Suggestions on a new rig

[rickharrison]

I'm looking for a new rig for my Stingray 4HH. I'm an intermediate player, but I'm looking for something that I can really grow into as I get better in the next couple years. I've been looking on ebay for a used SVT-3 pro head as I really like the ampeg sound. I've also been considering picking up a new ampeg combo.

Any suggestions?

 

[ErlendDL]

I play my fretless Ray through this:

Sounds great to my ears!


Markbass recommendation in 3... 2... 1...

 

[drTStingray]

I play my fretless Ray through this:

Sounds great to my ears!

I like this amp.

How about an Ashdown? ABM 500 rig sounds great with my fretless Ray as well - and especially the 2 band Classic.

Markbass recommendation in 3... 2... 1...

 

[Double Agent]

And go.....

If you like the Ampeg sound........a lot of folks are getting it with the Markbass Little Mark II/III (there, I said it) for a clean Ampeg-ish sound, and adding the Tech 21 VT Bass pedal in front of the Markbass for a little dirt if you like the overdriven SVT sound. They only weigh a tick over 6 lbs, which makes them easy as can be to transport and you can get one used for $400-450 all day long. They definitely have an old-school warmth that is reminiscent of the Ampeg sound, but they can do the modern, full-range sound pretty well too. Plus, they seem to pair up very nicely with EBMM basses.

I have been gigging with a LMII for several months now. I came from a big, heavy Genz Benz amp before that. While I still think the Genz tone is more "me", there is no doubting that the Markbass is a high-quality, great-sounding, gig-worthy amp that is light and inexpensive. It is not easy to find all those qualities in one product. I suggest giving them a serious look.

 

[five7]

I have owned many ampegs and I love them but then I found markbass and now I have found my soulmate. The LMT 800 amp is amazing!

 

[Kamakiriad]

From my own experience, the SVT-3pro is an excellent sounding amp, and has some great features. They seem to break down often, though. I've probably seen a dozen come through the shop for repair this year so far. That said, I'm sure if you really take care of yours it should be fine.

But again, Markbass! As far as I'm concerned, they're the best amps on earth. If you want a clean, uncolored tone with lots of headroom, I'd try a Little Mark 3. Or if you like a bit of tube warmth, try a Little Mark Tube as recommended by 57FenderJazz. You won't be disappointed.

 

[adouglas]

If I were using a conventional amp I'd go Markbass in a heartbeat.

I have the small 121 combo for noodling around at home and it complements the MM vibe marvelously.

 

[toomanyslurpees]

I'm a big fan of having heads and cabs instead of a combo for the versatility, if I'm practicing I can bring the small head and a 210, small gigs bring the bigger head and the 210, bigger gigs the bigger head and the 410.... plus I can bring a head for a backup instead of an entirely another amp, for when I feel the need to actually bring a backup. I won't go too much into specific amps because so much of that is taste, but I have found Aguilar to be solid and dependable. I'm a big Ampeg fan but have heard about reliability issues and have delt with some with my SVP-PRO, which is the preamp section of the SVT-3, it was blowing fuses randomly but frequently.

 

[MadMatt]

I'm looking for a new rig for my Stingray 4HH. I'm an intermediate player, but I'm looking for something that I can really grow into as I get better in the next couple years. I've been looking on ebay for a used SVT-3 pro head as I really like the ampeg sound. I've also been considering picking up a new ampeg combo.

Any suggestions?

Just to give you an alternative to Markbass ...

TC Electric RH 450. Its definitely one you can grow into.

-M@

 

[rickharrison]

For all those suggesting the little mark II/III heads, what cabs do you like to play with them? Do you like mark bass cabs or do some of you pair it up with an ampeg 410 or something?

 

[mmbassplayer]

Rick... as you can tell we are a bunch of Markbass fans around here. I have the combo 102 paired with the 102 Traveller. Excellent sound. I also have the Micro SVT head that i will pair with the Markbass 102 for travelling (mini-rig). I have tried the TC Electronics, Genz Benz and some of the new Mesa stuff which is also very nice. It is great there are so many quality options available right now. I am stuck on the Markbass because of the size and weight and the response i get from people who laugh at the funny looks... until i turn it on that is. JOSH

 

[shakinbacon]

I'm a big fan of having heads and cabs instead of a combo for the versatility, if I'm practicing I can bring the small head and a 210, small gigs bring the bigger head and the 210, bigger gigs the bigger head and the 410.... plus I can bring a head for a backup instead of an entirely another amp, for when I feel the need to actually bring a backup. I won't go too much into specific amps because so much of that is taste, but I have found Aguilar to be solid and dependable. I'm a big Ampeg fan but have heard about reliability issues and have delt with some with my SVP-PRO, which is the preamp section of the SVT-3, it was blowing fuses randomly but frequently.

