How much is too much in a live rig?

[Benjamin]

I vote for Henry 8x8 with a punchy head. When you're playing, bear in mind the PA will deal the sub shaking. On stage all you may need is a nice well defined signal.

[Kopfjaeger]

I was toying with purchasing the new Orange Tiny Terror Hybrid/2-12 inch speaker isobaric combo amp. Small, lighter weight than my Ad200b tube head, and packs a severe kick to everyone in proximity's head, if needed. At 500w, I doubt I'd need much more.

Sepp

[iiipopes]

I stack a Carvin MB-12 on top of a no-name 1X15 ported cab. With the XLR line out of the combo, I can either go into the PA or carry up to a mid-sized room myself with either a double bass or electric bass and either a jazz/dance band or electric band.

I just don't have it in me to carry any more than that anymore. I sold the SVT head and the large bass and guitar cabs decades ago.

If I ever play a venue, indoors or out, that needs more than that, then the promoter is going to have to provide a backline and staff to set it up for me. I'm not going there anymore.

[bigbajo60]

Biggest rig I ever played through regularly was an all tube Mesa 400+ through a couple of Mesa 2x12 cabs stacked! I could never even imagine turning the Master Volume up past '3' on that beast, but that clean-tube tone was heavenly!

Now, I play through a Mesa Walkabout 1x12 combo with the matching 1x12 ext. cab... and I've never needed to run past the halfway point volume-wise!

It can be 'enough rig for the gig'... but it's rarely, if ever 'too much rig'!