Bass-ic Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Hi all. I am buying some proper bass gear for the first time. Needless to say, I dont want to spend thousands and it doesnt have to be huge or overtly powerful. My tutor does have plans for me to play with a band fairly soon so it needs be be powerful enough to cope with that but also very usable as a practice set up at home as well. The band wont be extraordinarily loud. I think I have the cab sorted, but I am after a small bass amp. Because I want portability and not too heavy expense, I am thinking of either the Ashdown little giant or the Ashdown Superfly which is on sale at what seems to be an advantagous price at reverb Bristol. Ok, I havent heard either yet, but thats mostly because i dont have the cab yet, but I plan to sort this soon. Does anyone have any experience of either of these bass amps and if so which do you think is better. At present, it could be said that it really wouldnt matter what I buy, since I dont play bass well enough to warrant something really special, and I suppose since I dont have a genre of music that I really want to play, I really could play through any old amp. But, I do want something that is a little better than that. Your thoughts would be very welcome. Cheers in advance Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 (edited) Some Superflys were poorly made (mine included). It's actually been fine since i took all the extra casing off (looks better too) but i still wouldn't trust it to gig with. I think the Little Giant or one of the new Hartkes would be better. Also look at Peavey stuff, can't go wrong with Peavey gear but it's not lightweight Edited August 11, 2009 by lemmywinks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-ic Posted August 11, 2009 Author Share Posted August 11, 2009 [quote name='lemmywinks' post='566247' date='Aug 11 2009, 08:21 PM']Some Superflys were poorly made (mine included). It's actually been fine since i took all the extra casing off (looks better too) but i still wouldn't trust it to gig with. I think the Little Giant or one of the new Hartkes would be better. Also look at Peavey stuff, can't go wrong with Peavey gear![/quote] Ah OK. I seem to remember some not so good news about the superfly, but it is going cheap! have you tried teh Little Giant? Thanks very much Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 [quote name='Absolute-beginner' post='566252' date='Aug 11 2009, 09:23 PM']Ah OK. I seem to remember some not so good news about the superfly, but it is going cheap! have you tried teh Little Giant? Thanks very much Matt[/quote] Yeah there's been too many complaints for it to be worth the risk, i wouldn't pay more than £100 for one and that would be just for a bedroom and practice amp. Not heard the Little Giants but there's quite a big thread on them somewhere. I think opinions were positive, although the smaller one was appaerntly a little quiet Keep in mind that the Superfly needs 2 4ohm cabs to get the most out of it. It works like a 2 sided PA amp and cannot be bridged so each output puts out 250w @ 4ohms. I used it with one 4ohm cab, another time with 2 8ohm cabs and it was fine though. One 8ohm cab would probably be fine Not sure if the Little Giant heads work like this but it something to consider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 I guess you may have been through the Wiki bit on buying your first amp? [url="http://wiki.basschat.co.uk/info:buying:choosing_your_first_amp"]http://wiki.basschat.co.uk/info:buying:cho..._your_first_amp[/url] JoeGarcia seems to own about 200 bass rigs.. Maybe a trip to Stokes croft for a bit of hands on consultancy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-ic Posted August 11, 2009 Author Share Posted August 11, 2009 [quote name='lemmywinks' post='566256' date='Aug 11 2009, 08:28 PM']Yeah there's been too many complaints for it to be worth the risk, i wouldn't pay more than £100 for one and that would be just for a bedroom and practice amp. Not heard the Little Giants but there's quite a big thread on them somewhere. I think opinions were positive, although the smaller one was appaerntly a little quiet Keep in mind that the Superfly needs 2 4ohm cabs to get the most out of it. It works like a 2 sided PA amp and cannot be bridged so each output puts out 250w @ 4ohms. I used it with one 4ohm cab, another time with 2 8ohm cabs and it was fine though. One 8ohm cab would probably be fine Not sure if the Little Giant heads work like this but it something to consider[/quote] Ok, thats really useful. I plan to use it with one 8 ohm cab. Cheers Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-ic Posted August 11, 2009 Author Share Posted August 11, 2009 [quote name='OldGit' post='566263' date='Aug 11 2009, 08:33 PM']I guess you may have been through the Wiki bit on buying your first amp? [url="http://wiki.basschat.co.uk/info:buying:choosing_your_first_amp"]http://wiki.basschat.co.uk/info:buying:cho..._your_first_amp[/url] JoeGarcia seems to own about 200 bass rigs.. Maybe a trip to Stokes croft for a bit of hands on consultancy?[/quote] Hi OG umm i did have a wander through the wiki. Joe Garcia.... I dont think I know him, at least Ive seen him on here sometimes but havent spoken to him. Where in Stokes croft? I gues the problem is that this is all still really new for me. Knowing me id probably buy a barrel of monkeys and still it sounded OK! err just kidding, but you get the picture. Cheers Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 [quote name='Absolute-beginner' post='566270' date='Aug 11 2009, 09:38 PM']Hi OG umm i did have a wander through the wiki. Joe Garcia.... I dont think I know him, at least Ive seen him on here sometimes but havent spoken to him. Where in Stokes croft? I gues the problem is that this is all still really new for me. Knowing me id probably buy a barrel of monkeys and still it sounded OK! err just kidding, but you get the picture. Cheers Matt[/quote] Dunno He lives around there somewhere with Mr.Foxen (in a musicians' shared house styleee I believe ) PM him and find out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Don't go giving people ideas that the Joe '500 amps of doom' Garcia route is the way to go. It's just cursing the poor guy to everlasting GAS. Just swing by the House of Bass to see the consequence of this. After a sale of a cab, it took roughly 4 hours for 4 valve pre/power amps to appear in its place. Anyway dude, PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 I have a Superfly as a back up, it's quite loud through a single 8OHM cab but I wouldn't trust it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 [quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='566321' date='Aug 11 2009, 10:15 PM']Don't go giving people ideas that the Joe '500 amps of doom' Garcia route is the way to go. It's just cursing the poor guy to everlasting GAS. Just swing by the House of Bass to see the consequence of this. After a sale of a cab, it took roughly 4 hours for 4 valve pre/power amps to appear in its place. Anyway dude, PM.