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My 'small rig' is one Bergantino RE112, and my 'BIG RIG' is 2 GK neo 112. Either one is a one trip load in. On the final closing night of Larry's Hideaway back in '83 or so, I used 2 x JBL 4530's, a Martin Philishave 2x12, and a pack of JBL bullets for some sparkle. My rack- 2 Yamaha power amps, crossover, 1/3 octave EQ, and an Alembic pre. I think that rig weighed more than 300 pounds!
I (unintentionally) downsized at the end of my last tour 15 years ago when I blew some drivers in my older (lower powered) Ampeg 410 and only my newer 210he survived. This also coincided with a switch in power needs where now I just use my SVT3 Pro and 2x10 and house support for church, wedding, house, coffee shop gigs.
If I had the money I would probably switch to an @agedhorse WD800 + Fearful 15/6 or 12/6. Portability and still lower power requirements would be my motivation. Being able to load-in with just one trip is a big plus in this stage of life.
If I had the money I would probably switch to an @agedhorse WD800 + Fearful 15/6 or 12/6. Portability and still lower power requirements would be my motivation. Being able to load-in with just one trip is a big plus in this stage of life.
i have only been on TB literally for couple hours and this subject jumped out at me and said BOOOO ! the only shows ive not enjoyed in this life long career were the ones when i listened either to some showboat guitar player guy saying "naw man you dont really need to bring the usual" or thru my own fault from having push a rig to hard at last gig and toasted speakers there for having to cart "other than what i already know" rig to a show ... there is no worse a feeling or show fun stopping thing than being on stage with inadequite ,notice spelling suffix , to me the gospel of good live tone is having rig that does not require even half the power used thats its capable of punching out there... nice smooth purrring softness and big bangin brite when ever you want it , filling the room ... if necessary , with out PA/soundman support , which believe me happens alot thru the years ... one reason i like my ampeg svt 4pro because you can adjust your line out to board on the fly if needed.... small rigs ... to me for studio gtreat but live ... if you are not moving enuff air you are not correctly playin bass period
I settled on this (I had the PF 50T before and it was nice but it weighed 19lbs) now total is 44.5 lbs, each 12 is 19lbs at 600w.
I can go to 1-12 if needed but 2 keep the Mesa 800+ higher to my eyes if I need to adjust anything (love the HPF for use on practice speakers, Peavey 2x15)
SVT stays home forever now.
I can go to 1-12 if needed but 2 keep the Mesa 800+ higher to my eyes if I need to adjust anything (love the HPF for use on practice speakers, Peavey 2x15)
SVT stays home forever now.
Spot on!
Sometimes progress is a good thing. Much as I liked my old school rig’s sound, I wouldn’t go back to them unless they came as a venue supplied backline. And what are the chances of that these days? 
Sure. Every bassist should play through an SVT/Fridge combination or similar once or twice in their lifetime. But for me it’s “been there-done that” and time to move on. Like the Billy Joel song says:
You can get just so much
From a good thing
You can linger too long
In your dreams
Say goodbye to the
Oldies but goodies
Cause the good ole days weren't
Always good
And tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems
From a good thing
You can linger too long
In your dreams
Say goodbye to the
Oldies but goodies
Cause the good ole days weren't
Always good
And tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems
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Went from two swr 4-10 cabs to one genz benz 1-12. I would like to add one more 12 cab. Was hard to get use to. Withdrawal symptoms for sure.
I had a couple of the Hartke HD112's I used for 2-3 electric gigs, my bandmates and I thought they sounded good (and carried medium sized rooms, no PA support). Only reason I flipped them is I found some used Genz Benz 12's that serve as my current 'big' rig. I think the Hartke HD series is a good value too (IMHO). Big +1 on the flexibility of 1 or 2 cabs for a variety of venues (esp. PITA load-ins).
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Downsizing for decades. From folded horns, 410 and 15 Hartke, to 410 and 210 Hartke, Epifani 310 UL and Aguilar DB12, the Schroeder 1212 L (the one with one 12 in the corner slot load - it used to be available still special ordered) ran that with the EPI 310, then a Schroeder 12PL. Some of this was powered with Acoustic 370, then a Carvin amp, then Demeter Preamp and Crown XLS1500, then to a Genzler MG800. (BTW the Genzler and Epi 310 UL is in the studio for rehearsal)
Finally run the Schroeder 1212L and the Schroeder 12PL with a Bergantino B|Amp. Three 12s in all, and the B|Amp with built in HPF does wonders. Best rig I have ever had so far. Small foot print, lite weight, powerful, and reliable. But it covers anything I need and then some.
The Berg is a great amp with the Schroeder cabs. I'd like to maybe try the new Berg NXT 212 cabinet. And hoping Jim will come out with an HP version of the B|Amp.
Finally run the Schroeder 1212L and the Schroeder 12PL with a Bergantino B|Amp. Three 12s in all, and the B|Amp with built in HPF does wonders. Best rig I have ever had so far. Small foot print, lite weight, powerful, and reliable. But it covers anything I need and then some.
