If you were to buy a bass head today...
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alex1fly
Well-known member
500 watts is my reference point for small to medium gigs - bars, breweries, ballrooms. I've gigged 250 watt heads and they work, but I'm maxing them out. 500 watts gave me more headroom. Any bigger venues than that should have subwoofers.
However, the preamp --> full range speaker is a great setup too. You can use the full range for anything, and a modeling type of preamp like a Sansamp can get some great tones. Then you have the option of not taking a speaker anywhere.
However, the preamp --> full range speaker is a great setup too. You can use the full range for anything, and a modeling type of preamp like a Sansamp can get some great tones. Then you have the option of not taking a speaker anywhere.
ErikH
Well-known member
I know I commented already on the SVT (if I could afford it) but honestly, unless I'm playing in a larger venue, it's overkill. My PF-500 has plenty of power and is lightweight. Bonus is it can run DI without the need for a cabinet if stage space is a premium or it's a super small venue. And honestly, in many applications (and for ease of setup and load in/out), a DI solution works 95% of the time these days. If I was in that situation, I'd snag a Steve Harris signature Fly Rig. http://www.tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/steve-harris/
Artie
Peaveyologist
I want to unload some stuff that I don't use anymore, and put it towards the little PJ Session 77. Looks like a killer "bedroom" amp. https://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampl...ifiers&index=5
A friend just gave me an older TKO115. Works and sounds great, but all the pots need cleaning and conditioning, and one knob is broken off. Peavey did make some nice amps.
That's one of the ones I've heard and was quite impressed by.
Artie
Peaveyologist
Thanks. That's good to know. I've only heard it on YT vids.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
I have a 20- watt Peavey Micro Bass for bedroom playing. My other rig is a Fender 100B with an Ampeg V4 4x12 guitar cab that has been converted using Celestion Pulse bass speakers. I would like to update the head to an Ampeg PowerFlex 500 at some point for more headroom.
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NegativeEase
New member
Is used ok? If so.
You want the best thing for the cheapest possible?
Old Yorkville stuff from the 90s/00s is incredible for the money. -literally 100 or 150 bucks for a 200B 1x15 combo
Personally, i would do that or buy a used GK 200 or 400RB with a 1x15 or -2x10 or 4x10 cabinet and by a killer Sansamp or Ampeg pedal. -probably do all this for 600.00 and have serious pro gig setup
You want the best thing for the cheapest possible?
Old Yorkville stuff from the 90s/00s is incredible for the money. -literally 100 or 150 bucks for a 200B 1x15 combo
Personally, i would do that or buy a used GK 200 or 400RB with a 1x15 or -2x10 or 4x10 cabinet and by a killer Sansamp or Ampeg pedal. -probably do all this for 600.00 and have serious pro gig setup
ginormous
Understatmentologist
Since funk bass is all about the slap much of the time, a pedal pre and a rack amp (bridged to mono) would suit most of my needs.
Maybe a few effects, like compression, chorus, auto-wah (envelope filter).
Used rack amps are like potato chips in pawn shops and music stores.
A good used one will cost about $200 US, allow for bridging to mono (combining the power of both channels), and take high-impedance inputs.
Eddie Coryell, a friend of mine who passed away, was a wizard on standup and electric.
Of all things, he used a Behringer head combined with a QSC amp.
The Behringer was the preamp, and the power section drove a 2x10 with a piezo tweeter. The pre out went to the rack amp for a 2x15 JBL.
He covered everything from Memphis R&B to jazz to country. A Musicians Institute grad, who became an instructor.
Maybe a few effects, like compression, chorus, auto-wah (envelope filter).
Used rack amps are like potato chips in pawn shops and music stores.
A good used one will cost about $200 US, allow for bridging to mono (combining the power of both channels), and take high-impedance inputs.
Eddie Coryell, a friend of mine who passed away, was a wizard on standup and electric.
Of all things, he used a Behringer head combined with a QSC amp.
The Behringer was the preamp, and the power section drove a 2x10 with a piezo tweeter. The pre out went to the rack amp for a 2x15 JBL.
He covered everything from Memphis R&B to jazz to country. A Musicians Institute grad, who became an instructor.
Yeah, and even if you have a regular rig, this would be a great backup rig in case it goes down.
DavidRavenMoon
New member
I’ve owned or played LOTS of bass amps. Ampeg, Fender, Guild, Acoustic, Sunn, Trace Elliott, SWR, GK, Peavey… (I’ve been playing 53 years). I currently own a Mesa 400+ and a Hartke LH500. The Hartke is my favorite so far.
If I were to buy a new bass amp today it would be a Hartke LX8500 (800 watts) or TX600 (600 watts). Both have a class A tube preamp and great tone shaping capabilities, as well as built in drive and compression.
My LH500 (500 watts) is loud as hell. I was able to over power a 6 piece classic rock cover band with a loud drummer with no problem. Lol. The new heads are lighter and louder.
And not as expensive as some of the ones you mentioned that aren’t any better.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If I were to buy a new bass amp today it would be a Hartke LX8500 (800 watts) or TX600 (600 watts). Both have a class A tube preamp and great tone shaping capabilities, as well as built in drive and compression.
My LH500 (500 watts) is loud as hell. I was able to over power a 6 piece classic rock cover band with a loud drummer with no problem. Lol. The new heads are lighter and louder.
And not as expensive as some of the ones you mentioned that aren’t any better.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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some_dude
Raging BB Gunologist
I have an Ampeg SVT/810E. One of the perks of the lightweight amp trend is that the older, heavier stuff is going for cheap. I’m in the market for an Ampeg 212 or two for smaller stuff, but they’re hard to find used and expensive when they do show up.
Because used 810s are so cheap I’ve thought about buying a few and leaving them in a few key spots (drummers house, my basement, my garage so I never need to pull the one out of my basement, etc).
On the lightweight side I use a Mesa WD-800 and a pair of Subway cabs (115 & 210). Small stuff, stuff with stairwells and rehearsals I mostly use the WD-800. I could play any gig with this kit and it sounds awesome, but the Ampeg gear has a tone that I adore.
Lastly, a SansAmp VTDI. In a pinch it’ll turn pretty much anything into an SVT.
Because used 810s are so cheap I’ve thought about buying a few and leaving them in a few key spots (drummers house, my basement, my garage so I never need to pull the one out of my basement, etc).
On the lightweight side I use a Mesa WD-800 and a pair of Subway cabs (115 & 210). Small stuff, stuff with stairwells and rehearsals I mostly use the WD-800. I could play any gig with this kit and it sounds awesome, but the Ampeg gear has a tone that I adore.
Lastly, a SansAmp VTDI. In a pinch it’ll turn pretty much anything into an SVT.
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alex1fly
Well-known member
This would be my choice. While I was gigging I obsessed over minute details in bass gear. Now that I'm not, I just don't hear that many fine details and differences in bass tone anymore. I've always liked the Mark stuff for sheer volume, interesting controls, light weight, and cool colors.
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