Pretty sure I'm gonna get an Aguilar AG 500

Maffeeeee · #1 02-18-2011, 05:26 AM

However, I'm kinda torn between that and spending a bit more and getting the DB 751. It's a toughy. I like using distortion, I like having a lightweight amp (currently play a Markbass LMK) and I definitely like the cash I can save by getting the AG 500. But not having the chance to play either of these amps before purchase is a bit of a nightmare!
I'm in a rock band, have a click here: http://www.facebook.com/illfightwithfire and scroll down the page for a live demo if you wanna get the general idea of how we sound.
Anyway, anyone have an opinion of both and for application in this kind of band? Gonna also be getting a DB412 for sure.

Thanks guys, Matt

Florox · #2 02-18-2011, 05:36 AM

The consensus is that the 751 and the AG500 have a similar sound, albeit the 751 has a grittier sound with a soggier low end, whereas the AG500 is tighter, and more refined sounding, if that can be said about any Aguilar product.

Also, the 751 is like 1k more than the AG500.

JMarkD · #3 02-18-2011, 05:55 AM

Hey Matt.

I use both (well, a DB750, not a 751) and each sounds great, though they are different. If you like distortion the AG500 is probably the one you want. As I am sure you know, it is much lighter as well. Both will do your style of music, or any style of music equally well. You can overdrive the pre on the DB751 with good results, but the AG500 with it's second channel is more versatile for this, IMO.

Of the two, I prefer the DB750 for it's incredible power/punch, but I like a REALLY clean tone for the most part. It gets slagged here a lot for being "murky" and a "one trick pony", but it is neither once you learn how to use it.

You may want to hold out for the release of the new Tone Hammer 500. It might be better for your needs.

I admit I am a big fan of Aguilar amps, so I am biased, but I don't think you can really go wrong with either one.

Maffeeeee · #4 02-18-2011, 06:01 AM

Thanks for the advice guys! It's hard to find them to try out here in the UK so your comments are really helpful! I like what i've heard on records from both of the amps, and I think i'll be able to get plenty of mid punch with the AG and the DB 412 cab, along with the Flats i use. I think going for the quicker, tighter amp is probably a good call, as I'm in a band with a fair few chuggy sections and have a drummer with a kick drum so big it barely fits through most doors - so the low lows are definitely covered between me and him!

Thought about waiting for the TH500, but with pros like JMJ and Stu Brookes using the AG 500 I thought it'd do the job in a great way!

The decision is still up for debate but the AG 500 is looking like the better choice right now!

blastjv · #5 02-18-2011, 07:01 AM

Stu uses the 751 (used to use the 500). Either way I love his sound.

Of the two I'd pick the AG500. I owned that and a 750 and preferred the 500.

My ONLY beef with the AG500 is that there is a very distinct droppout when switching channels (all sound goes dead for a split second and really bugged me).

-JV

Maffeeeee · #6 02-18-2011, 08:29 AM

Oh okay cool, didn't realise that! I was just going off youtube vids/Aguilar website! He's got a great sound, whichever he uses!

blastjv · #7 02-18-2011, 08:47 AM

You weren't wrong, he just switched to the 751 at some point fairly recently.

-JV

**FunkyMcNasty** · #8 04-02-2011, 08:55 AM

I have played the 751 through some berg cabs recently and loved the sound; however the 751 is more amp and $ than I need to get into right now. I was wondering how the TH 500 or the AG500 compares to the 751 tonally? I don't have a shop around here to go check it out. Any info on this would be a big help.

Aguilar/Dave B. · #9 04-02-2011, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blastjv

Stu uses the 751 (used to use the 500). Either way I love his sound.

Of the two I'd pick the AG500. I owned that and a 750 and preferred the 500.

My ONLY beef with the AG500 is that there is a very distinct droppout when switching channels (all sound goes dead for a split second and really bugged me).

-JV

There was a lag in the channel switching in first run of amps (2004); but we changed some part values and now it's instantaneous. If you would like us to revise yours, drop us a line.

Glad you are digging the amp!

DB