Bass Amp Head $500 Limit

[dechristimo]

Really, just what the title says, I'm looking for a good bass head that is affordable for me, one I've been looking at in particular is the Carvin BX500, but I'm open to all suggestions. I play an epiphone thunderbird (not that good I just dont have a lot of money, but hey its not that bad, and when i get the chance ill be getting a q-tuner bridge pick up for it too!)
So any recommendations?

Also I have no real preference over solid state or tube, just as long as it is good, and I'd like a versatile amp, the only genres i wont really be playing are like death metal and pop, I play ska, prog rock, jazz, and fusion type stuff the most.
Thanks for any help!

[LightGroove]

You can buy my Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 from the classifieds 600 watts at 4 ohms..Can cover a variety of genres and only ways about 4 lbs

[gjbassist]

Ampeg PF500.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

You can get a new TC Electronics RH450 for a couple bucks more- with the 15% discount you can get on them most of the time, they're at about $510.

Lots of options if you go used, including Markbass F1s, Carvin heads, Euphonic Audio heads, etc.

[bassplayer8953]

Originally Posted by dechristimo

Really, just what the title says, I'm looking for a good bass head that is affordable for me, one I've been looking at in particular is the Carvin BX500, but I'm open to all suggestions. I play an epiphone thunderbird (not that good I just dont have a lot of money, but hey its not that bad, and when i get the chance ill be getting a q-tuner bridge pick up for it too!)
So any recommendations?

Also I have no real preference over solid state or tube, just as long as it is good, and I'd like a versatile amp, the only genres i wont really be playing are like death metal and pop, I play ska, prog rock, jazz, and fusion type stuff the most.
Thanks for any help!

Carvin's a good choice, for used a BX1200 or BX600 are good choices also.

[rusthoneybass]

Ampeg B2-re doesn't get much love and probably won't but pretty feature packed good wattage and can handle any range of genres with the graphic eq makes it easy to dial up anything. 280 watts at 8 ohms and 450 at 4 ohms I believe.

[Sav'nBass]

Originally Posted by LightGroove

You can buy my Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 from the classifieds 600 watts at 4 ohms..Can cover a variety of genres and only ways about 4 lbs

375W @ 8 ohms... a great amp. Very versatile.. simple to use. You can use it with headphones alone if you have to. I HIGHLY recommend that you consider something used.. and something from here.. You will find some good deals here... I had a 6.0 ... I bought it here.. and sold it to the other bass player at my church after I got a 9.0 also from here.... You might also consider the SL 6.0 as well.. You might like the more tuby sound to it.. I think the Shuttles are great though.. Never heard a SL live..

[hyp.spec]

Used GK 700rb-II

You can usually nail one for ~$300.

THIS is what you need!

[soulman969]

GK 500w right at $500 Gallien-Krueger MB500 500W Ultra Light Bass Amp Head: Shop Bass & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

Ampeg 500w at $400 Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex 500W Bass Amp Head: Shop Bass & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

It's a matter of preference buy I've alwats been happy with Ampeg amps and GK is a real high quality high value line. Carvin makes good stuff as well. I've owned a 400w Carvin head.

[Doll]

Originally Posted by gjbassist

Ampeg PF500.

+1

[Epidrake]

Buy the Genz Benz shuttle 6.0. You will not regret it. I love mine and if you get a second can and run it at 4 ohms and 600 watts you will be able to really rock.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Originally Posted by soulman969

GK 500w right at $500 Gallien-Krueger MB500 500W Ultra Light Bass Amp Head: Shop Bass & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

Ampeg 500w at $400 Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex 500W Bass Amp Head: Shop Bass & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

It's a matter of preference buy I've alwats been happy with Ampeg amps and GK is a real high quality high value line. Carvin makes good stuff as well. I've owned a 400w Carvin head.

Use MF's code mfoct12 and you can get 12% off of either as well. You can usually get a little more off if you call and speak to someone.

[cableguy]

Originally Posted by hyp.spec

Used GK 700rb-II

You can usually nail one for ~$300.

THIS is what you need!

+1

I picked mine up used for $325.00. Not a micro but not a heavy weight either. I think around 18lbs. Bullet proof, great tone, and loud! I've always had good with Carvin too.

[RickenBoogie]

Budget is for the head only? What about spkr cabs? Don't skimp on those.

[jungleheat]

I don't know if it's the best thing ever, but I quite like my old SWR Bass 350. Tube preamp, solid state power section. I think it's 350 at 4 and 400 at 2 or something like that. Solidly built for sure. Mine's an older "pre-Fender" model. You can usually find them on ebay in the $300-400 range. I've found it's really responsive to different basses. My main bass is an old Kramer with a single P and with that it sounds a LOT different (understandably) than the Carvin LB70P that I've been borrowing (Music Man style single/HB, with a bridge piezo as well, all active). Amp is USA made as well (at least the older ones).

For reference I play proggy fusiony stuff mostly, as well as funk, metal, rock, etc... and I think it sounds pretty awesome.

[eff-clef]

RMC Audio has Gallien-Krueger MB500's for $449. if you put in the code(r1011).

[cascadian_grind]

I'd look for a used V-4 or V-4B

[Righteous Thunderer]

I'm a big fan of my Peavey Tour 700. Admittedly I'm not super knowledgeable on amps, but I really dig it.

[Bufalo]

If you want something brand new, get an MB500. If you want something used, there are plenty of good suggestions already made.

[majortoby]

I'd say a pre you like the tone of, and a poweramp. But, that's IMO