Been playing bass for a few years and have been in and out of small bands. Currently I use a Mexican Fender J-Bass with noiseless pickups, and a Peavy 115 60w combo. I'm looking to bump my rig up the next level so give me a rundown. I really don't know a ton of shit about gear and that's why I started this. I want something relatively cheap, easy to find, sounds good and LOUD, and is pro. Also drop some knowledge on my ass about gear while i'm here.
Edit: I know a lot of you want to recommend vintage shit, which I love the sound of, but honestly it's either too expensive or too hard and nervewracking for me to find on Ebay and whatnot. I'd rather have stuff that I can walk into pretty much any new/used place and get a reliable stock piece.
pro gear/pro attitude.
that's all I got for now. Goin drinkn. be back in a couple hours
this guy
You want cheap fun, cheap traditional, traditional or overkill? ;D
Cheap Fun = Preamp Pedal and a Power Amp (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/UO2Ml1gUVb-CjO0Oy5uQtvDb55pDKoofr2cbchC1Y0G69RnljKIyDiGC-zNs9eK2nWxwFoaWeBCIEG3eELlmO1irLu2ZmU6O0P3v1HGPlxOtMYrDSfp6p60NmiyP2aYDVucVpCtRTjWsjF2TOMLHSuyU6gheG7bq5qFb0agotzrnrT92-oKXiI89AJcvEl2crWSNngxw-9Q)(http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/PqcREexXBlG88Aq9qKfE6Z3-P1uXo6MDjaBlPY_IdRPu8qfT9rIR1EHs4O9A7ZNKwy13bsZAc0R2FJaUhRNW6K5ApTfB4KCMiYfds9Gvdw7zfJqJCWxcIuA29xfBL37m_55LbdsZ9eVf) =2800W for $400
Cheap Traditional Bugera BVV300 = $700 SVT Classic http://www.bananasmusic.com/productdetail.asp/pid_16537/productname_Bugera-BVV3000-Vintage-300-Watt-All-Valve-Bass-Amp-Head (http://www.bananasmusic.com/productdetail.asp/pid_16537/productname_Bugera-BVV3000-Vintage-300-Watt-All-Valve-Bass-Amp-Head) =300W of tube
Traditional = SVT Classic http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/ampeg-svt-cl-classic-bass-head (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/ampeg-svt-cl-classic-bass-head) =Same 300W of tube double the price, but nicer badge
Overkill = ;D (http://dub.greboguru.org/wall.jpg)(http://a4.l3-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/5c5437d2370a4556859832fa3cce2a79/l.jpg) = Far too many cabinets to fit in the tour van.
Then you have to decide speakers 10"s if you like mids and tend to play with a pick
15"s if you like a more bit of bottom end
18"s if you like loosening bowels
Links and explain all of that to me please.
Updated.
What do you recommend? I can hire someone to murder Al and I can swoop in and steal his shit all horrorshow. But then no more Sleep, no more Om. Looking to spend 300-500 but want it pretty pro and good sounding so what do? How do you work the preamp pedal and power amp. What kinda cabs do I need?
IM NOOB
MAYBE 700 if it's worth it.
How many cabs are you willing to lug about, the more cabs, the louder (very rough rule of thumb) I take 2 2x15"s generally, other people take 8x10's or 2 4x10's or whatever.
Preamp's are easy, plug your bass into the preamp, plug the preamp into a power amp, plug the power amp into some speakers. Done. It's one more step than the all in one amp.
$400 is not going to buy you much new. Used, but not necessarily vintage might be the way to go, especially for cabs which seem to cost a small fortune new, and yet can be picked up dirt cheap used, I've bought 2x15's for $50, though $100-120 might be more realistic.
New you can get a 200W amp and a 1x15 from Acoustic (the new company) for $400 or from Gallien Krueger for $474.
Where are you at, so we can scan your local craigslist?
The thing is I don't have any money now. I have $0 dollars. So I wanna plan on something to buy. So lets say in a few months I can manage to save up 400-700. With that what would you buy?
I would be willing to wait a bit and search Craigslist and used stores in a few months when I have the money to buy a cab. What do you recommend?
The Preamp Power Amp option seems the most appealing, but is it worth it?
Something like this maybe:
http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2631497003.html (http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2631497003.html)
http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2631497669.html (http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2631497669.html)
or
http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2651322430.html (http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2651322430.html)
Peavey 2x15 nice solid cab, you can either couple it with the Peavey head, or go the new preamp and new power amp route, which would run you $150 for the cab, and $400 for the pre/power amp pair, but then you'd have way more power for that cab than you'd need, so unless you plan to start a cab collection, or get a really high powered cab in the future, maybe just a mid-range head would work.
