Help a bass amp n00b (BOOM! NAD on page 4)

[ChetMagongalo]

I like older stuff, like older acoustic, SWR (pre fender), traynor are brands I tend to like.

I also greatly prefer 12in or 15in speakers.

[Eivind August]

I've seen some Traynors go for cheap in vikingland. A couple of Acoustics and Sunns as well.

[UglyCasanova]

Then help me in my quest, dudebro. I can borrow a shitty bass amp for a while while I scoope out a proper beast.

[Tristan]

I love GK bassamps but I'd advise you to pick up an older RB or Backline series, instead of a combo go for a head + cab.
Get one of the proper Ampeg 4x10 HLF cabs to go with it if you can, half of the sound and power is also the right speaker cab.

[UglyCasanova]

That would blow my budget by quite the margin though.

edit: SVT-410HE...Yes? No? Too bright?

Considering the fact that I'm using a VI a regular bass, won't I get better low freq response with 15's? I'm such a n00b when it comes to amps it's embarrassing.

[daseb]

you will get 'better' lows yeah, but considering how flabby vi's can get the tightness of tens might work more with the setup.

FWIW for years I've been like '15s and only 15s' for my bass sound but a couple shows recently I've played through backlined 8x10s and been astonished at how much low end they could push out compared to my 2x15.

[ChetMagongalo]

I strongly recommend just playing as many amps and cabs as you can in person. I mean no one can really tell you what sounds good.

[UglyCasanova]

I guess that's what I should be doing, haha. Fuck. I hate trying gear in stores. Self consciousness is strong with this one.

Agree on the floppiness of the VI. I'm fairly light on my playing, so it's not that big of an issue for me. Also, standard tuning.

[ChetMagongalo]

what is there to be self conscious about? if it is your playing, just play some chords up and down the neck and just listen to what makes you feel the best.

[BoatRich]

I guess that's what I should be doing, haha. Fuck. I hate trying gear in stores. Self consciousness is strong with this one.

Agree on the floppiness of the VI. I'm fairly light on my playing, so it's not that big of an issue for me. Also, standard tuning.

What gauge strings are you using?? I use an amp that's similar to a twin/hd130 for mine along with an Ampeg V4 into a 412 for bigger shows. Something like the GK and the 410 he is definitely a good choice.

[UglyCasanova]

.095-.026 I think

[neonblack]

Step it up to .102 and it won't be so floppy. Well worth it.

[BoatRich]

Definitely, I'm playing .106's in drop C# and it's got pretty good tension. In Eb standard it's perfect tension.

[daseb]

if you have an aftermarket bridge on there that might help too? Did when I owned a vi.

In terms of trying out stuff (which is seriously the best recommendation), maybe if you've got an amp you like and friends in other bands / people you play shows with you can borrow bass cabs for a few shows and see what works? Using all your stuff in a live environment is going to give you a much clearer idea than playing in a guitar shop. Does require the kindness of other people though.

[grindonomicon]

Check out Genz Benz combos too. My favorite is the old NEOX 400 112T, but the others are good too. My NEO is an absolute beast with guitar or bass, fuzz pedals, etc. Prefer it over my old GK 800RB, and my Traynor bassmaster YBA1. 300 watts as a combo, 475 with an 8 ohm extension cab.