Aguilar Tone Hammer 350

[AngelCrusher]

Is it an heresy to use a Sansamp BDDI with the TH350?
Well, for tears I've always played with it between my bass and my amp, and lately I tried to play without it, the bass directly in the head. I find the sound to be more opened, more focused, yet warm, and I prefer it like this.
I come to the conclusion that the TH350 is a great bass head that can deliver a warm sound without the help of a Sansamp.

After all the Tone Hammer is a great pedal itself...

Its funny because I just made a post about this in the TH500 thread.

It's definitely not wrong to do. It is actually amazing. Just depends on the tone you want.

The tone hammer fattens up and warms your sound so it sits right in a controlled range in the mix. So what that means is you can have some aggressive sounding EQ or Preamp before it, and the Aguilar will control it so it does not get harsh.

It's basically a studio trick in which you can shape your tone aggressively if you want before hitting the hardware (in this case, the tonehammer).

This is why you see posts where people say when they got it, they were not that impressed off the bat, but then they used it in a band setting or on a recording, and it all made sense.

 

[JOME77]

I'm with you on 'de-emphasizing' the upper treble at this point.

I guess the only comment I have is that the HT112ER is, to my ear, the definition of a hi fi cab as we use that term on TB.... big low end, smooth mids, a dip in the upper mids, and a sparkly, upper treble extended, pure top end. That is pretty much the opposite of the TH heads, so it will be interesting how that match-up works. Also, the HT112 ER's are lower sensitivity than the other Berg cabs, and like a bit of power to pump and even out in the mids.

The good news is, you can send the head back if it doesn't work for you. With those cabs, I'd probably strongly think about the new GKMBfusion800. However, the 'mix and match' is an interesting thing, and it might be killer. I have not heard the TH350/500 with an HT series cab, so just guessing. Let us know how it goes!

Well the TH350 arrived yesterday and I got a chance to spend an hour or so with it and the Berg HT-112 ER.
I was really hoping that I'd love the sound but to be perfectly honest I didn't. It's actually the first amp that I've played through the Berg 112 that didn't impress me (that list includes the Eden 550, Tfunk, Mark Bass & Genz Benz SM 9.2). It really seemed to emphasis the upper mids of the Berg and my Roscoe's, especially my 3005 with the Roscoe Bart P/U's and Bart pre. Lots of honky/nasal sounding mids with the bridge P/U soloed. And that's typically one of my favorite sounds.

Just not my sound. I got a RN# and it's on it's way back to MF.

I've got a Mark Bass Big Bang headed my way. Hopefully it'll sound a bit better with my Berg 112 and Roscoe's.

 

[KJung]

Well the TH350 arrived yesterday and I got a chance to spend an hour or so with it and the Berg HT-112 ER.
I was really hoping that I'd love the sound but to be perfectly honest I didn't. It's actually the first amp that I've played through the Berg 112 that didn't impress me (that list includes the Eden 550, Tfunk, Mark Bass & Genz Benz SM 9.2). It really seemed to emphasis the upper mids of the Berg and my Roscoe's, especially my 3005 with the Roscoe Bart P/U's and Bart pre. Lots of honky/nasal sounding mids with the bridge P/U soloed. And that's typically one of my favorite sounds.

Just not my sound. I got a RN# and it's on it's way back to MF.

I've got a Mark Bass Big Bang headed my way. Hopefully it'll sound a bit better with my Berg 112 and Roscoe's.

Yeah, I was afraid that match-up wouldn't be particularly good. The TH heads with the CN cabs and the Roscoe.... magic. With the HT112ER's, just totally opposite tone goals from each designer.

Good that you got to try it though. If the Big Bang doesn't work for you, I am pretty sure the TecAmp Puma would in a BIG way.

 

[wolffire99]

The more I've played with this amp the more I'm digging a low gain/high drive setting (see pic). It's s very smooth with an edge sound. Hard to describe, reminds me of the classic P bass growl I'd get on my low E but anywhere on the bass. Sounds great with flats.

 

[slawie]

Well I never thought it would happen but my RH750 is gathering dust and I am using the TH 350 for all my gigs! I still have my RS212 cabinet matched to it but only because Aggie cabs cost way too much in Oz. I am playing my 1977 jazz bass through it all original bits. It is just the sound I have been searching for and no knob twiddling! Call me a convert
slawie

 

[Alper Yilmaz]

Hey Ken,

Interestingly, I am very happy with the tone I get out of my TH350 through Bergie HT112 (the older and smaller version). Of course, HT112 is not as deep as the ER version, but the bass control set around 1:30 (with a '73 Fender Jazz Bass), it gives very nice low end without being boomy and not getting lost in the mix.

