there that I've tried that nails SVT tones without tubes is the VT pedal. But it just isn't the same, and that's why a lot of people will lug the tubers willingly.

You could also get a used Ampeg V4 or V4B (same amp, but the B's EQ is slightly better for bass) for not much more than a used 3 Pro, like in the $400-600 range. 410HLF isn't the loudest cab in the world, but I think 100w would be enough to get to a medium level at least. But to be on the safe side an SVT's the way to go.
 
#19
markbass lm3? ever give that one a shot? i have a svtcl head and i just picked up the lm3 as a spare backup and the thing is awesome. great controls good power and you could pretty much dial in whatever tone you want whether it be a jaco tone or even a ian grushka (new found glory) type tone. tons of options and great power. not to mention it weighs about 6 pounds
 
#20
I don't need much volume, the two guitarist use 50W 2x12 combos, the piano amp is rated only 30W (but all tube) The most powerfull amps in the band are mine 3pro and Leslie for hammond organs (150W) I think V4 or even V2 would be just great.
We reherse at the possible lowest volume - we can talk while playing.
I think it won't be much lourder on gigs.

There's also a Bassman 100 "Silverface" head with case for the same mone as mine 3pro... but first I had to sell Ampeg ... or maybe leave it and save money for V4B?

I am not sure about this "not enough tubes" thing. Sure - all tube amp is a greatness, but we hooked mine 3pro for Jolly Roger PA and it had much more bite than stock 3pro PA... But it was too clean I think ;) So you're right.
I have to save money and go for all tube :)
 

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