Is it worth it, is very subjective, I swing back and forth, I was dragging a 6U rack, a 4000W amp, an 800W 4x10 and 600W 18, for a while, and then a 500W Peavey amp and the 18, then the 500W Peavey amp and a pair of Peavey 2x15's, the latter two rigs were just for punk bands though. Now I'm thinking of building my own preamp pedal, putting the 4000W amp in the 2U case the Peavey uses, and using that instead. Probably with an 18" and a 4x15, maybe, perhaps.
If you're a bass player, in a band, it also depends on what everyone else drags, and what you play. If you are competing against two mad guitarists with Marshall full stacks, or even one mad guitarist and Mesa Boogie combo (those are loud buggers) then you need something fairly loud. If you're guitarist likes jamming on a little combo or something, maybe an 4x10 or a small 2x15 (Fender style) or single 18 would suffice.
Peavey. Just sayin'.
Get your mom to put a sweet deal on her credit card, religiously check GC.com and musicgoround.com
Look for Sunn Concert basses/leads/slaves, beta basses/slaves/leads.
Acoustic 140, 450, random other numbers.
Mostly can be had cheap...
Peavey Mark IV heads...
I got a peavey 8x10 for a hundred bucks. Sounds great...
How reliable are your Beta's though? Aren't they always breaking down? They may sound good, but reliability has got to be a factor. Amplification is cheap, cheaper than speakers anyway, used for cabinets, but new for amps is a safer way to go IMHO.
Man, what kind of sad case is over 20 and still living with his mom, and doesn't have a GF ;)
Quote from: Hemisaurus on October 20, 2011, 08:07:22 PM
How reliable are your Beta's though? Aren't they always breaking down? They may sound good, but reliability has got to be a factor.
One of them is a problem child, but it's because it's two different betas originally. My first one I bought had a blown/trashed preamp, my buddy had one with a trashed poweramp. We franked 'em up, and it has quirks yearly, right now the volume comes and goes with a small tap on the top of the head. It's just my bedroom amp, these days. (I'll buy broken betas, for parts, y'know?)
The other one hasn't gone down on me EVER, it's earned it's place as my bench amp. It's played many shows at max volume without a single hiccup.
So what are the advantages/disadvantages for the preamp/power amp thing? What are the advantages/disadvantages to the head?
I want to start a collection. I want to have something to build on and I want to start with this 400-700s.
And is that peavy cab gonna get busted to shit and be irreparable?
Head?
And the sunn's and the vintage stuff come and go and i'd PREFER to have something that more commonplace so it wouldn't be a fuckjob to get it fixed if I needed to, and it'd be cool if I could have something rocksolid so I wouldn't have to worry about that. Like emperor cabs you can fucking throw down a staircase and it's fine, but they are way too expensive.
OK, the preamp power amp is cheap.
You can buy a preamp pedal for $100-150, or you can use a cheaper Behringer one for $40, or you can use a Fuzz/Booster/Overdrive pedal, just whatever you need to get the instrument signal hot enough for the power amp.
Power amps start new at $150 for 300W or so, $200 for 1000W, they also have two channels, so you can run bi-amped in the future, and for now use that other channel to run monitors, PA, or just leave it doing nothing.
Speaker cabs on the other hand are costly new, $200 gets you a bottom end 1x15 or 2x10, $300 for a 4x10, these are cheaper cabs, cause they usually don't handle a whole lot of power, from those craigslist ad's $150 gets you a 2x15, though it looks like Nashville prices tend to the high side for music gear.
Amps can be broken, they can buzz, have scratchy pots, etc. Speakers tend to either work or not, if they have a rattle it's usually just a loose screw somewhere.
These are massive generalisations, you might find a good deal new on cabs, you might find a good deal used on amps, but you have to know what your looking at. I've bought used amps, because I can fix them, I don't worry as much, my power amp, I bought new, why bother with used, you can get huge amounts of power for so little cash.
There are also the new lightweight bass amps, that fit in a gig bag, but they tend to be more expensive than your budget.
What do you mean by get the instrument signal hot enough for the power amp?
Also how do these preamp power amps sound?
Quote from: SunnO))) on October 20, 2011, 08:02:04 PM
Peavey. Just sayin'.
Get your mom to put a sweet deal on her credit card, religiously check GC.com and musicgoround.com
Look for Sunn Concert basses/leads/slaves, beta basses/slaves/leads.
Acoustic 140, 450, random other numbers.
Mostly can be had cheap...