Best,

Alper

Yeah, I was afraid that match-up wouldn't be particularly good. The TH heads with the CN cabs and the Roscoe.... magic. With the HT112ER's, just totally opposite tone goals from each designer.

Good that you got to try it though. If the Big Bang doesn't work for you, I am pretty sure the TecAmp Puma would in a BIG way.

 

[KJung]

Hey Ken,

Interestingly, I am very happy with the tone I get out of my TH350 through Bergie HT112 (the older and smaller version). Of course, HT112 is not as deep as the ER version, but the bass control set around 1:30 (with a '73 Fender Jazz Bass), it gives very nice low end without being boomy and not getting lost in the mix.

Best,

Alper

+1 The original HT is yet another thing... much tighter and punchier, less deep low end, and more midrange presence. I can see where that would sound quite nice!

The HT112ER is much wider down low, much more relaxed in the mids, and given the smoother midrange, it sounds more 'hi fi' up top. GREAT cab also, but for me, not so much with the TH heads.

 

[KJung]

Well I never thought it would happen but my RH750 is gathering dust and I am using the TH 350 for all my gigs! I still have my RS212 cabinet matched to it but only because Aggie cabs cost way too much in Oz. I am playing my 1977 jazz bass through it all original bits. It is just the sound I have been searching for and no knob twiddling! Call me a convert
slawie

As a fan and previous user of the RH series amps, I totally get what you are saying. I've described the TH500/350 often as a 'better RH450/750', better in that they have a somewhat similar midrange complexity and warmth, but are MUCH more open down low, with (strangely) much more powerful EQ (the RH EQ, while very complex, was limited in its impact (IMO and IME) by the very hard lo and hi passing of the RH heads).

+1, and the output of the TH's is definitely 'beyond' their published power specs.

 

[slawie]

As a fan and previous user of the RH series amps, I totally get what you are saying. I've described the TH500/350 often as a 'better RH450/750', better in that they have a somewhat similar midrange complexity and warmth, but are MUCH more open down low, with (strangely) much more powerful EQ (the RH EQ, while very complex, was limited in its impact (IMO and IME) by the very hard lo and hi passing of the RH heads).

+1, and the output of the TH's is definitely 'beyond' their published power specs.

KJung,
Your description is accurate and in tune with my experience also. By the time I managed to get the sound I wanted on stage I was way too loud with the RH. It's kind of like taking the Ferrari down to the shops to buy a quart of milk.

I am keeping things a lot simpler lately. I took the Alembic pick ups out of my Jazz bass and returned the originals and I put the original bridge back on removing the Badass. It's now a very neat, cherry 1977 Fender. Coupled with the TH350 if I need to be heard (ie cut through the mix) I tweek the tone knob on the bass - that's it!

I am still trying to experience various rooms with either the RS210 or RS212 so I've not quite settled in that department although I am leaning toward the 212 for a little extra trouser flapping.

The fullness of the bottom end is well defined, fat but still tight maybe tight is not the right word but "contained or refined"

It's a great amp and I'm really digging it.

 

[KJung]

KJung,
Your description is accurate and in tune with my experience also. By the time I managed to get the sound I wanted on stage I was way too loud with the RH. It's kind of like taking the Ferrari down to the shops to buy a quart of milk.

I am keeping things a lot simpler lately. I took the Alembic pick ups out of my Jazz bass and returned the originals and I put the original bridge back on removing the Badass. It's now a very neat, cherry 1977 Fender. Coupled with the TH350 if I need to be heard (ie cut through the mix) I tweek the tone knob on the bass - that's it!

I am still trying to experience various rooms with either the RS210 or RS212 so I've not quite settled in that department although I am leaning toward the 212 for a little extra trouser flapping.

The fullness of the bottom end is well defined, fat but still tight maybe tight is not the right word but "contained or refined"

It's a great amp and I'm really digging it.

+1 Passive Nordstrand 5 string P Bass for me for most of my gigs at this point. Might move the passive tone control an eighth of a turn on a couple tunes. Other than that, I just dial in the room and play! The top end of the TH heads are just great for a passive J or P 'vintage' type tone. Warm, articulate, punchy, but no 'clean upper treble', etc. Just nice upper mid/lower treble 'paper cone' type brightness if you want it. Totally digging in.

 

[pauliebass]

+1 The original HT is yet another thing... much tighter and punchier, less deep low end, and more midrange presence. I can see where that would sound quite nice!

