Aguilar Tone Hammer 350

[blindrabbit]

Hey scotch, no apologies needed, and definitely not TMI! I'm an extreme rambler and debater at heart, but I try (with limited success) to control it on here, so I can appreciate others who also write a lot!

I agree with your comment about overdrives being transparent, but this is probably part of my struggle here. In the past, I used to use overdrive/fuzz pedals to help me *get* the tone that I was looking for, or to correct deficiencies (as I saw them) in my amp. Now, I have that outstanding tone, but I still want moments of extra punch or extra fuzz...except in this case I *don't* want the pedals to change the basic underlying tone at all (or as little as possible), if that makes sense. In an ideal world, the TH amps would have two channels, and I'd set one relatively cleaner and the other relatively dirtier - that would probably solve the problem!

I guess with the pedals that I had, I found that they were moving that basic tone too far from what I wanted, thus my search for "transparency", such as it is. It could be that I just have to reset my ears in terms of what I'm looking for and what the TH amp sounds like when driven.

All that said, I've heard two recommendations for the BB so far (a pedal I wouldn't have ever considered trying before), and I've always liked the tone of the Multidrive and its split up chunks, so maybe I'll look to those. I've also had a couple of suggestions for the Agro, which also makes some sense since it is (or should be) within the same tonal family. Never would have thought to try ZVex stuff before, but I have liked clips of the Valvedrive and I also enjoyed my OCD when I had it so maybe I'd like the Bass-Drive too.

This is all really helpful! I had you to partially blame before for my choice of a TH350 over the TH500, so maybe I'll also be able to attribute the dirt pedal choice your way too!

Thanks again!

Originally Posted by scotch

apologies, long answer!

First off, in my opinion, I'd say that "transparent overdrive" is an oxymoron! Overdrive is inherently a colored, clipped signal! That said, when people say "transparent" in terms of od to me - I usually direct them towards something that has a blend control for mixing in some clean tone. That usually makes them happy! Aslo, steering away from fuzzy, spitty or high-gain effects.

Secondly, in my experience there are amps that respond well to od/distortion/fuzz pedals and some that just don't. For example, SWR & Eden amps just don't appeal to me with dirt pedals - whereas Aguilar, Mesa and most (but not all) Ampeg amps do! I think this has more to do with the preamp stages and purpose of the amp design. That said, I've thrown the following at my TH350 all with great results!

Empress Multidrive
Fulltone Bass-Drive Mosfet
EBS Valve Drive
Xotic Bass BB Preamp
Z-Vex Mastotron
Z-Vex Box o' Rock

I think the Tone Hammer amps will play nice with almost any dirt pedal. If "transparent" is your thing (I interpret as "natural" or "controlled") find something with a blend control, real tube clipping or invest in a blending pedal (I swear by the Xotic X-Blender!). The Aguilar has a nice, forgiving front-end so there are dozens of great choices!

Some of my favorite 'moderate' overdrives that work well in a variety of ensembles/genres are the Empress Multidrive, Fulltone Bass-Drive Mosfet through an X-Blender (Mosfet with FM setting + Blender are crucial!) and Xotic Bass BB.

Hope that helps & isn't 'tmi'!

[gkbass13]

Just ordered a TH350 to provide a light and easy alternative to my DB750. It is replacing a Genz shuttle, as I am really loving the way Aguilar heads compliment my playing and other gear. Can't wait for it to get here!

[blindrabbit]

Originally Posted by gkbass13

Just ordered a TH350 to provide a light and easy alternative to my DB750. It is replacing a Genz shuttle, as I am really loving the way Aguilar heads compliment my playing and other gear. Can't wait for it to get here!

My TH350 replaced a Shuttle 6.0, and I couldn't possibly be any happier with it than I am. It is an outstanding amp, I'm sure you will enjoy it!

[ric426]

Ok, ok, you guys convinced me. I just ordered a TH350 too.
I'm just getting back into playing after a few years away and was planning on getting another used Walkabout head, but this thread and a bunch of research changed my plans. Plus, with a coupon and some price matching I was able to get a brand spankin' new TH350 for $75 less than the cheapest used Walkabout I could find.
I'll be using it through a GB Neox 112T and from what I've read, it sounds like a good combination. I'll know next week.

[Stompin Tom]

After using this head for several months in several different band and performance situations (and with many different cabs), I don't think it has enough juice at 8 ohms. Granted, all the bands I play with are loud-ish, so there's that. But I just keep running out of headroom and my lows/highs keep getting smooshed whenever I have to used a 8 ohm cab. At 4 ohms, this thing is just great. Never a problem.

Just a FYI for those thinking about getting this head...

