LeftyBassist.com

My old rig, an Ampeg SVT-450h on top of a Hartke 4x10 was stolen out of the storage space in my apartment building a few months ago. I haven't been playing music with other people or gigging for quite a while so I pretty much just let it go and have been amp-less ever since. In the meantime I've kept myself pretty busy writing and recording my own music. But it looks like I might soon be playing with other human beings for a change, and even possibly doing some gigs in the future, and I need to buy a new rig.

This is where you guys come in. Can you guys give me any recommendations? I don't need anything particularly huge. A head in the 400-600 watt range and a single cab will do nicely. I am budgeted for somewhere between $1,000-$1,400 total. If it came down to it I'd rather invest a bit more on the head than the cab. I guess I'm looking for something in a 4x10 or a 2x12. Used or new, it doesn't particularly matter.

I've had a few ideas. Cab-wise, I'm definitely smitten by the Aguilar DB series. They run a little more expensive but the tone is excellent and size-to-power wise they are a perfect fit. Plus they are pretty easy on the eyes. Their heads are totally out of my price range, so I've been looking back on the old standby Ampeg. But when it comes to amp heads I am woefully uninformed. What are some good heads that are typically in the $600-$900 range?

What are some bands/bass players who have a tone you like? Give us some details on the kind of sound you like (clean, hi-fi, gritty, dirty, aggressive, etc.).

Have you looked at the Aguilar AG500? You should be able to get a used one of those in your budget, or are you preferring to buy new?

Tone-wise, I'm looking for something with clarity and punch. Nothing too dark or muddy. I guess my sound can best be described as mid-way between Mike Watt and Les Claypool (I don't listen to him much anymore but he had a big influence on my sound early on). I like being able to hear all the warts in my playing: clicks and pops and fingers sliding on fretboard and such. I like low-end but I don't want it dominating the sound.

I'm certainly open to used equipment. On most of the online dealers, the Aguilar AG500 is going used for over $900, so it's teetering right on the line of what I can afford.

DANG!

I'd look at TalkBass for used gear at better prices.

I'm really liking the Mesa solid state amps. I'm lusting for the M-9 (but you wouldn't find that used in your budget, it's too new) but the M-Pulse amps sound great to my ears and should be able to be had for a decent price used. If you can find a deal on one, the M-6 also sounds great and has a simplicity to it I dig. I'd look at Mesa over Ampeg, personally.

Or check out Eden stuff if you like Mike Watt's current live tone (Stooges aside).

FYI from TB:
AG500 for $750 shipped:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthrea ... ilar+ag500

DB410 for $575 shipped:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthrea ... ilar+db410

So if you look around for deals I think you can get an Aguilar rig for just under the top end of your budget.

I own the DB750 and while I think it sounds great, I do find it's voice to be darker than a lot of other amps. I've never tried the AG500 but I hear it's voiced more evenly.

I own a TC Electronic RH450 head and TC 2X12 cabinet and have been nothing but happy with them:

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com ... sku=580856
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com ... sku=580858

Versatile, easy to travel with, tough, and I love their sci-fi/mod aesthetics.

Stangely enough, my Markbass LMII and Bergantino HT/EX112 rig has pretty much cured my bass-amp G.A.S for about a year and a half. I'm totally happy with this rig. All my basses sound pretty much exactly how I want them to sound. Not only that, but it's really small and light-weight.
There hasn't been a venue I've played in locally where other bassists haven't come away stunned at what that rig can do.
i haven't looked at prices in a while, but I'm certain you could find a used setup like mine in your price range.

Those little class D amps are a godsend for old pharts with back issues like me

Hey Andrew, thanks for the tip on looking thru Talk Bass. I probably won't be buying for another month, so I will just have to see what's available then.

Man Agent00Soul, those TC Electronic heads sure are fancy. They've got some really cool features and they look fantastic. They area bit out of my price range however, so unless I found a deal on a used one I think that one's probably out of the picture. But I'll keep my eye out for sure!

Those Markbass LMII's certainly don't look like much but the reviews are excellent and the price is right up my alley. Thanks AzWhoFan for the recommendation! WIth the markbass being so cheap I could probably afford one of those beautiful aguilar cabs!

Thanks for the recommendations guys. When I make my choice I will let you all know!