Replace Gibson 440 with a micro: TC RH750? Markbass R 500? or ???

Blue · #1 10-17-2011, 05:23 AM

I'm looking to replace my Thunderfunk with a micro - and considering (unheard) the TC Electronics RH750 or the MarkBass F 500 .. maybe others.

Any ideas? As for "sound" - while the Thunderfunk is fine, I actual preferring the Gibson Version (which is slightly less hi-fi ... and which I stupidly sold) to the mo' modern sounding T-Funk. I'm pretty strictly an old school player - considering 1968 Jack Casady and 1978 Bruce Thomas (The Attractions) as major influences, except I 'm usually fretless horizontal or NS EUB.

The other preamp I like is the Ashly BP41 - it's in my rack (attached to the PA Mixer) and usually played though a PLX1804 into an EA VL-208 cab ... but I'm looking for something small and light for gigs where all I do is provide the bottom.

Ideas?

TFunk for sale eventually (Also Roland SIP-301)

Baird6869 · #2 10-17-2011, 09:11 AM

I like my RH450 but it is slightly underpowered for larger gigs unless I play a 4x10 cab instead of my TC 210.

If I did it again, I would buy the RH750 for the extra headroom and not a lot more $$$. I use my TC RH450 for metal, classic rock, blues, sothern rock, etc. Covers all genres well IMO.

Regarding other brands, go try a few. I definately prefer the TC sound to Markbass, but that's just me.

The MB F1 is one of the smallest (but high wattage) amps out there and it fit in my gigbag when I owned one. Might be a good option to look at....

Blue · #3 10-18-2011, 10:33 AM

small bump

vin*tone · #4 10-18-2011, 04:18 PM

They're pretty different voices, you'll have to try and decide really. I think you would like the RH based on your tone goals. The features on the amp and footswitch are a real drawcard once you get used to them.

Blue · #5 10-18-2011, 06:15 PM

Thanks. ... Vic suggested the TC also ... I guess i'll just get one TC and see.

Other info

At one time I had the whole series .. from an AMP 440 to the Gibson BH440 to the TF 420 (names might be off a bit, but ...). This represented - to some extent - the early 80's (def' darker) to the 21st century (TF being not sterile but headed that direction) ... the Gibson was in-between - and I shoulda kept it. Don't we all have regrets?

I have not really been interest in the EA-amps 'cause I gather they are closer to 100% hi-fi and I need s_o_m_e color .... but I do love the VL-208 ... effortless deep and responsive to whatever I throw at it.

Anyway - thanks again for the responses.

GrowlerBox · #6 10-18-2011, 06:41 PM

I have an RH450 and a Markbass F1 (like the F500 but without the semi-parametric mids and improved DI). Very different amps. KJung has given good tonal descriptions of both these amps, and has YouTube videos comparing them, IIRC.

Essentially, the RH has a low-mid-heavy, faux-tube kinda vibe, while the F1 is much more "open" in the bass and treble ends of the spectrum, and clean as all the way through. I like them both, but tend to use the RH more because of all the built-in features.