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SWR Super Redhead-- Now what?

marcwcarroll

marcwcarroll

Dec 7, 2009
165
3
Durham, NC
#1
Hello all--
I have been learning electric bass for about 5 months now. I have a couple lower end basses, but love my Squier 60's CV. I recently pulled the trigger on a used Super Redhead, and wow I love it!. The tone I can get keeps on amazing me.
So the question to all the experts out there,.. now what do I get an 1X15 extension to really feel the lows? that is kind of where my head is at, but would love to hear any suggestions. (I play mainly classic style rock and blues.)

Any brands/models I need to look out for? Any effects that I need, even thoughI love the tones I am getting straight out of the Redhead?
Thanks!
 
#6
You've been playing a whole five months and you have a super redhead?

Good lord. Well... Good for you - that's a NICE amp for a new player - a NICE amp.

And I agree with the above - get another 2x10. If you want *lows*, get what I have - and Epifani NYC 2x10 (used, obviously). It will bring the LF big time - -

But make sure you have the impedance right. I suspect you'd want an 8ohm cab no matter WHAT you get - I think that head is rated at 4 ohms min load.
 
#7
marcwcarroll said:
great to know. Thanks! Are the SWR neo's worth looking at, or go heavy since I am already there with the SRh?
Click to expand...

I've never heard the SWR neo's, so don't know if they sound similar to their other line or not. But it's really all up to you. If you're a young tyke and have no problems carrying the added weight, which 2x10's shouldn't be too bad anyway, then I don't think there's a reason for neo's. Just my humble opinion.
 
#9
When combining speaker cabs it's usually worth getting the closest match you can, so a goliath junior of the same vintage as your SRH is the best bet.

It's possible to mix and match speaker cabs but you can get dead notes and inconsistent directionality when combining different types: Some combinations of dissimilar cabs work better than others, but it's very hard to predict. Sticking to SWR 10's is a better bet than mixing brands or sizes.
 
#11
I say it depends on what type of sound you want. As a beginner on bass, I think it is too early for you to tell what you want to sound like and how your sound will match in any type of group you are in. Most of the "sound" will be in your hands anyway. And you probably have years to go to get that right. Not to say a beginner cannot start playing as soon as you learn to play some notes, but to get a personal tone will take longer to develop.

I have an older Redhead and I used it for all kinds of gigs. I'd say it was not so special for loud R&R, but great when I wanted a clear, deep, clean bass sound. I have used it with a 4x10 extension - usually only on large outdoor stage gigs. I would think the Redhead alone can get you most places you want to be unless you plan on playing large, outdoor stage gigs or Madison Square Garden any time soon.

The Super Redhead is a lot of amp. Many beginners think a better amp or larger speakers will make you sound better. I have seen great players that sound great through cheap crap and bad players that have racks of gear that sounded horrible. Good luck with the learning and enjoy!
 
#12
I used a Super Redhead for a loong time. Great amp.
I'd agree with sticking to SWR stuff for an ideal pairing.
If you have a dealer near you, take your rig and try both a 112 and 210 under it.
I'd recommend staying away from the working man's line, and getting the Goliath Jr of Son of Bertha.
The Super Redhead I had was rated 2 ohm safe, but it ran pretty warm that way; I'd go with an 8 ohm extension for a 2.67 total load.

With either, you'll have a pro grade rig that should be good for, well, the rest of your career unless your tastes change.
 
#13
I ran a 4ohm Goliath Jr. with my Super Redhead for years. Never had any heat problems...Still, Chef's advice plays it safe and is a good way to go. I always turned my cabs on their side and ran it a a 1X4 instead of a 2X2 configuration. Plus, I rolled one of the horns all the way off - SWR cabs are a bit horn heavy, and one horn is plenty for four tens.

The redhead is #2 on my all-time-favorites amp list.
 
#14
Thanks for all the advice / knowledge-imparting. Being a newb, I am not going to rush into expansion, but wise to have a 'short list" at the ready in case an opportunity presents itself.
Sounds like I need to lean towards a 210 and check out 8 ohm SWR Goliath Jr and SOBs, and figure out what makes the short list of wants.
I hear ya Basslice, on the gear not making the bassist, and agree. But I intend on sticking with it and want to use decent gear... even tho I am a beginner I aint no spring chicken, and I am a certified frugal -a$$ deal hunter.
Thanks guys!
 

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