This or that?

Save your money, buy used, buy local.

 

Absolutely.

 

Option one is all entry level gear, I'd pass on that for sure. Option three will provide the most volume, of those choices.

 

Never buy an entry level cab. Entry level heads can be OK, but I've never heard a decent entry level cab, and while I like some GK stuff, the GLX cabs suck as far as I'm concerned.

 

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...

 

Newer Cavin cabs IMHO, are not much better than G-K's BLX or GLX cabs. Personally I would not be given a BLX or GLX cab and I use G-K equipment.

 

If you're cool with some weight I'd be looking for a used GK 400rb or 700rb and an RBH cab.
Like this http://sacramento.craigslist.org/msg/4822497253.html
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

 

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 gui****s 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.

 

Just did a quick scan of evilbay.
A couple of G-K Backine 600s, with a BIN of $175.
Genz Benz 410T for $200!
So, there is stuff out there.

 

Also check the TB classifieds.

 

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.

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.

 

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....

 

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.

 

What is it?