Laney RB4 or Ashdown EB180-12?

[leonshelley01]

Hi!

I'm looking to get an inexpensive combo for rehearsals and small gigs. Currently I use a Zoom B2 to DI into the band's PA (which works great), but as and when I move on I may be in a band with no PA, so I'll need an amp.

I've narrowed it down (mostly through price £200-£250) to the Laney RB4 and Ashdown EB180-12. Both would seem to be powerful enough to rehearse (mostly rock) and play small gigs. Has anyone used either of these two amps or can recommend anything else in the same price range?

Cheers

[Rammsteinbrit]

Hey dude, dunno if your still looking for advice...But...

I have a Laney R4, and theyre VERY good for the price, perfect for pub gigs, BUT...sometimes i find when u kick it up a notch it produces a rather nice Farting noise...

BUT saying that, awesome combo, Well worth the money.

Regards,

Darby

[Machines]

I gig my EB180-12 quite regularly. Admittedly I do have a MAG210 hooked up to it, but haven't had to crank it past 4 on the volume so far. It's nice and punchy and I think it sounds great, I generally have the EQ totally flat with the Jazz or with a slight 220Hz + 1.6Khz boost with my Stingray.

I have a little experience with Laney amps (used them at practise and as a borrowed rig). I find them to be a bit muddy sounding, but that could have been just lack of familiarity with the EQ settings.

By the way you can get the EB180-12 cheaper here:

[url="http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~Ashdown-Electric-Blue-12-180--Bass-Amp~ID~3075.asp"]http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~A...Amp~ID~3075.asp[/url] (ignore the old pic it will be the new model).

Here it is in action last week:

[url="http://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0120of6.jpg"][/url]

[Paul Cooke]

I'm very happy with the "nearly new" RB6 I got for a nice price only a month ago from another BC member...
only downside is the weight at 28 Kg. Gets a bit awkward going up and down the stairs to my flat...