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Aguilar DB359

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Peter McFerrin, Oct 15, 2001.

  1. Oct 15, 2001 #1
    Peter McFerrin

    Peter McFerrin

    Jul 4, 2000
    Valencia, CA 91354
    I'm digging the hell out of my Eden WT-300, particularly the nearly nonexistent weight. However, there's a certain amount of grit missing from my tone that I'd really like. I was thinking that a DB359 might solve my tone problems, and do so in a relatively lightweight package that's more versatile than the other all-tube heads I've tried (the SVT and 400+ do not impress me).

    I have played through a DB359 before and was very impressed by the warmth and beefiness of the tone, but I think a lot of that had to do with the twin GS112 cabs I was playing through. A couple of questions:

    1. Is it normally as noisy as the unit I tested at Bass Palace? It really put a hurting on some of the single-coil-equipped basses I tested, and even though the FBB custom 5 I'm ordering will have Bartolini M4 dual-coils, I'm still worried about excessive noise.

    2. Would the DB359's low-mid warmth be too much for my D-210Ts, which already put out a ton of low mids? If I were to get a DB359, would I be forced to sell my cabinets?

    3. How sturdy is the DB359 compared to other all-tube amps? How long do the power tubes last (not an inconsequential question for a college student)?

    4. Am I just smoking a pipe dream? The cheapest I've seen one of these is $1000 and there's no way I could afford one for well over a year.
     
  2. Oct 15, 2001 #2
    James G. Ellis

    James G. Ellis

    Jun 22, 2001
    Kentucky
    DB 359 - a truly great amp. I wish to goodness I had never parted with mine. Kick, kick, kick.

    I tested mine with Eden cabs and did not like them too much, as you said it was almost too middy.
    But I think if you paired it with almost anything else, you'd be elated.
    Not just with the grit, but with the sparkle and sheen of the tone, as well as the deeper depth with the deep switch engaged.
    No, they're not all noisy... mine was pretty quiet.
    As far as weight went, it was pretty hefty, though. In the mid-50s poundage wise.
    I liked mine with every cab except Edens and EAs... with Bergantinos a DB359 is heavenly.
    And they are INCREDIBLY loud amps as well.
    For a bit lighter weight amps with great tone, and the ability to add grit, check out Ashdowns. I have an ABM 500 and am wild about it.