Looking for a new bass head $500 max

syrnix · #1 11-08-2011, 06:19 PM

Looking to get a new bass head between $300 and $500. I currently have a Line 6 lowdown 400 and an Ampeg 4-10 cab and 1-15 cab. I think the Line 6 has halfway decent sound clean but if you turn the drive up it sound very fizzy. I have two Ibanez basses both with active pickups Emg's.

I play in a 80's cover band GNR, Scorpions, old Kiss, Van Halen and stuff like that, but I also want to play some heavier metal and want to get some decent overdrive from the amp. Am not a huge fan of pedals would rather amp get me a decent overdrive metal sound.

I need the amp to be rack mount and have FX loop. I want it to have a warm sound if possible in that price range plus be able to sound good clean and with some gain.

I am looking at maybe getting ne of the following amps. I will be playing thru an Ampeg 4-10 and 1-15 250 watt cabs running at 8 ohms

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass...-amplifier-head

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass...w-bass-amp-head

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass...480314000000000

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass...200hd-bass-head

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass...t-bass-amp-head

Looking for some recommendations

Thanks

**DougD** · #2 11-08-2011, 06:31 PM

Get yourself a Mark Bass LMIII new they are 599 or so but you can find them used in your price range. It's a great head that works well with lots of cabs.

Windreaper · #3 11-08-2011, 06:32 PM

I'm thinking GK Backline 600 in that price bracket.

dog1 · #4 11-08-2011, 07:42 PM

I dunno. I have never heard a Genz Benz amp that I didn't like. IMO, look for a used Neopak (2 ohm stable) or one of their other light heads. Opinions will differ because there are so many quality amps to choose from. Even in you price range. Have you considered a Carvin? Inexpensive, with a lot of bang for the buck. Just a thought

LowEndMan2112 · #5 11-08-2011, 07:49 PM

Used is your best bet!

+1 on Genz Benz and Carvin

Used BX500s can be had for $300ish and the BX1500 for around $450, and last I knew there were hanging around on the classifieds now. Genz Benz stuff usually isn't too hard to find here either, if you'd be willing to stretch your budget a bit you could score yourself a Streamliner, IMO the most tubey micro.

syrnix · #6 11-09-2011, 06:34 AM

I was looking at guitar center and they have the following Carvin Bass heads used. Anyone know anything about these modles.

BX600
BX1200
B1000

MyMusic · #7 11-09-2011, 07:33 AM

Carvin BX500 $398 shipped. Enough eq to generate almost any tone you want.

tdub0199 · #8 11-09-2011, 07:39 AM

I found a used GK 700RB II for $300.00 the other day on ebay....

jeff7bass · #9 11-09-2011, 10:29 AM

I think people should say whether or not they will settle for used equipment in topics like this. I never buy used myself, the market is so competitive that prices for new stuff are low, plus you get the full warranty.
For less than 500 bucks brand new you can get a Carvin BX500 or an Ampeg PF-500 head. Both are 500w and both perform VERY well.
GC sold me a 3 year warranty for my Ampeg PF-350 for a few extra bucks. Well worth it.
Other alternatives are the new Ibanez and Kustom micros. Reviews are good on these also. Go to musiciansfriend.com and filter bass heads in your price range. It’s a great site, even if you don’t order from them. If you find a head you want and a great price, print it and tell GC to meet or beat the price and toss in an extended warranty. They will negotiate.

Alex1984 · #10 11-09-2011, 10:48 AM

I'd buy used. You can get a nice old GK 800RB, or the new MB and Fusion stuff, or a new Ampeg PF, Genz Benz too of course. I might personally save up another couple of hundreds and go straight for an SVT 7 Pro or a WalkAbout.

sad_katz · #11 11-09-2011, 10:51 AM

Since you already have the Ampeg cabs, why not try the Ampeg PF-500. 500Watts, Ampeg tone (good if you like, bad if otherwise), 11lbs, $399 new. Good fit for '80s rock, imo.

basscooker · #12 11-09-2011, 12:33 PM

im a fan of my gb shuttle, so i rec. that. however i'd like to point out that the gk 800 rb is the amp that duff used on appetite, and alot of that era's most popular stuff was recorded with those.

Marton · #13 11-09-2011, 12:37 PM

Used Gallien Krueger.

Slackerprince · #14 11-09-2011, 12:43 PM

I'm a big believer in "new" with "warranty."
PF-500 might work for you. Very reasonably priced new.

S

syrnix · #15 11-09-2011, 08:29 PM

I stopped into Guitar Center today and tried a couple amps out the Ampeg PF-500 and the Mark Bass LMIII. I thought the Mark Bass sounded much better. When I turned up the Gain on the Mark Bass it sounded more like distortion than fuzz like the Ampeg. With the holidays coming up the guy at GC said i could easily get the Mark Bass for under $500 out the Door. I still want to Give GK a try but I think the Mark Bass LMIII will be my choice.

rodl2005 · #16 11-09-2011, 08:56 PM

You won't go far wrong with Mark Bass LMIII, but I didn't know they did overdrive at all(in a good way).
I honestly thought Ampeg's pf500 would suit more.
I've got a 7 PRO & IT will do a nice drive, my old LMII wouldn't... hmmmm?

syrnix · #17 11-10-2011, 08:49 AM

The Mark bass I tried at guitar center the LMIII had a good over drive when you turned up the gain sounded more like distortion. while the ampeg sounded more fuzzy sounding when you turned up the gain.

jeff7bass · #18 11-10-2011, 08:53 AM

It’s a great amp, especially for 500 bucks or less.

Ask about extended or even replacement warranties. Repairs can be costly. Mine was 40 bucks but he gave me a set of 20 dollar strings for nothing, so it was 20 bucks (3 years).