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What amp should i get for small gigs?

#22
tazthewonderdog said:
Moses, I'll have three basses to play through it.
A Barracuda brand P-bass copy, which is about as good as a Squier. That would stay in standard tuning, or maybe drop-d on special occasions. An Ibanez GSR200, which is CGCF, and (my baby) a Schecter Riot-5 neck-through with EMGs, tuned A-E-A-D-G. I will be playing pop-punk with the P-copy, and likely metal/hardcore/death metal with The Schecter. The Ibanez will be used to fill both rolls, seeing as it plays and sounds amazing in standard and dropped tunings. It's a nice bass to just jump around with and stuff.

Paul, the "angst" in my post is because I hate forums, whenever I ask for info I get a million replies, all stating different things, and I'm an easily-stressed guy. Also, I'm in Canada, so "a bit extra in shipping" is magnified by border crossing.

Would a 2x10 cab work for me? That's what I've been looking at, and then getting a used head online.
Nobody has answered my most important question though-- what size of speaker and amp do I need for pup gigs? 2x10? 1x15? 8x10? It's impossible to get answers online. :/

Thank you all for your suggestions, but either I can't find used ones nearby, or they're out of my price range, or I've read too many negative reviews on them (Yorkvilles).

If I can get the answer I need from this forum, I'm going to trip so hard.
Click to expand...

Owing to the fact that you can't find used where you're located I'll repeat my original suggestion to you. The GK MB112 ($339) or MB115 ($399) are in your price range and can be ordered through Musicians Friend and a number of other online dealers. You can get specs and read reviews on them at those sites.

Both are 200w combos which, unless your playing in a metal band with a very loud drummer and a guitarist with a Marsall Stack, should give you sufficient volume for the types of venues you mention. You can also run either direct into the PA for some added FOH volume.

Which one depends on whether you prefer a 12" or a 15" speaker. Personally I prefer 12"s for a tighter sound but you may not. Play them if you can and see which you prefer. I've used 150w to 200w combos often in just the type of setting you mention and never had a problem being heard.

Given your spending limit I can't think of any better choice. I've played both combos and bought the MB112 so this is coming from a player who uses one. Either of these will suit your needs very well.

Hope this helps.
 
#23
tazthewonderdog said:
Paul, the "angst" in my post is because I hate forums, whenever I ask for info I get a million replies, all stating different things, and I'm an easily-stressed guy. Also, I'm in Canada, so "a bit extra in shipping" is magnified by border crossing.

Would a 2x10 cab work for me? That's what I've been looking at, and then getting a used head online.
Nobody has answered my most important question though-- what size of speaker and amp do I need for pup gigs? 2x10? 1x15? 8x10? It's impossible to get answers online. :/
Click to expand...

Whether you like forums or not most folk who post here are sincerely trying to help. If you start with an attitude it will colour the replies you get.

Read my post again and note my location, I'm in Toronto which is, the last I heard, still in Canada1 :D

Montreal, however, is another matter! :hiding:

I use the 2x10 format but always a pair. For very small or low volume gigs a 2x10 might get you through. Same applies for a 1x15. There are modern high power/Xmax drivers that are exceptions but very few production speaker cabinets are using them.

In general terms the louder you need to be the more speakers you'll need to have. In volume, speakers will beat out power every time.
 
#24
More on sizes: a 4x10, two 2x10 or a 2x15 should handle most gigs unless your band is very loud. 300W is a reasonable place to start.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/a...overunderpowercabs-diy-techtalk-links-166225/

Read through this link from the first page and try to understand what is being said. So many players devote their time totally to the instrument and don't seem to understand that the amplifier and speakers are as much a part of "their sound" as the bass. Every part of the system impacts the final result: what the audience hears.

Pleas understand I'm not talking down to you. I bought my first bass when I was sixteen and that was a long time ago. I learned a lot about electronics because it's part of the equation and eventually was skooled in the subject. Everything I've learned has helped me to become a better musician.

May I wish you good fortune for the future. :)
 
#27
I use a Mark Bass 112 combo handle 200 easy Look for a use one.
DSCF2883.jpg
 
#28
OT: for a dog story.

Your username made me LOL. A friend has an Aussie Shepard named Taz. When he passes our home when taking his owner on a walk, he stops by. Opening the door, in he trots right to the water bowl for a fill up and then sits nicely until he gets his two treats, he can count y'know, one is NOT enough! Our little Chihuahua Tia just looks on with disgust! She'll be sixteen tomorrow!

OK back to our scheduled thread! :)
 
#32
I think JimmyM sounds bout right with 300 watt range. I use a lm ii and an ampeg 2x10 portaflex to play jazz and fusion gigs in smaller venues such as pubs and restaurants with a lot of nice comments from bandmates (used to play a pure mark bass combo and always personally felt that the sound did not thump enough).
Mark bass +portaflex seems pretty reasonably priced and has a very nice range of tones.
 
#38
It's tough being young, broke, and wanting to rock. When that was me, I struggled without an amp of my own for several years. Had to borrow gear for the few gigs I played, and use an old stereo for the rest. In your shoes, you have very few choices. What you "need" for metal is at least a 300 watt amp and a 4x10 or 2x15. Since that's not likely to happen, get the most amp you CAN get. If that's a 150 watt Peavey 1x15 combo, so be it. It's better than nothing, and worlds better than what I had at your age. Just, don't give up, and get frustrated. It is what it is. What you make of it is what matters.
 

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