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Which Head with Avatar cb112

J

Joebass

Dec 24, 2003
25
1
Central NY
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#1
Just getting back into playing bass. The GF of 8 years purchased a Fender (american) P-bass for me (gotta love a woman who buys you that kind of hardware).

Talked with Dave at Avatar a few days ago and he sold me on a GB112.(should be at the front door today or Monday).

Right now I'm in between buying either a Hartke 3500 or Ampeg B-2R (Lack of sufficent funds prevent me getting an EBS). I'm looking for a nice full range of "studio type" tone. Which one of these heads will deliver what I'm looking for?

I used to own a Ric 4001, played through an Ampeg V-6B head,Ampeg 8x10, Acoustic 301, and a Peavey 4x12 (Yes, all at the same time). So, I gotta clue...but many things have changed since 1990!

We didn't have much (any?) drop D tuning back then! I love the looks/ sounds of of the 5 and 6 string basses Next purchase will be an Ibanez 5 string!

Any comments welcomed on best amplification choice is welcomed..
Thanks,

Joe B.
:bassist:

I'm back!!!
 
#2
The B2R is kind of underpowered (quietest 350 watts you'll ever hear) and overpriced, and the Hartke is well....hartke. Why not get the new Yorkville XS400H? 400 watts, tube preamp, overdrive channel, compressor (hartke compressors are useless), and is very versatile. Can go from Ampeg to Ashdown to GK to SWR according to people on here. $479 at Musician's Friend. Can't beat it with a stick.:bassist:


EDIT: Also, yorkville stuff is known for being LOUD for their power rating.:bassist:
 
#10
I have a 4 ohm CB-112 cab and use a GK 700RB with it...that's 380 watts and the cab can handle 500. It does really well for my blues gigs...better than I'd expected or hoped for.

The GK is a nicely designed amp...lightweight and loud...mine's in a shallow 2 space rack case that sits nicely on the Avatar cab.
 
#12
Originally posted by tornadobass
I have a 4 ohm CB-112 cab and use a GK 700RB with it...that's 380 watts and the cab can handle 500. It does really well for my blues gigs...better than I'd expected or hoped for.

The GK is a nicely designed amp...lightweight and loud...mine's in a shallow 2 space rack case that sits nicely on the Avatar cab.
Click to expand...

The newer 700RBII is 480 watts @ 4 ohms.
 
#14
Hey Tornado.....
Do you get enough bass and headroom
with the gk and avatar? Do you guys
play fairly loud?
Click to expand...

I play an Azola BugBass EUB...jump blues and old school blues. On New Years,we played at a medium size restaurant/bar. I had to boost the mids and highs, with the master a bit below noon. I had some PA support but not much. Guitar player at moderate volume with a tweed deluxe style amp. Harp player with something similar. Drummer with full kit.

I kept up easily in that setting. Wouldn't want to try going against a metal band or anything. BTW, the Bug has a strong bassy attack and demands more from an amp than an electric bass like my Jazz. The amp holds up fine in these settings.

OTOH, I have an SWR rig - SM400S and Goliath II cab. That rig has more of everything, but is often too bassy.
 
#17
ok.. I got it. I've got a goliath II jr.
I'd like to find a 1x12 to use instead.
Is the avatar that box? If not, is there a
1x12 to take the place of my junior?
I have an old gk 800rb, looking to get a
1001rbII or used iamp350. Lots 'o' options.
 
#18
You can find used Mesa Boogie Walkabout for $550 and it blows the Yorkville and the GK out of the water in every category.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with SMASH... not only is the WalkAbout loud, it also has a huge tonal range, can be clear & clean or have a great tube grind that many amps can't match. It's also only 13lbs which makes it a perfect lightweight partner for the Avatar CB112.
 
#19
Many thanks for all your suggestions! I did what we all should do when faced with this kind of decision... ask a question oe two on Talkbass and then get out and audition the equpiment!

Hartke 3500- What a hunk of hiss!
Ampeg B2R- Nice, but you guys hit it right on the Head (no pun intended) "Underpowered".

Lurking in the back of a stack of heads at my local music store was the answer...........

SWR 750! Oh baby what a SWEET sound(s) with the P-bass! Tried it hooked to 2x10,1x12, and 1x10 Cabs.

Took it home for $650.00 Tax included on Saturday (1/4)! Avatar should be dropped in front of the house tonight. Police should be arriving about 1 hour after I strike the first note.

Thanks again to everyone who offered me their advice.

Great to be back in the groove of playing bass and hangin with people who GET IT!

Bass Players!

Joe B
 

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