Rig advice

[MJE]

I play in a function band gigging fairly regularly (once or twice a week) in pubs, clubs and wedding venues with a set list of Funk, Soul and Disco tunes (all finger style, quite percussive playing with elements of slap every now and again). Through my day job working for a creative music company and through dep work, I get thrown in to a whole load of different genres too so I need to make sure my sound is adaptable. 

My current set up is:

MM Stingray > Zoom B3 (DI to FoH) > Mark Bass CMD 121P + NY121 ext. cab

I just wanted to get an insight in to what rig others might choose if they were in a similar situation. What amp would you use and what would be on your pedal board? I’m totally happy with my bass but I’m feeling like a change with my amp and definitely with the Zoom B3 (purchased as I’ve kind of fallen into bass playing and don’t have a whole load of knowledge surrounding it so was just looking for quick tonal fixes...). 

I’m not talking about best case scenario rigs but something that’s affordable, lightweight for regular use (and easy transportation in a small car!) and powerful enough to fill the types of venues listed above. 

 

Any help or advice greatly appreciated! 

 

[jrixn1]

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Edited yesterday at 11:43 by jrixn1

[oldslapper]

Your amp/cab is a great set up for most situations I think. Small, light, portable and all the power you should need.
Maybe look at something different pedal wise (although the B3 has some love here) I’m not a fan of multi effects, so perhaps some individual pedals to cover whatever your set list require? Compressor, overdrive, envelope filter for your funk?

 

[taunton-hobbit]

If you're using pedals, why not look at a Crown/Amcron class D ?

- Light, potent & reliable, gotta be worth a look

😎

[MJE]

3 minutes ago, oldslapper said:

Your amp/cab is a great set up for most situations I think. Small, light, portable and all the power you should need.
Maybe look at something different pedal wise (although the B3 has some love here) I’m not a fan of multi effects, so perhaps some individual pedals to cover whatever your set list require? Compressor, overdrive, envelope filter for your funk?

 

Yes great - any you would recommend specifically? Please treat me as a total novice! 

[MJE]

3 minutes ago, taunton-hobbit said:

If you're using pedals, why not look at a Crown/Amcron class D ?

- Light, potent & reliable, gotta be worth a look

😎

Great thanks I’ll take a look 

[MJE]

9 minutes ago, jrixn1 said:

Do you need to fill the venue if there is FOH PA?

Is your rig only for stage monitoring?

Sorry the initial post wasn’t very clear. For the most part, yes it’s only onstage noise (but I’m battling with drums, guitar and two keys guys and find it difficult when most bass rigs seem to just blow past your knees - have tried a simple IEM monitor system but struggled with tonal qualities!). There are times when only a vocal rig is available so the amp needs to do all of the work. 

[Lozz196]

Nowt wrong with the whole set-up imo, a very nice selection of gear there.

[taunton-hobbit]

36 minutes ago, MJE said:

Great thanks I’ll take a look 

I had a Crown Drivecore 2000 for a few years, only shifted it on because I was going back to Ormat kit.

😎

[jrixn1]

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Edited yesterday at 11:43 by jrixn1

[chris_b]

Your rig looks fine to me.

But if I have to recommend another, I'm currently using an Aguilar AG700 through 2 Barefaced cabs. . . . . . . and no pedals. I don't need any in order to get a great sound with this rig. Start with a good amp and one cab and see if you need the second one. You probably won't.

[PatrickJ]

 

25 minutes ago, jrixn1 said:

If you're not happy with the Zoom, many people are using one of the Helix options. 

^^ this, I've never been a fan of multi effects before and I hated the Zoom B3 - I found it so difficult to use.  I sold it and invested in a few good pedals, MXR, Darkglass etc.

But recently on a semi-whim I picked up a Helix FX on a black Friday offer and have been mighty impressed.  I'm now selling my individual pedals because it's covering what I used plus a heap more.   There are a few Helix options, the FX and Stomp run around the £400 mark - which is about the same as 3-4 dedicated pedals (depending on what you go for).  The stomp has amp / cab aims which would be useful if you're going straight to a desk or FOH. 

I went for the FX as it had more foot switches and if I need DI I'll take it from the amp head.