Hello bass people - first time post here.....
Been playing for a long long time and yet it's only now that I have realised that, whilst I have a nice collection of reasonably expensive guitars, I spent a measly £55 on a second-hand amp (a Fender Rumble 100) and then felt pleased with the deal. Seeing as the amp is anything up to half your sound, I've not really been that clever - and I know there are plenty of other musos who will have done the same.
Nothing wrong with the Fender really - a good amp with a few design shortcomings such as the vulnerable knobs (ooer missus) but a decent sound and it's light as a feather to shift compared to the ancient Peavey combo it replaced.
Trouble is - it's a six piece band (vox,gtr,kbds,sax,bass,drums) and when we play larger venues there ain't a lot of headroom left. Putting it through our own PA is not a sensible proposition as it's mainly for vox, lacks bass bins, etc. I also feel I may be shortchanging myself on tone - I want the best possible as it's too late in life for compromises.
The band play a wide assortment of original and cover material which includes, Dylan, Mott the Hoople, Stones, Radiohead, Talking Heads etc. I use a Jazz Deluxe, a Line 6 Variax, a Hofner Violin or an S.D. Curlee depending upon my mood.
So ... it's time to do the decent thing and buy a decent setup that meets my needs for tone, portability and power.
Here's my criteria then:-
1. Can hold its own in a full band playing small to medium venues
2. Can be shifted and lifted by one person
3. Will fit in a hatchback (with the seats down)
4. Warm tones that lean towards a classic sound rather than a bitey, gritty sound (if I need that I have a pod)
5. Can still deliver a top end to the sound when needed - I like a bit of definition
6. Costs up to about £800
7. Like the idea of valve (all or preamp) but prepared to consider solid state
My thoughts have included the Fender Bassman TV Duo Ten or Fifteen (seems expensive but those who've bought them seem very happy) but they seem hard to find to try out. Also the Ampeg PF series with the Portaflex cabinets - but I'm very open to suggestions.
And that's what I'm after - some ideas - any ideas in fact! It's a nice dilemma to have....
Been playing for a long long time and yet it's only now that I have realised that, whilst I have a nice collection of reasonably expensive guitars, I spent a measly £55 on a second-hand amp (a Fender Rumble 100) and then felt pleased with the deal. Seeing as the amp is anything up to half your sound, I've not really been that clever - and I know there are plenty of other musos who will have done the same.
Nothing wrong with the Fender really - a good amp with a few design shortcomings such as the vulnerable knobs (ooer missus) but a decent sound and it's light as a feather to shift compared to the ancient Peavey combo it replaced.
Trouble is - it's a six piece band (vox,gtr,kbds,sax,bass,drums) and when we play larger venues there ain't a lot of headroom left. Putting it through our own PA is not a sensible proposition as it's mainly for vox, lacks bass bins, etc. I also feel I may be shortchanging myself on tone - I want the best possible as it's too late in life for compromises.
The band play a wide assortment of original and cover material which includes, Dylan, Mott the Hoople, Stones, Radiohead, Talking Heads etc. I use a Jazz Deluxe, a Line 6 Variax, a Hofner Violin or an S.D. Curlee depending upon my mood.
So ... it's time to do the decent thing and buy a decent setup that meets my needs for tone, portability and power.
Here's my criteria then:-
1. Can hold its own in a full band playing small to medium venues
2. Can be shifted and lifted by one person
3. Will fit in a hatchback (with the seats down)
4. Warm tones that lean towards a classic sound rather than a bitey, gritty sound (if I need that I have a pod)
5. Can still deliver a top end to the sound when needed - I like a bit of definition
6. Costs up to about £800
7. Like the idea of valve (all or preamp) but prepared to consider solid state
My thoughts have included the Fender Bassman TV Duo Ten or Fifteen (seems expensive but those who've bought them seem very happy) but they seem hard to find to try out. Also the Ampeg PF series with the Portaflex cabinets - but I'm very open to suggestions.
And that's what I'm after - some ideas - any ideas in fact! It's a nice dilemma to have....
