Aguilar

BearCave · #1 01-29-2013, 10:32 AM

So, I've been toying with the idea of getting rid of some of my Ampeg gear and going with a simple Aguilar rig.

What I currently have is an Ampeg SVT-3Pro head with an SVT410HLF cab and an SVT-CL head with an SVT810E cab.

What I'm looking at getting to possibly replace both Ampeg rigs is the Aguilar DB-751 head with a GS 410 cab.

Any insight or opinions on Aguilar gear would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

Eric

Ewo · #2 01-29-2013, 10:35 AM

You might want to check out the Tonehammer 500 thread here. Lots of people are happy with that micro head--including me.

**CL400Peavey** · #3 01-29-2013, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ewo

You might want to check out the Tonehammer 500 thread here. Lots of people are happy with that micro head--including me.

+1

A very nice amp!

I am really digging my Tonehammer pedal driving a power amp and a fEARful cab. Beastly tone!

RDUB · #4 01-29-2013, 11:50 AM

Replacing those two Ampegs, I'd go for the 751 absolutely. With a 410 it will punch through the mix, too. My 750 is a beast! Gobs and gobs of effortless power. Not so for the TH, and although it's a pretty damn good little amp, we're talking apples and oranges here.

**Freddels** · #5 01-29-2013, 11:53 AM

I'd also lean toward the DB cabs vs. the GS cabs.

BearCave · #6 01-29-2013, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDUB

Replacing those two Ampegs, I'd go for the 751 absolutely. With a 410 it will punch through the mix, too. My 750 is a beast! Gobs and gobs of effortless power. Not so for the TH, and although it's a pretty damn good little amp, we're talking apples and oranges here.

That's what I was thinking too. The SVT-CL is a beast as is the SVT-3PRO, and I'm thinking about replacing both of those amps with just one high powered amp that I can use for most applications.

I always have used my SVT-3PRO/SVT410HLF rig in medium sized venues and clubs and would use the SVT-CL/SVT810E rig for large venues and outdoor gigs.

I'm looking to just get one rig I can use in all of the aforementioned applications.

What is the difference between the DB cabs and GS cabs?

Limeman · #7 01-29-2013, 01:07 PM

The GS are Aguilar's original cab design. Great lows/highs with a somewhat scooped mid. The DBs are more aggressive or forward sounding in the mids than the GS. To my ears, they sound quite a bit different. I'd audition both (especially if you can do so at rehearsal or a gig) before you make up your mind. Both are great cabs, although I lean towards the GS series for my tastes.

rodl2005 · #8 01-29-2013, 02:10 PM

If I was in the OP's situation, I'd be checking out a TH500 to compare to a DB750 at least

With a similar tonal ballpark & that much $$ difference .........

BearCave · #9 01-29-2013, 02:51 PM

I've been looking at the specs for the TH500 and it's really not the way I was thinking of going. I already own a GK MB212 combo which is rated at the same power, 500W @ 4ohms and is a great sounding, nice, light weight combo amp.

I'm looking for a head that would eventually take the place of my SVT-CL (the SVT-3PRO would be a victim of some housecleaning), and I don't think the TH500 could come even close to replacing it in terms of overall output.

Thanks for your insights and inputs! Keep 'em coming! It's much appreciated!

spector_boogie · #10 01-29-2013, 03:39 PM

The DB750 is my white whale. I will own one some day. And that will be a great day.

KJung · #11 01-29-2013, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BearCave

I've been looking at the specs for the TH500 and it's really not the way I was thinking of going. I already own a GK MB212 combo which is rated at the same power, 500W @ 4ohms and is a great sounding, nice, light weight combo amp.

I'm looking for a head that would eventually take the place of my SVT-CL (the SVT-3PRO would be a victim of some housecleaning), and I don't think the TH500 could come even close to replacing it in terms of overall output.

Thanks for your insights and inputs! Keep 'em coming! It's much appreciated!

I wouldn't use that 'entry level' GK combo as a yardstick for how the TH500 performs.

However, I agree that if you push the SVT hard into the grind, etc., not a lot of amps can keep up with it. If you run it relatively clean, you might be surprised. The TH500 is a LOUD execution of a 500 watt amp IMO and IME.

If you drive that SVT to power tube break-up, nothing is really going to replace that other than another all tube amp. However, if you run it clean, you might LOVE the DB751, and might like the TH500 quite a bit.

