Bass rigs on a budget \m/

[AxAxSxS]

I've been Jamming with some dudes aside from flux and the bass player has come to the realization that his tone isn't really up to snuff. He's running a jazz bass into a boss GT-10b and then into a Behringer bass amp and cab. We didn't have the drummer today and so we messed around with gear combo's to see what would sound best.

We discovered the following:

His bass into my rig sounded badass. I run a boss GT-10 with all kinds of fuzz goodies and od's for the dirt in the effects loop. He very much dug the Pharaoh>Marsh Chapel combo, which is my go to for bass badassery when I messing around with one.

His bass, my board, his amp was not so great.

His bass, his board, my amp and cab, much better.

His bass, his amp, My cab (monolith 4x12 with celestion G12K100's) almost as good as with my amp. just not able to hang tone wise when turned up.

So A vintage tube head isn't likely in the budget, at least for now. A cab on the other hand is very feasable and should make a big impact.

He doesn't want a fridge which was my first suggestion. (I know, I know, I'm working on it) but we found this http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/msg/4547421981.html Ampeg BSE410HLF 4x10 at 4 ohms, seems like a good choice? Price is right.

So if the cab works out, any sleeper recommendations on a bass head? 200 or more watts and tube would be preferred, he can spend some money but meatsmoke probably is not in the cards.

[moose23]

I'd be going Sunn or Peavey 2x15 over the 4x10 but can't argue with that price. Maybe a VTM or somesuch for the head? Not really sure what's cheap over there these days.

[ShaolinLambKiller]

Old Peavey is my suggestion. Nothing in particular. Outside of that I never got out cheap on bass gear. anything that was cheap was garbage and I had to get rid of anyway.

[BoatRich]

I would recommend against anything ported/with a tweeter at doom volumes or with fuzz and distortion. You're just going to get a lot of weird high end and rumble. If he's really adverse to a fridge I'd look for an older 215. As far as heads, used GK, used Peavey, used SVT3 Pro, etc...

[Ancient Astronaught]

I'd suggest newer Peavey tour stuff, like the 2x15 plus the 700w SS head or the VB-2 225w tube head. They pop up used around here for like $500 for the pair and they are definitely loud enough with tons of low end.

[Timm Grimm]

I'd suggest newer Peavey tour stuff, like the 2x15 plus the 700w SS head or the VB-2 225w tube head. They pop up used around here for like $500 for the pair and they are definitely loud enough with tons of low end.

I just sold my VB-2 for about that. Based on what's on the Seattle CL, y'all really don't have much options. There's not much and everything jumps up after that ampeg.

I would recommend against anything ported/with a tweeter at doom volumes or with fuzz and distortion. You're just going to get a lot of weird high end and rumble. If he's really adverse to a fridge I'd look for an older 215. As far as heads, used GK, used Peavey, used SVT3 Pro, etc...

I was gonna say Peavey and GK too but there aren't any for sale on that CL. I really don't mean this as a shameless plug, but I have an acoustic 370 I'm selling for $450 shipped. Just throwing it out there. (Sold off all my stuff to get that SVT II )

[Ancient Astronaught]

I sold my VB-2 last year for about the same amount, I added that after typing the second sentence and should have gone back to clarify. Derp. Freaking killer heads though, I LOVED it on guitar.

[AxAxSxS]

thanks for the replies guys. I kinda figured, but was hoping the more bass oriented around here might have some secret weapon type heads they could recommend.
Timm, I'll pass on the ACC option. that's a good un' for sure. I'll be keeping an eye out, things do pop up around here, hell, look at the flux rigs, it just takes time and persistence to find the nice stuff. One of the problems with having a large and thriving music scene is that there are a ton of people who know what they are looking at and will swoop in and grab stuff. You have to be fast around here or it will be gone.

[Timm Grimm]

Yeah no worries man. Finding shit has been all about vigilance for me.

[archlilim]

My bassist uses an Orange Terror Bass 500w into an old Mesa 2x15. Got the whole thing for $700. Thing fucking kills. Kinda scary heavy sometimes. Shakes the foundation with volume at like 3 lol. And the tone right of box with a Fender P Bass really surprised me. If you're not adverse to hybrid stuff, Terror definitely worth looking into. But I agree with everyone saying no tweeters, more 15"s, less 10"s.

[moose23]

Just thought there, my old budget rig was a Sansamp character series (VT and Oxford) pre into a power amp. Could probably do that for about 300 or less.

[misterstomach]

i think the acoustic 370 is about the best option out there within your constraints. it's cheap and the quality of sound and volume hangs with a much higher class of amps.

[misterstomach]

and who the hell doesn't want a fridge?

[ShaolinLambKiller]

weak armed little girls. That's who.

[Ancient Astronaught]

weak armed little girls. That's who.

Ehhhh I've known a few of those that have carted around fridges too.....