[qwench]

Yeah...I have been using the Tonehammer 350 head for a few months now as well...and the single TC Electronics 8ohm 2X10 cab is causing me to push the lil' Tonehammer pretty hard...looking to move back to a 2 X 12" 8ohm (so 4ohm paired) cabinet configuration...but all in all, I am AMAZED at the volume and tone this lil' fella provides and I have to giggle everytime I slide it in the front pocket of my Mono gig bag...WOW...to think THAT lil' amp is doing it's job for me is awesome...looking into the Aguilar SL112's x 2 or a couple of DB112NT's...either way...the Tonehammer 350 is a keeper for sure!!!

[ric426]

My TH350 came today and so far I'm very pleased with my purchase. I don't expect that will change.

Edit: I do wish the fan was quieter. It even came on at bedroom volume with an 8 ohm load, but I didn't notice it until I stopped playing, so it's not really a big deal.

[gkbass13]

My th 350 just shipped from guitar center after being back ordered for over a week. Pretty excited for its arrival!

[gkbass13]

The TH350 arrived this afternoon and I'm thinking it is a perfect fit for what I was looking for.
I already have a DB750 for the bigger gigs, which is why I went for the 350 over the TH500. I also dig the size difference. The 350 is a perfect fit for my igig bag!
I'm using bergantino cabs(an ht1x12 ER and an ht 322) so with the two aggie heads I now have plenty of versatility with just those two cabs.
I also like that the TH is different enough tone wise from the DB750 so as to not be redundant. Very happy with the purchase and my pair of Aguilar heads. I think the pair extremely well with bergantino cabs for a variety of playing styles. I use a Fodera emperor 5 as my main bass, with a 75 reissue jazz and a pimped out squire 60's p bass as backups or options when a more traditional vibe is needed.
The Aguilar/Bergantino combo is flexible enough to cop a great old school tone with the j or p, and sounds amazing no matter how I have the Fodera set.

In short, I love this little amp!

Grady

[KJung]

Originally Posted by gkbass13

The TH350 arrived this afternoon and I'm thinking it is a perfect fit for what I was looking for.
I already have a DB750 for the bigger gigs, which is why I went for the 350 over the TH500. I also dig the size difference. The 350 is a perfect fit for my igig bag!
I'm using bergantino cabs(an ht1x12 ER and an ht 322) so with the two aggie heads I now have plenty of versatility with just those two cabs.
I also like that the TH is different enough tone wise from the DB750 so as to not be redundant. Very happy with the purchase and my pair of Aguilar heads. I think the pair extremely well with bergantino cabs for a variety of playing styles. I use a Fodera emperor 5 as my main bass, with a 75 reissue jazz and a pimped out squire 60's p bass as backups or options when a more traditional vibe is needed.
The Aguilar/Bergantino combo is flexible enough to cop a great old school tone with the j or p, and sounds amazing no matter how I have the Fodera set.

In short, I love this little amp!

Grady

I have the TH500 and love it. It is very small and stupid light, and just cranks. However, for some reason, I want a TH350 also. Strange, and no logical reason that I need one, but it is just so cool looking, and so STUPID small. I don't need it, it would be totally redundant with my more powerful and small and light TH500, but I want one.

I consider myself a reasonably logical, responsible person, so am fighting the cognitive dissonance at the moment. Very cool little head, and if it is as relatively powerful as the TH500, it should keep up with a number of the 500 watt rated micros out there.

[gkbass13]

Originally Posted by KJung

I have the TH500 and love it. It is very small and stupid light, and just cranks. However, for some reason, I want a TH350 also. Strange, and no logical reason that I need one, but it is just so cool looking, and so STUPID small. I don't need it, it would be totally redundant with my more powerful and small and light TH500, but I want one.

I consider myself a reasonably logical, responsible person, so am fighting the congnitive dissonance at the moment. Very cool little head, and if it is as relatively powerful as the TH500, it should keep up with a number of the 500 watt rated micros out there.

This amp is insanely small! I love the form factor, and with a super 12 or light 2x10, it makes for a great small gig/rehearsal amp, that satisfies the "one trip in, one trip out" deal that so many of us covet.

Something I noticed instantly with the TH350/Berg HT1x12ER combo(have yet to try it at 4ohms through the HT 322) was how strikingly "loud" it could get. That is not to say that this combo could handle a gig on its own necessarily, but testing it out at home I was impressed. The Berg cabs are brilliantly efficient boxes. I say all of this with a touch of hesitation of course, as my needs from this head aren't what a lot of people might be looking for in a micro amp. I wanted a low volume solution fit for coffee house type volumes, and this does that amazingly. I have yet to find out whether it can keep up with a drummer at 8ohms though. Im sure it won't have a problem at 4ohms with my Berg HT322 though.
A few musician friends happened to be hanging out at my place when UPS arrived yesterday, and they all gave a surprised nod of a approval when they asked em to crank it. So it certainly has that class D/micro amp surprise factor going for it, but for the situations where I know some volume and authority will be necessary, I have no issue with lugging the DB750 and keeping the TH in my gig bag pocket in case of emergencies.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by gkbass13

This amp is insanely small! I love the form factor, and with a super 12 or light 2x10, it makes for a great small gig/rehearsal amp, that satisfies the "one trip in, one trip out" deal that so many of us covet.

