Man, the search for my next amp/cab continues.
Just to let you know, I currently have an SVT classic with SVT 410HLF. I was never totally happy with the sound because it has never been able to even come close to the sound I use in the studio (which is my preferred sound). With that, I've chosen to let it go in favor of something smaller and easier to lug around.
Anyhow, I finally had some time to stop in to a few music stores and try out some gear. The first thing, and surprisingly, I do not like the sound of anything made by Markbass. I was actually shocked, given that I've heard nothing but good things on this forum and reviews elsewhere. We all know that sound is a matter of taste, so I know that it's me. But after trying out most of what that company offers, nothing worked for me at all. Unfortunately, I wanted to like it because the equipment is so light.
Next, I moved onto some Line 6 stuff. Again, the sound just wasn't right. Everything had a... I don't know what you'd call it, but almost a "cheap" sound. Like something created for mass market. I don't know hard to describe. I think it was just missing character.
Next, I tried a bunch of Acoustic combos and heads. Unfortunately, the tone no matter how I arranged the eq, sounded really muddy to my ear. It's too bad, because in the early days, I liked their stuff.
Next, I tried some newer Ampegs. Some combos, some heads. Again, most of what I heard was a not-so-warm version of the SVT. I was done with that because that's the sound I've been using for a while and I wanted to get away from it.
Next up, Gallien-Krueger. I remember back in the day when these things first came out, I wrote them off quickly because they had that new SS sound and I wasn't used to it. They just weren't for me. But after trying a few heads and combos, I have say, they were much better to my ear than the Markbass and everything else I've tried up until this point. Unfortunately, it didn't really offer the type of meaty sound I was looking for, but was still surprisingly better than everything else I've played.
Next up, SWR. I used to own an SWR combo that I used for smaller venues, and I regret selling because I loved the sound, so I was enjoying what I was trying out. SWR definitely has a signature sound that appeals to me. At this point, GK and SWR was better sounding amps to my ear, but still more options ahead...
Next, Genz Benz. I tried one of the Shuttle series and the Streamliner. Again, wrote them off just as fast as the Markbass. Instant dissatisfaction. I don't know what it is, my age? Who knows? I know a lot of people really love this stuff, but man, I just can't grasp it. Everything, no matter which cab I tried them with, just sounded dead. Almost like the amps were too hot for their own good. I really don't know how to describe it.
Next, there were a few Behringer combos that I tried in one of the stores, and I quickly unplugged and moved on.
Next, TC Electronics. Well, I'm sure anyone who has read to this point knows what I did. Unplugged and moved on. What I had tried seemed to be in the same category as the Markbass and GB to my ears. Sorry TCE lovers!
Ok, here's the most unexpected surprise that I was hoping for. In fact, what I was hoping to love were the Markbass (which now I consider very overrated), but I just couldn't believe my ears when I tried this combo. I plugged the Rickenbacker 4003 (I always bring my own instrument to the store) into the Fender TB-600C and started playing. All I can say is WOW!! Now this was something that instantly grabbed my attention! Nice and warm, deep tones; I could hear the Rick clearly with no over coloring, and it was really loud at low master volume settings. It seemed to have nice natural compression (which was missing from every amp I tried up until this point) and just stuck out like a sore thumb from the rest. Who would have thought that a Fender bass amp would be the best sounding? It's crazy! Anyhow, then I looked at the price tag. I was expecting it to be somewhere around $300 - $500 at the most for such a small combo, but no, this was $1000! At that point, I was thinking, do I really have to pay that much money for a Fender combo!? Anyway, the guy at the store then directed me to a separate head of the same type and had it plugged into a bigger cab: Fender 215 PRO. Again, WOW! What an amazing sound! I was totally blown away by this thing.
At this point I was done testing stuff. I've had the combo on my mind since, but I feel I still need to try more brands. The Fender is great, but it's still a bit heavy for my liking at 100lbs, but doable.
I really don't know what else to try. The Fender sounds better than my SVT, and none of the really ultra light stuff comes even close. But again, it's all subjective and matches my style. Should I go for it? Wait for a used one? Ahhh... the decisions! Well I'll be selling my SVT soon, so I think I'll have a little money to blow. Got to act soon though, new band.
I'm a bit surprised that I haven't seen these amps mentioned on this forum. I did some searching and there's a few threads, but not many. Again, could be my age and/or playing style. Maybe Fender isn't hip to most bass players these days. I don't know.