Oh they do sound quite nice with TH heads! And those plastic corners people hate? They allow me to place them vertical and kick back the top HT with a rubber doorstop and have them be completely secure. I keep wanting to jump on the CN bandwagon but I plug in and say "why?"

 

[JOME77]

Yeah, I was afraid that match-up wouldn't be particularly good. The TH heads with the CN cabs and the Roscoe.... magic. With the HT112ER's, just totally opposite tone goals from each designer.

Good that you got to try it though. If the Big Bang doesn't work for you, I am pretty sure the TecAmp Puma would in a BIG way.

Ken,
The Big Bang hit a home run!!!

Totally kills with the Roscoe's though the Berg HT-112 ER!

 

[KJung]

Ken,
The Big Bang hit a home run!!!

Totally kills with the Roscoe's though the Berg HT-112 ER!

I can totally see that, from my experience with the HT cabs and my F1/F500. Cool, glad that worked out. I would love to hear the Big Bang sometime.... sounds like a cool amp from the reviews!

 

[icemangee]

Hi all,

Got a TH350 yesterday & played some hours with it at home.
My basses are: Fender Jazz bass 50th anniversary, Fender Jaco pastorius tribute custom shop fretless, Warwick Streamer stage II & Yamaha TRB5P.

My other amp is a Glockenklang Soul II.

I tested it (TH350) with my Glockenklang Space Deluxe speaker (12") & I really love how it sound with both my Jazz basses fretted & fretless which are passive basses.
Very nice low mid with the bridge P.U. soloed fretless.
I find the sound to be very organic, big warm low end, nice mids, nice controlled highs (kind of "thick highs" not hifi). PHAT!!! yeah
Slap sounds great! but I first have to push the highs a little, then it come to live!!!
Can get a good old school typical Jazz bass slap sound no problem.

All in all: it sounds better on my passive Fenders than on the Warwick, but still sounds very with the TRB5P.
The EQ is really good & powerful.

I'm very happy with it & I like it more with my passive basses than the Markbass F500 that I had although the F500 was great too, but more in the direction of the Glockenklang but less good.

Great little amp that sounds big!

Cheers

 

[slawie]

Here's a picture of how I had my 350 set up at the last gig. The guitarist loved the tone so much he wanted to crazy glue the knobs in this position. Played a 77 Jazz bass with flats.
slawie

 

[Pimmsley]

Got my TH-350 2 days ago, all I can say is wow !
This thread helped in deciding on it, thanks !

 

[icemangee]

Now my dilemma is to buy a DB112 or a SL112?....to go with the TH350.
Weight is not an issue for me, only the sound.
I love the Glock Space112 but I curious about the Aggy cabs with this head.
Anyway, you guys here have been great help, even only from reading

 

[PolkaHero]

I just got one and have been running it into my Bergantino NV610. It sounds awesome! No more lugging around the SVT-VR! With the drive knob engaged it pretty much sounds the same but with more volume management.

 

[DaveKirkpatrick]

Now my dilemma is to buy a DB112 or a SL112?....to go with the TH350.
Weight is not an issue for me, only the sound.
I love the Glock Space112 but I curious about the Aggy cabs with this head.
Anyway, you guys here have been great help, even only from reading

Hi- I don't own either cab, but my general in store impression was that the db cab came across as a very low mid focused cab-with kind of a modern vintage vibe going on while the SL sounded very even in the bass/low mid and seemed to have a lot of upper mid stuff going on. Side by side the SL sounded brighter. Both cabs are great, but they do seem to be voiced very differently- both cabs seemed to respond well to eq. I could see someone having a clear preference for one cab over the other- I liked the DB cab, but I sure liked the weight of the SL!

 

[hennessybass]

I've had a TH350 for a while now. I was using a lot of tube amps, and wanted a small (form factor) amp that I could carry as a back up on travel gigs. I started using the TH350 with a Baer ML112 as my "small" rig for a very quiet HH gig I do. Used that same set up at a bunch of rehearsals with a loud rock band, and was not really digging it. I think it turns out what I was not digging was the Baer cab. Nice cab but not for me.

Since then, I have been using the TH350 with an Ampeg SVT210 for my HH gig, and like that a lot better than the Baer, but that's all the work the TH has been getting. Just for kicks I decided to use it on a full band gig. Used it with the Berg CN212, and my first impression was WOW. For starters I could not believe the volume.

I was really impressed. I was especially loving the high end. Very smooth, old school. I play flats, and don't use much tweet to begin with, but the TH just sounded sweet and mellow. It was the first time that I actually soloed the bridge PU on my Jazz bass and felt good about the tone.

I have about 5 hours of gigs this Saturday, and I'm planning on using the TH350 / CN212.