Author Topic: Advice Needed on Bass Cab (Read 348 times)

lbpesq · « **on:** March 17, 2013, 11:53:50 AM »

I recently fell into two bass amps. (Client with little money). One is an almost new Fender Rumble 75 Combo. The other is a GK Backline 600 head with a 2x15 + horn Peavey PA cab. I thought it might be nice to have a bass rig in the studio. After messing around a little, I think the way to go is to keep the GK and sell the Rumble. I'm not excited about the Peavey PA column and suspect I could do a lot better with a real bass cab. I'm looking for something relatively small and light and not too expensive. Used is certainly fine with me. Just something that will sound good jamming in the studio and not take up too much room. Since this is the best place I know to go to for bass advice, any suggestions? Agreement that the GK is the way to go over the Rumble?

Bill, tgo

sonicus · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2013, 12:10:06 PM »

Hello, Bill __
Yes , the GK is the keeper . The PA column can be modified . It all depends what the drivers inside are . Turn off the horn or disconnect it. Reroute the crossover out of the signal path. I can do that for you if you like . We could see what's inside.I would not gig with it for bass but it might be good enough just for a low jam.What happened to the bass cab that was there last time I was down there ?

Wolf

that_sustain · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2013, 04:00:11 PM »

I played through a Backline a couple months back that didn't sound like a GK at all. It may have had something wrong with it..I've seen the owner yank the cord from the cab while the amp was still on and other such abuse.

The Rumble would probably be the better bet for recording..but of course I'd have to play through them both to really know. It wouldn't be enough power for most live situations, is the thing.

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2013, 04:21:24 PM »

Why would the Fender RUMBLE be better for recording

? What interfacing does it provide ?

I use GK products when ever I am not using any of my Alembic preamps with a power amp. ( I have an F2B/F1-X/SF-2 ) I own various GK products : An 800RB/400RB and a 200RCB ( recently sold the (200RCB) also a GK 200MB and a GK MB150E combo and a MB150E head also The 2001 preamp. What makes the GK stuff that I own attractive is that it is better equipped for interconnect-ability then many other amplification interfaces available. This interconnect-ability makes it especially advantageous for RECORDING use.

that_sustain · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2013, 04:41:58 PM »

I just didn't dig the Backline.

sonicus · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2013, 05:34:05 PM »

Ok , LOL ! The back line is a lower line from GK anyway. The Rumble is a lower model from fender as well .Try some of GK's other products.Perhaps you might like the sound and equalization and interfacing options , maybe ___.

lbpesq · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2013, 05:22:33 PM »

If I can nudge this thread back on topic (see first post), I'd still appreciate some suggestions.

Bill, tgo

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2013, 08:22:00 PM »

I'm not excited about the Peavey PA column and suspect I could do a lot better with a real bass cab.

I guarantee it; it's Peavy. Poke around and see if you can finesse it & the Rumble into a fEARful 15/6/1 or a Hard Truckers HT-215B - or just about any pro-level purpose-built bass cab that starts at 15 or larger.

Peter

keith_h · « **Reply #8 on:** March 26, 2013, 05:29:45 AM »

I would ditch the Fender and Peavy PA cabinet and get a dedicated bass cabinet.

How much do you want to spend on a bass cabinet? How loud to you tend to get in the studio?

Keith

lbpesq · « **Reply #9 on:** March 26, 2013, 08:24:15 AM »

I'm looking for small, relatively inexpensive, but willing to pay enough to get a decent sound. Used is fine. This will be for jamming in the studio only. We don't get very loud.

Bill, tgo

pasewark · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2013, 08:31:49 AM »

I purchased a Mark Bass Minimark combo last year. It has 2x6 speakers. While its not cheap, it has a fantastic sounds and I can carry it in one hand. I use it for the trio I play in.

I also have an SWR Workingman's 1x12 combo amp. This is also a nice small amp. I bought it used for $225.

If you're looking for a speaker cabinet only, I would consider a 4x10. They seem to be on Craigslist frequently.

jbybj · « **Reply #11 on:** March 26, 2013, 08:44:18 AM »

These days, there are MANY options out there for what you seek. I can only speak of what I know. If you come across a used Epifani, they have some single 12's and 15's, with adjustable tweeters, that I really like. I have an UL 112, it's got a neo speaker, nice and light. If you are lucky enough to find a used Phil Jones cabinet, these things are the shiznit. There are a 6 and a 9 speaker cabinet, with these small proprietary speakers, that really kick air. As mentioned, Fearful designs are all the rage now, and deservedly so. There are several builders making them, but they don't turn up used too often. Of course, you can always wander in to your nearest national retailer, and try what they have. GK, Hartke, SWR, are often in the used inventory, and may offer just what you need.

oddmetersam · « **Reply #12 on:** March 26, 2013, 09:48:11 AM »

Hey, Bill!
By messing around a little, does that mean you've already jammed with some folks and A/B'd the two options? I assume your #1 intent is to keep one or the other rather than go out and spend more cash on something totally different if at all possible.

Personally, I'd start with Wolf's first idea about checking out the Peavey's speakers and crossover innards. Eliminating the crossover and a speaker upgrade might be just the ticket for your needs, rather than dumping everything and starting from scratch -- especially if you don't plan on gigging with this stuff. Good luck!

keith_h · « **Reply #13 on:** March 26, 2013, 11:08:42 AM »

For smaller size I would look at a 2X10 or a 2X12. Maybe something with a single Neo 15 and tweeter. 4X10's are fairly common but might be bigger than you are looking for. Same for a 2X15.

SWR, G-K, Eden, Epifani, Acme, Ampeg, etc. all have 2X10 cabinets that would work reasonably well for a rehearsal type rig. I would expect a fairly clean used cabinet of any of the brands to go between $150-$300. Not sure what a 2X12 would go for but the same manufactures make those too.

You could also look at Carvin. While it isn't top of the line I used an RC210 combo and RL210T extension cabinet as a rehearsal rig for many years successfully. It's up for sale as a matter of fact but local/regional only due to shipping costs.

Keith

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #14 on:** March 26, 2013, 11:24:19 AM »

I picked up a used mint condition Bergantino 8ohm 2x10 last year for $400 that has been a nice surprise. Small, built like a tank and sounds almost as big as my Genz Benz 4ohm 4x10 Ubercab.

I'd recommend a ported 2x10 with adjustable tweeter for your purposes.

This configuration offers a lot of versatility in a fairly small package - especially for low volume applications.