What amp/cab? Yep another of these threads

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by klejst, Jul 22, 2013.

  1. klejst

    klejst Guest

    Oct 5, 2010
    So I have been a long time player of Precision basses, however since leaving my last band a little over a year ago I started to look into putting more of my time into other things. And about 3-4 months ago I ended up selling my bass stuff plus a little bit of financial hardship helped instigate that choice as well. Long story short is I had my break and now the calling is calling again to play music. So I am looking into buying gear again. This time around the Thunderbird bass (standard Epiphone four string) has caught my eye and ear, always wanted one. Found one in great condition for $140, which the cheapest one I have seen yet.

    So now onto the amp and cab. I looked into combos and they work, but figured separate amp and cab setup is better at least for me, plus allows for upgrades along the way. Anyways I was browsing the used pages of some music sites and my local Craigslist. I found the below mentioned which are in my budget/price range:

    Peavey 1810 cab for $90
    Peavey 410XL cab for $80
    Acoustic B410 cab for $100

    Peavey Max 160 amp for $80
    G-K 200RCB amp for $100
    Kustom III-B amp for $60
    Acoustic B200 amp for $100

    I know it does not give me much to play with and I am not expecting it to sound as good as say a multi-thousand dollar pro setup however out of the above mentioned which amp and cab would be the best possible setup for both sound/tone, volume and such? I drive a truck so transport is not a issue, and I know the older Peavey stuff is heavy as a boulder but is built like a tank and durable as all get out. And for sure I'll be putting some heavy duty durable casters on the cab. So what say you?
     
  2. gregmon79

    gregmon79 Supporting Member

    Dec 20, 2012
    Chicago IL
    Out of those choices, just me and my opinion, I'd go with the peavey 410 and GK head. That way if you decide to upgrade the head to more wattage, your cab should be able to handle it. I'm not too familiar with that particular GK head but in my exp, most all GK heads are pretty nice. What is that peavey cab rates at? Ohms, RMS?
     
  3. klejst

    klejst Guest

    Oct 5, 2010
    I was thinking one of the Peavey cabs myself just because they are cheap but also for the durability factor. Also they sound decent. I was more looking for opinions from people who know anything about or have used any of the gear I listed. I am not really sure of the specs to be honest.
     
  4. gregmon79

    gregmon79 Supporting Member

    Dec 20, 2012
    Chicago IL
    The peavey probably weights a ton, but from what I understand, they're work horses and sound pretty good for the prices asked. Check into the specs of each piece of gear you listed because that could really matter in the end.
     
  5. JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    Peavey cab GK head out of those choices for me.
     
  6. klejst

    klejst Guest

    Oct 5, 2010
    Thanks guys for the suggestions, but c'mon Jimmy you know I cannot read your mind exactly what Peavey cab you are referencing to ;). Unless you meant either of them.
     
  7. Munjibunga

    Munjibunga Retired Member

    May 6, 2000
    San Diego (when not at Groom Lake)
    Independent Contractor to Bass San Diego
    Yeah, I'll roll with the majority on this one. Peavey 410 and the GK head.
     
  8. ChopperDave

    ChopperDave Hai-ohhhhhhh!

    Nov 14, 2012
    Boston, MA
    GK Head + the 1810 would be my choice, but I like the oddball cabs (I used to have the 1810/1820's little brother, the 1516).

    Just make sure your back is strong ...
     
  9. JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    Oh, sorry...I meant the 410.
     
  10. will33

    will33

    May 22, 2006
    austin,tx
    Another here for th GK + Peavey. The 200RCB I think was an early predecessor to the RB's but not sure. Whatever it is will sound good.

    The 1810 is a bear to move, but has a big sound. Ultimately probably not any louder than the 410 though...probably go with the 410.
     
  11. My initial thoughts exactly. But as per Greg's original post, make sure the watts/ohms all work together, although if I had to bet blind I would bet they would.
     
  12. karl_em_all

    karl_em_all

    Jul 11, 2013
    Dimension X
    Agreed. If you can snag a 410 cab for that price just do it. And yes to the GK head.
     
  13. Floyd Eye

    Floyd Eye Inactive

    Feb 21, 2010
    St. Louis
    I wouldn't own any of that stuff.
     
  14. georgestrings

    georgestrings Inactive

    Nov 5, 2005
    I'll assume you mean the 410TX for the Peavey - and if so, that's a great cab for the money... a bit heavy, like most Peavey gear - but solid, durable, and they sound pretty good... I'd pass on the 1810 - I owned one, and won't own another, as they tend to put out low end that can cause problems on stage, can disappear in the mix, and are prone to the 18 getting blown - besides being heavy and awkward to move...

    Truthfully, I wouldn't take any of those amps, though - I'd look a little harder, and maybe pony up a little more cash, if needed - you can get a pro quality rig for around $300 or so, with some informed shopping...

    IME, great amps for the money:

    G-k's 400rb, Backline600
    Peavey's Mark IV, VI, VIII, and T-Max
    Genz-Benz's NeoPak 3.5, GBE 400 & 600

    There was a NeoPak 3.5 here recently that went for $250 - combine that with a Peavey 410TX for $100, and you've got a pro-quality rig that will be dependable, sound great, and cover most reasonable gigs... If I were you, I'd grab that 410 locally, and scour GC's used gear pages for one of the above amps in your price range - you won't be sorry...

    Lastly - I don't consider Epi's T-bird to be very good instruments, and a terrible representation of the mighty Thunderbird - if I were bucks down, and needing a decent bass, I'd probably buy a Peavey Fury or Foundation, a MIM Fender, an MIK Squier, or a CV Squier - they're all much better instruments...

    Best of luck, and I'm glad to hear things are turning around for you...


    - georgestrings