Replacing Mesa Boogie 400+, but with what?

insomniaclegend · #1 01-30-2011, 10:04 AM

I have a Mesa Boogie 400+ that I've decided to unload. The amp is just way too much for the gigs I'm playing now so I want to trade down for something more manageable. And lighter.

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with. Probably solid state for wieght, though a tube preamp might be nice. I've been looking at used Trace Elliots as a friend of mine has one and it sounds amazing (unsure of model). But I just don't know. The Mesa sounds so awesome I don't know what could make me happier sound wise. I just hate lugging that damned thing around.

My other amp is a 375 watt 210 Ashdown combo, which has decent tone and good power but I don't love it for everything. So I'm looking for a head that is somewhere in between that and the mesa, tonally and power wise. An

Any suggestions?

PS
if anyone here is interested in that amp the info and a terrible pic is here: http://newhaven.craigslist.org/msg/2187693870.html

twinfallsbass · #2 01-30-2011, 10:12 AM

I have a 400+, although I will never get rid of it, I am really happy with my Genz Benz 9.0. You can really dial in some tube grit with this amp and it only weighs around 4lbs

BuffaloBass · #3 01-30-2011, 10:21 AM

Keep the 4X10, sell the head, and the combo and pick up a Walkabout Scout 15". In 8 ohm preferably , as it wont matter for low vols , but you'll only run at 4 with the Ampeg along side. OR, run it down to 2.67 ohms and get some nice headroom out of it.

With the 4X10 and the 15" combo, you'll cover everything the 400 rig did. With the same Mesa blisstone.

Anyway, one possible solution. And the sound preference is almost guaranteed.

bassboysam · #4 01-30-2011, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insomniaclegend

though a tube preamp might be nice.

Not to paint all tube preamps the same, but 90% of hybrid amps will not give you a tube sound (if that's what your intention is). Modelling amps/pedals would likely do a better job than your typical hybrid amps.

Having said that, the Mesa Walkabout and M-Pulse 600 are said to have a very tubey sound and feel due to their tube driven MOSFET power sections.

ninepoundjammer · #5 01-30-2011, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuffaloBass

Keep the 4X10, sell the head, and the combo and pick up a Walkabout Scout 15". In 8 ohm preferably , as it wont matter for low vols , but you'll only run at 4 with the Ampeg along side. OR, run it down to 2.67 ohms and get some nice headroom out of it.

The Scout is a good option. Or, the ubiquitous VT Bass + micro head / power amp of choice (I've been happy with this approach).

Calaverasgrande · #6 01-30-2011, 10:34 AM

I'd love to know the "answer" to this as well. Not getting rid of my Bass 400 any time soon. But I need a backup head for times when I want to sit in and not bring my whole heavy ass rig.

andrew · #7 01-30-2011, 10:43 AM

Not a head, but the Alembic F1-X pre might get you close to the Mesa 400+'s preamp tone. Both are based on the Fender tone stack.

Frankie Fender · #8 01-30-2011, 10:50 AM

The Walkabout will get you there (within reason) The Mpulse, not so much (too clean) - IMHO. Want something a little lighter and a lot more versatile? Go with the Titan or BB750.

andrew · #9 01-30-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie Fender

Want something a little lighter and a lot more versatile? Go with the Titan

This is good advice.

rockstarbassist · #10 01-31-2011, 08:53 AM

I just went through the Titan, BB750 and 400+ within the last year (now on the M9) and it's tough to say what could match the might 400+, but yeah the V12 might get you closest. Although the front ends are pretty different.

**Chef** · #11 01-31-2011, 10:52 AM

You ought to give the Orange Bass Terror an audition.
It's a biiiig 500 watts, and will go from clean and fat all the way to ripsaw if that's your thing.

Alex1984 · #12 01-31-2011, 03:12 PM

+1 to the WalkAbout, although I'd go for a 12 inch cab or the head-only version. Or maybe the M-Pulse series depending on your tonal preference.

BassistFreak416 · #13 01-31-2011, 03:54 PM

plus the Bass Terror has a 1000w version in case you need the extra watts. both are 4/8 ohm selectable i believe

steamthief · #14 01-31-2011, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew

Not a head, but the Alembic F1-X pre might get you close to the Mesa 400+'s preamp tone. Both are based on the Fender tone stack.

If you like the Fender tone stack, you may want to consider the Fender TB-600 or 1200. They pop up every now and again pretty cheap used and sound warm and tubey. Excellent overdrive channel, too, if that's your thing.

Bigduke · #15 01-31-2011, 08:53 PM

I had the 400+ and a BB750 at the same time and for reasons you described and others I kept the Big block and never regreted it with a 4x10 mesa powerhouse for hard rock and metal.

insomniaclegend · #16 02-01-2011, 09:12 PM

I've been looking around at all of the suggestions here and they all look tasty. There's a 12inch walkabout scout combo for sale at a guitar store nearby that's going out of business so I'm going to start there and check that out this weekend.

Matt Dean · #17 02-01-2011, 10:19 PM

Think seriously about getting that walkabout scout... it may be the most popular rig on TB (for good reason).

Foz · #18 02-01-2011, 10:26 PM

You will die alone... and cold... if you sell that amp... just saying.

Good luck!

insomniaclegend · #19 02-02-2011, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foz

You will die alone... and cold... if you sell that amp... just saying.

Good luck!

Hah. Make me feel worse about it why don't you. If I could keep it I would, but the proceeds fund the replacement.

**Chef** · #20 02-02-2011, 06:47 AM

When I sold my third, and last, of thee 400+, I went Walkabout.