Also, the DB aguilar cabs would probably make you feel a bit more at home than the more modern, somewhat scooped GS cabs, especially with the DB751. You might also consider the Bergantino HD410... magnificent cab that is kind of like a 'better sounding DB410'. Same tone universe (tight and warm), but more even, and I believe a touch smaller and lighter.

BearCave · #12 01-29-2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

I wouldn't use that 'entry level' GK combo as a yardstick for how the TH500 performs.

However, I agree that if you push the SVT hard into the grind, etc., not a lot of amps can keep up with it. If you run it relatively clean, you might be surprised. The TH500 is a LOUD execution of a 500 watt amp IMO and IME.

If you drive that SVT to power tube break-up, nothing is really going to replace that other than another all tube amp. However, if you run it clean, you might LOVE the DB751, and might like the TH500 quite a bit.

Also, the DB aguilar cabs would probably make you feel a bit more at home than the more modern, somewhat scooped GS cabs, especially with the DB751. You might also consider the Bergantino HD410... magnificent cab that is kind of like a 'better sounding DB410'. Same tone universe (tight and warm), but more even, and I believe a touch smaller and lighter.

Thanks for the insight and info KJung. Definitely some things to think about!

I got the GK MB212 combo for small coffeehouse type gigs and rehearsals, and it's been a good amp IMHO even if some regard it as "entry level".

Fuzz Aldrin · #13 01-29-2013, 05:44 PM

I agree with KJung that you might want to check out the DB cabs. I think they are a little closer to what you have been playing through than the GS. The GS are great cabs though if you are looking for a bit of a more modern sound. Play through them both if you can. If you can't, then call Aquilar and tell what you are looking for and they will definitely steer you straight. They have amazing customer service.

KJung · #14 01-30-2013, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BearCave

Thanks for the insight and info KJung. Definitely some things to think about!

I got the GK MB212 combo for small coffeehouse type gigs and rehearsals, and it's been a good amp IMHO even if some regard it as "entry level".

Didn't mean to dog that GK combo. For your uses, it is a good unit. Just pointing out that a TH500 through a Berg HD410 or a 4ohm version of the DB410 would be an ENTIRELY different experience

tappingtrance · #15 01-30-2013, 05:49 AM

FYI I just played a benefit where I supplied the rig, DB 750 and 2 GS 112s. From pop to funk to rock to blues every bass player seemed to feel comfortable and several commented positively on the rig. Standing in the audience I was quite smitten the rig sounded so nice, warm and loud!

gkbass13 · #16 01-30-2013, 06:25 AM

If you're into 10's and versatility, I would get a used DB750 for the big gig stuff and the amazing feel of that amp(my personal favorite that I've EVER played through) along with a TH 500 for smaller stuff and a couple DB 2x10 cabs for versatility. Would be a sick setup. I'm currently doing a similar thing with an Aggie DB750 and TH 350 paired with either a Bergantino 1x12 or HT322(1x12+2x10) and am very happy.

BearCave · #17 01-30-2013, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

Didn't mean to dog that GK combo. For your uses, it is a good unit. Just pointing out that a TH500 through a Berg HD410 or a 4ohm version of the DB410 would be an ENTIRELY different experience

No worries, man! :-)

Thanks again for your input and insight!

BearCave · #18 01-30-2013, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkbass13

If you're into 10's and versatility, I would get a used DB750 for the big gig stuff and the amazing feel of that amp(my personal favorite that I've EVER played through) along with a TH 500 for smaller stuff and a couple DB 2x10 cabs for versatility. Would be a sick setup. I'm currently doing a similar thing with an Aggie DB750 and TH 350 paired with either a Bergantino 1x12 or HT322(1x12+2x10) and am very happy.

Definitely something to think about.

Thanks again everyone, for your opinions and insight!

DrumsAndBass · #19 01-30-2013, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tappingtrance

FYI I just played a benefit where I supplied the rig, DB 750 and 2 GS 112s. From pop to funk to rock to blues every bass player seemed to feel comfortable and several commented positively on the rig. Standing in the audience I was quite smitten the rig sounded so nice, warm and loud!

To the OP,

Using several Aguilar 1x12's might also be a useful option - GS or DB. The DB 751 will easily power 3 of Aguilar's 1x12 cabs. You see, a 4x10 cab is or can be an awkward sized cab to move around versus smaller cabs - whether they are 2x10 or 1x12. For my part, I gigged with a pair of GS 210's stacked vertically under an AG 500sc.