Something I noticed instantly with the TH350/Berg HT1x12ER combo(have yet to try it at 4ohms through the HT 322) was how strikingly "loud" it could get. That is not to say that this combo could handle a gig on its own necessarily, but testing it out at home I was impressed. The Berg cabs are brilliantly efficient boxes. I say all of this with a touch of hesitation of course, as my needs from this head aren't what a lot of people might be looking for in a micro amp. I wanted a low volume solution fit for coffee house type volumes, and this does that amazingly. I have yet to find out whether it can keep up with a drummer at 8ohms though. Im sure it won't have a problem at 4ohms with my Berg HT322 though.
A few musician friends happened to be hanging out at my place when UPS arrived yesterday, and they all gave a surprised nod of a approval when they asked em to crank it. So it certainly has that class D/micro amp surprise factor going for it, but for the situations where I know some volume and authority will be necessary, I have no issue with lugging the DB750 and keeping the TH in my gig bag pocket in case of emergencies.

You should hear the TH500 crank into a 4ohm 212. Pretty amazing, open low end versus many other amps, and I think it is 4 pounds. I might just get a TH350 to keep in the car as a backup all the time. That tiny little form factor is very cool, and yes, these amps are LOUD.

FYI, the Aguilar bags that are made for the TH500 and the TH350 are the best designed, best quality bags I've experienced from an amp manufacturer. I would typically have a Mooradian custom bag made for my small amp gigging heads, but the Aguilar bag is top notch. Heavy duty zippers and material, LOTS of protective padding, nice large cable pocket. Highly recommended!

[scotch]

Oh, it will hang with any mortal drummer at 8ohms into an adequate cab. I've done a bunch of shows with my th350 into an 8ohm 1x15 with plenty of volume. Context was a sort of 'power trio' - guitarist using 2 Vox AC15's in stereo.

[gkbass13]

Originally Posted by scotch

Oh, it will hang with any mortal drummer at 8ohms into an adequate cab. I've done a bunch of shows with my th350 into an 8ohm 1x15 with plenty of volume. Context was a sort of 'power trio' - guitarist using 2 Vox AC15's in stereo.

Good to know. I didn't really have a doubt about the amp's capability, but wasn't able to speak from experience yet. I'm really into the stuff that Aguilar is doing for bass amplification right now!

[gkbass13]

Originally Posted by KJung

You should hear the TH500 crank into a 4ohm 212. Pretty amazing, open low end versus many other amps, and I think it is 4 pounds. I might just get a TH350 to keep in the car as a backup all the time. That tiny little form factor is very cool, and yes, these amps are LOUD.

FYI, the Aguilar bags that are made for the TH500 and the TH350 are the best designed, best quality bags I've experienced from an amp manufacturer. I would typically have a Mooradian custom bag made for my small amp gigging heads, but the Aguilar bag is top notch. Heavy duty zippers and material, LOTS of protective padding, nice large cable pocket. Highly recommended!

I need to swing by the Aguilar shop the next time I'm in the city(within the next 3 weeks most likely). A classic black head case for my DB750 is a necessity, but I don't have a ton of use for micro amp carrying bags anymore. The TH350 fits in my igig bag with plenty of room to spare.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by scotch

Oh, it will hang with any mortal drummer at 8ohms into an adequate cab. I've done a bunch of shows with my th350 into an 8ohm 1x15 with plenty of volume. Context was a sort of 'power trio' - guitarist using 2 Vox AC15's in stereo.

I did not realize you toured with Sixpence. I always very much enjoy that group. Great writing, playing, beautiful sounding production, and I love her voice! Cool!

[scotch]

Originally Posted by KJung

I did not realize you toured with Sixpence. I always very much enjoy that group. Great writing, playing, beautiful sounding production, and I love her voice! Cool!

Oh, Thanks Kjung! I've been touring & recording with them for over 15 years now...

Im playing Brooklyn in a few days & am planning on visiting the fine folks over at Aguilar! Great products, great after sale service & making units one-at-a-time in NYC!!! Plus, their stuff isn't insanely priced to boot. I'm not an endorser or anything, but I can't say enough good things about their amps, pedals and pre's. Hoping to try out some cabs while I'm there- I'm in the market for a microlight cab for around-Nashville gigs and rehearsals. (Lets see if Aguilar can talk me out of the Baer 1x12's!) ;-)

Do you folks have any thoughts on the AG112 vs the SL112 ? Dont need Spinal Tap volume, but want full low end that can take what my Octamizer pedal throws at it!

[gkbass13]

Family photo.

[pauliebass]

Hey Scotch, run over to Corner music, they have SL's and DB's sitting there with a 350. Was just in there today.

[scotch]

Originally Posted by pauliebass

Hey Scotch, run over to Corner music, they have SL's and DB's sitting there with a 350. Was just in there today.

When I get back from tour, will do! Unless I make it over to Aguilar & get my hands on them there.