tombowlus
If it sounds good, it is good
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,075
- 17,033
- 6,017
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
+1 Best advice so far. There are gob-tons of great options out there. It's a great time to be a bass player!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
Welcome to TalkBass! Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
What's a big loud head+cab I can get for $700?
- Thread starter MasonMinor
- Start date
-
- Tags
- loud
+1 Best advice so far. There are gob-tons of great options out there. It's a great time to be a bass player!
I think you're going to end up paying a premium for the 7-Pro because class D is in vogue, but I have nothing else to say about the amp good or bad. For $700 (probably less!) you can almost definitely pick up a big old lead sled and used 410.
Ahh, you guys beat me to it! I gotta get in the habit of reading the whole thread before posting up.
I have a Hartke HA3500 and I've never had to push the volume past 3... you should be able to find one used for less than $250 or $300. Then pair it with any cab that can handle the power and you're good to go. The thing's heavy as balls though.
The GK amps punch above their weight-class and the older RB-series have a snarl in the mids that really cuts through. They'll be more affordable too.
The Hartke LH-1000 that was recommended earlier is great sounding & inexpensive, but the mid EQ is cut-only, so IMO it wouldn't meet your stated criteria for low mids.
The Hartke LH-1000 that was recommended earlier is great sounding & inexpensive, but the mid EQ is cut-only, so IMO it wouldn't meet your stated criteria for low mids.
Used 410 (SWR, Eden) or PV if you need more $ for an amp.
For the amp---- used GK 700 or 1000 (my old one is up for resale on TB---guy was asking $450) it's loud. That leaves you $250 to by a cab.
I love that people are suggesting amps that alone cost more than the OP's budget for amp AND cab 
But anyway, if you want new with warranty, it's going to be nigh impossible to beat Carvin in this situation. A BX500 with a 4x10 cabinet will come in just under your $700 budget after shipping.
But anyway, if you want new with warranty, it's going to be nigh impossible to beat Carvin in this situation. A BX500 with a 4x10 cabinet will come in just under your $700 budget after shipping.
Also, lots of recommendations for 410 cabs.
While I love 410s (I've used a pair for over 16 years now) they can tend to be a bit mid-scooped.
If you have a strong back, 215 cabs can be had for cheap and low-mid bark is their specialty.
You could probably score a used GK 700RB-II and used 215 for $500.
While I love 410s (I've used a pair for over 16 years now) they can tend to be a bit mid-scooped.
If you have a strong back, 215 cabs can be had for cheap and low-mid bark is their specialty.
You could probably score a used GK 700RB-II and used 215 for $500.
okcrum
in your chest
Maybe it's just me, but my experience with loud and mid heavy just screams Peavey. 
The GK stuff can do this with (usually) more tonal choices, but the suggestions to check locally is a good one.
The GK stuff can do this with (usually) more tonal choices, but the suggestions to check locally is a good one.
Last edited:
Old Peavey 215's seem to pop up on my local CL for under $200. An older Peavey or GK head and you'd have a nice rig. Or a pair of 410's if you like lifting weights while loading in and out.
I'm a GK man myself. I would suggest a good used GK 1001 RB with a 4 x 12 GK cab. My dream rig by the way. Usually, Guitar Center has used GK 1001 RB amps for around $400.00. The GK 4 x 12 might set you back around $600.00. Slightly outside of your price range but it would surely get the job done !
I have to agree with the used GK 700RBII/1001RBII crowd. The price these go for used are almost ludicrous for the amount of amp you get. And LOUD, both of them. Cab wise, eh, not real sure. A decent 212 would be sweet.
I love that people are suggesting amps that alone cost more than the OP's budget for amp AND cab
But anyway, if you want new with warranty, it's going to be nigh impossible to beat Carvin in this situation. A BX500 with a 4x10 cabinet will come in just under your $700 budget after shipping.
Thank you! Even better, if I can find a carvin in a shop somewhere like GC or better, I wouldn't have any shipping to pay! But I've definetly got a lot of options, which is a great feeling.
OP, Look used locally (Craigslist) and post options here. Your bass brothers will help you choose a suitable rig according to your needs and what's available near you.
Edit: What he said -> What's a big loud head+cab I can get for $700?
Edit: What he said -> What's a big loud head+cab I can get for $700?
Someone asking for "Big Loud" probably already has several pedals. Many power amps can be driven full volume with pedals. You can find some high quality power amps for a couple of hundred $$. If you get a power amp with a DSP you'll have kinds of options on how to drive and EQ it. Many options for power amps.
If it's got to look, walk, and quack like a bass amp head, then it looks like there are plenty of good quality new heads if you're hesitant about used. (Used is good for people who know what they are doing)
For the cab, well more cones is going to be louder, actual quality of tone may not follow.
If it's got to look, walk, and quack like a bass amp head, then it looks like there are plenty of good quality new heads if you're hesitant about used. (Used is good for people who know what they are doing)
For the cab, well more cones is going to be louder, actual quality of tone may not follow.
Carvin only sells direct, which is why they are so cheap. And keep in mind that you'll have to pay sales tax at Guitar Center, but unless you're in CA Carvin won't have sales tax so the shipping is a wash.
For new, yeah Carvin is just right for you I think. BX500 and a Carvin cab of your choice. USA made and cheap. Make sure to research any amp you're interested in, you may discover a reason why there are so many of them on the used market for cheap....
I'm not at all hesitant to buy used if I think it'll hold together and not... Explode or something. As long as it's in pretty good shape I don't mind.