Good points. I guess my point was I dont want to rely exclusively on the types of gigs where an amp is provided. Not really a party animal/late night type, but will do it occasionally for the right gig. Also not set on funk/soul, I'm open to many styles.
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What comes first, the amp or the gig?
- Thread starter CallMeAl
- Start date
If $'s tight, sit on the 100, buy bigger when ya need, perhaps including selling the 100.
If $ is not short and you are interested, go ahead and get the 500, if only and particularly to get used to it - it won't be too loud, just be aware of yer levels.
If $'s not a issue, keep both.
FWIW, I use a Ampeg BA108 (25w.) for living room jams and recording, and then a PF500 (300w. or 400w. depending on 4 or 8 ohm 12" cab) with either a 1x12" or a 1x15" for larger sessions.
Outdoors, I use a Musicman HD130 (130 w.?) with a 1x12", because it actually seems the loudest and cuts the best in backyards and open garages.
If $ is not short and you are interested, go ahead and get the 500, if only and particularly to get used to it - it won't be too loud, just be aware of yer levels.
If $'s not a issue, keep both.
FWIW, I use a Ampeg BA108 (25w.) for living room jams and recording, and then a PF500 (300w. or 400w. depending on 4 or 8 ohm 12" cab) with either a 1x12" or a 1x15" for larger sessions.
Outdoors, I use a Musicman HD130 (130 w.?) with a 1x12", because it actually seems the loudest and cuts the best in backyards and open garages.
It sounds like you are OK, for now.
Still, if you think you want to do some bigger gigs, with another band in the future
you will want something else.
Just keep one eye open for any killer deals that may come up.
If you wait for your next amp to find you it may be possible to avoid
a lot of stress and expense.
Wait until someone else has a worse case of GAS wants to sell a
great rig now, to cover part of the next one.
Still, if you think you want to do some bigger gigs, with another band in the future
you will want something else.
Just keep one eye open for any killer deals that may come up.
If you wait for your next amp to find you it may be possible to avoid
a lot of stress and expense.
Wait until someone else has a worse case of GAS wants to sell a
great rig now, to cover part of the next one.
If you want to play w a kit drummer then ya you’ll want a larger amp.
Sounds like your current band guy just wants you to stay small with them.
Sounds like your current band guy just wants you to stay small with them.
I noted you might do a few outdoor events. For an outdoor event you might need that bigger rumble just to push (a little) air. Select use depending on the venue. That is what I do although for a rock, or even light rock, event, where you are running your own sound and don't run a line from your amp, having a little extra umph is a good thing IMO. But honestly if there are any thoughts of an outdoor event.....go with the 500c
If I were in your shoes, I would consider buying a used Fender Bassman 100T & Rumble 115 cab. Use it in 25 watt mode for current band and 100 watts with a kit drummer. You can always add a few more cabs as its able to run at 2ohms.
For sure. We played one gig with him on the kit, and the 100 was a little buried. (Only a little, surprisingly)
Yeah, that's what I keep thinking, but BL is adamant it's enough. I think he likes to control the level in the mixer. I'll have to admit, it is kind of nice not having the full volume and brute force of the bass amp behind me!
I'm open to head/cab for sure. I was just SO impressed with that R500c!
So does anyone see any value in getting a 200c? Seems more appropriate for the current project, and was my running plan until I tried the 500c
Old Chinese (and now adopted American) proverb- YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH POWER...
That said, you can still play the 500 at the same volume as the 100... There's a knob for that!
That said, you can still play the 500 at the same volume as the 100... There's a knob for that!
Do we really NEED anything other than air, food and a good sounding bass???
I would work with what you have for now, since you don't require anything other than that imo.Hey everyone!
I've got this internal debate going on, and I'd like to bounce it of the more experienced players.
I'm an experienced trumpet player, and no stranger to the stage. I have dabbled on and off with bass for 20 years. I've decided to go all in with bass, and have been playing with a paying cover band for the past 2 years. I love it, and am looking ahead to the future.
My band has a low stage volume, and I can use a Rumble 100c. (Drummer plays a cajon.) We do our own PA, and I always have line in when we need it. My BL specifically told me I dont need anything bigger; Yet I find myself GASing for a Rumble 500c. I tell myself it would prepare myself for future possibilities. I would love to play with a kit drummer again, maybe in a big funk and soul band.
I'm not talking about going pro here. It's a hobby, but I take it seriously. I want to take a "part time pro" mindset.
So my big question: should I get the amp first to prepare myself for landing possibilities, or should I wait til i get a gig then buy the amp? Do bands expect players (on this level) to be equipped right out of the gate, or can I just say "I'll buy the amp when we need it?"
TIA!! I have very much appreciated the support and advice from TB thus far in my journey!
Hi @alanloomis1980,
I think I'll repeat a lot of the good advice you've had so far, just using my own words to relate a profound glimpse into the obvious.
You're a bit limited with the rig you have now. You seem to be able to play either low volume gigs or, on larger gigs, use your combo as a stage monitor and go direct to FOH. If that's all you plan to do, you're cool.
If you plan to play larger rooms without FOH support, or play larger stages outdoors you may need more oomph to be able to hear yourself.
Just be sure you have the right tool for the job. If you audition for and get hired with another band, a full band with loud drums, loud guitars, horns, etc, you may need a new rig right away.
That being said, I go totally ampless at almost half of my gigs, direct with IEMs. For the rest I use a GKMB500 and a 210 cab. On larger outdoor stages sometimes I will bring my 410 cab instead. As much as I love the Rumble 500, it's in the backline at one of my regular rooms, it may not be enough for all situations unless you use an extension cab. Then again, if you use the Rumble 500 as a "bass monitor" in front of you it would be fine as long as everyone else can put bass in their monitors if they want it. (So many moving parts.
)
If I'm not using IEMs I really like this arrangement where I have a bass wedge next to my vocal wedge. I like keeping the stage volume down and let the FOH do the heavy lifting.
I've played a few gigs in various situations. I've got four different amps ranging from 100w to 500w and three different cabs, 2x10, 4x10, 1x15. It's always best to be flexible.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
I think I'll repeat a lot of the good advice you've had so far, just using my own words to relate a profound glimpse into the obvious.
You're a bit limited with the rig you have now. You seem to be able to play either low volume gigs or, on larger gigs, use your combo as a stage monitor and go direct to FOH. If that's all you plan to do, you're cool.
If you plan to play larger rooms without FOH support, or play larger stages outdoors you may need more oomph to be able to hear yourself.
Just be sure you have the right tool for the job. If you audition for and get hired with another band, a full band with loud drums, loud guitars, horns, etc, you may need a new rig right away.
That being said, I go totally ampless at almost half of my gigs, direct with IEMs. For the rest I use a GKMB500 and a 210 cab. On larger outdoor stages sometimes I will bring my 410 cab instead. As much as I love the Rumble 500, it's in the backline at one of my regular rooms, it may not be enough for all situations unless you use an extension cab. Then again, if you use the Rumble 500 as a "bass monitor" in front of you it would be fine as long as everyone else can put bass in their monitors if they want it. (So many moving parts.
)If I'm not using IEMs I really like this arrangement where I have a bass wedge next to my vocal wedge. I like keeping the stage volume down and let the FOH do the heavy lifting.
I've played a few gigs in various situations. I've got four different amps ranging from 100w to 500w and three different cabs, 2x10, 4x10, 1x15. It's always best to be flexible.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