Peavey Mark IV heads...
I got a peavey 8x10 for a hundred bucks. Sounds great...
^^^^^^^
This. You can get used Peavey cabs like a 1516 or a 1516 usually for a hundred or 2 usually. You can also find used old acoustic control heads fairly cheap if you're patient. Peavey Mark IVs are really cheap and good too.
I'm sure this is all being explained as I type this in great detail, but "hot enough" just means powerful enough. Most pedals put out piddly signals that aren't amplified much, and far less that is needed for being a preamp. Getting it hot enough just means powerful enough for the power amp to only be doing the volume/headroom/power/whateverthefuckthetechnicaltermis portion of the amplification.
Also, preamp/power amp configurations done right sound fucking awesome. They're just the whole amp in two pieces instead of all in one box.
Who are some kewl musicians that use a similar setup? I'd like to see their setup.
Me, but then again I don't have it set up right now. I run my betas' preamps into poweramps (basically taking all the work done by the in-beta power amp and putting it on what was the... exact same power amp...). Kind of stupid, but it probably saved my beta lead's power amp more than once. :P
I can't think of any off the top of my head, though I am watching Top Gear so I'm totally spaced out from the real world. everyone else should answer that question while I am zoned out. ;D
Someone school me on inbeta blahblahblah
That was just me not wanting to say "the power amp already in the beta lead" :P
I dunno what beta is.
This:
(http://www.planetoftheamps.com/sunn-beta-lead001.jpg)
I would really love someone to copy/paste or write up some long explanation of all this tech stuff and why certain gear is good and how stuff works and what not. I get the basics. Vintage tube amp= the tits. I don't know why, but I know when I hear one I cum. I'd feel bad for making someone write that much though. It'd probably really help a lot of peeps though.
Actually most pedals will drive a power amp. What comes out your bass is a tiny signal a few tens of thousands of a volt. A preamp, or a boost pedal or whatever you use will amplify that signal by 20dB (100 times bigger) and make it about a volt.
That is all you need something to make the voltage 100 times bigger, you can also get one with a tone control, or treble and bass, or distortion or compression. You can also buy a $15 Danelectro FAB Overdrive and use that, just whatever gets that signal up to a volt or so.
Then the power amp takes that signal and increases both the voltage and current of it (think like height and width) making it strong enough to drive speakers.
There's no magic in the preamp it's just a 100 times voltage gain, and some signal EQ if you want it.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on October 20, 2011, 09:10:17 PM
Actually most pedals will drive a power amp. What comes out your bass is a tiny signal a few tens of thousands of a volt. A preamp, or a boost pedal or whatever you use will amplify that signal by 20dB (100 times bigger) and make it about a volt.
That is all you need something to make the voltage 100 times bigger, you can also get one with a tone control, or treble and bass, or distortion or compression. You can also buy a $15 Danelectro FAB Overdrive and use that, just whatever gets that signal up to a volt or so.
Then the power amp takes that signal and increases both the voltage and current of it (think like height and width) making it strong enough to drive speakers.
There's no magic in the preamp it's just a 100 times voltage gain, and some signal EQ if you want it.
preamp is just for coloring your sound, allowing you to use a lossy passive EQ for instance or to get distortion. Hemi is right all you need is a power unit and single 9V driven pedal to get shit going
Quote from: zackled on October 20, 2011, 09:06:09 PM
I would really love someone to copy/paste or write up some long explanation of all this tech stuff and why certain gear is good and how stuff works and what not. I get the basics. Vintage tube amp= the tits. I don't know why, but I know when I hear one I cum. I'd feel bad for making someone write that much though. It'd probably really help a lot of peeps though.
Dude that's what Google is for, and sound is subjective, some people hate the sound of tubes, Greg Ginn as I recall for one. Or is Black Flag too old ;D
All gear is good, if used properly, if it makes a sound you like. I can take a $15 pedal, and amp I got for free and a 2x15 that cost me $50, and make it sound like an Ampeg SVT and 8x10 that costs $1600 for the amp and $1000 for the cab.
You won't get a new, off the shelf, setup for $500 that's going to sound like a $2600 bass rig. If you're willing to experiment with gear a little, get a few cheap pedals to play with, have a few cheap cabs to mix in, and so on. Or forget the off the shelf, run a few pedals into a power amp into a couple of used cabs save some bucks.
Quote from: dunwichamps on October 20, 2011, 09:11:55 PM
preamp is just for coloring your sound, allowing you to use a lossy passive EQ for instance or to get distortion. Hemi is right all you need is a power unit and single 9V driven pedal to get shit going
Dude, your first post about amps where you haven't said LTPI, I'm so proud ;)
See? I told you someone would explain it better!
