Yeatus Fajitus Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 (edited) Hello folks I'm a noob here. I was wondering if anyone would be able to offer recommendations on a good rig for me to go gigging with doing pub gigs and functions. I have a brief that I need to have a warm sound (so that immediately get's me thinking tube pre-amp) and I want something tidy as my current kit is made up from bits and bobs which were bought though last minute desperation. Currently I have a Peavey MKIV head and I have previously used it with a Peavey TVX 410 cab and a gash Trace Elliot 115 I was intending on getting a full stack (i.e. a 115 and 410 or an 810) is this overkill and a circa 350-500W head? Features I would like the amp/cabs to have are sub bass ports in the cabs, a valve pre-amp or a very good sounding digital simulation) and a compressor/limiter. I also want the rig to withstand the rigors of the road and last a good while as it will be some time before the Minister for War and Finance (the missus ) will allow me to blow the budget again. Rigs I have been considering recently are the: Hartke HA3500 with a VX115 and VX410 Marshall MB 450H with an MBC 115 and MBC 410 or MBC 810 Marshall MB 4210 with an Marshall 115 Fender 450 Pro (only 210 combo though) Markbass 102P TC Electronic Rebelhead 450 TC Electronic BG500/210 Bass Combo So I have been looking at many different options I have tried the Markbass, the TC rebelhead and the Marshall head and full stack. I found the Markbass combo to sound awesome but I'm not sure how it would cut through in a band situation plus the expense of making it into a rig with a cabinet would take it way out of my price range. The prices have gone up drastically in recent months due to the Euro exchange rate with the pound. I thought the TC Electronic Rebelhead was too digital - I couldn't seem to get a sound I liked out of it, the sales guy said it would probably be better at cutting through. The Marshall MB450H seemed to have a sound I would be interested in using through the classic channel (valve pre-amp) and it has ports on the front of the cab for sub bass but I think it looks a bit cheap and nasty and I would be worried about it's longevity on the road I haven't tried the Hartke rig yet but most of my long-time bass playing buddies recommend their kit so my thoughts are currently that this is the rig I will buy, as it has a valve pre-amp and the cabs are ported at the rear, the VX cabs are supposedly warmer sounding than the Hydrive cabs, so any advice you guys could give would be great. Another question I have is regarding sub bass and porting, the Hartke amps have sub bass ports at the rear (quite small round holes in the cabinet), the Marshall cabs have long rectangular ports at the bottom of the cab at the front. So will either be better than the other? I believe bass at those frequencies is not directional so in theory both should be similar, am I correct in believing this? Many thanks in advance for your help and advice. From a noob! Edited June 16, 2010 by Yeatus Fajitus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allighatt0r Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 Speaking from a good few years of pub gig experience, I think you need to get the full stack idea out of your mind! It's massive overkill in almost every pub situation, and if you're playing a large function room or outside you should be putting your bass through the PA. I think you should go with a head and a 410 cab (115's just don't cut it on their own, unless you're talking barefaced, but i have no experience of them) I used the Marshall head and stack you're talking about here, and the 115 really didn't add a lot at all (other than another big weight to carry in from the van) so i usually just used the head and 410. Only complaint with this was that the tolex ripped fairly easily, but then again my bandmates are rough with the gear in the van If it was me, and i had the money, i would go for a TC 210 combo along with a 210 extension cab. I expect you just need more time with it to get a good sound from it, there are rave reviews about it on here and everyone seems to compliment it's valve sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Low End Bee Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 I use a very un digital sounding Orange Terror head through a TC Electronics RS210 and an RS112. The RS210 is easily enough on it's own for gigs and I use add the 1x12 just because I can. Anything that needs more volume than that gets PA assistance anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phatbass787 Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 Whats your budget? Have you thought about an Ashdown MAG or ABM head if you can stretch to it, both lovely and warm and then as suggested maybe a MAG 4 ohm 410 or ideally an ABM 210 compact with an ABM 115 compact... Perfect pub gig rig.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Savage Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 [quote name='phatbass787' post='869261' date='Jun 16 2010, 05:23 PM']Whats your budget? Have you thought about an Ashdown MAG or ABM head if you can stretch to it, both lovely and warm and then as suggested maybe a MAG 4 ohm 410 or ideally an ABM 210 compact with an ABM 115 compact... Perfect pub gig rig..[/quote] I am not affiliated with phatbass, but I am selling a 300W ABM head and 1x15" cab... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmshaw37 Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 i have to agree with the ashdown opinion, they are very warm - but as a warning, dont seem to do anything else! i've never been able to get any kind of snap out of any ashdown cabs i've played through! but thats just my experience! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yeatus Fajitus Posted June 16, 2010 Author Share Posted June 16, 2010 (edited) [quote name='allighatt0r' post='869170' date='Jun 16 2010, 03:49 PM']Speaking from a good few years of pub gig experience, I think you need to get the full stack idea out of your mind! It's massive overkill in almost every pub situation, and if you're playing a large function room or outside you should be putting your bass through the PA. [color="#FF0000"]As I said above I wasn't sure that a stack was overkill - a stack does look kind of neat though, doesn't it! For reference I'm [s]competing with[/s] sorry backing up a guitarist with a 4X12 Marshall cab playing a pod through a power amp [/color] I think you should go with a head and a 410 cab (115's just don't cut it on their own, unless you're talking barefaced, but i have no experience of them) [color="#FF0000"]I must admit that my best experiences have been with 410's as opposed to 115's on their own (more air movement with 4 10's)[/color] I used the Marshall head and stack you're talking about here, and the 115 really didn't add a lot at all (other than another big weight to carry in from the van) so i usually just used the head and 410. Only complaint with this was that the tolex ripped fairly easily, but then again my bandmates are rough with the gear in the van [color="#FF0000"]One of the amps I've looked at is a MB 4210 and I have the option of a 115 with it - any thoughts on that configuration? Do these amps cut through in a band environment? Are they reliable?[/color] If it was me, and i had the money, i would go for a TC 210 combo along with a 210 extension cab. I expect you just need more time with it to get a good sound from it, there are rave reviews about it on here and everyone seems to compliment it's valve sound. [color="#FF0000"]Perhaps the TC's sound great in a band environment (that environment that you can't replicate in a guitar shop) what I heard in the shop though did not impress me at all, that was a classic 450 and the 450 rebel head both through the same TC 410 the shops bass specialist even came over and plugged in some settings but these did not make much difference not a patch on the sound from the Markbass amp I tried on the same day (even with the parametric EQ on the RH450). In fairness at the moment the cheap and cheerful Marshall is closest to the sound I am looking for (as long as it can maintain that sound with a band added to the mix and is reliable) and I also believe the Hartke will fair me well too (however a mate has warned me to ditch the tube that's in the pre-amp as soon as I get it and replace it with a JJ because his microphonic shortly after purchase). I have considered the Ashdowns too but I've not tried one yet.[/color][/quote] Edited June 16, 2010 by Yeatus Fajitus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassnut62 Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 hartke ha3500 is very nice head - gives warm and snap and has compressor and is relatively cheap. I swapped the 12ax7 tube for a JJ too - much nicer sound. As for cab, I would probably be tempted with some kind of 2x12 with a horn and port. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MoJo Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 [quote name='allighatt0r' post='869170' date='Jun 16 2010, 03:49 PM']Speaking from a good few years of pub gig experience, I think you need to get the full stack idea out of your mind! It's massive overkill in almost every pub situation[/quote] My pub rock rig ...... ha ha ha (Daughter optional) [attachment=52402:P5310018.JPG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbytodd Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 steer clear of the marshall mb stuff its not good and it wont take you long to find a few threads on bass chat about people having problems with them myself included Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 [quote name='bobbytodd' post='869466' date='Jun 16 2010, 09:32 PM']steer clear of the marshall mb stuff its not good and it wont take you long to find a few threads on bass chat about people having problems with them myself included[/quote] I use the Marshall MB450H, used to have the matching MB410 cab, but now use the Marshall VBC4x12 (much better cab). The head has been used at least once a week for the past 2 yrs, and have had only one troublesome incident where the pre-amp tube became dislodged (our guitarist sorted it for me, I`m not a technical person). Even in that incident, I just used the other "modern" channel which got me thru the gig. Lovely warm sound on the "classic" channel. I know some have had probs with these, but I love my Marshall MB & VBC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allighatt0r Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 FWIW, I am currently using a Hiwatt 115 300w combo, which competes with 2 4x12 guitarists with ease. One using a Mesa double rectifier, and the other playing some stupid rack setup thing. You'd be surprised how little you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yeatus Fajitus Posted June 17, 2010 Author Share Posted June 17, 2010 (edited) Are there any Gallien Kruger amps/combos/cabs that would be suitable - I played one of their ampsyears ago and it sounded really good? Edited June 17, 2010 by Yeatus Fajitus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
