Switching from Aguilar AG500SC to Tone Hammer 500 (with DB112 cabs)

BassAgent · #1 01-13-2012, 12:35 PM

Currently I'm using this rig:

Which sounds fantastic, but today I tested the Tone Hammer 500 and it sounded...kinda...better. So I'm doubting about making the switch. I couldn't test the TH on DB112 cabs, so I'm wondering if there is anyone on TalkBass who already made the switch and what they think about it.

Thanks!

afroman · #2 01-13-2012, 01:40 PM

After having owned most every Aguilar amp and series cab, including the mighty DB750 (which I still miss) and the AG500 I have ended with my final rig. I'm ecstatic with it.

Photo says it all.

All joking aside, the TH500 is very close to the tonality of the DB750. It is warmer, rounder and punchier than the AG500 which although a great amp, I never really loved it. Sounded to quick but dry (if that makes any sense).

The DB112s just scream with the TH500. That amp is just a micro marvel. A different animal than other micro amp I've tried from GK, Markbass, GB, Ampeg and Ashdown.

Maybe I'm biased, but right know if you ask me TH500 > AG500 in all categories but weight.

BassAgent · #3 01-13-2012, 01:50 PM

Thanks for your great answer

In what way does the TH work better with the DB112 than the AG? I love the AG on my cabs, but is the TH so much better?

afroman · #4 01-13-2012, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassAgent

Thanks for your great answer

In what way does the TH work better with the DB112 than the AG? I love the AG on my cabs, but is the TH so much better?

None works better than the other, I just really prefer the TH to the AG. The TH500 is loud as hell, but has a warmer more vintage-oriented tone to my ears. It has a flatter eq and a bit of a rolled-off high end. The parametric mids are a blessing, way better than the low and high mids in the AG for my tastes.

The AG is even louder and has a quick response with a dryness tobthe sound that never really pleased me.

The big plus with the TH, aside from the weight of course, is the Drive circuit. The one in the TH pedal was too sensitive and could never get a subtle setting. The TH500s drive can get very vintagey/subtle to a nice grit when cranked. I love it!

Pickebass · #5 01-13-2012, 07:59 PM

I have owned or own every Aguilar piece made. I initially purchased the AG500 as a lighter alternative to the other DB amps. IME it is a very different amp. Very mid forward. Almost "grindy" to my ears. For lack of a better comparison I would put it closer to the Ampeg camp than the other Aguilar stuff. The TH500 is 80% DB750. Doesn't have the punch but has the relative tone. IMO Aguilar amps have a 3 dimensional depth because of details in the sound as well as a warmth that is very natural and present if that makes any sense.
The TH500 characterizes most of that. I really like it with my G112s. I like the DB cabs, but a love the big pillow you get out of the GS cabs.
The TH500 has great EQ and I really like it. It's lightweight, loud and sounds good. A happy medium between a tube preamp and the other microamps

BassAgent · #6 01-14-2012, 01:48 AM

So you would go for the TH500 as well. I don't have a choice in cabs, since I already have 2 DB cabs and I'm not planning on selling those

Thanks!

Pickebass · #7 01-14-2012, 10:47 AM

I personally would get the TH500. If you are looking for the "Aguilar" sound, I think the TH500 will get you there. It's definitely loud enough and it does sound good with the DB cabs. I've owned DB 112s before and liked them alot. I think it will make a great rig....now for the disclaimers... IMO, YMMV, IME....

Remember, at the end of the gig, all your gear weighs 20% more than when you brought it in... Good luck

Andy Will · #8 01-14-2012, 04:01 PM

I've tried both amps in an A/B'ing situation at Bassmatters and was impressed by the TH500 at the time. Unfortunately, my memory is a little hazy and has been taken over by GAS so am buying a barely used one tomorrow to test at home and see whether it can compete with my AG500 DC in the complete rig.

My main concern about switching over is losing the 'Agro' channel as I do love it!
So, if I decide I can't live without channel 2, I can sell the TH500 on to you at a great price if you're interested!

BassAgent · #9 01-15-2012, 01:15 AM

Well... I would love to hear from you then yes

The Tone Hammer is a cheap amp, but even cheaper is always great of course

Please let me know. I'm doing an A/B test next Thursday (probably) so I'll let you know what the outcome is.

Andy Will · #10 01-15-2012, 02:37 PM

Just collected and tested the TH500 and first impressions are....... Damn it's Phat! Haven't done the A/B comparison as it's late but wow!

Have only been using my Ibanez practice combo recently and my ears were getting used to the thin tone of that, but the Tone Hammer with a DB410 sounded huge.

More reporting to follow........

BassAgent · #11 01-15-2012, 02:48 PM

Alright! Well, I hope you're gonna miss the Agro channel

afroman · #12 01-15-2012, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Will

Just collected and tested the TH500 and first impressions are....... Damn it's Phat! Haven't done the A/B comparison as it's late but wow!

Have only been using my Ibanez practice combo recently and my ears were getting used to the thin tone of that, but the Tone Hammer with a DB410 sounded huge.

More reporting to follow........

Yes, it does sound huge. You're going to love it more once you keep using it. Im posted to hear your comments.

