Volume issues

[hankSRay]

Hey Guys, I'm a bit of a noob to the forums so please take some pity on me lol. I currently play a black Stingray 4-string through a Gallien Kreuger head and cabinet. I love my Stingray but I have been having some trouble getting enough volume from my amp. I mean i can barely be heard if playing with a drummer. The head is a Backline 250BL, Specs Here And the cabinet is the Backline 410BLX Specs Here I personally think I need a new head, if you have any suggestions or tips on what could be the problem I'd really appreciate it. Thanks

 

[nismaniac]

It looks like 125w @ 8ohms into an 8ohm 410 cab. In my experience when you get into a room and get drums and guitars going that would definately not be enough power. I would start saving up for something more. I don't know a specific brand to recommend because amp preferences are subjective. I would get something at least 400-500 watt into 8ohms if you do much live performance. I think Jack said in another thread "you can never have enough power" and that is true. The more headroom you have the better your rig will sound.

 

[crazybass888]

Bottom line is that to be heard in a band even a little bit you need a minimum 200 watts, but like nismaniac just said, at least 4-500 to make life tolerable. I've jot 700W pumping through and 8x10 and there are days where I still have to give the volume a bump...

 

[hankSRay]

Yeah thats what I figured. Any Ideas on what head I should start saving for?Thanks alot guys

 

[bovinehost]

Go big, go powerful.

I love my Sunn 1200s, good old school bass head, 1200 watts, it don't screw around, I've killed squirrels with it.

Lots of good power amps out there, too.

 

[crazybass888]

Heads and amps are extremely subjective. It all depends on what kind of music you play, what kind of sound you ultimately wanna have, and how much money you wanna spend. Personally, I love my Peavey set up. All solid state, plenty of power and not very expensive... but most importatntly, it sounds like I wanna sound. Just remember, make sure you save up and get what you really want and not just what you can afford at the time... you'll save a lot of frustration and money.

 

[cgworkman]

Go big, go powerful.

I love my Sunn 1200s, good old school bass head, 1200 watts, it don't screw around, I've killed squirrels with it.

Lots of good power amps out there, too.

I agree. I'm running a PLX2402 which is 2400 watts at 4 ohms (basically 2 standard cabs@8ohms)

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TO MUCH POWER!

 

[spectorbassguy]

Yeah thats what I figured. Any Ideas on what head I should start saving for?Thanks alot guys

Do you want big fat tube tone? Lots of headroom? Boatloads of available volume and crunch? Try out a Mesa-Boogie 400+. I bought mine used in perfect condition for $750.00 on Harmony Central. Plus when you have a problem with this amp it's usually tube-related and you can fix it yourself by changing tubes. Be warned, replacing the tubes can get pricey, but well worth it IMO. Also you should know that it is HEAVY. I'm kind of old-school when it comes to sound equipment, stereos, etc. - the more expensive and the heavier it is the better it is built. Here's a couple of links:

http://www.harmony-central.com/cgi-...wtb=on&1101=on&1001=on&time=14&buyerzip=50548

http://www.harmony-central.com/Bass/Data/Mesa_Boogie/Bass_400_-01.html

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Bass_Amps/Bass_400_/bass_400_.html

 

[crazybass888]

Do you want big fat tube tone? Lots of headroom? Boatloads of available volume and crunch? Try out a Mesa-Boogie 400+.

How did I know you'd wind up pimpin' those things on here...

 

[StingEye]

Expect to shovel out around $20 per tube...and in those damn mesa 400+'s, it has 12 tubes so do the math, because I can't. I just know it's alot.

 

[cgworkman]

Expect to shovel out around $20 per tube...and in those damn mesa 400+'s, it has 12 tubes so do the math, because I can't. I just know it's alot.

For real - You can pick up a nice sounding "tube" preamp (one that's not really a tube amp ) for the same price or less - and it's definately cheaper in the long run...

 

[hankSRay]

Thanks for all the help and advice guys. Although I'd love a Mesa, I'm not to crazy about havin to change those pricey tubes. I love the sound of my Gallien Krueger, its just not enough power. I'd like to get something similar to that for around $500-800. Figure if I look for some used gear I can get a kick ass head around that price. Guess I'll have to put my plans for a SUB Sterling on hold though.

 

[crazybass888]

For that kind of money, you should be able to find a nice used 1001 RB and still a little leftover to put your SUB Sterling on layaway... Ebay can be your friend...

 

[hankSRay]

Yeah you're right crazybass, That 1001RB sounds like a good deal, I can even afford it new, but I still rather go for a used one. 460watts is sounding pretty sweet to me, just hope my cab holds up lol.

 

[johans]

Yeah thats what I figured. Any Ideas on what head I should start saving for?Thanks alot guys

well do you like your GK tone?
if you like save up for 700RB or 1001RB

i had used 1001RB and its superb

 

[johans]

Expect to shovel out around $20 per tube...and in those damn mesa 400+'s, it has 12 tubes so do the math, because I can't. I just know it's alot.

yeap
or go for hybrid amps ...

ampeg svt ... genz benz gbe 600 .... some mesa pulse ... some eden wt ..
definitely lighter and cheaper than those all tubes amp

 

[crazybass888]

Whats the RMS handling on the Backline cab? I'm not sure if it would hold a 1001RB or not...

 

[hankSRay]

Ok guys I appreciate all of your advice, but I think the 1001RB sounds like the right head for me and will be a great upgrade from my little backline. My only other concern is if I use the 1001RB head with my Backline410BLX cabinet, I wont blow out or damage anything right? (As you can see I'm not well trained in dealing stacks)

 

[jubjub721]

1001 ???
if you dont got that kinda cash you can find a 700 rb on the bay
thats what i was gonna buy before i got my orange

wich is still amazing for a 65 watt combo that can make me louder than the drums

so
i say you get orange

backline will probably break down soon enough anyway, thats the problem with gk
there low end stuff breaks down

 

[jubjub721]

w00t 600 posts