I've been playing in an indie rock band for the better part of a year and we've recently started doing small gigs, notably without any house pa system. The only amp I have is a Peavey MAX 100 which worked for practice but is just being drowned out by drums/vox/guitar. I can't turn it up without it sounding like a fart and I need a bigger-sounding amp. Ideally, I need something pretty portable as I move around with my amp a lot, but mainly I need to have a nice enough speaker where I can crank it up without it breaking up and distorting. Suggestions?
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Gearhead17
Supporting Member
I suggest two identical 8 ohm cabinets (210, 15, 410, 212) and a 500 watt or bigger amp head. My go-to head is a Mesa D800 because it is easy to dial in a great tone, it's loud, and it is reliable. The Mesa D800+ is even better if you can swing it. I suggest two cabinets so you can turn up when necessary or just play the top cabinet to hear yourself really well with PA support.
As for cabinets, there is a bunch of heavy used speaker cabs available that will do the job. If you want lightweight, you will typically need to buy that brand new. Mesa cabs from the 2000's to today are all excellent. Eden cabs from the 90's kick butt too, but keep in mind that if you bust them, replacement parts are DIFFICULT to find.
Playing without PA support is difficult to do. Hopefully these are smaller places. PA Systems are designed to push sound out much better than the typical bass rig can.
Lastly, I will suggest buying a HPF (high pass filter) pedal to run with your new rig. These types of pedals will keep the super lows from reaching your speaker cabs. This allows you to stop using amp power on frequencies your rig can't produce well, and give you a better tone to work with live and in practice. I have been using the HPF only at 18 volts for about 8 years now. I will not play without it. https://www.broughtonaudio.com/
Post what you find locally and we can help steer you to decent gear.
As for cabinets, there is a bunch of heavy used speaker cabs available that will do the job. If you want lightweight, you will typically need to buy that brand new. Mesa cabs from the 2000's to today are all excellent. Eden cabs from the 90's kick butt too, but keep in mind that if you bust them, replacement parts are DIFFICULT to find.
Playing without PA support is difficult to do. Hopefully these are smaller places. PA Systems are designed to push sound out much better than the typical bass rig can.
Lastly, I will suggest buying a HPF (high pass filter) pedal to run with your new rig. These types of pedals will keep the super lows from reaching your speaker cabs. This allows you to stop using amp power on frequencies your rig can't produce well, and give you a better tone to work with live and in practice. I have been using the HPF only at 18 volts for about 8 years now. I will not play without it. https://www.broughtonaudio.com/
Post what you find locally and we can help steer you to decent gear.
Hopefully not too much over $300-400, but I'm inclined to buy used. It should also be mentioned I'd use this rig basically only for shows, as I always record into DI.
Smaller universe limited to $400, but if I were in your position, I'd be looking for a 210 or 115 combo. Several models in those configurations would probably offer the needed step up from where you are and also fit within your budget, doubtfully any new these days.
How about these:
yamaha b100 iii bass head - musical instruments - by owner - sale
AMPEG AMP SVT15E 8 OHM 200 WATT BASS GUITAR SPEAKER CABINET NEAR...
A few more $ but that rig would probably work just fine
yamaha b100 iii bass head - musical instruments - by owner - sale
AMPEG AMP SVT15E 8 OHM 200 WATT BASS GUITAR SPEAKER CABINET NEAR...
A few more $ but that rig would probably work just fine
Keep your eye out for a used Hartke KB15, the newer 500 watt model. They sell for over $600 new, but a guy near me has one for $300. Great reviews and lots of power. Hartke doesn't seem to get much love from the bass community around here. I've had an older KB12 for a while now, and I love it..loudest 120 watts you will probably ever hear.....for $100.
Going to need a lot of speaker for any kind of rock without PA support. A decent 410 should be cheap (used) and will get you plenty of volume with a decent amp, but it will sacrifice portability and be pretty heavy. I wouldn’t even entertain something like a 210 or single 15 without PA, you’ll just struggle unfortunately.
Also add to inhuman’s solid advice, you are probably young, so don’t get too hung up on weight. I moved 2-15 cabs and heavy heads (which work great for the cost) from the time I was 15 until well, probably my next gig at 57. It’s good for you. Free strength conditioning.
You ought to look for a used Fender Rumble 200 or 500. Both will get pretty loud, sound decent, are very light, fits your budget and you can always add an extension cab for even more sound. This set up will more than cover your needs without breaking the bank.
My own opinion is two, 115 cabs. You can always use both when volume is needed, and 2 115 cabs push alot of air. When you have PA support, or its a smaller gig, a 115 cab, perhaps on a stand would be enough. I regularly gig with a single 115 cab, but my gigs are not what I would call very loud, but that's pretty subjective. It gives you a modular rig, not too bad to schlepp, and enough volume for most, if not all gigs. Pricewise, you may have to stretch that budget a bit, I doubt you are going to find even two, good used 115 cabs in your price range, but, buy once, cry once.
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Honestly $400 is only going to get you something that you’ll want to replace again in 2 months.
Fully agree with this. Maybe one decent cab used if you are lucky, if you are going to continue to play gigs w/o pa support then in my view you need to go beyond a combo amp. If you shop carefully used, you can start with one cab (maybe a 210) and a modest amp head, maybe on the order of $6-800 for both.
Not certain that is 100% true, a quick search on GC and a used Rumble 500 can be had for $399. Now it may not be your ideal rig, but it would definitely fit the ops needs and can be expanded with another cab.
You need at least $600.00 to buy a Fender Rumble 500 combo . If your credit is good , you could go through Sweetwater and do a payment plan with no interest . If you need to fill a room and no PA , you need a amp with some wattage and a cab that will push some air........good luck .
Check my post above, a used Rumble 500 can be had for $399 at GC. Of course I’d prefer new as well but the Op has a budget.
If you are buying used, check out Guitar Center’s used gear. Comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. Gear is conditionally rated so you have a good idea what to expect. You also can but an extended warranty if you chose.
Yep, I used double 410’s in this situation but nowadays I don’t need anything bigger than a 212 combo. A new band I just joined is completely ampless!
Sold my 410’s a while ago to some kid in a metal band who was very excited to get them. I gave him a heck of a deal to make some garage space, lol.
Both are great amps, I use the GK myself but I always have PA support. Unless the whole band is fairly quiet they are not going to be nearly enough on their own, I’m afraid.
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