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Suggestions on a NYC gigging rig?

BKBassDude

BKBassDude

Jun 17, 2009
225
2
Brooklyn, NY
#1
Alrighty, first a little background.
Former pro in Baltimore, been out of the game for 3 years due to an injury (amongst other things). Moved to back to NYC to jumpstart the creative juices. Landed a gig backing an established singer/songwriter who wants to go electric. Music is harder rock, along the lines of 90's grunge/alternative.

Basses are set with a 5 string Sadowsky Metro and 6 string fretless Fender Steve Bailey.

Amp is in a state of flux.

I've been using my BA115 as my practice amp since I sold my Hartke 410 a few years back. I like the tone, but power/portability are a major concern, obviously. We will be using subways as transport.

What is a good amp suggestion that is portable, great sounding and hopefully doesn't break the bank? On the low end, I've considered the Ampeg Micro VR. I like the tone, but worry if it can compete with a full band. On the high end, I've thought about either Markbass or Genz Benz Micro heads with a 2x10 or 1x15. Those are both a little more than I WANT to spend, but could if they are truly the best solution.

Appreciate any input.

PS - I also double on DB, so a rig that works well for that would be nice, although it's more gravy than anything else.
 
#2
I would definitely go with a microhead.
When I sold my 1x15 last week, the guy who bought it brought over hos Genz Shuttle 6.0. Lots of power (600W @4 ohms) and it really shook the crap out of my house. I was extremely surprized at its sound.

He got it for $450 on ebay...so deals can be had if you're in the right place/right time.

However, another micro that I've been serieously considering for myself is the GK MB2-500. New, they can be had for $450.

GK also has a combo version of the above, comes in either 1x15 or 2x10. I played through the 2x10 version and was amazed at the low end it has. As far as getting a separate cabinet...I'd probably go with a good 2x10 because it would be easier to transport on our glorious subway system than a 1x15. And being that you have a B string...your choices for 2x10's is a narrow window that can handle what you have and sound good at the same time.
 
#3
I would try the new GK combos if I were you. The 210 weighs 33lbs, is 350W, or 500W with an 8 Ohm extension cab, and has a DI. The 212 weighs 39lbs, but the internal speakers are 4 ohms together, so it's already running at 500W, but it can't support an extension cab.

I have the 210, and I love it. My only complaint is that it doesn't have a Mute button, but my tuner pedal takes care of that.
 
#4
I've been very impressed and quite happy with my genz Benz shuttle 6.0 210T combo. i was pleasantly surprised that it keeps up quite well in rehearsal with my prog rock band with medium loud drummer. sound is great with my Roscoe, very musical midrange, voiced perfectly for the bass/cab combo, IMO.

41 lbs, compact footprint, tiltback design.
 
#5
svt/810

:D

i would get the lightest micro combo and matching extension cab i could find and could possibly stand to listen to. the more powerful micro combos will actually put out enough volume for a hard rock band, but you may be dissatisfied with the amount of balls, so an extension cab can help with that. smallest i personally would go is with a 112. anything else would struggle in that situation imho.
 
#6
The 210/Micro was what I was leaning towards as it was, and you guys just confirmed it basically.

Now I gotta figure out which one!
All my amp experience is Ampeg and Hartke. I'm leaning toward Markbass as the reviews I've read seem to think it's a bit more old school sounding, and the best amp I've ever played out of in my life was the all tube Sadowsky SA200 I played at the Sadowsky showroom when I bought my bass.

Maybe that's a poor connection, assuming amazing high end tube amp = more old school sound. Not sure, I'll see if I can't get my hands on both to try em out.
 
#9
BKBassDude said:
The 210/Micro was what I was leaning towards as it was, and you guys just confirmed it basically.

Now I gotta figure out which one!
All my amp experience is Ampeg and Hartke. I'm leaning toward Markbass as the reviews I've read seem to think it's a bit more old school sounding, and the best amp I've ever played out of in my life was the all tube Sadowsky SA200 I played at the Sadowsky showroom when I bought my bass.

Maybe that's a poor connection, assuming amazing high end tube amp = more old school sound. Not sure, I'll see if I can't get my hands on both to try em out.
Click to expand...
if you're into old school ampeg, you can throw a sansamp vt bass pedal into anything and cop those tones.
 

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