Marshall MB450H bass head

Dustin Teel · #1 11-16-2011, 01:03 PM

From Musicians Friend:

"Both channels--Modern and Classic--have separate EQ. The Modern channel features bass, treble, parametric mid and a compressor. The Classic channel with its ECC83 preamp valve includes a Boost switch, and it has a 3-band passive tone network with 3 different voices. Like the high-wattage Marshall combo amps, the MB450 bass head has the option of blending the 2 channels either from the front panel or via a supplied 2-way footswitch."

Sounds great!

I love the idea of two channels with separate EQ and the option to blend. Classic channel tube preamp is a major plus. Based on the reviews, the overdrive can go from subtle growl to roaring distortion. 450w is plenty of power for me. Also love the vintage look.

Thus the question: is anyone using one of these, and if so, do you dig the tone? What kind of music are you playing with it? What do you dislike about it?

Believe it or not, Marshall is actually more popular for guitar gear.

/end sarcasm

But on a serious note, how do these heads fare up? I may have a good deal on one at a music store locally. Just wanted to ask before I drive two hours to give it a test run.

Thanks in advance!

anderbass · #2 11-17-2011, 08:50 AM

Hey Dustin, If you haven't done this already, you'll find a few posts about this amp by entering MB450H into the talkbass search window. Then if you wanted you could PM those guys asking for more specific info.

CopperheadLXXIX · #3 11-17-2011, 09:00 AM

I had the 2x10 combo version of this amp for awhile. The way I would describe the two channels is that the "modern" sounds somewhat SWR-ish (good for when looking for hifi type sound), while the "classic" is well, vintage sounding with a passive tone stack-good for rock tones or maybe even old motown stuff.

The mixing and switching between channels is indeed a cool feature-one way I used to use it was to completely cut the bass from the classic channel, boost the mids and treble, turn up the tube drive, and then compensate on the modern channel by turning up the bass there. That way I achieved a tight, mostly clean bottom end with overdriven/distorted mids and highs.

Anyway, I think it is a worthy amp, especially for the money. It's also worthwhile trying out different tubes in the classic channel pre section. I found a smoother, richer sound by using a JJ 12ax7 gold with the long plate.

bassmachine2112 · #4 11-17-2011, 10:24 AM

Great head for the price and very loud with 2 4 ohm cabs.
Classic channel is great classic rock sound,plenty gain and a Rick and you,ve got it,monstorous with a t-bird,
modern is very hi-fi.
Never got round to playing around with the valve though,could be good though.
Try one out with decent cabs,not the marshall mb ones been some issues with them.
I use old fashioned peavey 2x10,s with it.

CopperheadLXXIX · #5 11-17-2011, 11:20 AM

+1 on the cab. The one weak spot with the combo I had I felt were the stock speakers. They were a little muddy to my ears. Once I ran it to a Hartke Hydrive 1x12, bypassing the combo speakers, the sound improved quite a bit.