Since Top Gear is over for now, I'm going to make a retarded mess of things now and make a total ass of myself.
I suppose we should start with the basics.
Every amp that does all the amplification work, for instance those "vintage tube amps" are for all intents and purposes herein are two amplifiers in one. Both the preamp and the power amp are contained in one box or shelve, or bag, or whatever someone decided to put it in after building it. For preamp/power amp set ups it is simply the whole amp split into two pieces as I said, not put in one sack of whatever.
Certain gear being "good" is pretty much all up to someone's preference. While there are many here that would absolutely tear apart someone else for loving certain pieces of gear, we will not go into that, because subjective bullshit is just people's opinion shat out in a wonderful patty for everyone else's consumption.
ANYWAY, the speaker thing I think has been explained here already sufficiently so I will just focus on amps and other relevant but ultimately unrelated stuff.
So, as well you know, "vintage tube amps" are "tits" (while that would be awesome, and I implore someone artistic enough to make an amplifier that is contained in some manner of boobs, that is something we really don't need to be going into). That really should say, "A good many vintage tube amps = tits" because I've played many-an old tube amp that is just balls, but hairy, sweaty, deformed balls. So as a rule of thumb, not all vintage tube amps are in fact tits, just a lot of them (because there is a fuckpile of them to choose from).
As explained already by two much more qualified dudes preamps are whatever they said and they do again whatever they said. So pay attention to them and not me, I'm just going "blah blah blah" right now.
Anyway, it's all subjective, the technical jargon is not what you need. You just need to experiment with gear (like I have, I've probably owned 200 or so pieces of gear in the last seven years, not surprisingly it's mostly gone because it wasn't what I ultimately wanted). When you find what you want in your rig to get the sound that you want, stick with that, but never stop experimenting, because there is a lot that will be able to make the same sound, or in fact a better sound that you really fancy.
DID I JUST SAY WHAT SOMEONE ELSE SAID? Yeah, I did, didn't even realize it until I checked the new posts, well hell, experimentation, that's the ticket.
Well i'll do some saving and some searching. If there are any links you guys wanna post of cool cheap gear that sounds good it'll be appreciated. I will probably necro this thread in a few month with updates.
I agree with Hemisaurus.
Search Craigs List for this:
8x10 (good price= $400)
or
2x15 (good price = less than 200)
Report back when you find something. Peavey and Ampeg are good finds.
Power amps: not the same as a "head" -- a power amp is generic clean power 'rack unit' that can be used for anything... PA or whatever. Power amps are cheap now because they started making 'em lightweight. A lot of people are upgrading -- selling their (slightly older) heavy-ass amps for cheap now (can you lift 40 pounds?) Around 200 bucks.
If you outgrow the power amp, you can always find a use for it (vocals, or CD player at the practice spot). Good example: QSC RMX 850. Anything from Crown, Crest, Peavey or QSC.
It's nice to have a pre-amp but you don't HAVE to have one. Pre-amp is just for tone-shaping. If your bass sounds good (probably does) it will sound good amplified too. You can put any kind of fuzz/distortion into the power amp = instant boner (do the kids still say that?)
USE CRAIGS LIST. Also, fancy gear is VERY over-rated. Tube amps are not necessary for bass players. The more big speaker cabinets, the better (limited only by your transportation ability.)
Quote from: At_Giza on October 20, 2011, 09:22:55 PM
See? I told you someone would explain it better!
Since Top Gear is over for now, I'm going to make a retarded mess of things now and make a total ass of myself.
I suppose we should start with the basics.
Every amp that does all the amplification work, for instance those "vintage tube amps" are for all intents and purposes herein are two amplifiers in one. Both the preamp and the power amp are contained in one box or shelve, or bag, or whatever someone decided to put it in after building it. For preamp/power amp set ups it is simply the whole amp split into two pieces as I said, not put in one sack of whatever.
Certain gear being "good" is pretty much all up to someone's preference. While there are many here that would absolutely tear apart someone else for loving certain pieces of gear, we will not go into that, because subjective bullshit is just people's opinion shat out in a wonderful patty for everyone else's consumption.
ANYWAY, the speaker thing I think has been explained here already sufficiently so I will just focus on amps and other relevant but ultimately unrelated stuff.