Andy Will · #13 01-17-2012, 07:21 AM

Ok, last night's tests went well. Gonna keep it brief for now though.

Biggest surprise is that I prefer the drive on the TH500 to the AGRO/Channel 2 of the AG500 (shock-horror!). Though I know it's not a fair test at bedroom levels, as the AG500 overdrive sounds different when the amp is really opened up.
Concerning the AG500 clean channel vs. the TH500, there is a slight 'sheen' to the sound of the AG500 that explains the difference in cost between the 2 amps. Most would describe it as being a little more 'modern' but that normally means hi-fi/trebley to me when I hear that description. However, there is just 'something' in the tone that seems to sing a little more with my EMG/Aguilar equipped Adamovic Bass.
I tried dialing in the TH500 to get that same kind of sparkley-ness but couldn't quite get it as I think it's more a power amp thing than eq setting.

I do REALLY like the warm sound of the TH500 as well and think a better way of comparing the sounds of the two amps, would be to describe them as Bass sounds you expect to hear so here is my unusual and very general description (IMHO, IMO etc.)...............

AG500 (Clean) Think Victor Wooten's Bass on most of 'A show of Hands'
AG500 (Overdrive) Snarling Jeff Ament tone in 'Go' from Pearl Jam's Vs. CD

TH500 (Clean) Pino Palladino fans rejoice, Phat and Juicy
TH500 (Driven) Pat Badger (Extreme) pick tones or the sound of an Xotic BB Overdrive pedal hitting a warm amp. I never gigged a large Ampeg but would expect this is how it could sound! haha!

Also, the AG500 definitely has more clean power even though both can go really loud. Some have said the TH500 is louder but I'd have to disagree the same as when I first tested the 2 amps a good few months ago.

My ear is still heavily tuned to the AG500 so is a tough battle choosing which amp will stay. Would love to have both but the budget doesn't allow it right now.

Hope these desciptions make sense and remember both amps are very versatile (that's what all those knobs are for

). This is just a guideline for anyone on the fence about these two wonderful amps.

Round 2 to follow tonight....................

BassAgent · #14 01-17-2012, 07:28 AM

Wow, thanks for that great review Andy! It's remarkable that you're the only bassist I know who has tested these two amps and who says that the TH500 actually ísn't louder than the AG500.

Very curious towards round 2, and what the final decision will be!

Andy Will · #15 01-17-2012, 07:37 AM

It seems the UK 'Basschat' forum guys all feel the same way (maybe it an English thing!

). Either that or guys who think the TH500 is louder are Lemmy fans who all turn the knobs up to 11! haha! The other thing I've noticed is that new owners of the TH500 don't actually have the AG500 at home to compare so, they are going by memory of how loud their amp used to be

Might actually keep the AG500 due to the poor second-hand market in the UK at the moment which would cause too much of a loss for an immaculate amp. Can always pick up another TH500 later on when Money is good again.................or I move back to Holland where prices are still strong. Marktplaats rules! (Strange I miss that site!). Let me point out though that both amps would work for any gig mid-large sized gig. If you need louder there's a reason for that wonderful DB750/751...................

BassAgent · #16 01-17-2012, 09:05 AM

Hehehe but if I want the DB750, my wallet has to allow that

And if you do large gigs you mostly don't have to rely on the stage sound on its own... The Aguilar Direct Out has proven itself a lot of times, so I'm not worrying about that!

If you want to get rid of the TH, let me know and we'll work something out, probably!

MingusBass · #17 01-17-2012, 10:44 AM

I have only played the AG500 a handful of times, but I do own a DB751 and as of yesterday I'm the proud owner of a TH500.

So far I'm very impressed with the TH500. In my opinion, it gives you 85-90% of the tone a DB750/751 does in an incredibly portable head. For my smaller gigs and rehearsals I'll definitely be leaving the DB751 at home, just 'cause it's such a beast in the 4 space rack case I use.

I've owned the Little Mark II, The RH450, the MB200/500 and none of them have the pure tone of the TH500, IMO. The AG500 never "spoke to me" when I had the opportunity to use it.

RS · #18 01-17-2012, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassAgent

Wow, thanks for that great review Andy! It's remarkable that you're the only bassist I know who has tested these two amps and who says that the TH500 actually ísn't louder than the AG500.

Very curious towards round 2, and what the final decision will be!

Seem louder and sounds better to me than the AG500. Have owned both, still have the TH500.

Andy Will · #19 01-17-2012, 01:38 PM

Just tried to give an overview from a head-to-head (excuse the pun) between the two, but as we all know. Different Basses, Cabs and playing environments will give different results. Frickin' love both amps though!

Am really curious about doing the same tests on a larger stage with a band. Am sure the TH500 would slay!

evhest · #20 01-17-2012, 01:46 PM

Hi Hidde,

As you know I have the AG500 plus 2x DB112 as well. I had the TH500 for a short time as well... short as in 'it took me five days to get rid of it'.

I found it to be loud as hell, but also lifeless and lacking character. Don't see or hear what all the fuzz about this amp is about.

Regards,
Elmer