Need Head Suggestions!

[Dub56]

Hey all,
Right now I've got a GK 700rb-II that I'm looking to trade for something else. I think the amp sounds great, but it doesn't really suit my style as well as I think another amp would. It has a really aggressive, clear, and biting tone.

I'm basically looking for something with a bit more thickness, a little less aggressive, but still versatile enough to have some balls if I want it to. I don't want it to be completely sterile sounding, either.

I play a lot of Reggae, Funk, Blues/Rock, Rock, and a mix of a lot of other things, but not too much metal style stuff.

I'm considering Genz Benz, Eden, Mesa, Aguilar, and Markbass (I've had a LMII before, but not really looking for one again.)
I'm trading and possibly adding cash, so I guess I'm looking in the $400-$600 ish range used.

Any recommendations?

P.S. I'm playing through an 8 Ohm Ashdown ABM410t. And I'm not gigging, but I am jamming with people and would like to be able to gig if I needed to.

[Larat]

I've got a Genz - Benz Shuttle 6.0 with a Genz Benz 2x10 Cab and let me tell you something this thing ROCKS. Great sound and portability. You can have a variety of tones using the preamp section and the active equalization section, but all depend what exactly you are looking for. My suggestion is that you try one in a music store or from friend before invest in one.

Good luck in your search!!!

[80'sRocker]

It's hard to find a bad bass amp these days, technology prevails! Behringer is a no no and I don't care for the MarkBass tone. Check out one of the dare I say "underdogs" such as Peavey, Fender, Carvin, Kustom etc. (I recently checked out a chromish looking Kustom that had sweet tone!)

[muddycreek]

While it may be that you need a new head, switching out cabinets usually makes a bigger difference. Unless your tone is dependent on a particular head's EQ capabilities or something.

I'd take that head and cabinet to a local music store and do some switching out of things until you get closest to what you're looking for.

[will33]

I've never had a problem getting warmer or "not so aggresive" sounds out of a GK but they have that reputation for some reason. Try fiddling with the eq knobs, back off the tone knob on the bass a little, back off on the boost knob or try playing the string more with the meat of your finger instead of the tip, maybe further away from the bridge....something. They certainly can sound growly and aggresive but they don't have to.

[No Malarky]

Hey Dub56, if you can find one, a Mesa/Boogie D-180 is the most versitle Head I have ever met. Mine is from '82 and is without the onboard EQ - an early model I understand, as in late 82 they began offering it with the EQ.

As for the 400+, my buddy has one and he digs it also, but I do not know what year they began production. I run my 180 with the original 2 15 cab and have never looked back.

Just my 2 cents worth!

[bassguppy]

How about the Ashdown ABM500. a great head that can do funk, blues, rock, etc...nice grindy tube warmth. There's one for sale in the TB classifieds now right in your price range.

Do a search, Ashdown did have some issues when production was moved but that was several years ago. I'm a two time owner of Ahsdown cabs and heads and would go back if it was what I needed right now. Never had any issues.

[Dub56]

Originally Posted by Larat

I've got a Genz - Benz Shuttle 6.0 with a Genz Benz 2x10 Cab and let me tell you something this thing ROCKS. Great sound and portability. You can have a variety of tones using the preamp section and the active equalization section, but all depend what exactly you are looking for. My suggestion is that you try one in a music store or from friend before invest in one.

Good luck in your search!!!

I've actually tried a shuttle 6.0 once or twice, and I really liked it. That's more of the sound I'm looking for I think. Maybe someone will want to trade me one for my head and a little bit of green!

Originally Posted by will33

I've never had a problem getting warmer or "not so aggresive" sounds out of a GK but they have that reputation for some reason. Try fiddling with the eq knobs, back off the tone knob on the bass a little, back off on the boost knob or try playing the string more with the meat of your finger instead of the tip, maybe further away from the bridge....something. They certainly can sound growly and aggresive but they don't have to.

I understand what you're saying, but I've played with the settings plenty and found sounds I like, but the overall character of the amp isn't quite what I'm looking for. I also don't want to alter my whole playing style just to get the amp to react how I like it. It's a really cool amp, but it's just not my-made-in-heaven kind of thing.

Originally Posted by No Malarky

Hey Dub56, if you can find one, a Mesa/Boogie D-180 is the most versitle Head I have ever met. Mine is from '82 and is without the onboard EQ - an early model I understand, as in late 82 they began offering it with the EQ.

As for the 400+, my buddy has one and he digs it also, but I do not know what year they began production. I run my 180 with the original 2 15 cab and have never looked back.

Just my 2 cents worth!

Those do seem like good amps, but they will probably be a longshot to find for a trade. And I'd love a 400+, but they're a bit out of my range.

Originally Posted by bassguppy

How about the Ashdown ABM500. a great head that can do funk, blues, rock, etc...nice grindy tube warmth. There's one for sale in the TB classifieds now right in your price range.

Do a search, Ashdown did have some issues when production was moved but that was several years ago. I'm a two time owner of Ahsdown cabs and heads and would go back if it was what I needed right now. Never had any issues.

I've actually considered that head, but I don't think it would be my first choice. I like Ashdown, but I think I'm looking for something a bit in the middle between Ashdown and the GK tone wise.

[MK1]

Why don't you try some sort of EQ pedal. Maybe the barber linden or empress para eq or the carl martin. I think you'll get a lot further with your money than if you try and start new. Especially if you don't have a lot of cash to throw down.

[Dub56]

Originally Posted by MK1

Why don't you try some sort of EQ pedal. Maybe the barber linden or empress para eq or the carl martin. I think you'll get a lot further with your money than if you try and start new. Especially if you don't have a lot of cash to throw down.

Not a bad idea, but I think I'd rather just trade my head/sell it and then add a bit of cash for something else if necessary. I know there are amps I'd be happy with, I'm just wondering if there are any I'm skipping over.

[Floyd Eye]

Why don't you just get a SansAmp?