Sunn 300T amp - opinions for reggae/dub project

subnautic · #1 08-26-2011, 04:58 PM

Hello there,

I'm semi-new to the site and just looking for some opinions that would give me some perspective on a potential purchase. I am a fan of the vintage tube tones as i am a reggae/dub bass player and producer. My current rig is a Genz Benz Shuttle 6 (with the 2 x 10 cab) and my bass is a Lakland Skyline DJ4 jazz bass. Now i dig the GenzBenz for it's articulation and clarity but i am hard pressed to get that big dub sound from such a clean and bright combo. For those who have used Sunn 300Ts, would it be a better amp to dial in such a tone? BtW, i am using flats on my bass and i play with proper technique a la Aston Familyman Barrett and Robbie Shakespeare... Now i know the inherent risk of older tube amps compared to modern amps (like my GB) but as much as the Shuttle 6 is light and hi-fi sounding, i am missing that low end blossom that this Sunn may provide. Just wondering if i'm on the right track. Thanks!

Mr. Foxen · #2 08-26-2011, 06:05 PM

Cabs are a massively important factor. The 300T has so many controls it will do whatever you want if you know how to work them. However that much control scared me, and I'm a techy sort. As with all amps, if it doesn't sound right, then get it checked, it has a whole bunch of tubes, and some could be a bit wrong, don't stress the other ones trying to compensate.

subnautic · #3 08-26-2011, 06:36 PM

Yes, cabs are another factor. There is a Sunn 4 x10 that comes with this amp package, which is better than my 2 x10 at the moment. I also will be recording in a studio and wondering how this head sounds with the line out. I also was curious if the VT pedal people keep talking about would be a good solution to getting that deep warm tone. I know that's a wide debate between purists and the ones that dig this new emulation technologies...

Sartori · #4 08-26-2011, 07:04 PM

For reggae, I would not use a rig that didn't have at least four 10"s or two 15"s.

paradigm_shift · #5 08-26-2011, 08:31 PM

Agree with sartori.. 15's all the way

subnautic · #6 08-26-2011, 08:41 PM

there is a 2 x15 mesa boogie bass cab in our local craig's list for sale...hmmm...

LongHairFreak · #7 08-26-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subnautic

there is a 2 x15 mesa boogie bass cab in our local craig's list for sale...hmmm...

Grab it up man!

rodl2005 · #8 08-26-2011, 09:29 PM

Really, that amp is ABLE to give darn good fat lows. Engage the low boost, in fact, check out the SHUTTLE settings thread & try the setting like:- bass 11 o'clock,
mids 2 o'clock,
mid freq 8 o'clock,
treble 11,
bass boost-on,
mid scoop-on,
treble boost-off.
Having the mid freq @ 8 o'clock & boosting it gives a nice low mid bump, while the bass boost gives pillowy bottom. & The mid scoop, takes the harsh mids out.

Then, a 2x10 is imo, way too 'lightweight' for a big bassy dub/reggae bass. I'd either add another 210 or 3, or grab some version of 2 x 15"s, either 2 separate 1x15"s, or a single 215 cab.
But, the Shuttle IS 600w!!!! There really is ample power & EQ in that for virtually anything.

eyeballkid · #9 08-26-2011, 09:35 PM

the Sunn 300T (and Fender 300 Pro) can do some MASSIVE dub bass bottom booty bouncing. with that compressor and the Ultra low and handy EQ'in with a touch of wooliness from the OD channel... it can PUMP PUMP PUMP.

the DI is tube fed, so its excellent to.

One Drop · #10 08-26-2011, 09:42 PM

I think a VT in front of the Shuttle could be a great way of getting you there, especially if you like Fams' tone. He always uses a Sansamp FWIW.

And more speakerage.

subnautic · #11 08-26-2011, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodl2005

Really, that amp is ABLE to give darn good fat lows. Engage the low boost, in fact, check out the SHUTTLE settings thread & try the setting like:- bass 11 o'clock,
mids 2 o'clock,
mid freq 8 o'clock,
treble 11,
bass boost-on,
mid scoop-on,
treble boost-off.
Having the mid freq @ 8 o'clock & boosting it gives a nice low mid bump, while the bass boost gives pillowy bottom. & The mid scoop, takes the harsh mids out.

Then, a 2x10 is imo, way too 'lightweight' for a big bassy dub/reggae bass. I'd either add another 210 or 3, or grab some version of 2 x 15"s, either 2 separate 1x15"s, or a single 215 cab.
But, the Shuttle IS 600w!!!! There really is ample power & EQ in that for virtually anything.

I have played with similar settings and i can say that it's reasonably good. That is why i am debating this purchase, as i can get close with the current setup but most of the live shows i've seen that i've loved the tone have had some form of Ampeg/ Sunn/ Mesa 400+ amp. I know there are numerous factors involved beyond amps. I am debating if this tone desire is worth the potential selloff to purchase this Sunn head and cab.

rodl2005 · #12 08-26-2011, 10:26 PM

That's up to you of course, but imo, the cab would be the 1st thing I'd look at changing.
If, as you say, you do like the amp, then a good sized, quality cab will do wonders! Especially for the style you're playing.
Regarding the 300T /Fender 300 PRO, great amps & will do virtually any tone you're after, especially with its extensive EQ.
Big size/weight change eh? 300T / Shuttle !!!

Sartori · #13 08-26-2011, 11:59 PM

I agree, first upgrade your speaker setup, and then decide if you want a different amp or not.

Thornton Davis · #14 08-27-2011, 09:53 AM

Why don't you do your self a favour and go to your closest L&M store and check out Traynor's new YBA300? It's everything you're looking for in a full tube amp, less money than the Sunn and Canadian made with a 2 year warranty.

TD

greenboy · #15 08-27-2011, 09:56 AM

No foolin'.

Balog · #16 08-27-2011, 10:28 AM

Imho Sunn prices are highly inflated due to the doom/"robes and fog" crowds. I'd think demoing your head on a few different cabs (esp a fEARful if you can find one locally) and perhaps getting a good eq in the signal path to play with would help a lot.

subnautic · #17 08-27-2011, 12:17 PM

Thanks for all the responses. One of the reasons I was thinking about the Sunn 300t is that there is one available with a Sunn 4 x 10 for $900 for both. I think that's a good price. I am looking at it on Monday... I just don't want to fall into this desire trap, but man it would be nice to have the matching setup. Either way, great to hear all the opinions as there are always different solutions.

eyeballkid · #18 08-27-2011, 12:18 PM

THATS A FRICKIN STEAL!!! the head alone is worth that if the tubes are all good in it.

Balog · #19 08-27-2011, 12:50 PM

Wow, yeah at that price you should be able to flip it for a profit if you end up not needing it. I'd definitely try it out.

subnautic · #20 08-27-2011, 02:26 PM

Yah, either the tubes are toast or it's a really good deal.