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[cassius987]

If you know what you're getting, combos can be as good or better than split head/cab setups. There are LOTS of great combos out there now... however, budget definitely comes into play.

I can tell you this much: I love EVERY Ashdown I have played, combo or split setup. That's my main rig: Ashdown ABM head, 4x10, and 1x15. But I can say with a bit of a shrug that the MAG series that is much cheaper is nearly as high quality. I don't think you can go wrong... See if you can try some out.

Oh, and WELCOME. The first player I idolized was Justin Chancellor and his Wal (never got a Wal though). Well, him and Paul Chambers. I really don't listen to JC much any more but the influence he left on me (from playing his material for countless hours from earing it out over and over again) is something I cannot erase and I think has given me some unique things to bring to the table--as a fusion/jazz player. You may well move on from Geddy some day but while you've got your ears on him listen hard--you could learn a lot!

[ricaddic]

Hello Tim, wow thats really cool, you have some great parents, but then again you must be a really great son for them to do that for you, congrats and good luck with your new girl, welcome to the forum, take good care and stay safe, "HAPPY RICKEN"

[pflash4001]

Welcome! Like everyone has been saying, this place is a treasure trove of good info. I started playing bass at 11 on a 1968 Ric 4001, although it was my Dad's. That one didn't officially become mine until I graduated from college and he gave it to me as a gift. It's been passed down from my grandfather to my father to me and one day to my sons. I got my second Ric used, in a pawn shop at about 23....I think I paid $180 for a 1979 4001..about 12 yrs ago. As far as amps go, I really like the Ampeg BA115HP or the BA115HPT. It's a combo with plenty of power for rehearsal to medium sized gigs, built in tuner, line out to let he PA support you or for recording, rolls on casters, is compact, and fits in the back seat of a car. and It should be pretty close to your price range. Believe me, you'll appreciate having a simple rig to tote around. Especially when you start gigging into the wee hours of the morning. One other thing about gear...and I think most people here will agree, research your purchases carefully. Make sure you invest in equipment that will serve you well and you won't outgrow too quickly. I feel it's better to save up and buy something good the first time rather than have to buy and replace a year or two down the line. Think ahead when you purchase. Unlike a lot of others, when I buy something, I'll research it and then save up for it. I hardly ever sell any of my gear. I guess I learned that from my Dad. I remember mentioning to him that I'd love a '76 Fender Jazz...he said he used to have one...along with a Fender Bassman tube rig...that he then sold to buy something else...I wish I still had that gear he had, but oh, well...you will probably have a serious case of G-A-S like the rest of us. Have fun playing!

[falconfixer]

I welcome you as well! It is a great forum (just in the short time i have been here. I have been learning how much i didn't know!

Geddy was my inspiration and the reason i bought a used 4001 waaaaaaay back in 1983...

i bought a crummy practice amp (30W? Maybe) and it was enough to annoy my family (sorry Paul!) but fell way too short jammin' wit' muh bro's... so i say cruise the pawnshops for a great/cheap combo packin' 300W or so... Any other gig i am plugged into the system and use their monitors anyway...