Smaller lighter alternative to Aguilar DB750?

Irishbass · #1 08-10-2010, 04:21 PM

First post in quite a while due to a bit of gear stagnation for the last year or so...actually I have been very happily gigging my Markbass LMII and Bag End S15X-D, occasionally adding a second S15D but rarely neccessary...this is a nice sounding rig..however, and theres always a however with us bassists, I recently sold off some other gear and now the money is burning a hole in my pocket, of course it should be spent on much more sensible things than bass gear, but that would be no fun

... Ok so I recently stumbled on some live clips of Jamiroquai with bassist Paul Turner playing various basses through an Aguilar DB750 / GS412 rig and the tone just blew me away... Now I cannot afford a DB750 and also it would be a beast to haul around, but I find myself back on the gear quest for the first time in ages... I have owned the GS112 cabs in the past and liked them as a pair, but still sold them on as you do

...anyway, just looking for some suggestions re heads to start with, the LMII is still my main workhorse, but a change to something a bit Phatter would be nice for certain gigs... I tend to prefer lighter gear due to ongoing back problems, so looking for the closest thing to that beautiful DB750 tone in a small package that doest cost the earth.. is there anything close?
Dave

naturalkinds · #2 08-10-2010, 05:10 PM

Aguilar AG500: solid state, like a less round and woolly DB750, but with a more helpful EQ. Around 16 lbs. Single channel version is ~$625 USD used or $1100 new.

TC Electronic RH450: nice features, an attack that resembles the DB750 more than the AG500. I liked this head a lot when I tried it out. Definitely *feels* more like a DB750 than the AG500 to me, and has that same sort of dark tonal profile (as the AG500 does). I think it's around 8 lbs and $1000 new. (Not many have been sold used, so no good data to trend a going rate.)

I'd go TC, just for the form factor. The AG500 is still a fair amount of amp to carry around IMO for a not-quite-there DB750 substitute.

naturalkinds · #3 08-10-2010, 05:12 PM

Actually, a correction. I'd stick with the LMII, unless you're trying to burn money. Neither of those amps is really going to be a DB750, and if you're splitting hairs enough to want to 'upgrade', you may as well get the real thing. You already have a very worthy amp.

: )

rpsands · #4 08-10-2010, 05:23 PM

Why not an Aguilar pre and super light power amp? I don't know which of the pre's makes the closest tone to the DB750, but the tonehammers can be had quite cheaply. Even the expensive pre isn't that crazy pricey used, IIRC.

Nickthebass · #5 08-10-2010, 05:39 PM

You could try something like a SansAmp Bassdriver DI. The tube emulation on them is meant to be very very good. Run that into your current head and use it to warm / break up the signal just a little.

If you want to lighten up your cabs I've got good things to say about the Barefaced Compact 1x15.

Son of Bovril · #6 08-11-2010, 02:03 AM

I would suggest looking first at some of the preamp type pedals Like the VT bass or tonehammer if you are just looking to change your tone profile, no point IMO in going and dropping huge cash on a head or cabs if don't actually need a bigger rig...

Irishbass · #7 08-11-2010, 03:54 AM

Kinda answering my own question here but having mooched around the forums a bit, the GK MB Fusion lightweight head with 3 tubes in the pre-amp sounds like a VERY nice piece of kit, the demo I looked at on youtube sounded very tasty too... might have to wait a while by the sound of things but it could be just the thing I'm looking for...

Eublet · #8 08-11-2010, 09:26 PM

If you already have the LMIII, then putting the new Agro pedal in front would give it a fantastic warmth and full sound similar to what you experienced with the DB750. If you want to get that same kind of vibe happening in a single head, then the TC RH450 or Classic450 will do it.

Pickebass · #9 08-11-2010, 10:13 PM

I have an LMII, DB750, and DB680 preamp. I have owned the DB659 preamp and also the AG500. I own the LMII because I don't want to haul the DB750 all the time. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THE DB750. It is a very unique amp and even the other Aguilar offerings are different.

The 680 is a GREAT preamp, but it does not have the same sonic impact as the DB750 and it is more hifi than the 750. I think the LMII is closer in sound to the 750 than the AG500. I have owned/own every amp or preamp in the aggie line and didn't like the AG500 because it was a different animal.

