Skybone

There are numerous options available if you want to try different things. As has been said, you don't necessarily need an amp these days, you could get a dedicated preamp pedal(s), an amp modeller, or simply get some plug-ins for your computer DAW (depending on your processor & memory capabilities of course). You can get a B3n relatively inexpensively, or you could look at an older Zoom B3 for less. You could also look at getting a Line6 HD500x or the Rackmount version, and you can cover amp/cab/effect modelling for both guitars & bass (with the HD Bass Pack). If the modelling side is of interest, then you could look at some of the higher end, latest generation modellers, like Helix or HeadRush, as they do "cut down versions" of the "full fat" units (HX Stomp, Helix LT, etc.). If you're still thinking about an amp, then maybe look at something like the Ashdown Toneman, or the Ashdown AMP ranges. Toneman is an exclusive range built for Thomann, the AMP is an exclusive range built for Musik Produktiv. Both ranges are based on the Ashdown MAG 300 Evo iii, so a proven amp. The Toneman combo is a 1x15, and the AMP combo is a 2x10. Just bought one of the AMP combo's, to use with my HD500x.

I put it down to being "victims of their own success". They and Neurosis were the leaders of the genre (Neurosis pre-dated them by a long shot, and still far better than any other), but then spawned a whole load of "copyists", which frankly became very boring, very quickly. Up to Panopticon, they were good, but after that, they seemed to run out of anything new to say for me. Great musicians. Played some to a prog-rock loving relative, who loved the music, but hated the vocals. "Just think of them as a Punk Rock Prog Rock, where the voice is another instrument" says I. He got them after that.

Vocalists... And Drummers...

"You said you "might" not make it to rehearsal, so I've gone & arranged something else instead whether you can make it or not, and I can't rearrange"

It's arrived. First impressions, very pleased, seems solid, well built and not too heavy (circa 24kg). The amp would appear to be a MAG Evo III, in the cabinet of a Rootmaster 2x10. Can't see the speakers behind the grille, so no idea which ones are being used. The important thing for me, is that the Effects Return socket is on the front panel, so I can plug the HD in without having to fumble around the rear panel. Only tried it briefly at home (relatively quiet), and happy with the sound, though the Volume still needs to be used. No biggie. Not tried it with the just the bass, might be worth experimenting with, as it also has a built in Compressor, Overdrive and Sub Octave, as well as the Bright & Deep switches. Will be taking it along to the next rehearsal session and see how it fares with the full band.

The AMP 300 arrived today, very impressed with it out of the box. Not the lightest, but still luggable at around 24kg, the single strap handle should fare well. Time will tell. So far, only tried it briefly at home, so not too loud, will have to wait until next rehearsal to turn it up. Plugged the HD500x into the Effects Return, but still needs the volume turning up. Sounds good though.

Necessity spoke, and my will broke. New amp incoming.

Likewise, I'm astounded by how few bass players and guitarists use a bit of reverb, very underrated effect IMO. Always have a touch of reverb on my bass, love it, it fills the sound out that little bit more and adds to the "ambience". I do use a multi effects pedal (Line6 HD500x), so it's easy to add in, and like I said, it's always on. More reverb!

This

Will do, though I've just had an email saying that they're out of stock, even though it was marked as in stock when i ordered it the other day. Like the vintagey looks, but really like that the FX loop jack's are on the front and the fact it's a 2x10. Bit more expensive than the Toneman, but still a relatively inexpensive amp, from a respected manufacturer (and the warranty is good too).

I've just ordered the Musik Produktiv version, with the 2x10 instead of the 1x15. Hasn't arrived yet, but on paper they look good. From the research I've done, the amps are the Ashdown MAG 300 Evo III, which got good reviews. Cheaper speakers & built in China reduce the price, but hopefully, the Ashdown name will mean good build quality. I noticed the Toneman manual on the Ashdown site states that it has a 5 year warranty (if you register online), so that's got to be worth something.

It really depends on what you like in a bass, and what you want from it. For that kind of money, you can get something built especially for you, or you can get something from one of the Custom Shops. It's your choice. I'd say you'd need to visit numerous shops, especially shops with a good selection of basses. Try out as many as you can and choose your favourite.

Looks interesting. We shall see how things pan out.

So, finally bit the bullet, made a decision & ordered one of these... https://www.musik-produktiv.com/gb/ashdown-amp-c210-300.html Seems like a good deal on an ABM 300, basically the same as the Thomann "Toneman" range, except with a 2x10 config. We shall see when it arrives.

I think I'm back in the bass amp camp. The affordable FRFR's would appear to not be quite up to the task of handling bass that we'll, where more expensive ones are similarly priced or more expensive than a decent dedicated bass combo. FFS...

Unfortunately, you can't get the Fender 7350's anymore, which is a real shame, as they're great strings. Warwick Reds are definitely the best VFM option.

No idea what the sale value is, as I haven't seen another one up for sale! It's an HA4000, the cab is a Red Sub (Gear4Music own brand) 2x10. I was hoping to minimise the load in, so would prefer not to take the Hartke. Back to trawling the Far Sale section, eBay, FB Marketplace and Gumtree...

I've got a Bass Collection Californian, which is the RickenFaker. Basically the same bass as the Rockinbetter Faker, 34" scale, through neck, no checker binding on this one.

Jeez, I keep going round in circles here. Been looking at various active participation speakers, like the RCF ART & the Yamaha DBR, but then I'm back into dedicated bass combo territory. Where you could pick up a 300w+ combo for the same money, if not less. I have seen the Headrush FRFR for a reasonable price, but it's obviously designed for our guitar playing colleagues. Is it good with bass? Who knows. I'm predominantly wanting/needing something that will give some bass on stage, so the rest of the band can hear what I'm playing. A PA speaker setup would be ideal, but there again, so would a decent combo with an effects loop.

Will have to search for the Mk3 at that price. Haven't found any yet.

Good for thought indeed. Seen a good deal on the RCF ART310, is it comparative to the 312?

And that's the quandary... With the HD, I have got a sound that I am very happy with, as well as a bunch of effects that work with that sound. All of the bass amps I've owned in the past were merely ok means of projecting a sound, but I wouldn't call any of them that great. Admittedly, that was some time ago, as I've not needed a bass amp in 20 years. I do have a Hartke head & a 2x10 cab at home, but I've not used them since I bought them (that band went belly up). That does sound reasonable with the HD plugged into the effects return, but was hoping to find a single unit that would accurately reproduce' my sound'. We did some recording in the middle of last year, where I just DI'ed the bass from the HD, and I think it sounded great.

Plenty of food for thought... just have to work on the budget now. Any opinions on the Mackie Thump?