Another Amp Transition Thread [MarkBass -> ???]

[StayLow]

I realise it's sometimes difficult to try other gear at the best of times but if you haven't tried either a Tech 21 BDDI v2 or their VT Bass pedals before, either is so good it would be a low risk purchase. The BDDI is extremely flexible and gives tubey warmth and more and almost the industry standard whilst the VT is obviously Ampeg tone based. There is also Ampeg's own pedals which I have never tried but I imagine they'd great too for what you want.

Having gigged all these pedals, I agree and add that the SansAmp offerings are better than the Ampeg pedals.

"Better" meaning far more versatile, quieter operation, and better built.

 

[Zbysek]

After many years it's time to change amplifiers. I've been playing a MarkBass LMIII for six or seven years now. She's treated me well, but doesn't have the character I'm looking for at the moment.

I play a lot of Rock derivatives and Singer-Songwriter music.

Currently running into two SVT 112 AV's. I really like these cabinets, especially as a pair.

Venues size: One hundred to three hundred person rooms, with PA support.

Desired tone: B-15 when playing P or J with flats. 90's Alternative/Grunge when playing rounds.

My axe is a Fender J with flats or a Stingray 5 with rounds when stuff gets heavy.

Obviously an SVT CL would be killing. But pricey and heavy. Something portable and lightweight would be ideal.

TH 500? (This seems like the obvious choice)
Ampeg PF series? (I'm worried about reliability. Especially SVT6-7pro)
GK? (too much mid scoop?)
Mesa? (too metal?)

All I've ever played is this MarkBass. I'm in no hurry to buy a new amp since my calendar is pretty light the next few months.

I've done my due diligence in reading and listening to the characteristics of these amps.

If you have any insight or have been in my shoes before. I'd love to hear from you.

Cheers,
John

I can see where you come from.

LM III has been my main gigging amp for approx. 5 years.

When I started feeling I need a little more character, I bought Ampeg PF-20T. I can use it alone for smaller gigs. When I need to be loud, I send the signal from Ampeg into the Markbass. Since you are Looking for B15 Kind of sound, you might consider this a possibility.

Btw: I owned both LM III and TH500 for some time. I sold TH500, kept LM III...

 

[BassAdder27]

Have you considered the Ashdown ABM series or RM series heads ?

 

[jlo95]

Have you considered the Ashdown ABM series or RM series heads ?

I have!!! One of my favorite bassists, Nick Harmer of DCFC plays Ashdown. I think he switched from Ampeg to Ashdown for a while. I've seen a couple pop up on Reverb. Look like work horses. But other than Nick IDK anybody who plays one. What's your experience with them been like?

 

[jlo95]

The first thing I did whenever I took the Tonehammer off my cabs and put the LMII there was reaching around and turn the horns down a good bit.

Good advice. I have all my horns turned off by default and it helps significantly.

In the regard of gain and drive, the Tonehammer is so vastly different to the LM, it's nearly a polar opposite.

This is great to hear! I've often wondered if this was the case. It's good to hear a confirmation that the Aggie clip light is not the same as MarkBass "electric distortion" if you will.

 

[Zbysek]

Good advice. I have all my horns turned off by default and it helps significantly.

Btw.: you may achieve the same result by engaging the VLE filter. That way, you may ensure that the "harsh" highs are not sent to FOH too…(in case you are sending post-EQ signal to FOH)

 

[Zbysek]

TH 500? (This seems like the obvious choice)

Have you considered getting TH pedal preamp instead of the TH500 amp?

That way, you would have a flexible setup… Plus you can take your TH sound with you without the need to carry the amp… (not that it is too heavy or anything).

I am considering adding the TH preamp myself… IMHO, the LMIII amp is a great platform which works very well with pedals...

 

[BassAdder27]

The Ashdown range of amps are superb and offer in my opinion everything you need in a bass head

I use the new RM800 EVO II with an Ampeg PF115LF cab and it sounds great

Prior to this I had the PF800 amp

The older ABM series were U.K. made and a great amp if you see one secondhand

Mostly all made in China now but don’t let that put you off

The list of artists using Ashdown is impressive too