TA-501 vs. Little Mark II/III?

dmusic148 · #1 06-30-2010, 10:20 PM

Anybody compared them?
Why I ask: I have a TA-501 and like it, very clear and loud but I wish it had a bit more 'grit.' Yes, I have both VPF and VLE controls fully counter-clockwise. No 'scoop' or low-pass stuff going on here.

These days, though it really shouldn't matter, I'm playing P basses, often with a pick. I won't say which style(s) of music I play.....

The TA-501 EQ just doesn't get me where I'd like to be. Cabs?

SWR Goliath II and III, also Goliath II Junior(2x10), Baby Blue 8x8 cab, and my Epifani UL310 Series 1 - I don't like it at all.

Anyhoo----I feel that the TA-501 is a bit 'soft' on transients- even with the 'tube compressor' totally off. Sounds VERY nice but I wish it had more 'Aaargghh'......less polite, please.....but with the low-end?

I bought a VT pedal in hopes of 'fattening it up', but the pedal blurs the low-end in a way that I don't like. And it takes away the highest high-end.....I wish it didn't.

For reference, I absolutely ADORE my ancient 800RB.......'Boost' at 2:00.......tonewise, into almost ANY cab, it's the ticket for me, but I do wish it had a bit more low-end extension, a-la the Markbass head, but the Markbass head falls short for me tone-wise......hmmmm.

So, the LMII/III are supposed to be 'Ampeggy.'
I'm thinking that my amp is voiced along those same lines.

So maybe an F1 or F500 would be more appropriate?

Whatdya think? Dj

R Baer · #2 07-01-2010, 12:15 AM

I know this is opening up a can of worms here, but personally, I've never heard a solid state amp that I thought sounded like a tube amp. I've heard solid state sound warm, fat, full, round, etc.., but duplicating the sound and feel of an all tube with a dozen glowing tubes in it... no way. If your'e after the SVT tone, your certainly not going to get that from a class D micro head without some effects wizardry. If you really dig the Ampeg tube sound, then you really should look into Ampeg to reach that tone goal.

T. Alan Smith · #3 07-01-2010, 06:38 AM

Huh. I never thought my LMII was supposed to be Ampeggy. I never expected it to. It certainly doesn't sound like it. I was always told MB was like GK on steroids, and I think that's true. ...a cleaner GK.
Sounds like you might want to look into a drive pedal to run your signal thru b4 it hits your head.

dmusic148 · #4 07-01-2010, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Baer

I know this is opening up a can of worms here, but personally, I've never heard a solid state amp that I thought sounded like a tube amp.

Sure but that's not what I'm after. I'm after the GK tone, but with more highs and lows.
There are many, many folks here who'll say the LM line is 'Ampeggy,' probably deliberately so. But that's NOT what I'm after, either.

T. Alan Smith · #5 07-01-2010, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Sure but that's not what I'm after. I'm after the GK tone, but with more highs and lows..

Huh. That's how I'd describe my LMII.

R Baer · #6 07-01-2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Sure but that's not what I'm after. I'm after the GK tone, but with more highs and lows.
There are many, many folks here who'll say the LM line is 'Ampeggy,' probably deliberately so. But that's NOT what I'm after, either.

I've owned a LMII and I wouldn't even begin to describe it as sounding like an all tube Ampeg.

If you really love the GK sound, then I really think you should stick with that amp. You may also want to look at the Fusion 550, or the 1001RB-II, both are really great sounding bass amps.

You might want to try the Aphex Bass Exciter pedal with your GK. It adds a little sparkle and upper harmonics to the top end and you can dial in the "Big Bottom" a touch to fill the low end out a tad. This pedal sounds best when you keep it subtle, IMO, but it may just add the kick you are looking for. You may want to also try the Sadowsky preamp pedal before the GK. Kick in a little bass and treble and that would probably get you there as well.