Too many numbers, too many letters

A "head" is a preamp permanently attached to a power amp. You need a preamp to drive a power amp, and you need a power amp to drive speakers.

Wattage is the power that the amp puts out and drives the speakers. Ohms describe the relationship between the power amp and the speakers. Follow the rules described in the FAQ for choosing the right ohm ratings for both amp and cabs. If you buy a "combo amp" those contain both a head and a speaker, so you don't need to worry about ohms in that case, it's been prearranged.

 

The best advice that you will find on Talkbass is to head to your nearest music store and try out as many amps as possible. Then, go to another music store and do the same. Then, go to another....you get the point.

 

+1 to warpeg.. Also, do you have a favorite tone from a pro player? If so, that will give you a good idea on where to start..

Some like Ampegs, some like GK, etc.. It is all personal tone preference.. Same with cabs, the Ampeg 810 fridge is a bass icon. But some prefer full range cabs with tweeters and mids...

I think starting with a pros tone that you like and then find similar gear will gt ou a good start. Granted you already stated that you want a small ig rig and not a tower of cabs and amps.. But you can get similar tones out of the same companies smaller equipment..

Another thing, hit up any website where you can find gear reviews.. Will help learn what each piece does, an opinion on tones/sound, etc...

 

Columbia is a decent sized area with a lot of musicians.. I am sure there will be quite a few shops in that area. Unfortunately I have not been there since around '96 so don't know at shop names....


I googled for Greenville and there is a lot in that area as well! Peck all, deluxe, musical innovations....

 

What's your realistic budget? Do you need the bass also, or just an amp & cab? As for cab format, I'd suggest either a 210 or 115. Also, I'd suggest spending more on the cab than either the bass or amp.

 

+1 to warpeg

as you try them, experiment with the controls...alot...get to know what they do/how they effect the sound..reading is good, hands on and ears on experience is paramount

being careful no to go crazy with with the volume tho

 

Ohms is a measure of how hard the speaker pushes back at the amp. Tube amps operate differently to Solid State but having the correct loading is important.

 

The relationship of power, sensitivity and volume is the thing to grasp.

Playing through some rigs at open mics is the best experience.

Get earplugs.

 

500 for amplification is a handy budget. If you're also planning instrument out of that then you're into bottom basement.

 

Yes, I was asking about a bass guitar as well. So you're looking for a bass itself and an amp & cab? All for $400-500?

Here's a new short scale SX Precision for $80 in Greenville. On a $400-500 budget, I'd grab it. Now. http://greenville.craigslist.org/msg/3875165838.html

And a Bag End 410 in Laurens for $150 if you go to get it. Condition isn't stated, but there's a phone #. Sure it's heavy, but if it's in good shape & functions 100% then, hey, waddya want? Lotta box for a buck & a half.
http://greenville.craigslist.org/msg/3934368144.html

And a Peavey Tour 450 amp in Simpsonville for $220. Betcha he'd do $200 in a heartbeat if you asked nicely.
http://greenville.craigslist.org/msg/3882451277.html

That's $430-450.

Or an Acoustic B200 in Simpsonville for $200. http://greenville.craigslist.org/msg/3889977638.html

SX & Acoustic is $280.

Or try Columbia or Charlotte. They're pretty close, yes?

 

Can't do 2. It can do 4, 5.3, 8, 16, etc. but it can't do any number smaller than 4.

 

...And two 8 ohm cabs make a 4 ohm total load, while if you hook a 4 ohm up with an 8 ohm it goes down to 2.67 ohms total load. The first way is totally safe and recommended, the second way is not.

 

The Peavey Tour amp and the Bagend 410 cab he linked to would make a pretty darn hard-hitting and good sounding rig on a budget.

That'd be enoigh to handle most any gig you'll play for quite some time.

I'd start with that. Then don't worry about changing out equipment until you gain some more knowledge about it all.

I've been playing for getting close to 30 years and that rig would cover just about anywhere I play.

 

This is good thinkin' !

 

+1 to everything above!

I don't think I know a single person who's still using their first bass rig, but you have to start somewhere. The above rig is a good, solid rig that will get you through any smaller gig (and just about any mid-sized gig, too!). Use it until you have some experience under your belt and you're in a better position to compare things.

While you're beating that rig up, go to local shows and pay attention to what the more experienced players in your area are using and how they sound. When you do, just keep in mind that their may be help from the PA system involved and also that really experienced players can make almost anything sound great.