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Need new amp/cabinet advice

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« on: November 29, 2008, 01:46:55 AM »
I've been playing same GK 400 RB heads for 20 years and worn out my GK 1-15" EV cabs and my 2-15" Carvin EV cab.  My sound is very Steve Harris but I do use a pick and I play crashing chords too.  So i want thump and power and tone.   I have been using a 5 string for the first time and I need something to accomodate the low B as well.  i have always tried saving $$$, but I want the BEST.  help a brother in bass out.

jules

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Re: Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2008, 01:28:52 PM »
Quote from: Gripper
i have always tried saving $$$, but I want the BEST


That is a sometimes tricky combination. What are you currently considering?

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2008, 06:16:53 AM »
recently played some Ampeg 'classic' series 4 x 10" w/horns, and i am impressed.  i always thought that 12"/10"s sounded weaker, but they seem to move more air.   i would prefer one cabinet this time around also, so looking at maybe a 6 x 10".  i like the looks of the one Genz Benz makes, but never played one.  was always impressed live by guys using Peavey, but you don't hear much praise.  honestly i'm open to any input.  i like the looks of the Accugroove El Whappo too.

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2008, 07:18:58 PM »
You tested the Ampeg SVT410HE or HLF? Those are the 2 Classic series 410 cabs.

The HE is a normal, simple 4x10 cab, not much special about it.
The HLF version however has "bass reflex" technology which means it has air canals wich 'refresh' the air inside the cab, making the speakers move more air...
MarkBass uses the same technology by the way... They're about the same price and have about the same dimensions. They just wheigh less and have those yellow speakers :D And they sound a bit cleaner...

You might wanna try them too if you get the chance ;-)

Greets
- \'82 Gibson Victory Standard
- \'72 & \'78 Fender MusicMaster Basses
- \'50s / \'60s Egmond Princess 2
- Fender BG-32
- ...
Proud endorser of Crime Industries: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=63949227

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2008, 07:41:45 PM »
i have considered MarkBass as well.  i hate yellow, but when i see Jeff Berlin with it, it looks okay!  all the rock/metal guys i've known will typically play Ampeg.  my old EV speaks still sound good tone-wise, but they cannot handle the banging anymore.  i just need something ultra durable with a nice tone.   i have used several Carvin cabs in the past, and they are decent.  their speakers never had the sweet tone of EV in the past.  anyone hear any of their newer stuff?   their 8 x 10 cab is the same as the Ampeg 4 x 10.   i have always tried finding a good deal money-wise, but this time i'm willing to pay if it's good.   all the manufacturers have "neo" cabs now.  i am all for light weight, but i gotta have thump.   any opinions on Neo vs older ceramics?   appreciate any and all input.  that's why i love this forum.

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #5 on: December 01, 2008, 07:44:23 PM »
forgot about the Ampeg cab.  it was the ported one with horn.  my brother helped his bass player pick them out and he said the ports and horn blew the standard Ampeg 4 x 10.

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2008, 11:49:11 AM »
Yeah, the HLF pretty much kills its little brother :)
Besides, an SVT410 HLF is more than enough, no need for an 810 or anything :-)

I must say the EBS Neo series are quite good, but not my cup of tea. Quite expensive too though... I'm more into Orange and Markbass :) (and no, the colours don't have anything to do with that :D) Of course I work in a big music shop in Belgium ( www.keymusic.com ) so I have the chance to test about anything :)

On the other hand, sound as well as looks are subjective. I like the Markbass sound and don't lovethe yellow looks, but don't mind them either. For other people the looks are a major turn-off or they just don't sound good.You should go out and test the hell out of all those brands as much as you can ;-)
- \'82 Gibson Victory Standard
- \'72 & \'78 Fender MusicMaster Basses
- \'50s / \'60s Egmond Princess 2
- Fender BG-32
- ...
Proud endorser of Crime Industries: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=63949227

jules

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Ampeg cabs
« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2008, 12:57:17 PM »
Quote from: DeGecko
You tested the Ampeg SVT410HE or HLF? Those are the 2 Classic series 410 cabs.

The HE is a normal, simple 4x10 cab, not much special about it.
The HLF version however has "bass reflex" technology which means it has air canals wich 'refresh' the air inside the cab, making the speakers move more air...


I own the 410 HE - and I love it. Although there is not much 'special' about it, it does have the classic sound that I wanted. It just fits in the boot of my car too.

The 410 HLF (LF stands for low frequency IIRC) was designed to get a bit of extra bass out of it. I usually play EB2s or EB3s - so I am never short on low frequencies, and so I didn't go for this model. I have never tried it though. Has anyone here tried both with an EB3?

I suspect the HLF may be better if I was using a more trebley bass..

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #8 on: December 07, 2008, 03:55:17 PM »
Yeah, the HLF is great for use with Jazz Basses and equals... I must say that an HE sounds pretty good with my Egmond Princess or my Victory Sandard. I tried both with an SG Reïssue yesterday and I must say I did prefer the HLF then...

I tried all f them with the same normal solid state amp...

@ Jules: When I said not much special I meant exactly what you said ;-)
- \'82 Gibson Victory Standard
- \'72 & \'78 Fender MusicMaster Basses
- \'50s / \'60s Egmond Princess 2
- Fender BG-32
- ...
Proud endorser of Crime Industries: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=63949227

jules

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HLF
« Reply #9 on: December 07, 2008, 11:16:14 PM »
Ok, that's interesting. I think I need to try out an HLF.

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #10 on: December 15, 2008, 04:56:53 PM »
Just got the Ampeg SVT classic and 410HLF on Ebay.  Couldn't stand it.  I rehearsed all night last week with this combo and it is pretty mighty.  Three bass players said the 410 crushed their 810 cabs and that did it for me.  I normally play active pups with 4 strings, but have been playing a 5 string passive Washburn Taurus and this cab handles the low B very well to me.  More defined than my GK head/cab combos using a 4 string.

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #11 on: January 05, 2010, 05:01:32 AM »
I had a couple of 1971 Ampeg 810 cabs back in the day. Two years ago I picked up an SVT410HLF and it sounded great but not enough volume. It didn't quite move me enough. It was also a pain to roll around (too short, had to bend over to push or pull) and too awkward to load into an SUV. So I found an SVT610HLF and all that changed. Big sound from a just right size cabinet. Easy to load in the truck. Just lean it over and push. All the midrange growl, volume, and punch with more bottom end and depth than the 810. If you can, try to find a 2006 or older, like mine, they were still made in America with real plywood (not particle board).

jules

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Ampeg
« Reply #12 on: January 05, 2010, 01:34:07 PM »
Well I recently upgraded my SVT410HE by adding an SVT15E - and it does have a pretty good sound... also considerably lighter! Not 100% convinced I won't soon try something else, but it was sounding pretty good last rehearsal

Need new amp/cabinet advice
« Reply #13 on: February 14, 2010, 07:59:31 PM »
MarkBass SD-800 and a Schroeder 1212R 4ohm "Classic" cab...for the size and weight...nothing better.

Amazing tone in a very small portable package!

http://www.schroedercabinets.com/1212.htm

 

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