Mesa 400+ vs Aguilar DB750

[FunkyBassline]

I am looking to start saving up for a rig and am trying to figure out which head I should get. I've got it narrowed down to these two heads mostly based on opinions because here in Tuscaloosa, AL I don't have access to much more than ampeg/random used gear at a nearby guitar center. I like to play rock/funk/slap/dub stuff. I will try both these heads out myself before I by so spare me the "whatever sounds best to you" response, I'm looking for opinions from people who have owned either or both of these heads. Thanks for any input.

Also let me know whatever cabs you think would sound best paired with either of these cabs. I'm thinking Bergantino HS410 but am not dead set.

[Queg]

I asked this same exact question before on these forums.. you may find additional info with a search.

They each sound distinctively different to my ears.

The Mesa has a more clear, quick sound, kinda hi-fi and mid scooped when set flat. But the eq section provides a good variety of tonal possibilities.. so it's not a "one trick pony", and dialing in gain/master adds a pleasing grind. I'd say its a bit more versatile then the DB750.

I own a DB750, and it has pretty much one sound, which is really middy, fat and warm. The eq knobs don't do much for me, seeming to offer similar flavors of the same sound. But that signature low-middy tone does really thump its place into the mix (rather then "cutting" through like the 400+). A tube roll tightens the whumpiness up a bit. In general it has more of a stereotypical tube-like sound then the 400+. I don't know if I'd recommend it for a funk/slap sound, but that big fat-ass tone is great with rock. It doesn't distort or "grind" well on its own (tweaking gain/master adds more warmth and sustain, but pushing it to breakup doesn't sound all that). Fortunately it does play well with an external O/D pedal.

Weight is about the same, but the DB750 is easier to lug around, being 3space (I can carry mine with one hand in a softbag), and it's far less fragile.

[Calaverasgrande]

Mesa is great for rock. Not sure about slap/funk.

[gregbackstrom]

Originally Posted by Queg

I asked this same exact question before on these forums.. you may find additional info with a search.

They each sound distinctively different to my ears.

The Mesa has a more clear, quick sound, kinda hi-fi and mid scooped when set flat. But the eq section provides a good variety of tonal possibilities.. so it's not a "one trick pony", and dialing in gain/master adds a pleasing grind. I'd say its a bit more versatile then the DB750.

I own a DB750, and it has pretty much one sound, which is really middy, fat and warm. The eq knobs don't do much for me, seeming to offer similar flavors of the same sound. But that signature low-middy tone does really thump its place into the mix (rather then "cutting" through like the 400+). A tube roll tightens the whumpiness up a bit. In general it has more of a stereotypical tube-like sound then the 400+. I don't know if I'd recommend it for a funk/slap sound, but that big fat-ass tone is great with rock. It doesn't distort or "grind" well on its own (tweaking gain/master adds more warmth and sustain, but pushing it to breakup doesn't sound all that). Fortunately it does play well with an external O/D pedal.

Weight is about the same, but the DB750 is easier to lug around, being 3space (I can carry mine with one hand in a softbag), and it's far less fragile.

I had a 400+ for years and I have a DB750 now. I agree that there are lots of tonal variations available with the Mesa. My favorite way to set that amp up was to start with the volume and channel gain at about noon, then add midrange until the amp was loud enough. Finally, I would add bass and treble until the amp had the sound I was looking for.

You can get a lot of tonal variation out of the DB750 too, but you have to be willing to adjust the tone controls -- particularly the bass control. As a matter of fact, by turning the bass down pretty low and boosting the midrange and treble controls, I've been able to get a pretty convincing Genz Benz sound. The bass control can be "pillowly" if it's up too high. How high that is depends on your taste and the venue. And the more bass you use, the slower and rounder your sound is.

Both of these amps are fabulous, and both can be big and round, or lean and fast. It would be hard to go wrong with either one!

- Greg

[Andy Will]

Or go for a DB751 then you get more tonal options from the Aguilar!