The Berg is a great amp with the Schroeder cabs. I'd like to maybe try the new Berg NXT 212 cabinet. And hoping Jim will come out with an HP version of the B|Amp.
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This has been my “all-rounder” for about 8 years now. Markbass cmd121p combo, 500 watt head replaced with a Markbass 800 Watt tube amp, and coupled with a 1-12” Traveller cab.
Small and light enough to take to coffeehouse gigs, and PLENTY loud for playing outdoor festivals.
As my bands invested in better PA’s, I’ve taken to leaving the amp at home and just playing with a sansamp through the pa. I mostly bring the amp only for outdoor gigs.
Portability and flexibility. I went from giant 4 ohm cabs to small 8 ohm cabs and could mix and match amps and cabs for the gig.
Not the hartke. Generally not into hartke gear. I went with the ampeg 112AV cabs and I had a PF-500 at the time. The 112AV were in my opinion more geared towards a tube amp, with the PF they didn’t do it for me. Loved them with my V4 or SVT. With the PF-800 you might like the hartke more.
Don’t have a 5 string or really play anything lower than D but if the cabs can’t handle it check out a HPF. As you said if you’re running with full FOH/PA support this isn’t an issue.
I no longer have my pair of 12s or the berg 1x12 I had, but do run a berg neo 2x12 and a barefaced 210 as my main gigging cabs. Both small, light weight, and very portable. No regrets there.
Not sure if this will help, but: for the better part of two decades, my favorite cab has been the Bergantino NV610. It's a sealed cab reminiscent of the venerable Ampeg 8x10. I'd been playing in loud bands, and often in venues that had easy load-ins where I could just wheel the cab in like a hand truck.
Long story short: I started getting most of my gigs from bands that weren't as loud, and/or their gigs were in venues that had small stages and/or tricky load-ins. The big 6x10 was too much for those gigs, so I downsized to a pair of efficient 1x12 cabs (built by a friend, you won't find them in stores). I still prefer the tone of the 6x10, but the 1x12 cabs sound almost as good, and they are every bit as loud as I need them to be -- I've even cranked them up at a loud outdoor gig. Also, I have the option of bringing just one cab when I don't need volume.
I know you're nervous about switching, but a couple friends of mine love their Hydrive cabs so you should be fine. I'm not sure how fussy you are, but chances are you won't hate the sound of the twelves -- they will probably sound good, but in a different way than your 4x10. So... be prepared for "different". Nothing wrong with that.
I downsized from an SVT + 410
-If for a reason other than portability, why did you do it?
I also didn't want to face the $350+ retube that was bound to happen. Also reliability. Also the ability to play at lower volumes. BUT also, I had a few experiences at shows where the sound guy just shelved the bass at 500hz, eliminating my desired t0nez. so at that point i decided i better (try to) write bass lines that sound good at any EQ.
-Were you dissapointed in any way?
yea it's not a '71 SVT.
-Do you have any live experience with the cabs I have listed above and, if so, how did you like them?
no
-How does a pair of 1x12s handle the low B? (Not worried about this for shows with PA support)
mine are awesome with the low b (markbass 121p + NY121), also this combination can push a surprising amount of air.
-Were you dissapointed in any way?
yea, that i have to turn down because i'm not playing stadiums. But also honestly, it's a tone compromise for me too, but it makes me obsess less about my gear when I play something that works and doesn't have an infinite number of sounds. And I can focus more on playing.
-If for a reason other than portability, why did you do it?
I also didn't want to face the $350+ retube that was bound to happen. Also reliability. Also the ability to play at lower volumes. BUT also, I had a few experiences at shows where the sound guy just shelved the bass at 500hz, eliminating my desired t0nez. so at that point i decided i better (try to) write bass lines that sound good at any EQ.
-Were you dissapointed in any way?
yea it's not a '71 SVT.
-Do you have any live experience with the cabs I have listed above and, if so, how did you like them?
no
-How does a pair of 1x12s handle the low B? (Not worried about this for shows with PA support)
mine are awesome with the low b (markbass 121p + NY121), also this combination can push a surprising amount of air.
-Were you dissapointed in any way?
yea, that i have to turn down because i'm not playing stadiums. But also honestly, it's a tone compromise for me too, but it makes me obsess less about my gear when I play something that works and doesn't have an infinite number of sounds. And I can focus more on playing.
I agree..but I'd modify it to "every bassist should play through a PA with 20KW of subs, while on a wood stage". That is a fun time.
Good to knowI know you're nervous about switching, but a couple friends of mine love their Hydrive cabs so you should be fine. I'm not sure how fussy you are, but chances are you won't hate the sound of the twelves -- they will probably sound good, but in a different way than your 4x10. So... be prepared for "different". Nothing wrong with that.
Thanks!I'm ok with different. I keep hearing I'll get more punch and less boom. If true, I like that.
JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
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I honestly wasn't impressed with the PF cabs. Love the look though.
Oh yeah, another good idea....
Made by Auralex Great Gramma II - isolation pad.
Made by Auralex Great Gramma II - isolation pad.
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