What's the Best rig you've played through?

[Nephilymbass]

Can't really point out a single rig as the end all be all. They were all better and worse in different ways. Some of my favorites looking back over the years are the Mesa 400+, SWR 750, my current Mesa D-800, and the Avalon based rig I had. If money wasn't an issue I'd have all of them at the same time and choose what I wanted to use for whatever situation.

 

[SteveBassJr]

I am in love with my Barefaced Cab(s) either the Big Baby 2 or my Super Midget. And, Epifani UL 900 or David Eden WT 800.

 

[Jim C]

Obviously SVT rigs although for smaller venues I like them with a vented 2x12 or 2x15.
Lately Ampeg tube pre's through a power amp into GB 2x12 NeoX.

Note: OTOH, I may be the only player here who has NOT tried a Mesa Subway rig.
Need to sell some gear, and start playing out again to justify the expense since I'm so happy with what I have.
A few years ago, $2K+ for a bass amp was considered pricey but I get the value part of the equation if your looking for high quality design, manufacturing, and service.

 

[dave64o]

I'm a late bloomer so I haven't been playing for 40 years like a lot of players my age nor have I had the opportunity to play through the great classic rigs they probably would have played through at some point in their careers. So I don't have as much experience to base my opinion on.

However, the best rig that I've personally played through is what I currently play through - a Mesa D800+ head into a pair of Barefaced Big Baby 2 cabinets. I'm extremely happy with my sound, as are my band mates (especially our drummer, he loves the punch he feels from having the cabs next to him), and I can't imagine playing a gig that my rig couldn't easily handle. Even better, it's also an extremely easy schlep. It wasn't cheap, but I bought each piece used so I saved a bundle compared to new prices and I feel no temptation to try a bigger rig or a different rig.

 

[Oldtimer]

In top spot is Bergantino Forte' HP into Bergantino CN212 cab. A close second is Mesa D800+ thru the same cab. I would love the opportunity to add my (2) Genz Benz NeoX 12 cabs to the Bergantino! So far, no gigs that would tolerate that.

 

[Valvehead]

I am in love with my Barefaced Cab(s) either the Big Baby 2 or my Super Midget. And, Epifani UL 900 or David Eden WT 800.

I hear ya. My Barefaced Big Twin 2 Gen3 Sounds so damn good. I use it with either my Ampeg SVT-4 Pro or the full tube Trace Elliot Hexa Valve. Both combinations sound out of this world but the Hexa Valve in my book is the best sounding bass amplifier ever. Everything simply comes alive.

 

[r_bnks]

My one and only rig; Gallien-Krueger 800rb, GKSBX115+410, Yamaha SPX90,Line 6 g90, Korg DTR1000

 

[burgerdj]

Back in the late 90s my band opened for a much more successful band and the bass player generously offered the use of his rig: a full Trace Elliot stack with a 410 and 15, driven by an 600SMX. I had only seen such a thing on the back page of Bass Player magazine. It moved so much air, I can't adequately describe the feeling.

 

[cornfarmer]

 

[chadds]

It would be gig dependent. Sometimes an SWR BBII. Decades ago drowning out two Marshall stacks with an Acoustic 360 on 8. Before that having my pants flapped by Sunn 2000s and it's 2X15 JBL cab. Later a Polytone 101 through a huge PA with JBL side fills in San Francisco Golden Gate Park. A Marshall Major through a flatback SVT with a Leslie 147 and V4B cab with Sunn 2000s head.

The journey continues and it just depends.

 

[gregbackstrom]

My favorites are the Trickfish Bullhead 1K amp into an Audiokinesis TC115-UFT, and a Bergantino Forté HP into Bergantino CN and HDN cabs. The Forté HP is still new to me, so I'll learn more about it after live performances resume.

 

[MVE]

My current Demeter to Berg CN212 is the best rig Ive played through.

 

[theguy155]

Best one ive played through? Ampeg SVT with fridge

Best one I've owned? GK 600 head with a 2x15 Sunn cab

 

[west al]

For my ear, and playing style, The Ampeg V-4B / SVT-212AV was the best I played through. It was also the rig I should've hung on to.

 

[keith1r]

Acoustic 360

 

[Dluxe]

 

[Johnny StingRay]

Lab Series w/Fender 2x15

 

[Rip Van Dan]

We've got a current post on the worst you've played through. What's the best you've played through?

For me, it's my latest purchase. A Mesa TT-800 with a pair of Subway cabs.

So what for you? Some random backline? Something a buddy had? What's the best sounding rig you've played through?

That would be my current rig, which is an 800-watt Eden WT500/800, a DNS-210 and a DNS-410 cab. I only play through one of the cabs at a time. The DNS-210 will handle 700-watts rms and put out a max SPL of 134db (well above the threshold of pain). The DNS-410 will handle 1400 watts rms and will reach 137db. The most my amp will push it to is 134db. This is by far the best sounding and loudest rig I've ever played through and I get told to turn down using my DNS-410 by itself at Outdoor Festivals when I try to sneak the master on my 800-watt amp up to 10:30. So I'll run it at 10 o'clock or just tiny bit above that at Festivals. Woo-hoo....no need for an 810 cab!

I bought the DNS410 in 2015 to replace my acoustic/GK 410/115 stack. I bought the DNS-210 in 2019 when I was accepted into the DNA Endorsing Artist program. In the picture of my set-up below, I was only playing through the DNS-210 and the 410 ended up being a $1,000+ amp stand. I'd brought it in-case the 210 wasn't enough for this almost-large venue so I could switch to the 410 if needed. The DNS-210 was more than enough.

 

[rhopper]

So far I'm loving my current rig, Fender Bassman 100t w/ the Bassman NEO 4x10.

I once had a Ampeg SVT back line provided at a festival but the head was shot. I brought my Orange Terror Bass 500 head just in case and ended up using it for the gig into the Ampeg fridge... oh so much fun!!!

 

[pingvuiini]

Decades ago I had a SWR SM-900 powering an Eden 410XLT and 118XLT stacked sideways. Quite formidable in appearance, sound and VERY heavy. I wish I had a photo of that rig.

My current amp is a Mesa TT-800 which sounds great. I then got a GR Bass Aerotech 212slim and Mesa Subway 115 cabs. Initially I wanted to pit the cabs against each other, but I found that they sound really great together. Very full and rich sound with a nice treble bite from the Aerotech and the Mesa adding just enough extra bottom beef. Great for my uke basses. However the rig is an odd looking setup which aggravates my OCD, and sort of defeats the purpose of bringing less gear to gigs whenever that happens again. But at least everything is lightweight.