Please help with HEAD advice

[DCarlson]

Okay here's the deal.......I haven't played any of my larger amps in quite a while........jamming with some people soon so I break out my Carvin pb300 circa 1982 with a Carvin 2 10 cab (that's all that would be needed) played for about a half hour and the head is making horrible distorted noises.......clicking, popping then dead. I'm guessing this thing isn't even worth anyone's time or my money.......Does anyone know of a good cheap replacement made in USA that's descent. New or used............. I looked at the new Carvin Micro head but not sure if that's what I want....... Looked at some used stuff but I guess I want to find the diamond in the rough....Guess this head didn't like being idle for 10 years!!!!!!

[DCarlson]

WOW!!!! no bites on this one!!!!! I'm leaning toward the bx500 Carvin.......but for price purposes I was thinking of a used Peavey max 700/firebass I like the 2 ohm load options on these amps and made in USA still means something to me.....any thoughts here??

[Doug Parent]

BX500 is a good head. It would be helpful if you were more specific about what your budget is, your preference for features, overall tone goals. I always try to buy something used on Craigslist or TB when the right item pops up. If you have a large chain music store in your area I would try as many as you can (leave your credit card at home) and read read read here on TB. Too many good brands to list. I like Mark Bass F-1 personally.

[DCarlson]

I guess I should have been more specific.......I guess I want the biggest bang for my buck (like everyone else) I'm not sure about budget but would like to keep the cost under the cost of the bx500 carvin. Features are almost secondary, A large fat sounding bass with my 5 string in mind is great........down to a 2 ohm load would just about be the only other necessity.........I like more of an old school sound...Thunder!!.....use active 2 pickup basses that are usually blended together.....Thanks...............