What to choose - TC classic 450 vs. Aguilar TH350

kristianbl · #1 12-13-2012, 12:10 PM

I am currently playing over an Aguilar AG500SC amp with two Barefaced Bass cabs - a compact (1x15) and a midget (1x12).

The bass I am playing is a Fender P reissue 62.

I am very pleased with both bass and cabs, but I am not sure about the amp.

The amps sound a bit to "clean" for my taste.

I considering to get rid of it and buy a light weight amp instead.

But what to choose?
I am currently leaning towards a TC classic 450 or a Aguilar Th350.

Anyone who can help my out on this one?

Best regards
Kristian.

**CL400Peavey** · #2 12-13-2012, 12:13 PM

My vote would be for the Tone Hammer 500.

Best case is to take your cab and bass down and demo a few amps.

KJung · #3 12-13-2012, 12:14 PM

Those two amps are somewhat similar. VERY mid warm and punchy, with a bit of midrange character (i.e., mild distortion) kind of built in.

The Aguilar will extend both higher and lower but still will be warm and a bit grunty. I owned the RH450 (basically the classic with a bunch more features) and I currently have the TH500. I greatly prefer the TH500... less compressed sounding (i.e., that bigger low end) but still warm and grunty.

The Aguilar is 'loud for its rating' (as is the TC RH450). I would save your pennies and get the TH500 myself. That bit more headroom will give you an even more open, fat low end, and comes in VERY handy if you are running the head at 8ohms.

Both good choices though.

AMp'D.2play · #4 12-13-2012, 06:22 PM

Given your choices, I would go with the Aguilar Tone Hammer. Depending on the pricing in DK, I'd agree with Ken & CL4P to go for the TH500 instead of the 350 if the additional $$ is not crazy.

BTW, I currently own both an Aguilar AG500 and a Classic 450, but I just bought a TH500. Today, actually. In with the TH500, out with the Classic 450. Nothing against the Classic, but the TH500 should offer more tonal variety, plus it's about half the weight.