Handwired

[quote name='tommania' timestamp='1390088789' post='2341443'] Hi, I am at the point now where I am not sure if I am using the right sort of amp. I haven't really had any issues with my Ashdown head, I just don't really know if there is something better out there for me as Ashdown is all I have known. I'm currently using two Ashdown cabs, a mag410t deep and a mag115. Really looking to get a 6x10, or at least swap the 115 for another 410. What do you think would be best for me? Here is a link to my band. [url="https://soundcloud.com/moral-panics/february"]https://soundcloud.c...panics/february[/url] We recorded that track in Paris over last summer. I got to use a beautiful classic Ampeg SVT-VR through an Ampeg 8x10. This sounded incredible, although I could never afford that set up. We do a blend of indie, mixed with some heavier influences. I know I should really pick what I think is better suited for me, but I admit I am a bit ignorant and I do not know what is best for me. If anyone has the time to listen to that track and could let me know what they think would be best I would appreciate that. Thank you. T [/quote] Your cabs are of a lower quality to your head, so I'd go for a better quality 6x10. The Ampeg rig you liked owes a good part of that 'classic' mid heavy tone to the sealed 8x10 cab, the Ampeg 6x10 has a totaly different sound which some call woolly in comparison to the 8x10's infinate baffle design so you could try a sealed cab first.

The electric blue may struggle.

[size=4]If you're going to play with drums then go for the bigger set up. The GB stuff, as you say, is being given away at the moment. You will only rattle windows if you turn up. One thing to bear in mind is that if you do commit to a bigger rig you’ll try harder to find some band mates, if only to help justify your purchase and one more Bassist making music has got to be a good thing.[/size] [size=4]Another option is to buy used so if nothing happens you can resell with [color=#222222][font=Arial]negligible[/font][/color] loss. I've just seen a Ahdown British made ABM 500 4x10 go for about £140 on ebay it had a BIN of just £200.[/size]

[size=4][color=#222222][font=Arial]Anyone that loves DR Sunbeams or Highbeams as I have for many years ought to try out the Dunlops. DR Strings old production manager now works for Dunlop string manufacturing and has a big influence; subsequently Dunlops sound and feel 'DR'ish'. I'm currently using the nickels on my vintage G&L's and I'm very impressed, almost SS sound but still warm and available at less than £13 per set delivered, they’re well worth a punt.[/font][/color][/size][color=#222222][font=Arial][size=1][/size][/font][/color]

[size=5][sub]Check out my Mesa Boogie Powerhouse 4x10+15 in the for sale section.[/sub][/size]

I'm not that sure that there should be a 'valve vs SS' debate as it's far too subjective. You can A/B one valve amp against a SS amp and come down on the valve side and then choose another two candidates and favour SS. Just buy the amp you like the best and remember never settle until you've played it with the band as a lot of those tasty little nuances and tonal characteristics that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up in the shop disappear when you're playing in the band and what's left, is the sound you have to work with, mid frequences are not exclusive to those darn guitarists.

After a certain point I believe it's far more important to play in the right place in the groove (on, pre or post beat, whatever's best for the song) rather than just 'getting off on your own competence' remember why you play in a band, to make music with others, play what's best for the song and remember the 'band' should always be the winner.

I owned and used one of these for a couple of years (great cab) and what you describe isn't normal. What head are you using? I ask as some of the Eden heads have a crossover system which may be engaged to some degree causing you to hear stange things. Other than that whip them out and check them over either by the 9V battery method or rigging them up individually.

I had the SVT 610 and thought it a little boomy, I replaced it with a Markbass CL 610 which was better and sat well in the mix due to it's unported design. You can do a lot better than the Ashdown ABM, however if on a budget, used, it would take some beating.

[size=4]Marbass CL range cabs are pretty good, I had the 6x10, it was a lot stronger in the mids than the ported MB cabs.[/size]

I replaced my MB SD800 with a GB Streamliner, I also compared the shuttle with an LM 111 in the shop and felt both the Streamliner and Shuttle to have a bit more quality in the tone, but the Streamliner had a bit more character, and so subsequently sounded more different to the Marbass. It's better to have a bit left in the tank, you are allways better off with some headroom so I'd go for the 900 watt.

I've had both, and for vintage valve like tones the TTE wins hands down, but if you need more versitility go with the LMT you'll end up with a great amp whichever you choose, however the Genz Benz Streamliner beats them both and is available at an all time low price at the moment. Also, make sure your cab is up to the job!