New bass... new amp

[robinje]

Hello.

I departed for the gu***r world for a while, but I've come to my senses and switching back to bass. Please forgive me! I plan to buy a new 4003 with the gu***r funds, but I have no amp. I plan to play at home and with friends in small jams at first, with hope of relatively small/medium gigs soon. So my amp dilemma is... I need something small enough to sound okay at home, but with potential to play out in a club. I was thinking Ampeg PF350, or maybe GK 400RB-IV. The GK is reportedly more hi-fi, which isn't really my thing. But... Adding a pedal like the Tech21 VT Bass to it might do the trick and it could possibly be more versatile. Whichever amp head I get, I'll likely buy a small cab from the same manufacturer (i.e. 2x10 or 1x15). BTW, I am totally into classic rock stuff (Rush, Led Zep) and some recent alternative things (Pixies, XTC, Cake).

Thanks for your help! And thanks for not chastising me for going over temporarily to the 'dark side'.

[jps]

Aguilar Tone Hammer 350 or 500, depending on your budget and needs. A good small cabinet that seems to get some praise at that forum where they talk about bass is the Hartke HyDrive 112.

[robinje]

Of those two, I think the TH350 would certainly meet my needs. It looks about as plain and simple as can be. Any consensus on Avatar cabinets? I am particularly interested in their 1x12 or 2x10 cabs. An Aguilar cab plus the TH350 would be beyond my budget. I am, after all, also buying a brand new bass

[jps]

The Avatars get lots of love, but I don't really keep track of them. Check out TalkBass, do some searches there for info on Avatar. There are a lot of good secondhand gear worth checking out, too, for me, I prefer lightweight gear, these days.

[robinje]

So, I am a little perplexed about what the 'Drive' knob does on the Tone Hammer 350 (or 500). Is it a distortion effect, or what? Does the amp go from hi-fi sounding (with 'Drive' off) to Ampeg-sort-of-grind (with 'Drive' all the way up)? I have no known local place to try it, so I am leaning on forum input.

Thanks!

[jps]

Yes, that would be a very good explanation of the Drive control. Cranked up it can get pretty gnarly, in a good way, especially with a Rick. Even cranking just the Gain control can get nice and juicy, too. These amps get very loud for their output rating, I think they are more honestly rated than a lot of other amp brands, and Aguilar is a great company; I have not had to avail myself of it, but I read that their customer service is second to none in the business. Did I mention how crazy light the Tone Hammer amps are? But, very solidly built. I can't say enough good things about them, really.

[robinje]

I also am impressed that they're made in the US, but yet the TH350 is sill a reasonable price point. That helps! The company looks pretty small and I perceive that there is good customer service, should the need arise. I like dependable gear, but if there's ever a problem, I'd like to have a company that is supportive. I am assuming that Aguilar is that way, considering they're a relatively small US manufacturer. Hmmm... The Tone Hammer is now on my short list. Thanks for the tips.

Jim

[blueflamerick]

I just picked up an Avatar TB153. It is an amazing cabinet. Earth-shaking lows and a very crisp mid-range and high end. I definitely recommend checking one out.

[robinje]

Very cool! Have you had any experience with the B210 or SB112? That TB153 looks pretty dang nice!

[blueflamerick]

I do not, but I know some guys that have used the B210 and really liked it.

With all the gigging I've been doing lately, my Rickenbacker Transonic cabinet was starting to get a little beat up, so I got the Avatar to replace it and opted for the Line X covering. It's basically the stuff they spray in the bed of pick up trucks. No more worries about mangled tolex.

[T28]

If you are thinking of the TB153 do yourself a favor and look at the fEARless built cabs instead.

I used to have an SB112. Excellent cab for the money but heavy for my poor back.

[blueflamerick]

I've heard great things about the fEARFUL cabs, but they're really expensive.

[jps]

I've heard great things about the fEARFUL cabs, but they're really expensive.

But, they will cure you of GAS and be less expensive in the long run.

[sys700]

I have an Ampeg 8x10 / SVT Pro 4 in my studio, but for small gigs I really like the Ampeg Micro VR:



It's lightweight, portable, sounds a lot like an SVT, and if you need more power you can add another cabinet.

[woodyng]

I bought an Avatar 1-12 cab to suppliment my Markbass Cmd121p 1-12 combo,and it works quite well. It is very loud,clear,and even rocks the low B,and i play in atrio with a gtrist using a 100-watt tube amp through 4-10's! it is ALWAYS preammped by either my VT 21 pedal,or an Alembic F1-X. I have used various combinations of speaker sizes over the eons,but have settled on 12's as a great tonal compromise. I have the tweeters turned off completely. I tend to go for a roundwound rock sound with a bit o'grunge and sparkle,or a warm tone for my flatwound equipped basses.