So, as well you know, "vintage tube amps" are "tits" (while that would be awesome, and I implore someone artistic enough to make an amplifier that is contained in some manner of boobs, that is something we really don't need to be going into). That really should say, "A good many vintage tube amps = tits" because I've played many-an old tube amp that is just balls, but hairy, sweaty, deformed balls. So as a rule of thumb, not all vintage tube amps are in fact tits, just a lot of them (because there is a fuckpile of them to choose from).
As explained already by two much more qualified dudes preamps are whatever they said and they do again whatever they said. So pay attention to them and not me, I'm just going "blah blah blah" right now.
Anyway, it's all subjective, the technical jargon is not what you need. You just need to experiment with gear (like I have, I've probably owned 200 or so pieces of gear in the last seven years, not surprisingly it's mostly gone because it wasn't what I ultimately wanted). When you find what you want in your rig to get the sound that you want, stick with that, but never stop experimenting, because there is a lot that will be able to make the same sound, or in fact a better sound that you really fancy.
DID I JUST SAY WHAT SOMEONE ELSE SAID? Yeah, I did, didn't even realize it until I checked the new posts, well hell, experimentation, that's the ticket.
This has helped a lot though. Thanks a lot.
Quote from: Lumpy on October 20, 2011, 09:24:49 PM
I agree with Hemisaurus.
Search Craigs List for this:
8x10 (good price= $400)
or
2x15 (good price = less than 200)
Report back when you find something. Peavey and Ampeg are good finds.
Power amps: not the same as a "head" -- a power amp is generic clean power 'rack unit' that can be used for anything... PA or whatever. Power amps are cheap now because they started making 'em lightweight. A lot of people are upgrading -- selling their (slightly older) heavy-ass amps for cheap now (can you lift 40 pounds?) Around 200 bucks.
If you outgrow the power amp, you can always find a use for it (vocals, or CD player at the practice spot). Good example: QSC RMX 850. Anything from Crown, Crest, Peavey or QSC.
It's nice to have a pre-amp but you don't HAVE to have one. Pre-amp is just for tone-shaping. If your bass sounds good (probably does) it will sound good amplified too. You can put any kind of fuzz/distortion into the power amp = instant boner (do the kids still say that?)
USE CRAIGS LIST. Also, fancy gear is VERY over-rated. Tube amps are not necessary for bass players. The more big speaker cabinets, the better (limited only by your transportation ability.)
So are you saying a pre amp is not necessary at all?
They're necessary! Don't ever mistake that! Except when you take Sunn's amps into consideration when they just slightly equalize the lows/mids/highs an maybe boost the lows or highs a itty bitty bit and remain clean ten miles high thus making them probably one of the best effects platforms ever devised. ;D
This guy gave me an equation for insta-boner which did not include pre amp.
Is he insane?
Quote from: Hemisaurus on October 20, 2011, 09:18:17 PM
Quote from: dunwichamps on October 20, 2011, 09:11:55 PM
preamp is just for coloring your sound, allowing you to use a lossy passive EQ for instance or to get distortion. Hemi is right all you need is a power unit and single 9V driven pedal to get shit going
Dude, your first post about amps where you haven't said LTPI, I'm so proud ;)
every now and then i forget to speak geek
these fuckers just came in
they will take you to the next level
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317789_10150504637064552_403563559551_11579419_1908290782_n.jpg)
He's just saying what I've said earlier, you can use a fuzz/overdrive/distortion/boost pedal as a preamp, you have to have at least one of these between your bass and a power amp.
If your paying $200 for a used power amp, check that it's better than one you can get new for the same price, used power amps aren't always a good deal, at least not round here, shitty old Peaveys with a couple of hundred watts for the same price as a new amp with a couple of thousand.
Preamps aren't necessary if you have a good bass. Why would they be necessary. You can just throw an EQ pedal in front, or a fuzz with EQ if you need EQ.
I've played bass directly through a power amp, nothing else, and it sounds good... loud and clean. If I had needed to EQ, I would have needed to add something. I didn't. Bass -->Fuzz---> power amp: sounds great.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on October 20, 2011, 09:35:35 PM
He's just saying what I've said earlier, you can use a fuzz/overdrive/distortion/boost pedal as a preamp, you have to have at least one of these between your bass and a power amp
No you don't.
So instead of
bass-pre amp-power amp
It could be
bass-pedals-power amp
Can you get some gnarly tones from any special pre amp that is better than a mix of pedals?
Quote from: Lumpy on October 20, 2011, 09:38:25 PM
Preamps aren't necessary if you have a good bass. Why would they be necessary. You can just throw an EQ pedal in front, or a fuzz with EQ if you need EQ.
