what to buy first

[Viper027]

Hello everyone. I am looking for your expert opinions here. I have a fender rumble that I play through when I jam with a guitarist. We just added a drummer and are looking for a singer, so I need to get louder. I am looking at combo amps vs head/cab. I am leaning toward a used head and cab, but not sure which one to get first and match to the other. Just wondering if there is a method that works better. Head or Cab first. Thanks

 

[Kro]

Either would work I suppose, though if I were you I'd go head first. If you have the option of picking both up at the same time, I'd say go to a store and try out the various combinations. If you find one that works particularly well for you, then there ya go.

 

[bongomania]

Yeah, +1 to all that. A used head and cab will get you a lot more bang per buck than a new combo, and probably more potential loudness than almost any combo, new or used. E.g. even if you don't get a high-powered head, you can get a big speaker cabinet, or a pair of cabs to get a good increase in potential loudness.

 

[Viper027]

I saw a Hartke ha2000 today and played it through a 410 hartke cab(410xl I think) and it sounded good, Only 200 watts though and no Direct out. Only $120. Thinking about gettting it.

 

[lobey]

I saw a Hartke ha2000 today and played it through a 410 hartke cab(410xl I think) and it sounded good, Only 200 watts though and no Direct out. Only $120. Thinking about gettting it.

$120 for the pair or per piece?

If its $120 for the pair, that's a steal!

 

[xbassmanx]

I saw a Hartke ha2000 today and played it through a 410 hartke cab(410xl I think) and it sounded good, Only 200 watts though and no Direct out. Only $120. Thinking about gettting it.

Go buy it.

That's probably the best deal you're gonna find.
Then you can save up to replace both head and cab when you can afford to. (if you desire)

Matter of fact you'll probably be able to sell those later for a profit.

 

[Viper027]

sorry, the hartke 2000 is only $119. just the head. The 410xl is used for $200. So $320 for both. I love the cab and think it is worth it. Dont know about the head though!!

 

[lobey]

If all else fails, buy the Hartke head and use it for now. Sell it later as you'll be able to atleast get something back out of it as long as you take good care of it.

 

[groove pump]

I'd say you've got what sounds like a pretty sharp deal on your hands as long as this rig is throwing good, healthy sound for you. In my experience, the "great deal" I try to keep an eye out for is on an especially good head at a nice price. Unless I get a whole rig at once, it's usually easier to match cab options to a head... not that I've been through oceans of gear.

If you eventually need to DI to a board/PA, it shouldn't be hard for you to track down a pretty good one that you can keep for a long time. From the sound of things, it doesn't seem like you need one right now.