[/quote] Thanks, Mr Foxen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 [quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='566321' date='Aug 11 2009, 10:15 PM']Don't go giving people ideas that the Joe '500 amps of doom' Garcia route is the way to go. It's just cursing the poor guy to everlasting GAS. Just swing by the House of Bass to see the consequence of this. After a sale of a cab, it took roughly 4 hours for 4 valve pre/power amps to appear in its place. Anyway dude, PM.[/quote] Trying to act like you don't do the same ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Higgie Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 I've heard really good things about the Hartke LH range. Lots of power, tube pre-amp, very robust, and pretty cheap! Keep your eye out for one and see if you can try it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-ic Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 Thanks very much everyone. weve been moved, i see. I wasnt sure where to put this so ther is already a duplicate in the amp section. Cheers Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-ic Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 [quote name='OldGit' post='566329' date='Aug 11 2009, 10:22 PM']Thanks, Mr Foxen.[/quote] Thanks very much OG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_pokkuri Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 The Hartke LH range are very good and you can pick them up very cheap. You'd be fine getting the LH500 which I think is louder than most 500w amps. Also it has a very simple but very effective eq section which some people like me prefer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-ic Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 [quote name='chris_pokkuri' post='566558' date='Aug 12 2009, 10:04 AM']The Hartke LH range are very good and you can pick them up very cheap. You'd be fine getting the LH500 which I think is louder than most 500w amps. Also it has a very simple but very effective eq section which some people like me prefer.[/quote] Thanks Chris. I'm not sure if i need something that loud right now. Many thanks for the info tho. Cheers Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_pokkuri Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 [quote name='Absolute-beginner' post='566576' date='Aug 12 2009, 10:33 AM']Thanks Chris. I'm not sure if i need something that loud right now. Many thanks for the info tho. Cheers Matt[/quote] I've just done a quick search on prices: LH500 £283, Little Giant 350w £230, Superfly 500w £160 If you are gonna be playing in a band and using one 8 ohm cab i'd suggest using at least a 500w head. Getting something like the LH500 is gonna mean you won't have to upgrade for a while once you start gigging, maybe just add another cab to get its full power. Obviously the best thing you can do is try a load of amps out with your cab when you get it and go for the sound you like best. Unfortunately if Reverb Bristol is your nearest store it has a crap selection of bass gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alien Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 [quote name='Absolute-beginner' post='566576' date='Aug 12 2009, 10:33 AM']I'm not sure if i need something that loud right now.[/quote] The volume knob turns anti-clockwise too Better to have the power and not need it than to need it and not have it. A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 [quote name='chris_pokkuri' post='566619' date='Aug 12 2009, 11:22 AM']Unfortunately if Reverb Bristol is your nearest store it has a crap selection of bass gear.[/quote] And the worst guy selling it. One of those that thinks there is one sound for bass, and thats an Ampeg into an 8x10 with the treble cranked. I went in saying I was biamping and wanted to try a LH1000 for my low side biamp rig and he plugged me into a sealed 4x10 and turned the bright button on. Then when I said it was the cab lacking lows he told me I was wrong because its a 1000w cab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_pokkuri Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 [quote name='Alien' post='566620' date='Aug 12 2009, 11:23 AM']Better to have the power and not need it than to need it and not have it.[/quote] +1 I got fed up of running out of juice hence the 1000w. I don't need that much for most things I do but when I do need it I have it available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 Fairly sure the cab is usually the weakest link in the chain, probably due to misleading power claims and the whole, have more power than cab rating idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-ic Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 Hi All the band thing for me is just something my tutor wants me to try, but i doubt that it will be a permananety thing, hence not want ting to get something too 'heavy/loud/pricey just yet. From this sart point I hope to have a better idea in the future hence going down the smaller route at the moment. I hope that makes sense. Reverb bristol is fairly hopeless it must be said, however, they were selling Little Giants at £199 as a special offer a while ago. The cab i hope to aquire this weekend will be an Ashdown MAG 2x10. Cheers Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-ic Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 [quote name='waynepunkdude' post='566327' date='Aug 11 2009, 10:21 PM']I have a Superfly as a back up, it's quite loud through a single 8OHM cab but I wouldn't trust it.[/quote] Just out of ineterst WPD, why wouldnt you trust the superfly? Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedontcarebear Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 [quote name='Absolute-beginner' post='566703' date='Aug 12 2009, 01:05 PM']Just out of ineterst WPD, why wouldnt you trust the superfly? Matt[/quote] Because they break a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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