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Best rigs for around a grand


PaulyWally

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Yeah... I know I've been asking a lot of questions regarding amps and cabs. But geez... I still haven't narrowed it down much and the search function is broke.

 

So... self-explanitory question. I might be getting a gig next month, and that would mean I need a rig. I don't really WANT to spend a lot of money to start, but it would be nice to start with a decent amp and better than average cab. I figure I could upgrade the amp later (keep the old one for a backup), and build on to the cab. Ya know?

 

It also doesn't help that my 18" Black Widow is blown. :mad: That could have given me more options to start with an amp.

 

I was also thinking of the possibility of either DI'ing or bi-amping out of an amp into my Ampeg 2x8 (with tweeter) 150W combo and using it as a top cab. Probably DI since that would add another 150W of SS. That would probably allow me more options for a bottom. If it weren't for that, I would probably be looking solely at 4x10's to start.

 

So... whaddaya'll think? This would be my first "real" rig, and I hate to learn by failure.

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Originally posted by beam


Ashdown ABM C410T Bass Amp (4x10 Inch with Tweeter, 575 Watts)


575 watts RMS

4 x 10" BlueLine bass drivers + HF tweeter

46 Kilograms

 

 

I don't like the idea of gigging with a combo. If one thing breaks, the whole thing is broke. Plus, there's less add-on potiential.

 

 

Originally posted by KeroseneTrewthe

What kind of music do you play? Do you have an idea of what sound your looking for?

 

 

I don't use a pick. I play Jazz, Funk, R&B, and Classic Rock. The gig will probably be Classic Rock. The sound I'm looking for is probably a cross between a classic Fender Tube sound and a newer Mesa Boogie sound. Thick, thumpy, distinguished lows... and just enough highs to blend nice with the guitars while maintaining a lot of clarity.

 

I've never had a problem getting that sound out of my Ampeg 2x8 combo. Peavey and Hardtke are the other two that I'm very familiar with, and neither could cut it. Any other brands I've only toyed with... never gave them a good test run.

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Originally posted by PaulyWally



I don't like the idea of gigging with a combo. If one thing breaks, the whole thing is broke. Plus, there's less add-on potiential.

 

 

 

Well, you can always get the head and the cabs seperate, costs a little more though.

 

However I'm not sure about less add-on potential. This thing supports an extension cab. Would you think you might need more than a 4x10/4x10,2x10, or 1x15?

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Originally posted by PaulyWally



I don't like the idea of gigging with a combo. If one thing breaks, the whole thing is broke. Plus, there's less add-on potiential.

 

 

Not really true, man...

 

The higher powered combos are essentially a head and cab in one package. Some of them even let you remove the head from the combo and use it as a separate in a rack or whatever. There's a DI out, an effects loop, and multiple speaker outs among other things you'd get in a head/cab separate.

 

The thing you get with a combo that you might not get with a head/cab separate is with the combo you know the head/cab pairing is a direct match.

 

Also, if you bring a head and a cab and one of them breaks, that whole rig is broke too.

 

Besides, most of the time you'll be going DI, so if you have a DI out or a DI box you'll be fine no matter what rig you have. Most of the time the rig is there for stage sound for you.

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Originally posted by zachoff



Not really true, man...


The higher powered combos are essentially a head and cab in one package. Some of them even let you remove the head from the combo and use it as a separate in a rack or whatever. There's a DI out, an effects loop, and multiple speaker outs among other things you'd get in a head/cab separate.


The thing you get with a combo that you might not get with a head/cab separate is with the combo you know the head/cab pairing is a direct match.


Also, if you bring a head and a cab and one of them breaks, that whole rig is broke too.


Besides, most of the time you'll be going DI, so if you have a DI out or a DI box you'll be fine no matter what rig you have. Most of the time the rig is there for stage sound for you.

 

 

Thanks for the insight! I never really looked at it that way.

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I bought an SWR Redhead combo a few years back (maybe 7-8 years ago) for around $800. Today, you could probably find one even cheaper. I dropped a dbx 266XL compressor in the rackspace and replaced the tube with a Groove Tubes 12AX7R-2. This rig is pretty hard to beat for a reasonably lightweight, compact, inexpensive package with a very nice sound and plenty of power for moderate volumes.

 

These days I prefer the sound of Eden gear: I love the midrange sweetness that's missing in the more "hi-fi" sound of the SWR. But I've added a Line 6 Bass Podxt and it has a REALLY good model of the Eden sound. The Ampeg model is pretty nice, too.

 

Anyway, I wouldn't be so quick to reject a good combo.

 

Emre

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Originally posted by zachoff

http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?type=32&cat=40

 

 

The amp's great! But the cab's rather weak. I have it sitting on top Mesa's I got from RockStarBassist, and it's awesome! Amp was $595 + tax new, think they're $625 now. Cabs were $500 + shipping. All together, about $1100. Tuner's optional.

 

rig2.jpg

 

rig1.jpgrig3.jpg

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Get a power amp, a preamp that sounds good to you and your favorite cab. This has been said before but you make it whatever sound you want. Plus if you don't like one part, sell it and switch it out. Plus, if you move on you can use the power amp for a PA or sell it for the same reason.

 

Avatar: Cheap

Used: Cheap

 

Good luck.

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Originally posted by Apendecto


Avatar: Cheap

Used: Cheap


 

 

Neither of which should be associated with poor quality. Avatar units are, at least, as serviceable as those costing much more and used gear can be a great value if you know how to shop for it.

 

But I agree with you, it seems like a no-brainer to assemble a separate pre-power-cab rig. You'll spend less in the long run and have something that you can add or subtract from. An added plus is MORE POWER.

 

Very practical and affordable.

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Originally posted by shaffle

But I agree with you, it seems like a no-brainer to assemble a separate pre-power-cab rig. You'll spend less in the long run and have something that you can add or subtract from. An added plus is MORE POWER.


Very practical and affordable.

 

 

OK. If I start looking into that as an option, I know that pre amp will be personal preference all the way. But are there any power amps I should be looking at/staying away from?

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Originally posted by PaulyWally



OK. If I start looking into that as an option, I know that pre amp will be personal preference all the way. But are there any power amps I should be looking at/staying away from?

 

 

The sweetest preamp I've ever played through is a Line 6 Bass POD Pro. They're $500 new & I'm not sure how much used.

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