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This or that?

X

xxfaux_punkxx

Mar 18, 2010
1,054
18
Indiana
#1
So I'm in need of an amp and I've been looking at a few options.

First is to build a small half stack (I've always used combo amps so this will be new to me).

Looking at an acoustic b200 head with a G&K blx210 cab.(roughly 250$)

Second option I'm looking at is a fender rumble 350 2x10 (roughly 300$)

Final option is to go with zzsounds pay and play option and pick up a hartke HA2500 with a TC Electric BC212 (looking at 150$ for four months).

Now the tone I'm going for is dark and dirty. I usually bleed off the treble and push the punch. So with the 3 options I've listed which will be the best for what I'm needing, and will 200w be loud enough to be heard in the mix? (currently using my bands PA system 500W)
 
#7
what's your budget? $450?
Used is key.
Hit your local craigslist.
Try less expensive brands like Peavey and Carvin.
That's a tight budget for a pro rig but can be done if you research some old gear and are willing to lug some heavy stuff...
 
#8
slade said:
what's your budget? $450?
Used is key.
Hit your local craigslist.
Try less expensive brands like Peavey and Carvin.
That's a tight budget for a pro rig but can be done if you research some old gear and are willing to lug some heavy stuff...
Click to expand...


My budget's pretty tight, so I'm looking super cheap. Won't say how much in dollar's a cents though. Had an older Peavey TNT and absolutely hated it (although my bass is a Peavey and I couldn't love it more).

Not really looking for a pro rig, just looking for something to get me started. Loud enough to do small gigs with.
 
#9
Okay, here's another option,

Carvin RL210T with a Behringer bx4500 head.

Now, I've done some research on the head (considering it was behringer) and it got surprisingly good reviews (7.5/10).

The cab on the other hand has me stumped a little bit. From what I was researching is it will take 400w at 4ohms, but I'm not sure if that difference 50w will make a huge impact on tone as well as speaker damage.
 
#11
If you're cool with some weight I'd be looking for a used GK 400rb or 700rb and an RBH cab.
Like this [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Old GK gear will rock. Just gotta play it before you buy it. My take is it will hold up and sound better than new Behringer stuff (just my opinion and not a bash of Behringer)
Cheers
 
#12
Another vote for used.

You asked if 200 watts was enough to be heard.
I'd ask you heard over what?
If you have two guitards with 100 watt Marshall full stacks
the answer is no way.
So that depends.

If we take your 4 payments of $150 as a $600 budget,
I's say you should find something.

You didn't say anything about how important size or weight is for you.
If that isn't an issue, then there is plenty of perfectly usable stuff out there.
Often you can find where someone has had the same gear for 20 years,
never been unhappy with it and only replaced because they are older
and tired of hauling a big amp.
That doesn't mean it sounds any less bitchin' than it ever did.
 
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#14
Bill Whitehurst said:
Another vote for used.

You asked if 200 watts was enough to be heard.
I'd ask you heard over what?
If you have two guitards with 100 watt Marshall full stacks
the answer is no way.
So that depends.

If we take your 4 payments of $150 as a $600 budget,
I's say you should find something.

You didn't say anything about how important size or weight is for you.
If that isn't an issue, then there is plenty of perfectly usable stuff out there.
Often you can find where someone has had the same gear for 20 years,
never been unhappy with it and only replaced because they are older
and tired of hauling a big amp.
That doesn't mean it sounds any less bitchin' than it ever did.
Click to expand...

If I can make payments then 600$ isn't far of a reach. In one straight buy though It's about half of that. Would like to put out more but I'm kinda in a rush to get off the PA system and open my options for more serious work. Already having a guy that wants me to do some bass tracks for him.

Right now I'm just up against a single 2x10 fender combo (I think he said it was 120w but I can't remember exactly).

Weight isn't an issue for me. size... as long as I can get in my car I'm good with I'm not concerned (so basically no 4x10's). Ideally a 2x12 cab running 500w would be great, but I won't be picky with such a low budget.

Been checking CL with not so much luck in finding what I need in my budget but I'll check ebay and see what pops up. Nervous about that site. I got burned pretty bad a few years ago however. Bought a bass and got it with chips out of the neck, bent tune keys and stripped out saddles. Not to mention rust on every bit of metal.
 
#16
xxfaux_punkxx said:
If I can make payments then 600$ isn't far of a reach...I'm kinda in a rush to get off the PA system...Already having a guy that wants me to do some bass tracks for him....
Click to expand...

Save longer. You don't need a cabinet to record bass tracks.
In fact, you almost NEVER need a cab to record bass unless you are an orthodox tube fiend. :cool:

Since 410's were ruled out (due to your vehicle), consider two 210 or two 112 cabs. Easier to fit in small vehicles. Vertically stacked, they work well.

As far as used gear is concerned, the older heavy stuff can still do it. The Eden 210's are good, as are the SWR pro 212's if you can find one—not a fan of their 210's (though goliath III jr.'s are OK)—been there, but a pair of SWR Son of Bertha 115s would work. Look for pre-fender era. Even better, Aguilar 112 cabs come up on Talkbass a lot, as do Avatar 210 and 212 cabs. Heck, a pair of used Ampeg PF-210s or PF-115s would be nice, too. Used Epifani and Bergantino stuff is pricey, but anything above a 110 from them, and you are good to go for a while.

BTW, Avatar cabs are very cheap new, and give a lot of bang for the buck.
 
#17
Jim Carr said:
Save longer. You don't need a cabinet to record bass tracks.
In fact, you almost NEVER need a cab to record bass unless you are an orthodox tube fiend. :cool:

Since 410's were ruled out (due to your vehicle), consider two 210 or two 112 cabs. Easier to fit in small vehicles. Vertically stacked, they work well.

As far as used gear is concerned, the older heavy stuff can still do it. The Eden 210's are good, as are the SWR pro 212's if you can find one—not a fan of their 210's (though goliath III jr.'s are OK)—been there, but a pair of SWR Son of Bertha 115s would work. Look for pre-fender era. Even better, Aguilar 112 cabs come up on Talkbass a lot, as do Avatar 210 and 212 cabs. Heck, a pair of used Ampeg PF-210s or PF-115s would be nice, too. Used Epifani and Bergantino stuff is pricey, but anything above a 110 from them, and you are good to go for a while.

BTW, Avatar cabs are very cheap new, and give a lot of bang for the buck.
Click to expand...


Sounds reasonable, Saw a 212 cab earlier today that's pretty much what I've been wanting anyway and close to my budget. If it's still there after my next 2 paychecks I'll definitely be picking it up. I figure a cheap head to throw on top would suit me well enough for the time being until I can save up for an upgrade.
 
#19
slade said:
I've got to disagree just a little. Yes, you CAN record bass without a cab (amp as well), however all of the studios I track in typically mic cabs as well as use assorted D.Is. Just my personal experience of course....
Click to expand...

True no doubt, but 95% of the commercial work I have done on electric bass has been a Countyman type 85 or Radial JDI into something like an Avalon AD2044. It is faster and cheaper.
 

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