However, to get really close to the 750 try the 659 with a good power amp. I used mine for awhile with a peavey dpc750 and that was a great 2 space semi light amp

Eublet · #10 08-11-2010, 10:20 PM

^Agreed. The AG500 is completely different from the DB750.

Munjibunga · #11 08-12-2010, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishbass

First post in quite a while due to a bit of gear stagnation for the last year or so...actually I have been very happily gigging my Markbass LMII and Bag End S15X-D, occasionally adding a second S15D but rarely neccessary...this is a nice sounding rig..however, and theres always a however with us bassists, I recently sold off some other gear and now the money is burning a hole in my pocket, of course it should be spent on much more sensible things than bass gear, but that would be no fun

... Ok so I recently stumbled on some live clips of Jamiroquai with bassist Paul Turner playing various basses through an Aguilar DB750 / GS412 rig and the tone just blew me away... Now I cannot afford a DB750 and also it would be a beast to haul around, but I find myself back on the gear quest for the first time in ages... I have owned the GS112 cabs in the past and liked them as a pair, but still sold them on as you do

...anyway, just looking for some suggestions re heads to start with, the LMII is still my main workhorse, but a change to something a bit Phatter would be nice for certain gigs... I tend to prefer lighter gear due to ongoing back problems, so looking for the closest thing to that beautiful DB750 tone in a small package that doest cost the earth.. is there anything close?
Dave

Wow. There sure are a lot of drumlins where you live. It's weird. Anyway, I don't think you're going to find a light weight amp that will approximate the sound of a DB750. I'd suggest putting a tube preamp like an EBS ValveDrive in front of the amp you already have. A SansAmp VT Bass might also do a good job for you.

Irishbass · #12 08-12-2010, 03:59 AM

Its interesting how most of the replies suggest keeping the LMII and agumenting with some pedal to warm it up a bit... good thumbs up for the little Markbass which has been an outstanding amp for me, and mine is a few years old now, was one of the first LMII's into Ireland... I dont have a backup amp at the moment so I will probably try the TC heads and maybe the GK MB Fusion when it comes out as a possible second amp... The DB750 is out of my league both financially and in the weight stakes, I know as lovely as it would be, hauling it would be a royal pain in the "back"... Oh I just remembered the Mesa Walkabout Scout... would that be in the DB750 range tonally?

bugbass · #13 08-12-2010, 04:20 AM

Haven`t tried anything that sounds like the 750. IMO all the alternatives mentioned are far from it

Eublet · #14 08-12-2010, 07:20 AM

Just to reiterate, the Aguilar Agro owns the VT Bass, especially if you're after the DB750 type sound.

jonno1707 · #15 08-26-2010, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pickebass

However, to get really close to the 750 try the 659 with a good power amp. I used mine for awhile with a peavey dpc750 and that was a great 2 space semi light amp

I agree 100%..My DB750 is my end all amp and in my search for the elusive DB750 tone in a lighter package I found the DB659 preamp with some NOS Telefunken tubes rolled in and any one of the lighter amps out today will get you very close and save you over 20 lbs...
Pair it with a bridged Stewart 1.2 and you'll have 1000 watts at 4 ohm in a racked 20lb package but you'll need a 3 space rack for heat release or for more flexibility and to remain in a 2 space rack check out the QSC PLX 1804-900 watts per channel at 4 ohm and only 13 lbs so right about the 20 lb racked weight as well...

tombowlus · #16 08-26-2010, 06:51 AM

I'm also down with the DB659 and a lighter weight power amp (or a big lead sled, but then you're in the DB750 weight range or beyond).

I also think that the MB Fusion is worth considering (they are actually made, now, and should be shipping very soon), or possibly the Shuttle 9.0.

Tom.

rnilson · #17 08-26-2010, 06:59 AM

+1 on the adding a tube to the LMII set up. I have a LMII and I have had the EBS valvedrive and am currently using a DHA-VT1 EQ Bass. It sound pretty dang good and all fits in a back pack under 15 lbs.

That said I have found that once gear lust sets in it is hard to be happy without the real thing.

GrooveWarrior · #18 08-26-2010, 07:19 AM

I'll second the 659 and a Stewart 1.2. The stewart is a great power amp.