Mesa Bass 400+ or M9?

[Strat-Mangler]

Looking to replicate some vintage tones, especially McCartney's sublime tone on the rooftop tunes on the "Let It Be... Naked" release. I might delve into more modern-sounding tones later as well, but a vintage vibe is definitely what I'm primarily looking for, first & foremost.

Which one of the 2 amps would be better suited for this task? McCartney himself uses the Bass 400+, but seeing all these threads about the new M9 being allegedly fantastic is making me reconsider.

Which one would you choose and why?

Thanks a bunch!

[scowboy]

I've tried and briefly owned the M6 and vintage is word that I would not use. The 400+ is probably a safer bet plus I believe that is what Maca is using today.

From out of semi-left field might I suggest you try the TC Electronic RH450? That is the rig I am currently using it it does vintage EXTREMELY well. Plus can cop other tones of a more modern flair.

I am going through a phase that I want tube everything but every time I get close to buying a tube bass amp (which has been several times in recent months) I get swayed away by my RH450 and decide that it's right there in what I need and WAY lighter (sub 9lbs). Another plus is you don't have to drive it to ear drum splitting levels to get that tone.

Originally Posted by Strat-Mangler

Looking to replicate some vintage tones, especially McCartney's sublime tone on the rooftop tunes on the "Let It Be... Naked" release. I might delve into more modern-sounding tones later as well, but a vintage vibe is definitely what I'm primarily looking for, first & foremost.

Which one of the 2 amps would be better suited for this task? McCartney himself uses the Bass 400+, but seeing all these threads about the new M9 being allegedly fantastic is making me reconsider.

Which one would you choose and why?

Thanks a bunch!

[rpsands]

The M6/M9 sound nothing like the 400+, and are much more aggressively voiced.

[Nightlyraider]

If you want your amp to sound like a 400 or a 400+, I'd get a 400 or a 400+.

Doesn't make much sense to go the round-about path when the real deal is still readily available.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Strat-Mangler

Looking to replicate some vintage tones, especially McCartney's sublime tone on the rooftop tunes on the "Let It Be... Naked" release. I might delve into more modern-sounding tones later as well, but a vintage vibe is definitely what I'm primarily looking for, first & foremost.

Which one of the 2 amps would be better suited for this task? McCartney himself uses the Bass 400+, but seeing all these threads about the new M9 being allegedly fantastic is making me reconsider.

Which one would you choose and why?

Thanks a bunch!

+1 M9 is not the way to go... bright, modern, quick.

I'd actually consider a Thunderfunk 750a. I know McCartney uses a 400 live, but for most, that round, fat, warm but clean tone brings to mind the TF more than the 400+, which can get a bit too grindy and ganky when pushed to higher volumes. You will save yourself a heavy shock mount rack case and a couple of rack spaces also!

If you really want to go smaller, the TC RH450 will get you there also IMO.

[Strat-Mangler]

Since I won't be using it for gigs (for now), weight doesn't really matter to me. Nor does volume. I don't expect to be pushing hundreds of watts in my basement to jam over some tracks playing on the stereo.

I just moved from Montreal to Toronto and therefore don't even have a band, yet. It'll be something I'll look into but frankly, I'm primarily a guitar player so I *might* be a bassist in another band if I feel like experimenting with this new (to me) position (i.e. bassist).

KJung, you described the tone I'm looking for perfectly ; round, fant, warm but clean tone. I'd also add fully blossomed & lush.

If I do end up gigging, I might then make the decision to get a 2nd head since the 400+ is extremely heavy from what I've read.

So it looks like the M9 is definitely not what I want. Although it's powerful, it's voiced entirely differently and not aiming to sound vintage but rather more modern. That definitely does help narrow things down a bit.

I'll check and see if anybody around Toronto carries the ThunderFunk 750A or TC RH450. Unless they impress me greatly, I'll probably stick to the safer/tested 400+ but it's never a waste of time to test-drive gear.

[Bass Junkie]

I've owned the M9, 400+, the TFB750a, and the RH450. They are all totally different animals. The 400+ I would own again, the M9, TFB750a and RH450 I would not. For what you want get the 400+! If you consider a Thunderfunk at all look for an original Gibson GB440. Much better vintage tone than any of the Thunderfunks.

[Captain Marvel]

If you just want to play along to some Beatles/McCartney songs on your own then get the 400+ as you'll get the tones you want and will have the added satisfaction of saying to yourself 'I've got the same one he's got'.
I must add though that I think thats a rather large sum of money to spend just to play along at low volume. Not that I know your financial circumstances but for that purpose you could spend alot less money and have just as much fun!

[Caca de Kick]

I have been using the exact same amp and cabinet combo (Bass400/215/1516) as Macca for years, but I don't sound remotely like him. I wouldn't use the word 'vintage' with this amp either...far from it actually, so it's more his bass and playing style than the amp will achieve.

[Strat-Mangler]

Originally Posted by Captain Marvel

If you just want to play along to some Beatles/McCartney songs on your own then get the 400+ as you'll get the tones you want and will have the added satisfaction of saying to yourself 'I've got the same one he's got'.
I must add though that I think thats a rather large sum of money to spend just to play along at low volume. Not that I know your financial circumstances but for that purpose you could spend alot less money and have just as much fun!

Oh, to be honest it doesn't matter whether I copy his rig or not. If the same tone could be achieved differently, I'd be all for it. I did read that a lot of people find this head to be more versatile than say an Aguilar DB750, hence why I'm now sticking with the 400+.

You're right that it will cost a pretty penny. However, I did mention that I'd like to have the option of being gig-ready gear-wise if/when the time comes. Plus, I've never shied away from expensive gear... *if* they can deliver the goods.

Caca de Kick, that is a sweet rig! You should call it the Earthquake rig! Wow!

Any buying tips for the Bass 400+? What I should be looking for, which ones I should avoid, etc?

[calebbarton]

Originally Posted by Strat-Mangler

Any buying tips for the Bass 400+? What I should be looking for, which ones I should avoid, etc?

Make sure you pay attention to the fuse rating sticker on the 400+. The sticker on mine is supposed to be on the 400, but mesa screwed up. If you put a 400 fuse in a 400+, it will blow more often.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

I have been using the exact same amp and cabinet combo (Bass400/215/1516) as Macca for years, but I don't sound remotely like him. I wouldn't use the word 'vintage' with this amp either...far from it actually, so it's more his bass and playing style than the amp will achieve.

+1 That amp is not particularly voiced to get you to that particular tone inherently (even though Paul uses that rig). There are other better options for us mere mortals who dig that tone.

[RickenBoogie]

For the op's intended purpose, I don't think anything could do that tone better than a Mesa walkabout head, paired with almost any bass cab. Get a Scout 12 for the basement jams, and if you end up in a band, get a 410 or 212. seriously, Walkabout is the answer here.