What head for this type of tone?

[Eskimo Spy]

I am currently playing a US Lakland Glaub P-bass with flats through an Ashdown ABM EVO II C410T combo. While I like my current combo, I am looking for a head that can really deliver a clean, warm tone. Deep lows which aren't muddy, warm, even mids, and just enough treble to allow the upper registers to come through, but not enough to sound nasally. I am leaning towards a tube amp.

The sound I'm looking for; think James Jamerson, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, John Paul Jones, you get the idea...

[Yves]

Ampeg B-15 Fliptop

Or get a Tech 21 VT Bass and put it in front of your current amp.

[Eskimo Spy]

I probably need something that won't have to rely on PA support.

[garmenteros]

Ampeg B15 fliptop comes to mind but you need something without PA support. Try a vintage acoustic head, 150b being my favorite, but the 370 a close second. They're low and mid oriented amps and John Paul Jones played them. I have a 150b now and use it with a mesa powerhouse 1000 and the tone I get with my 4 strings and passive basses is just what you describe.

[JimmyM]

maybe you could get that eden tube head or the svt you were mentioning in that other thread.










ain't i a stinker?

[Eskimo Spy]

Get out, you wascally wabbit!

[Eskimo Spy]

I am intrigued by the fliptop, but it's what, 100w? If we played anywhere that didn't have a PA, we'd have to have a sub for sure. Not that it is a bad idea to buy a sub, but it's another cost. That said, the flip looks and sounds awesome.

[Yves]

Originally Posted by garmenteros

Ampeg B15 fliptop comes to mind but you need something without PA support. Try a vintage acoustic head, 150b being my favorite, but the 370 a close second. They're low and mid oriented amps and John Paul Jones played them. I have a 150b now and use it with a mesa powerhouse 1000 and the tone I get with my 4 strings and passive basses is just what you describe.

Well, I don't know why I did not want to suggest a 150b, considering I use one (with a Mesa RR 2x15). But yeah, that will do it. Don't let the power rating fool you, it is loud enough. It does grind up a bit at volume. You can pick them up for 200 or under and if it has not been serviced, it may run you about 100 bucks for a recap. I just had mine serviced and it was totally worth it. I now have a reliable gig worthy 40 year old amp.

[TrevorOfDoom]

I had and loved an Ashdown EVO II 500 and thought it totally copped the vibes of the players you mentioned. the difference is that none of those gentlemen used tweeters, and most used 15's or 12's.
in short, i don't think your head is the problem, i think it's the cab.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Eskimo Spy

I am intrigued by the fliptop, but it's what, 100w? If we played anywhere that didn't have a PA, we'd have to have a sub for sure. Not that it is a bad idea to buy a sub, but it's another cost. That said, the flip looks and sounds awesome.

the highest wattage b-15 is 100w. the one i have is 25w. watt for watt it's the best bass amp ever made, and i eq my svt amd micro vr to sound like it set flat. it's not for your situation. it's only got a 115 cab, and even if you get the 100w b-15, it'll struggle without pa if you're playing at higher volumes. get your bigger working rig sorted, THEN get a b-15.

[Eskimo Spy]

How do you have your micro set? I have a micro, and would love to try your settings out.

[Eskimo Spy]

Originally Posted by TrevorOfDoom

I had and loved an Ashdown EVO II 500 and thought it totally copped the vibes of the players you mentioned. the difference is that none of those gentlemen used tweeters, and most used 15's or 12's.
in short, i don't think your head is the problem, i think it's the cab.

I just slipped into the music room and jammed my EVO II 410 combo to see how close it comes to what I'm looking for, and it does have a lot of what I'm asking for here. I'm just a gear slut, I think.

[JAUQO III-X]

Stick with the Ashdown rig. I've been using Ashdown rigs in various configuration for over a decade. And the sound that you are after is definitely obtainable with your Ashdown combo.




























I'm an Ashdown endorser.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Eskimo Spy

How do you have your micro set? I have a micro, and would love to try your settings out.

i still haven't settled on my settings and they vary from room to room quite honestly. but it's somewhere around bass 2:00, mids 1:00, treble 10:00.

[Eskimo Spy]

Now that I found the cause of the distorted sound when I played a fretted D, I am happy with the Ashdown again. I'm going to stick with it, as it's a UK made ABM EVO II, and they are hard to get your hands on. I may buy an Ampeg to complement my Ashdown, but I think I will be very happy with the combo now.

[TrevorOfDoom]

i know you didn't ask, but i ditched an Ampeg SVT 3Pro to get my Ashdown. the Ampeg was noisy and underpowered. As such, i don't see much point to owning both brands. If i were to get a different sort of head i'd recommend something a bit more hi-fi, such as Eden or Genz Benz, just so you have a couple different flavours at your disposal.

[Eskimo Spy]

I'm going to buy a SVT-CL and pair it with a 410hlf and likely keep my Ashdown.

[JimiLL]

Could I suggest Mesa M6?