[jules]

Hi all,

I've recently got a space playing bass for a 60s R&B, Yardbirdsy kind of band - and so i'm bringing out the EB2. It sounds great at rehearsals - but we've got a very big open air gig coming up, and i'm considering a new amp to be mic'ed up on the day.

Can anyone recommend an amp/cab arrangement that will make my EB2 sound great in such a situation.

I don't want anything too big, as this gig is probably just a one-off. I have got an idea what I want, but I thought i'd see what you all think before I make a final decision

Thanks!

[procolharum]

Jules

Talk about 'Happenings Ten Years Time Ago', the very first song I ever learned on bass was Shapes Of Things!! And at my very first audition for a band (I was 14) that was the first song they asked if I knew. Needless to say, I got the gig.

I used to watch my brother's band (heavy Yardbirds, Stones and the like), their bass player used an Epiphone with a Fender Bassman (can't remember if it had two 12s or two 15s). Of course that was 40 years ago so I don't know how that translates to today's needs, but it sounded good then.

Let me know what you end up using.

Keith

[jules]

Thanks for that - I do have a fender Bassman head - and i've been waiting for the right cab to come up for some time - this was my first choice - but I doubt one will in time - hence the decision to get something else in the meantime.

Anyone here play an EB2 with a vintage Orange, Vox or Ampeg set-up?

[eb2]

My touring rig usually consisted of Vox 1x18" cabs (Westminster models in the US) or Fender ported 1x15" cabs. Those were Bassman cabs from the early 80s. I also used a Marshall 1580 cab, which was a 1x18 cab. I used at the very least a 15 with an EB bass as 99% of the speakers available back then (outside of insanely priced PA bins) could not handle the EB pup low end. For heads I have used everything. But I mostly used a Fender 135, an acoustic 470, a vintage Marshall 50w for showy gigs, and the most reliable and flexible of them was a Peavey MKIII. Very reliable, very flexible, loud enough unless you are a jazzbo ear splitter. I do not ever reccomend a 50w Fender Bassman. No matter how cool they look they sound weak and crappy. A Showman has a bit more oomph, and is cooler.

Those are vintage things I used regularly with EBs. That being said, I would in a heartbeat dump any of those for a modern small light loud-as-hell rig like SWR or Eden make. A modern 2x12 or 4x10 or 1x15 combo rig can blow the doors off most clubs, and can be lined out into a pa for your outdoor gig. I would never mic a bass amp, esp if a Gibson is going into it. Plus a newer combo or head/cab rig can handle the lower end a lot better, and not KILL you hauling it around. And they can fit in the back of yer typical Vauxhall.

I know that these newer amps do not look cool at all. But there seems to be a cottage industry in re-doing them vintage around this country. Cabs are bought from Bass Northwest I believe - they make vintage Vox and Marshall cabs - and then loaded up with GK guts. Fun.

[chromium]

Originally Posted by jules

TAnyone here play an EB2 with a vintage Orange, Vox or Ampeg set-up?

I do, and FWIW - I've been happy with it.



None of the setup is vintage, though.

The head, an AD200 is circa 2003, the SVT410 is circa 1991, and I use a matching SVT210 (w/sealed enclosure) with it. I'd prefer another 410 in place of the 210 - or an 810 for that matter, but I can't fit those configs into my car.

These are just your typical SVT cabs. I recovered the grilles on 'em. Both of them were beat up pretty bad, but sounded great.

I've played outdoor gigs with this setup (with and without PA support), and it carries well. Plenty of headroom to spare, and when/if the Orange ever starts to reach the breaking point - it clips in the most pleasant, musical way.

With the EB-2D, I run an outboard EQ to notch out the really low bass frequencies - otherwise those 10" speakers look (and sound) like they want to jump out of their baskets. The larger drivers would probably help in this regard, to eb2's point - I just haven't tried any yet.

[MikeC]

I have a 1968 EB-2C and for smaller venues (clubs) I use a solid state Ampeg B-100R (1x15) 100 watt. (They now make a 250 watt model) It has a gain control that really lets you take advantage of the big boomy sound of the Humbucker. Pleanty of power and a full rich round sound. For the larger venues I use an Ampeg SVT-CL with the SVT-410HLF. Sounds really good with the EB-2C, can't beat the tube amp sound, but really sounds great with the EB-3L

[jules]

This is what I used in the end - and it sounded pretty good!
1968 EB2D, Fender Bassman 100 head with Ampeg SVT410HE cab.

Its back breaking setting it all up - but well worth it

Thanks for all your suggestions!

[SKATE RAT]

nice rig jules.i see your wall is the same color as your site.cool.

[SKATE RAT]

the other day i walked into a great vintage guitar shop here in nyc,i bought a used big muff.they let me try it out using an eb-2d w/black flats through a flip top ampeg........that was the best bass tone i have ever heard in my life.that was the first time i have ever played a eb 2,i can't get over how good it sounded.i wan't one.i'm soooooooooo jealous!! do they feed back a lot? i know epi riviolis are known for that.

[eb2]

That was (minus the pedal) a favorite combo for me - EB2, tapes, and an old Ampeg. And a pick!

That feedback rub is crap. Rivolis aren't known for feeding back, and neither are Eb2s. You can MAKE them feedback - God knows I have done that. But the idea that having your amp up and they will just start squealing is nonsense. That is why they stuck the big block of wood inside anyway. They are maybe a tad more able to do it compared to a Fender, but I made them feedback as well. The only basses that I had that would take it upon themselves to start feeding back were my old Gretsch and my Dano short horn. Truth be told the Dano's pup was the shortcoming there. They were both great fun in their own way, and once I got hip to the feed back, I just made sure to keep my hand on the neck to mute it. And the Gretsch had a nifty standby switch anyway.

Gibsons are good. Go buy one!