razze06 Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 Keep the peavey markIV head, and invest in a top quality cab (4x10, 2x12)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51m0n Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 A full stack IS overkill, but fun (until you are packing up at 1:00am) What about a Hartke LH500 into a 4ohm Hartke 410? (OK I'm assuming they do it in 4Ohms). That would bring the thunder rather spectacularly.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51m0n Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 [quote name='razze06' post='869713' date='Jun 17 2010, 10:12 AM']Keep the peavey markIV head, and invest in a top quality cab (4x10, 2x12)?[/quote] Whilst I can understand this I honestly think a top quality 410 or 212 will really show this amps failings up - and although they are pretty near indestructible they have never sounded that good to me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51m0n Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 [quote name='51m0n' post='869827' date='Jun 17 2010, 12:29 PM']A full stack IS overkill, but fun (until you are packing up at 1:00am) What about a Hartke LH500 into a 4ohm Hartke 410? (OK I'm assuming they do it in 4Ohms). That would bring the thunder rather spectacularly....[/quote] Another alternative that defintely does the business is an LH500 into a Barefaced Compact (or 2). Not sure how far beyond your budget that would be though.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluRay Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 [quote name='phatbass787' post='869261' date='Jun 16 2010, 05:23 PM']Whats your budget? Have you thought about an Ashdown MAG or ABM head if you can stretch to it, both lovely and warm and then as suggested maybe a MAG 4 ohm 410 or ideally an ABM 210 compact with an ABM 115 compact... Perfect pub gig rig..[/quote] +1 = plenty of head room, not too hefty, modular/flexible and a 115 is way better than a beer crate for elevating the 10s. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 LH500 plus a decent 2x12 or 4x10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51m0n Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 [quote name='Musicman20' post='869874' date='Jun 17 2010, 01:33 PM']LH500 plus a decent 2x12 or 4x10.[/quote] Something like an Aggy db212 then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray_6ao7 Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 (edited) I'm trying to get rid of my hellborg pre/power amp if you're interested? Edited June 17, 2010 by ray_6ao7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan670844 Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 [quote name='Lozz196' post='869515' date='Jun 16 2010, 10:18 PM']I use the Marshall MB450H, used to have the matching MB410 cab, but now use the Marshall VBC4x12 (much better cab). The head has been used at least once a week for the past 2 yrs, and have had only one troublesome incident where the pre-amp tube became dislodged (our guitarist sorted it for me, I`m not a technical person). Even in that incident, I just used the other "modern" channel which got me thru the gig. Lovely warm sound on the "classic" channel. I know some have had probs with these, but I love my Marshall MB & VBC.[/quote] I have used this type of amp In a live studio, The classic channel is very nice. The one I used had three different selectable voicings, very warm, clear excellent job by Marshall. I thought the modern channel was terrible though! very harsh, dead nasty. It doesn't matter you won't use it the classic is that good, you can sound instantly like John Deacon if you want to! (I think its preset one) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MoJo Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 (edited) [quote name='51m0n' post='869830' date='Jun 17 2010, 12:31 PM']Whilst I can understand this I honestly think a top quality 410 or 212 will really show this amps failings up - and although they are pretty near indestructible they have never sounded that good to me...[/quote] Depends what sound you're going for. The MkVI Peavey head is probably not the amp for you if you're searching for that hi-fi tone which seems 'de rigueur' at the moment (and I personally can't stand) but IS great at producing old school rock tones which was what I bought my MkVI for and I certainly have no complaints. It packs loads of punch and when fed through just one 410TVX audience members tell me they can feel the bass as well as hear it I would choose it in preference to my old Trace, my Hartke HA or even the 1500w Laney B1 I used to own Edited June 17, 2010 by bassman2790 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
razze06 Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 ^^ what he said Plus, as someone else already stated, they're indestructible. Of course, if you're looking for hi fi sound, I retract my suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepbass5 Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 PUB gigs need lots of grunt, 4 x 10 on a beer crate with a big old solid state amp. loads to choose from but do you need better than your Peavey, like every one says they do the bizz and last. I have Markbss LMK a great punchy amp with head room. Dont go ashdown or Marshal. GK sound great. Go for front ported cabs to assist the sound forward, rear ported cabs i think are a cop out by the designers to build a smaller cab that meets the maths. I never think they sound as good. Think Eden real grunt. With all those bodies up close got to go with a 4 x10 cab. 500 watt head to cope 300 may run out of steam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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