| Author | Message | ||
| robinc
Member Username: robinc Post Number: 93 Registered: 5-2008 |
I'm considering picking up the following rig from a local. Anyone have experience with any of these components? Anything I should know about? Ampeg SVT 400T rack mount head SGX ART Knightbass effects processor Furman power conditioner 18-space SKG rack Ampeg 4x10 & 1x15 What might be a reasonable offer? Rig is said to be in great condition. Thanks for the help, ya'll! | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 582 Registered: 7-2003 |
If the SVT takes up 4 units (Six units?), that would leave 12 or 14 open. Even I do not use an 18 space rack unit for a bass rig. I used to use 18 spaces, but that was two racks, and it was old tech. Unless you are going to rack in lots of power amps, effects, preamps, and PA gear, it is just too large and clumsy for your needs. If you could fill it, then it is almost a given that you could not lift it, even with kind of light stuff in it, and I know that SVT will have some weight to it. Old 6 and 12 Space Racks: http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/13368.html?1165501171 There is a picture almost at the end of the thread on the racks themselves. Furman makes a lot of different models for a lot of different prices. Which model? I'm an Eden pill, so I know little about the rest. <<<Who can't add and subtract???>>> (Message edited by poor_nigel on October 28, 2008) | ||
| robinc
Member Username: robinc Post Number: 95 Registered: 5-2008 |
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| robinc
Member Username: robinc Post Number: 96 Registered: 5-2008 |
sorry, should have specified that all components are mounted. | ||
| 2400wattman
Senior Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 618 Registered: 11-2005 |
I would put my hard earned dollars into something else, unless you really like this stuff. The Ampeg is probably just under 20 years old and hit it's reliability peak long long ago. I believe the specs are 400 watts per side at 4ohms and should be Bi-ampabale. The ART unit has decent effects but I seem to recall that it can't be patched through the effects loop and can only be used as a preamp. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 368 Registered: 10-2006 |
If that's the rack you're looking at, Robin, it's 8 spaces, not 18. Much more practical. Peter | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 583 Registered: 7-2003 |
That is a nice Furman. I cannot tell if it is a 15 amp or 20 amp one (Significant price difference between the two). I prefer the digit readout, but these are good for a glance. Get the model number, go to eBay and type in Furman <model> into a search box and eBay will let you know the relative worth of new and used (If any used are available). Actually, you can pretty much do the same for any component and add it up. What something is worth to me is probably worth a different amount to you. | ||
| robinc
Member Username: robinc Post Number: 97 Registered: 5-2008 |
I'll be honest, I am not knowledgeable when it comes to equipment as I have simply not had very much experience with very much gear. I've been basing what I (think I might) like or dislike mainly on user reviews and advice from places like this forum. Your advice is invaluable! thanks, everyone, for your input. | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 585 Registered: 7-2003 |
Well, at least we aren't trying to sell you anything, so honest opinions are prevalent on here. I live in the wasteland, so I get to try out nothing before I buy it. Well, unless I am looking for Fender stuff made in Mexico. What few musicians there are around here buy those to play both their Country and their Western music with. OK, OK, I have played a little C&W myself, but don't publicize it . . . Generally, whenever I want someone's opinion on bass gear, I ask people here. Works for me. | ||
| briant
Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 240 Registered: 12-2004 |
Depending on what Ampeg cabs those are $1000 USD wouldn't be bad for all that. Personally I would pass. Nothing even remotely exciting going on with any of that gear. The Art Nightbass was a very ho-hum effects processor even in its time. That Ampeg head was alright from what I recall but it is going on ~20 years old and there are much better and more reliable pieces of gear to be had now. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2065 Registered: 3-2004 |
Sounds like a bad idea to me unless he's giving it away. That ART is digital technology from what, 15 years ago? Solid state Ampeg stuff has never been high on my list for tone, new or old. Tell us what you want to spend and what you want to sound like and someone here probably has the experience to point you in the right direction. | ||
| lmiwa
Member Username: lmiwa Post Number: 72 Registered: 2-2008 |
Also, what type of playing you are planning to do with it? What style of music, what venues, what instruments others in your group will be playing, etc. All these things have a part in choosing the right rig. The "right" rig ranges from Jimmy Johnson's direct box plugged into the PA, to huge multi-amp / multi-cab systems. | ||
| robinc
Member Username: robinc Post Number: 98 Registered: 5-2008 |
Ok, this might not be too helpful because I tend to want the versatility to play anything, but here goes... Right now I'm playing in a 6-man setup, 3 guitars, drums, vocals, bass. And sometimes possibly some horns too. We play an array of styles, from reggae to funk to blues to rock. So I suppose I am looking for something that can give me that tight, articulate and somewhat growly funk tone, and also be able to deliver a solid low-end thud of reggae bass, and the strong yet not overdriven rock sound, and of course be capable of a very clear, very up-righty tone. I play music ranging from Bob Marly to The Chili Peppers to the Grateful Dead to The Meters to The Beatles. That wasn't helpful at all, was it? I would like the rig to be able to cut through said setup on its own in a small to medium sized venue, like a club for example. I'm not too worried about larger venues like a park or auditorium because I will probably have access to stage monitors. In terms of price, I'd love to not spend more than about $1500, but investing in good equipment is always worth while, so that upper limit has potential to move. I don't much care about effects or fancy extras, what I'm really interested in is a nice amp with some sturdy cabs, and maybe a power conditioner if that happens to be part of the deal. | ||
| lmiwa
Member Username: lmiwa Post Number: 74 Registered: 2-2008 |
Have you checked this thread? http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/56763.html?1225304168 | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 586 Registered: 7-2003 |
I was just going to suggest Danno's thread. You know Alembic (F1X) is quality, plus Accugroove is very good stuff, and the QSC Plx3402 is now defunct (Replaced by the Plx2 series 3602), but still quality stuff with enough power to drive any cabs you want. Those three pieces are all good foundation stuff, and Danno's prices seemed very good last time I was checking his stuff out. So you may want to research those pieces and then discuss it with Danno, if you like what you see. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2066 Registered: 3-2004 |
Another important question is what you have now. Some of it may be keeper stuff that is just not paired with the right gear. Other stuff may need to go, but can help foot the bill. Assuming you're starting from scratch, I generally love the tone of Schroeder neo cabs. Unfortunately, a careful and critical listening will tell you they don't generate much in the way of dub-like thud. Great tone for everything else, and they do sound good for Reggae, they just aren't "authentic". One of these cabs paired with some sort of big cab would get it done for you, but then you're pushing budget issues. It also has the advantage of doing a great job of making you audible through three guitars. With your wide variety of styles, I really like a Line 6 preamp with a power amp. The Line 6 Bass Pod XT can be had for reasonable money and provides enough programming to get you quickly from genre to genre without fine tuning dials on stage. Nothing else that I know of will do this for you if you're looking for that versatility. With the X3 version out, XT units can be had at pretty reasonable prices, especially used. For a power amp, talk to Danno and see what he has left. A 1602 would be very good, especially if you can run 4 ohm cabinets, and a 2402 would be great. You should be able to get a Pod and power for about half your budget. There are a ton of setups that will work for you. The one thing that doesn't work for any but the ludicrously rich is swapping setups every six months because you think there's something better out there. Build a core and add to it. The PLX power amp is a core piece that will never go out of style. If you decide to go with a one-piece bass head, don't ever sell the PLX because you may come back to it. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1148 Registered: 2-2005 |
I agree with the suggestion of Thomas about giving a look at Danno's stuff. I have bought items from him in the past and he is very good to work with. He should also be able to give you information based on real world use of the equipment. Keith |