For something to grow into, I definitely recommend a seperate head and cabinet. You have a lot of flexibility.

I highly recommend you try the micro heads from Markbass, Genz Benz and Gallien Krueger. They all have their benefits. Personally I'm a Genz Benz fan, I value great customer service from an American company. But even saying that, they had the best product for my needs at the time of my purchase.

Using sansamp stuff to replicate the SVT grind is a very popular (and good) option.

 

[Double Agent]

For all those suggesting the little mark II/III heads, what cabs do you like to play with them? Do you like mark bass cabs or do some of you pair it up with an ampeg 410 or something?

You can use whatever cabs you like. I don't care much for the Markbass cabs as much as I do the amps, but they are nice cabs. Just not my cup o' tea. You could pair them with any nice cab in any configuration and they will be fine.

I am using my LMII with 2 Epifani PS112 cabs. They are small, lightweight, and loud. They also have a big, smooth low end...something you don't usually find in smaller cabs. I can carry one in each hand, which means that sometimes I can unload everything from my car to the stage in just one trip (use of gig bag to store bass, amp, and cables helps here). Plus, I can get away with using just 1 cab for small gigs or rehearsals. It's a nice modular setup that didn't cost me a fortune.

Personally I'm a Genz Benz fan

I am too, and I will probably be getting rid of the LMII at some point for a ShuttleMAX 6. However, that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the LMII. It's a great little amp with all the power anyone could ever need for most gigs.

 

[ZiggyDude]

+ Many on getting a seperate head and cab. Since you are going modular that way you can build up a rig for gigs or practice. And if smething breaks you don't lose it all to the repair shop.

You never really mentioned a couple of things. First - your price range. Second is if you care about carrying pounds or not. Third - volume - do you need to fill medium to large rooms or will you be going through a PA?

 

[Lynottfan]

I have to go with Dr, EBS all the way, I have tried mark bass and a mighty fine amp it is to, Ampeg, SVT and I used to have the coffin on wheels ( 8X10) for sheer power nothing can touch it, but for me EBS are the best amps money can buy, good luck.

 

[cellkirk74]

I have owned many ampegs and I love them but then I found markbass and now I have found my soulmate. The LMT 800 amp is amazing!

Oh, you got the Little Mark Tube 800? I am seriously considering this or a mesa boogie m6 carbine.

So how does it team up with your balls and what cabs are you using with it?

 

[rickharrison]

+ Many on getting a seperate head and cab. Since you are going modular that way you can build up a rig for gigs or practice. And if smething breaks you don't lose it all to the repair shop.

You never really mentioned a couple of things. First - your price range. Second is if you care about carrying pounds or not. Third - volume - do you need to fill medium to large rooms or will you be going through a PA?

I'd like to spend around $1000 which I hope to spread further by buying good used equipment. Also, I'm not too concerned with carrying pounds right now. We are just starting to play and I live in a fairly small city. Lastly, I would like to be able to fill medium to large rooms without the need for a PA.

 

[lefenton]

My current amp is a Mesa M-Pulse 600 that I play through a 4x10 Eden and a Mesa 2x15.. I'm a big fan of having multiple cabinet configurations for different recording sounds and live settings. I won't lie though, the 2x15 stays put and the 4x10 comes to me for all my gigs.

I really like the combination of my Big Al with the Mesa. The M-Pulse has a lot of sound options with a Tubed Pre and a Solid State EQ. I usually just play through the tubes and use the EQ for any boosting as needed. I have found with the Big Al though that I rarely, if ever use the EQ on the amp as the bass itself is so versatile. When using F*$&#@s I usually rely on the EQ for that extra umph.

I can say one thing though, the Mesa is heavy as hell and cumbersome. I have been very impressed with the Mark Bass heads I have heard live and played through. I would say from an objective point of view that you can get yourself 90% of the way towards the sound of any great tube amp with one of those little things and then can dial it in with a great on-board pre (like the Big Al has) or a sans amp.

So, in the name of portability and great sound, you should look at the Mark Bass IMO.

 

[five7]

Oh, you got the Little Mark Tube 800? I am seriously considering this or a mesa boogie m6 carbine.

So how does it team up with your balls and what cabs are you using with it?

I use a ampeg 2-12 portabass cab for rehersal and the markbass classic 8-10 cab when I play out or go jam. From low volume to loud it really sounds good and with either cabinet I can dial up a sound fast. The last ampeg head I had was a SVT 6, lots of power, way to heavy and hard to adjust on the fly. My bongo 5 HH thru the LMT 800 and 108 is an adrenaline rush!
Any knuckleheads in my area that want to try it out are more than welcome. Pm and I will let you use it and run sound for your band free.

 

[jlepre]

Avatar bass cabs are very inexpensive, so I would consider maybe a 410 cab with your choice of used head. You can find alot of good used gear on www.talkbass.com.

Good Luck!