I've played bass directly through a power amp, nothing else, and it sounds good... loud and clean. If I had needed to EQ, I would have needed to add something. I didn't. Bass -->Fuzz---> power amp: sounds great.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on October 20, 2011, 09:35:35 PM
He's just saying what I've said earlier, you can use a fuzz/overdrive/distortion/boost pedal as a preamp, you have to have at least one of these between your bass and a power amp
No you don't.
depends upon how sensitive the phase inverter and driver circuit are.
Speaking of this my J-Bass has had a horrible crackling sound and I assume it is the output. Do I need a new one?
Quote from: zackled on October 20, 2011, 09:40:22 PM
Speaking of this my J-Bass has had a horrible crackling sound and I assume it is the output. Do I need a new one?
could be a shit jack
Quote from: zackled on October 20, 2011, 09:39:01 PM
Can you get some gnarly tones from any special pre amp that is better than a mix of pedals?
I don't think so.
You said you're trying to do it on a small budget. So that's why we are recommending a stripped down approach.
What would be a large budget with gnarly tone?
And I could build on this excessively, right? Because I don't want to buy a bunch of junk that I can't do much with later. If that's the case i'd be willing to invest more and buy stuff that will last.
Quote from: zackled on October 20, 2011, 09:45:48 PM
What would be a large budget with gnarly tone?
And I could build on this excessively, right? Because I don't want to buy a bunch of junk that I can't do much with later. If that's the case i'd be willing to invest more and buy stuff that will last.
Like Lumpy and others were saying, those power amps can be used as you bands PA or for monitors, ect... Good investment in the long run.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/BDI21.aspx - little preamps like this are cheap so you wouldn't be out much coin. You can record with most of these preamps (Direct out features and whatnot). Or you could just run other type of pedal to drive the power amp and still use those pedals with other rigs (bass, guitar, keyboards, ect..)
First vid is an acoustic 370, and an 8x10.
Both beta lead vids are a beta lead and an 8x10.
The song is recorded with a beta lead/4x12, and a beta lead/2x15 for bass and a drum machine.
Get a Sansamp Bass driver, and a 500+ watt poweramp. I paid 80 bucks for a 1200 watt poweramp, and 20 bucks for a sansamp at a yard sale. I liked it until I got my 370.
Ok I'm back Wha Hoppen>??
Fuckn Ancient Warlocks Rulllzz. Gasmask metal yOOOO!!!
imma drunk now
I'll hit you guys up when I purchase stuff.
Any other links would be recommended.
Thanks for everything.
www.google.com
also go to your local music stores and play through EVERYTHING. Find out what YOU like
Quote from: Lumpy on October 20, 2011, 09:38:25 PM
Preamps aren't necessary if you have a good bass. Why would they be necessary. You can just throw an EQ pedal in front, or a fuzz with EQ if you need EQ.
I've played bass directly through a power amp, nothing else, and it sounds good... loud and clean. If I had needed to EQ, I would have needed to add something. I didn't. Bass -->Fuzz---> power amp: sounds great.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on October 20, 2011, 09:35:35 PM
He's just saying what I've said earlier, you can use a fuzz/overdrive/distortion/boost pedal as a preamp, you have to have at least one of these between your bass and a power amp
No you don't.
as the words ass and dumb float through my mind :)
LOL, the words "you can't do that!" float through my mind (since it's already been done, with flying colors).
i bet the dude who said you don't need a pre amp has an active bass.
anyone want to bet a 2x4 of red stripe on it?
also, think about this. if you want fuzz? get a big muff ($40 used), a behringer EQ pedal ($20) and a used power amp for $100-$150. under $220 for that stuff. then spend as much $ as you can on a speaker cab.
I didn't want to fuel the fire of confusion and misunderstanding, so I figured either he has an active bass (which is a preamp) or is using a slave amp, not a power amp, which takes a lower level of signal.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on October 21, 2011, 06:08:09 PM
I didn't want to fuel the fire of confusion and misunderstanding, so I figured either he has an active bass (which is a preamp) or is using a slave amp, not a power amp, which takes a lower level of signal.
I liked your first answer better. ;)
(That it probably depends on the amp).
I did direct input (bass----->power amp) with a Sunn SA20 (old-ass PA amp that costs about 150 bucks). Ideal, certainly not. But we're talking about a 400 dollar budget, so ideal has nothing to do with it.
If I was trying build a good bass setup cheap, the first thing I would buy is a big cabinet (2x15 or 8x10, as already discussed) and get whatever decent head I could afford after that. Even a weak head will sound loud through an 8x10. After you save some money, get a better amp.
