What makes more sense?

Get the amp first. Then your new bass will sound that much better!!!

 

In your case, your bass is fine. I'd upgrade the amp first. Actually, upgrading the cab would be my first priority.

 

totally opinion.

your bass and your amp and your cab are about on the same "level" imo.

do you like your bass? a lot? have you played the warwick? Do you like it a LOT more?

the 810 is a coffin. no, it's a fridge. either way, its a tank. no, well, its big and heavy is the point. unless y ou have played it and find it vastly superior to your hartke rig (which imo i doubt it is) then whats the point of all that extra wood and metal?

since the bass, amp, and cab are all "decent", your question is not so much as a logical/ logistics problem you want solved as it is personal choice and personal preference.

so, i prefer that you like blue best. And apples are your favorite fruit as well.

 

It depends on what your needs are - whether you need more volume, different tone or improved playability.

If your 410 isn't cutting it volume-wise, upgrading your bass won't help you. Upgrading your bass will help with getting a different tone and improving playability, but not with volume levels. On the other hand, while getting a new amp may give you more tonal options, it may not be able to make your ibanez sound like a J or P, or whatever tone you're going for.

 

+1 on this, good post.

 

For years I played good journeyman instruments through really nice amps...and I was happy.

Then I switched to 5 strings and started with a cheaper bass through really nice amps and I was..not so happy.

Then I started buying REALLY FRIGGAN NICE instruments...now I'm happy playing through just about any rig.

Some people say their tone is in their rig...some say it's in the instruments some say it's in the hands.

I found my tone in my hands...my hands touch the instrument...thats what worked for me.

Find out where YOUR tone is and you'll find your answer.

 

I'd say that the Ibaniz bass should be good for now; their gear is usually excellent, especially for the price. As for upgrading the amp, I think you should upgrade both the head and cab at the same time, but if you can't get something that you will keep for each, get em separately. Now for upgrading, what kinda tone do you want? Tubey and warm? Clean and hi-fi? Beware that most Ampeg 810s can't handle anything below the low E, so I hope you don't plan on using a B string...

 

It does depend on what your current needs are. If it's not totally imperative that you upgrade, like tomorrow; then I'd shop the used market and find out more about the Warwick and the Ampeg rig. IMO, if your current setup is doing the job for now, I'd get the bass first; but only if it popped up first in good condition.

I gotta agree: That 8x10 is burley! You can prolly get the same tone out of a lighter and/or modular rig? (The sound should be big and your playing heavy, the rig doesn't necessarily have to be.) I say get your mind around what you want and then see when it might pop up used, and get that one first. While you're shopping, keep asking yourself and others questions.

 

Biker is right on, IMHO. The tone is in your hands. You can give the most expensive rig and bass to two or three totally different guys, and you will get two or three totally different sounds and tones. Why? We all approach the instrument differently. When you figure out what your tone is, then all else will follow.

It took me years, but for me, my tone is a cross between Jaco, Geddy, John Entwistle, Chris Squire, and Stanley. And my equipment reflects that. I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford and play a bunch of wonderful instruments that meet these requirements. You'll find yours, I'm sure.

Remember, you play the bass .. the bass doesn't play you.

My two cents,

Alan

 

If you want a tubey, somewhat overdriven sound, then why get a solid state amp head, like the SVT4? Go for an SVT CL, a SVT II, a Mesa 400+, or something similar. Also, make sure you know what you get with the Warwick. They are a love/hate prospect, and I'm in the latter group. Having said that, some here love 'em. You may also considier a Bergantino NV610 rather than an Ampeg Fridge. The Berg is a lot smaller, a lot lighter, handles just as much power, and sounds even better, with a similar vibe. There isn't much difference in cost.

 

Why would the guy's at GC let you play the Thumb and the Ampeg rig separately, but not together?

 

you're misinformed. the 4pro is a full tube preamp with a mosfet power section. If I remember correctly it has 6 12ax7s. It's been awhile since I've been in mine.

 

Right..I understand. To me though, it seems as if a great deal of "tube tone" comes from power tubes. JMHO.

 

Make sure you spend plenty of time with that Thumb. The neck on a Thumb, and the neck on an Ibanez soundgear, are about as similar as Paris Hilton and Mama Cass, with the Warwank being Mama Cass.

 

I assure you, an Ampeg 8/10 can handle a low b.