Bassists - Good and simple rig

ErikH

ErikH

Well-known member
Ok bass players, I'm looking for some pointers. I'm tossing around the idea of getting in to another band playing bass. There's nothing solid yet and I honestly haven't started to see what's out there but I do know that bassists don't have problems getting gigs around here and I want to play out more than what my current band is doing. I played bass in a band when I was in college but sold the bass several years back. It was fun so I have no issues playing bass again.

The bass guitar isn't a problem. I already know I want a P-Bass (with plans to put in Baselines Quarter Pound pickups). What I'm not sure of is the amp setup.

I'd like something lightweight, plenty of power, and not overly expensive.
 
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Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

I would say, something loud enough to practice and with a DI out. Most soundmen are gonna hook you up through a DI box anyway so might as well get your tone out of your amp.
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

Yeah, a DI is pretty much standard from what I see on most amps these days.

I've been poking around the GC site for info and I like the price point of the GK heads. They have some really small ones that are crazy light.

I heard a guy the other night that had a 4x10 Hartke cab with killer bass tone.

What's the most flexible setup, 1x15 or 2x10 or ???
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

Funny you mention Traynor. One of the amps I rented back in college was a Traynor. It was a nice amp. Rented a Yorkville too. My roommate during last year had an Ampeg 1x15 combo that kicked ass.

I dunno. It's been so many years since I messed with anything bass related other than discussing stuff with our bass player.
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

Whatever amp you choose, look into getting a nice dedicated bass DI like a sansamp, that way you will get your tone whenever you DI.
Here is what i use, it can play small clubs, big rooms, go direct and sound great in the studio. I guess its not lightweight, but it does have as much headroom, deep lows warmth and power you'd ever need and was not expensive. A very simple amp that includes a tube pre and a limiter. 350watts into 8ohms or 500 watts into 4 ohms.
DSC_0045_zps3dfad0fb.jpg
 
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Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

That's a nice looking setup. Even though I haven't messed with those cabs personally, every time I hear them I like what I hear. Hartke is a brand I've been thinking about to be honest.
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

ErikH said:
$500, maybe. Depends on what kind of deals are out there. Definitely not against getting something used. In fact, that's probably what I'll end up doing anyway.
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I used to run an Avalon 5 DI into an old crown micro tech power amp and it worked great.
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

A used US-made Ampeg BA-Whatever. In that line, there were many different orientations in terms of power and speakers.
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

Any of you familiar with the GK MB200? I like that it is super lightweight.
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

i scored that hartke head for 220 and the hartke cab for 350. Not an expensive rig at all. I reckon you can probably get those cabs cheaper in the USA.
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

gibson175 said:
i scored that hartke head for 220 and the hartke cab for 350. Not an expensive rig at all. I reckon you can probably get those cabs cheaper in the USA.
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Quick local CL search yields I big "hell yeah" about that. There's a 4x10 listed right now for $180 USD.
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

:)
they make one called a "transporter" which is lighter weight. Ive never tried one but they dont get the same good reviews as the XL, so check which model it is...
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

gibson175 said:
:)
they make one called a "transporter" which is ligher weight. Ive never tried one but they dont get the same good reviews as the XL.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what it is too.

I know for sure I need to move some stuff and save some dough from gigs with the current band. Who knows, maybe Santa will be nice and bring me a bass guitar for Christmas.

This all probably won't happen until after the new year but I am doing some preliminary homework so I know what I'm looking at monitarily.
 
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Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

I am pretty sold on the GK line, I would look into that

I have a GK 500 watt 212 combo and it weighs 37 pounds! I bought it on MF sale for about $600

got the GK 410 ultralight cabs on the way...
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

The last Peavey amp I picked up was like a boat anchor. While they are known as durable workhorses, lightweight they are not. But if push comes to shove in the end, a worthwhile look.
 
Re: Bassists - Good and simple rig

Peavey makes great bass stuff...you pay in weight but their amps are just bullet proof, and sound killer.

Acoustic makes a couple of 1x15 combos that sound really good for not much $, too. As for a good starter cab/combo size, I'd say to go with a 15". That way you get all the killer lows with some punch. You can add a couple of tens later for more clarity.

Here's the Acoustic B200. Uncluttered, but it has an extension speaker out, and a variable level DI around back. It's about as easy to move as you'll find in your price range...around $350 new. Mine as already paid for itself. It also comes in head form, so you can choose your own cab.

DV016_Jpg_Large_482902.jpg
 
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