• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Thoughts on this setup.....

S

screamingdaisy

May 29, 2005
208
2
South of Heaven
#1
Right now I'm playing through a practice amp until I get my chops upto par, and in the mean time I'm saving for the bass rig I'll eventually need.

Right now I'm pretty sure I'd prefer a rig that grinds over one that is clean....I'd prefer to stick with Ampeg as my buddy is an Ampeg dealer (thus a slight discount in price), but I am willing to look at other options.

I'm also considering a Boogie 400+ and BB 750....but I won't get a price break on any of those....

Any suggestions?


Also, what is your opinion on Ampeg cabs? I'm thinking of a 4x10 & 1x15 setup, and again I'd like to stay Ampeg due the the price break, but I am willing to look at other options.

I prefer bass sounds in the vein of sludge and doom bands (Sabbath, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, Sunn O))), Pentagram, FuManchu, Kyuss, ect), but ultimately my rig needs to be able to serve the music, so I'm keeping that in mind when making my final decision too as it'll be hard to get a gig around here with a dimed & fuzzed Sunn head into a muddy set of cabs. :)
 
#5
Modern Growl said:
you want grind, go w/ Gallien Krueger.

grind city
Click to expand...


No offense, but when I've used GK, I would not classify their sound as "grind". If anything, I'd say they are bright and in your face, but little to no grind or warmth. I'm not saying bright and in your face is a bad thing, a lot of people love that sound, but grind does not describe GK's tone well unless you use some effects with the head.
 
#6
Modern Growl said:
you want grind, go w/ Gallien Krueger.

grind city
Click to expand...

Hey MG, have you ever actually played a Gallien Krueger? I have. In fact, I used one as my main gigging amp for the last year or so. Based on REAL WORLD experience, rather than what a website says, there ain't much grind in a GK. That's NOT to say GK isn't a good amp. I love the 1001RBII, but grindy, it AIN'T.
 
#11
I meant the SVT CL..that is, the SVT Classic. No power amp needed, 300 watts of tubey goodness already included. I didn't post on Ampeg cabs, because I'm not real knowledgable about them. I do know that if you aren't going Ampeg, the Bergantino NV Series are STELLER cabs for tube heads. I'm using an NV610 with my Mesa 400+ and couldn't be happier with it. I do believe the SVTII is probably a bit more flexible than the Classic. It has more EQ options. For my tastes though, I'd get the Classic.
 
#12
screamingdaisy said:
And what do you guys think of the Ampeg cabs?

Sound, reliability, value, ect?
Click to expand...


I have owned or do own three 115s, an 810, two 410s a 210 and now a 410HLF. I lost one speaker in nearly 20 years. The coil dropped.

I know there's a lot of really nice stuff out there, but to me, Ampeg is the sound in my head. In modesty, I am not a pro, but I do well enough playing and have been forunate enough with my day job that I honestly can have any bass rig out there. I play Ampeg. I just love the sound, and I always have.
 
#14
The Mesa 400+ is a pretty clean tube amp. The Ampeg SVT has that grind/growl/overdrive that I think you are describing. I've been tooling around with the idea of trading my Mesa for the SVT cuz I like that grind sound too. Don't get me wrong...the Mesa is a fantastic amp, but it's not as dirty as the Ampeg.
 
#16
screamingdaisy said:
That's another thing I was wondering.....what does E, HE HLF and HPC mean? I've read the descriptions, but I must be missing something because I'm not getting it.... :(
Click to expand...


Just model #s. There's no magic to them that I aware of. The HLF cabinets are extended range cabinets, so it's no stretch to assume the "LF" is "Low Frequency."

Other than that, I have no clue.
 
#18
I was the proud owner of a MB 400+ 600w (not 500w). I don't know why but that's what it said on the back. Yes, this amp is as clean as it gets for midpriced amps. This thing was so clean and in your face it was disgusting. BUT...I ran the signal thru an alesis 3630 compressor, and then it came out of Mesa 2x15 & 2X10's, played thru an older passive warwick. Every show I got comments on tone, even from Jimbo - stand-up bassist for the Rev horton heat.

All I've had as far as ampegs was an old 8X10 svt cab, and an 80's svt 400t. Have yet to play any new models or cabs.

Once I played boogie, I have never bought anything else.
I've downsized now and have the M2000 hybrid. Love it.
 
#19
oddgrowth said:
I was the proud owner of a MB 400+ 600w (not 500w). I don't know why but that's what it said on the back. Yes, this amp is as clean as it gets for midpriced amps. This thing was so clean and in your face it was disgusting. BUT...I ran the signal thru an alesis 3630 compressor, and then it came out of Mesa 2x15 & 2X10's, played thru an older passive warwick. Every show I got comments on tone, even from Jimbo - stand-up bassist for the Rev horton heat.

All I've had as far as ampegs was an old 8X10 svt cab, and an 80's svt 400t. Have yet to play any new models or cabs.

Once I played boogie, I have never bought anything else.
I've downsized now and have the M2000 hybrid. Love it.
Click to expand...

I'd somewhat disagree with this . I have a Mesa 400+. (which, with 12 6L6s, runs about 280 watts RMS)

Although it is cleaner sounding than an SVT, it has plenty of tube character, and if you get either the channel volume, or the master cranked a bit, you definitely get some tube grit.
 
#20
cheezewiz said:
I'd somewhat disagree with this . I have a Mesa 400+. (which, with 12 6L6s, runs about 280 watts RMS).
Click to expand...
I am a terribly inept gear head, and know next to nothing about actual RMS and the like. I did have other 400+ users ask me how I was getting "that tone" cos they couldn't w/thiers, Maybe it was the compressor, maybe it was moded. You guys are the experts and I am the nOOB here. I'm just trying to expand my knowledge w/ your guys' help.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back