Also, this guy is not going to be moving from bedroom combo amp, right up to rocking the big stage. He doesn't need a 'pro' setup. Especially if he only has 400 dollars to spend, and maybe not even a driver's license yet.
I've assembled fuckin' ace rigs for less than 400 bucks, guys. I don't think we're looking in the right direction.
Then again, maybe we have a different definition of "pro."
My 370, and my 8x10 cost me a grand total of 275... my 2x15 was only 75 bucks...
That Peavey poweramp only cost me 80 bucks... You could use a goddamned Behringer mixer as a preamp?
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=248-6094&utm_source=googleps (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=248-6094&utm_source=googleps)
I consider any rig that is considered "gigworthy" to be pro. Doesn't matter what you paid for it, or how you acquired it. Just how you make it sound.
The only thing I've ever payed a stupid price for was my Model T, and the next most expensive thing I've ever bought was my Tele, which was 300 bucks at GC, but I traded in a Korean Dean From Hell, with a case, that I paid 169 bucks for at a pawn shop. Straight trade, and I even got the most recent edition of the "Guitar Players Repair Guide" out of the deal.
I am a bargain shopper. I am frugal as fuck, in terms of what I'll spend on gear.
My equation to getting that JCM800 was Fender deville at pawn shop +Missing preamp tube + 399 dollar price tag. I talked them down to 75 bucks. Walked with it, popped in a preamp tube. Didn't work. Popped in a different preamp tube. WORKED. Buddy with an unused 800 offered me a straight trade for it. Hot diggity. 75 dollar + preamp tube = JCM800.
You just gotta look around for a bit to find proper shit.
Yamaha B100 $50
Peavey 2x15. $50
Peavey 5'er. $75
Gigged it :)
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=gallien+krueger+bass+combo&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1108&bih=807&wrapid=tlif131925480565610&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=10603617153170194493&sa=X&ei=qjqiToKKIKjH0AGir9mNBQ&ved=0CGIQ8gIwAw#
Quote from: SunnO))) on October 21, 2011, 11:06:37 PM
You just gotta look around for a bit to find proper shit.
Yes indeedy. You want to score a deal on good gear, you might need to spend some serious time looking. Either spend a bunch of money, spend time looking on Craigs List and other websites, or get really lucky. When I'm looking for a piece of gear, I look at Craigs List and Ebay every day. There are people who look at Craigs List multiple times per day.
Also, be a little flexible about what you can use. There is a whole bunch of worthy used gear out there. It's great if people recommend a specific amp or whatever, but when you're buying used/cheap, you might never see that amp turn up. Go with something good that's available, unless you can afford to wait it out. When you do spot that great deal, be ready to pounce.
A/S/L ??
Here's a QSC GX3 power amp for 150 bucks, rated at 500 watts (per channel) at 4 ohms. You could drive two big-ass cabs with this, if you wanted to (start w/ one). Or, has a built in crossover if you want a bass cab/guitar cab type situation.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/msg/2655227989.html (http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/msg/2655227989.html)
(Long Island)
Just put a distortion or some pedals/whatever in front (I didn't say you shouldn't do that, only that it's true sometimes you don't have to). ONE HUNDRED FIFTY.
'cept the kid is broke, and lives in Nashville :-*
Is gear normally that cheap round NY? Round here people want $250 for some 20 year old Peavey that ways a tonne and does 180W per channel.
Those GX's are nice and light, a buddy of mine has two in his PA setup.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on October 22, 2011, 10:43:53 AM
'cept the kid is broke, and lives in Nashville :-*
Is gear normally that cheap round NY? Round here people want $250 for some 20 year old Peavey that ways a tonne and does 180W per channel.
Those GX's are nice and light, a buddy of mine has two in his PA setup.
I was under the impression nashville had lots of good cheap used vintage gear??
IN fact Ive bought alot of stuff from people in nashville...great vintage peices for cheap.
I've only passed thru so I certainly wouldnt know, but I had the impression the pickins were pretty good there??
I dont know much about bass amplification frankly. My bass rig is a 1968 Sunn1200s 120 watt tube amp, $275 bought here in seattle in 2004ish? and a marshall 2x15 bass cab i bought from jake on this forum for I cant remember...$375? People drool over the rig and I gotta say it sdoes sound really good. But it came together with no thought. My philosophy has always been to use whatever is at hand, and to look for crazy good deals in the meantime. It helps to know whats considered good deal i guess and wht is considered good gear. ampegs, I like fenders, I like old tube amps i guess....
