Suggestions needed -Build a bass rig for my son

[CyberStrat]

Hey,

I'm had a couple of posts here with questions on my son's gear for his bass. He currently uses a Peavey TNT115, it's 150w with a 15" sheffield speaker. He really likes the control's on the amp and will also use the chorus, which is excellent.

The problems is it just doesn't have enough juice for some of his shows, and in all places he's played there is a house PA, but the sound guy doesn't put him through the system, which in turn requires him to turn it up, thus the distortion in the amp.

He's looking to get a head with a 15" cabinet, and in a few months add a 2-10 cabinet. I'm looking for suggestions as to brands & watts he should be looking at. His band & the local store is trying to sell him on a Behringer BX4500H - which is a 450 watt head. I said no, we should look for something used, in the Ampeg/Gallien-Krueger/Peavey/Nemesis. His price range is going to be $250-$400.

So what kind of watts should he be looking for if the 150w peavey isn't enough, I was thinking at least double?

I would think that whatever he gets should have a XLR out for the house system? Correct?

He plays mostly this new drop tuned music.

Let me know what you think

Thanks,

Cyber

[CyberStrat]

Just to clarify what I'm looking for

As a guitar player, I would say peavey classic 30 is a good all around amp at a good price, but not quite like a DRRI or a TRRI.

That's what I'm looking for for my son. A good solid head that will take him to the next level, without spending $1000 or so.

Also, when I said $250-$400. I was thinking used prices.

Can you recommend some speaker cabinets also?

Cyber

[FrankJohnson]

Just to clarify what I'm looking for

As a guitar player, I would say peavey classic 30 is a good all around amp at a good price, but not quite like a DRRI or a TRRI.

That's what I'm looking for for my son. A good solid head that will take him to the next level, without spending $1000 or so.

Also, when I said $250-$400. I was thinking used prices.

Can you recommend some speaker cabinets also?

Cyber

You should contact me offline.

New or used by the way?

Avatar cabs are great bang for the buck - but they aren't doing New 15's.

As far as heads - SO many out there.

Where are you located?

[CyberStrat]

Hey Frank,

Sent you a couple of emails

[chuckocaster]

i'd forget about the whole subwoofer deal. get him 2 4x10 cabs. he can use one for small shows, and both for big shows.

i'd go for about 450 watts or more. and stay away from behringer!

[FrankJohnson]

The New NEO 410s from Avatar are REALLY NICE!

light too.

[chuckocaster]

i just don't like 15's and 18's, fine for P.A.'s, just doesn't do it for me on bass.

i haven't played any neos yet, i think i should give them a spin one of these days. we'll see.

[CyberStrat]

Thanks FrankJ for the emails

I'm looking at these heads

Carvin BX600

Backline 600

Ampeg head

Personally, I'm leaning toward the Carvin for features, but like the quality of the Ampeg

So you guys don't like the 15's...what kind of freq differences are there between the 1/15 or 4/10's? As I said my son plays heavy music, Lots of Drop C tuning. Will the 10's handle that kind of punishment?

Cyber

[chuckocaster]

they'll handle it. all the metal bands i used to mox played through tens, and we're talking big name acts.

the 15's and 18's have a weird honky midrange that i don't like. even with crossovers and the like they just sound off.

i'm old school in my approach but tube amps thru 10's is the tone. then again i liked the sound i made last weekend thru a GK and bagend enclosure, it just didn't have the compression i'm used to.

best of luck cyber!

[CyberStrat]

Well, I'll have to talk him into it. He just loves the sound of the Peavey 15" right now

[chuckocaster]

to each thier own amigo, and that's all cool. i used to play through a 2x15 with a v4b on top. sounded really nice, but then i got into 10's.

be sure to keep me and FJ updated.

[jrgtr42]

I've always ben partial to the Ampeg B2R, a nice sounding amp, good power, good price.
I'd say look for a 4x10 and a 1x15 cabs, a nice set together, and either one can be used separately.

[CyberStrat]

Well the kid was good with the Ampeg head and were going to order one this weekend.

Not sure about the cabinet. I've done a quick check or an Avatar, G&K goldline, Peavey, & acoustic...all 4x10's

Ideas on the Cabinet? Prices range for $300-$500. The peavey and the G&K has a bass vent. The other three cabinets are sealed. What does the vent offer? Is it better?

Fender makes a 4x10 vented bass cabinet also.

Suggestions?

[FrankJohnson]

the Avatar is ported, bottom shelf port......MUch Lighter than the GK and a serious contender out there.

There is (was maybe) a fender Pro 410 on MF for 399 shipped. It was also a strong contender, and I chatted with a guy that got the slanted cab. Nice setup if still available, as is the Ampeg HE410 (I think that is right - same speakers as HLF 410).

If I was buying today, as happy as I am with my 1-12 Avatar, I would snag the 410 hands down, mostly for weight, power rating and from experience with a couple in various scenarios.

Just my opinion, and experience.

tough call.......that Pro 410 (Fender) was inviting too......
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....RWXGB&ZYXSEM=0
Gone I do believe

So many Choices......

[coldsteal2]

the new Fender bass amps are excelent
I have played through one with 4 10 cab
and one 15 bottom cab

[CyberStrat]

Just wanted to let you know I ended up with the Ampeg B2RE head with the Avatar B410 Cab. My son wanted the 8 ohm cab for now, because he expects to add another later. I think he's going to be really suprised jumping for 115 to the 410.

Thanks FJ for all your help.

Cyber

[FrankJohnson]

Just wanted to let you know I ended up with the Ampeg B2RE head with the Avatar B410 Cab. My son wanted the 8 ohm cab for now, because he expects to add another later. I think he's going to be really suprised jumping for 115 to the 410.

Thanks FJ for all your help.

Cyber

Glad to - and I don't think you will be disappointed.

I personally believe that the 8 ohm selection is GREAT for exactly the reasons you mentioned.


You will probably be suprised how good that thing sounds, especially for the weight. Those 4-10 neo cabs really sing!

DOn't forget a rack case at some point to protect the investment.

At some point I am considering adding a Tech 21 unit like this http://www.tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/triacp.html
I used one on a friends rig and it really added nice oooomph to the rig. I have a BBE sonic maximizer I use right now, and it is great. Just toying..... you know......