Amp Makers with Best Quality / Support

[CrUiSeR]

AMPEG SUCKS PERiOD.

The ONLY reason ampeg has gotten so far is/was the SLM
reps

 

[bassrich]

Ampeg has been good to me. Never had to use customer service with Peavey.

 

[Chili Bo Billy]

I am surprised that Yorkville/ Traynor don't get more love for their line of amplifiers and sound systems, just sayin'.
especially their customer service

 

[baileyboy]

Mesa Boogie beats them all period

^^^^This^^^^ Their products are second to none in quality and durability. Had Mesa do an overhaul/upgrade on one of my Walkabouts. Their business is small enough that if you call up you will be speaking to the the right person in no time. Highly recommended!

 

[Chili Bo Billy]

I'm really happy with my PF500, never a problem with it since getting it a few years ago.
Ampeg honoured the warranty on my micro VR when it crapped out on me, things happen with gear, no complaints here.

 

[Orpheus55]

I really have had my best amp experiences with Hartke.

Same here. Love my LH500. Sure, it is limited in tonal options but it goes boom-boom very nicely, which is what bass does. A tad heavy (I'm 64, so it can't be too much for you young-uns), but it is a reassuring kind of heavy; I cannot see how anyone trusts these little dinky boxes, especially in the hot, humid, outdoor FL conditions my band plays in. Looks cool as hell in a gator shallow 2U rack with great handles for easy carrying. And did I say #349? With 15% off from MF?

 

[JimmyM]

AMPEG SUCKS PERiOD.

The ONLY reason ampeg has gotten so far is/was the SLM
reps

Mesa Boogie beats them all period

Mesa...the company whose solution to all the complaints about the M9 having problems was to drop the power by 300w and not tell anyone till they got caught. RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!

 

[Slpbass81]

I've played 200+ gigs on my DB751. Never had any issue. Best amp in the world IMO. Great CS.

To OP: Aguilar TH500 or TH350: perfect for your needs. You'll also need a cabinet though...

I wanted to recommend the TH500 but it's out of his price range.

 

[Slpbass81]

Thanks for all the great thoughts. I inherited my Dad's old SVT when he passed, but I keep it in the house. Unfortunately, the Ampeg name doesn't seem to mean what it once did. I will follow up on all of your suggestions. It's great to have a wealth of experience to draw on here.

Here is the thing, on forums if you will mostly see stories about people who had problems with an amp or brand. The more popular a brand is the more stories you will hear because they sell more. Every amp maker will have problems. Ampeg still makes great products it's just that you purchased a used amp (never do that) and it was an older PF-500 which the seller I'm sure knew were all having problems.

I'm sure you have your reasons, but forget the solid state amp and pull the SVT out of the house. If it's not working it would cost less to fix it than purchase a solid state. I have a USA SLM SVT-CL and a Loud Vietnam SVT-VR and they are built like tanks.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

My vote for Gallien Krueger. Love the tone and size, and made in America!
I only have the little guy, MB200 but it has a lot of skookum. I'm going to add an MB500 to the stable next.

 

[Slpbass81]

AMPEG SUCKS PERiOD.

The ONLY reason ampeg has gotten so far is/was the SLM
reps

Well that's a very eloquent response. I didn't know Ampeg was an obscure brand before the SLM reps in 1986.

You remind me of this little kid

 

[buldog5151bass]

For the price, it's hard to beat GK - the sound is kind of modern - so don't know if you like that.

Carvin heads are good deals, but I am not a fan of their lower priced cabs.

 

[Abrahampost]

Go used with anything from genz, mesa, aguilar, or gk and enjoy reliable performance with great customer service.

 

[kimokeo]

+1 for GK. When the owner of the company will take the time out of his day to communicate with / help you, it is only more proof that he cares about and stands behind the product he is selling.

 

[The Chuck]

Mesa...the company whose solution to all the complaints about the M9 having problems was to drop the power by 300w and not tell anyone till they got caught. RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!

OUCH!

 

[The Chuck]

Great customer service? Two words- Larry Hartke

 

[Kmonk]

I owned 2 Fender Rumble amps and didn't like either of them. Very muddy soundings. I have had great luck with Ampeg and GK in terms of reliability and service.

 

[JimmyM]

OUCH!

Didn't want to go there Mesa's an overall good company that made a mistake. Any company in business that long is going to pull boners from time to time. Those of you who are perfect, please levitate.

 

[paparoof]

It's almost like they have some talent in common…

Just got my Streamliner 900 back from AgedHorse about half an hour ago. Totally responsive, great communication. Can't wait to get it home and try it out again. This is my all-time favorite amp - and I'm pretty confident it's gonna be back to 100%.

 

[CrUiSeR]

Mesa...the company whose solution to all the complaints about the M9 having problems was to drop the power by 300w and not tell anyone till they got caught. RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!

And you are a ________ ____________!
We really don't need to compare the CRAP from ampeg
to the products of Mesa Boogie
do we?

Well that's a very eloquent response. I didn't know Ampeg was an obscure brand before the SLM reps in 1986.

Ya don't have to believe it, I know the reps made it what it is