Damn Sunn, those beta clips were righteous especially the song your recorded. Is that a 4ohm cab your plugging into? We have got to jam sometime
Some of these prices look pretty good although I suspect the watts are sometimes listed in peak rather than RMS-
http://www.zzounds.com/prodsearch?cat=2747&cat2=&ob=p19&rl=&rh=&instock=0&blowouts=0&filter=&q=&form=search
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/live-power-amplifiers#fT=&gP=1&pS=60&v=g&sB=pLH&lP=c&catId=site1YAB
Again here watts listed may be peak rather than RMS-
http://www.zzounds.com/prodsearch?cat=2397&cat2=&ob=p19&rl=&rh=&instock=0&blowouts=0&filter=&q=&form=search
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass-amplifiers
There are lots of options for amps & cabs. A proper, potent, reliable, powerful gig/tour worthy rig can easily be obtained for $500 or less. Tubes are nice but for bass are not generally necessary.
Peavey offers the best bang for the buck period. Hell even their tube guitar amps with a bass eq would make a fine setup.
Acoustic sounds fantastic & can be found for a reasonable price as well.
If tubes are what you really want, a Traynor YBA 3 can be found for under $600 & sounds amazing.
I would listen to Sunn & Hemi, those guys know amps & will steer you in the right direction....
Quote from: Hemisaurus on October 22, 2011, 10:43:53 AM
Is gear normally that cheap round NY? Round here people want $250 for some 20 year old Peavey that ways a tonne and does 180W per channel.
Nope, it's hard to find a good deal on anything here, including used items (everything gets picked over and snapped up quick). Craigs List does have some good deals on music gear though, if you're patient. Gotta browse there daily, then do some research when something potentially interesting pops up.
^^^Knows his shit, too.
Aww, thanks... :-*
I don't know how amps work, I just love to shop ;)
For $400 you could get this set up-
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Acoustic-B200H-200W-Bass-Head-and-B115-250W-1x15-Bass-Cab-Package-483494-i1415333.gc
and then add another 15 or a 4x10 later when you have the money. I've never played one but people seem to like them for the price. I think most bass players would find this set up to be loud enough.
Are you in Nashville? I'm in Clarksville. N'ville Craigslist has good stuff. I've bought a ton of stuff on there. Peavey heads are everywhere around here. I've got a few for sale, but I'd rather not shill around this forum just yet. Also, go to Sam Ash by Rivergate and GC in 100 Oaks. Keep an eye out for used stuff. Watch Craigslist and Back page. Stuff's out there, and not too expensive. I second the power amp notion. Heck, if you wanted to, run a power amp off your Peavey. Most Peaveys produced in the last 40 years have a preamp out or booster out. Just find a good cabinet, get a power amp, you're out 400 right there. Build on that.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=248-9638
This is what I have now. I was in the GC in 100 oaks yesterday, but the Sam Ash sucks donkey cocks.
Could I run a power amp off that? And i've seen a few peavy cabs for sale on Craigslist. It seems like there are plenty lying around.
Yes you can run a power amp from that. You could even sit it on top of a powered subwoofer if you had one.
Does anyone have a power amp they'd like to recommend. It looks like i'll be going for a nice Peavy cab because a lot are cheap used.
one that is powerful enough for your cab, at whatever ohmage your cab is. i've good experiences with behringer, crown, peavey and qsc which are common enough brands.
What happens if it's too powerful/not powerful enough?
If it's too powerful, you run the risk of blowing the cab (less likely if you can hear speaker distortion and set the gain appropriately), if it's not powerful enough your wasting the capability of the cab.
These is all seeming pretty simple now.
Quote from: Blueberry Lazer on October 22, 2011, 01:55:22 PM
Damn Sunn, those beta clips were righteous especially the song your recorded. Is that a 4ohm cab your plugging into? We have got to jam sometime
Yeah, it's a 4 ohm Peavey 8x10, Benberry Lazer. We will, I'll bring over some amps, and we can buttpussy out once your buttpussy gets there.
Y'all Tennesian bastards wanna be my Nashville connection to nab gear? I'll be grateful?
and on that day buttpussy-nintendo will be spawned
Question:
What kind of deal is this?
http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-AMPEG-SVT-450-7-0090211-845-106943834-i2109229.gc
Ampeg SVT-450h for $380? I've seen them new for 1k.
It's a good price, but I think you'll be pretty happy with Peavey stuff. It's nice to see an Ampeg badge, but Peavey is just is good. Specially for bass.
Yeah, i'm waiting to find a cheap peavey cab on craigslist and get that with christmas money or some shit, but if I could pick that up it'd be tight.
What happened with that other cab? You buying bass stuff and guitar stuff too?
That peavey is for my guitarist.