Micro bass amp for Funky ?

belikethatvn · #1 09-11-2011, 09:59 PM

dear all,

I put my SVT3pro and SVT classic (410) cab on sales yesterday.
The sound is great but i'm becoming tired to carry those heavy weight things to gigs.

I'm looking for micro amp(TC,Markbass,GK, genzbenz, ....) but I don't know which is best for me ?

I play vintage, funky things (I love Paul Turner's sound).

Can you guy give me some suggestion ???

Regards

JimmyM · #2 09-11-2011, 10:09 PM

If you like Ampeg, check out the PF500 and SVT 7 Pro. SVT 7 Pro is the best hybrid amp I've ever played, but the PF500 also sounds really great and is half the price. 7 Pro's 1000w at 4 ohms and PF500 is 500w at 4 ohms.

As for cabs, you might want to check out the Portaflex 210 and 115 cabs. Light, sounds like old B-15 cabs. The SVT 7 Pro would be a bit much for one, though.

belikethatvn · #3 09-11-2011, 10:14 PM

Thanks, I had also put my SVT7 in my list but I want some thing else (something different).

Howabout TC or Markbass

stingraysvt · #4 09-11-2011, 10:24 PM

I'm looking at the Genz Benz Streamliner 900 it really nails the fundamental, smooth tone I've come to love from my old SVT.

Have yet to pull the trigger on one but the videos and other user's comments really got me thinking this is the micro amp for me.

Check out Ed Friedland's demo of the 900. Sold me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-27s...e_gdata_player

JimmyM · #5 09-11-2011, 10:25 PM

Markbass makes good amps but I'm not big on their cabs, though some do like them. Used to own a couple Markbass amps 4 years ago, but I'm all about chasing all-tube SVT tone with any amp I ever bought, and while the LMII did a really good job at copping that vibe at the time, I think Ampeg's micros get a lot closer to that ideal.

RE: TC, I've got a serious problem with a company that takes a 240w amp, adds non-bypassable compression/limiting and filtering out of the lowest frequencies, and calls it a 450w amp. Ampeg may not be for everyone but at least they're honest.

All the companies you named make good quality stuff, but they've all got their own little tonal deals, some you may like, some you may not. If you can take a trip to the store and buzz through some of the amps you're interested in, it's always best. Not always possible, but always best if you can swing it.

stingraysvt · #6 09-11-2011, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stingraysvt

I'm looking at the Genz Benz Streamliner 900 it really nails the fundamental, smooth tone I've come to love from my old SVT.

Have yet to pull the trigger on one but the videos and other user's comments really got me thinking this is the micro amp for me.

Check out Ed Friedland's demo of the 900. Sold me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-27s...e_gdata_player

I just watched it again and it blew up my GAS-O-METER!!! Lol!

Like Jimmy said, Ampeg can nail the Ampeg, no doubt about it, MarkBass may come close if you fiddle with the VPF, and VLE knobs, but idk all the companies have very competitive micro products available these days.

belikethatvn · #7 09-11-2011, 10:55 PM

Thank you, JimmyM

I'm living in a SE Asian Country. Going to the store and trying every stuff as much as you can seem to be impossible.
I had my SVT 3 Pro and Cab shipped directly from USA 12 yrs ago and still happy with it, but it seems to be too heavy these days while micro amps are new trend !
I'm gonna built my own cab (2x10) as a practice cab and leave it as home.

During Gig, I need a head as a preamp to plug into PA. if they had Bass stack, I will use their cabs (they normally have Ampeg )
During practice, I need a head as it is.

Regards

Jeff Scott · #8 09-11-2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belikethatvn

I play vintage, funky things (I love Paul Turner's sound).

Can you guy give me some suggestion ???

Regards

Try an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500, it's tone is similar to that of a DB750/1, and amp that PT uses.

belikethatvn · #9 09-11-2011, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stingraysvt

I just watched it again and it blew up my GAS-O-METER!!! Lol!

Like Jimmy said, Ampeg can nail the Ampeg, no doubt about it, MarkBass may come close if you fiddle with the VPF, and VLE knobs, but idk all the companies have very competitive micro products available these days.

Hey, I have a same bass as Ed's. but different looking.mine is SB5001. haha.
I will put this one in my list

After owning ampeg for nearly 14yrs. I do want a new vibe, Old stuff are ok but it doesn't hurt me much to have a new amp, new sound or a new life.

belikethatvn · #10 09-11-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Scott

Try an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500, it's tone is similar to that of a DB750/1, and amp that PT uses.

Yup,
But the Tone Hammer is similar to ODP 3 which I had installed in my Fender J Bass.
Accordance to my ears, it is huge different from PT

I would say : Believe in what I play, do not believe in what I hear...

Thanks mate

OhulahanBass · #11 09-11-2011, 11:20 PM

I've tried the Genz Benz 6.0, 9.0, Markbass F1, Ampeg SV7 and TC RH450. The SVT had amazing tone but an un-acceptably bad designed limiter circuit. I think the TC and mark bass would give you more of a Turner sound but the Genz Benz 9.0 would be my choice for funky or clear tone and power.

I am gassing to try the TC RH750 right now. The RH450 was a sexy machine but it just didn't have the high end I need, I think they fixed that in the RH750.

arai · #12 09-11-2011, 11:30 PM

tc rh450 nails the vintage funk awesomely. coupled with a P...old school funk bliss

JimmyM · #13 09-11-2011, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belikethatvn

After owning ampeg for nearly 14yrs. I do want a new vibe, Old stuff are ok but it doesn't hurt me much to have a new amp, new sound or a new life.

Well we can't help you with the new life, bro

belikethatvn · #14 09-11-2011, 11:40 PM

Thank you JimmyM. haha

Yeah. The Genz Benz sounds great on my computer. I may get that sound since I have the same bass.
However, it is a bit pricy..... My budget for the new amp is only ~700$.
There is a official retailer offering me a brand new Carvin BX500. I don't know the price yet but he is sure that his price will be exactly the same as USA price (which we don't normally see here in SE Asia).
How much is a Carvin BX500 in the states, is it worth the money ?? I don't see many people using carvin here .

JimmyM · #15 09-11-2011, 11:51 PM

It's worth the money if you like it, and not worth it if you don't

Personally, I'm not knocked out by Carvin gear, but it's quality...just not my thang.

OhulahanBass · #16 09-12-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belikethatvn

Thank you JimmyM. haha

Yeah. The Genz Benz sounds great on my computer. I may get that sound since I have the same bass.
However, it is a bit pricy..... My budget for the new amp is only ~700$.
There is a official retailer offering me a brand new Carvin BX500. I don't know the price yet but he is sure that his price will be exactly the same as USA price (which we don't normally see here in SE Asia).
How much is a Carvin BX500 in the states, is it worth the money ?? I don't see many people using carvin here .

You can shop ebay if you want it for under $700.

mtb777 · #17 09-18-2011, 09:18 PM

The TC RH450 nails the vintage sound and has a lot of features the others don't have including an awesome DI to go into your sound board. One thing TC needs that is kind of contrary to other amps is they like your tweeter spiked a bit more than other heads. You can crank them quite a bit to get a more sizzle before they get harsh.

TC.65 · #18 09-18-2011, 09:58 PM

Genz Benz also has the Streamliner 600 which would be in your price range. It sounds just like the 900. I own it and love the tone I get out of it.