Another Ampeg vs. Mesa Thread

[slapstick13]

I've done lots of searching, but Im in a bit of an amp choice pickle. Now that I have plenty of time to adjust my rig and no gigs in the near future, I figured it's a good time to get some advice. I have an Ampeg micro Vr that I LOVE the sound of. But in my band it's just a bit too shy. I recently got a Barefaced four10 and my god is it the best speaker cab I've ever played. I have a Mesa Walkabout head that I just don't love(I know I'm in the minority here). Back and forth with the Micro Vr, the Mesa just sounds so dark and there's a deep/low frequency I just can't get rid of even with the para eq. I do like the tubey bounce tho. The ampeg just sounds more open, maybe it's something in the minds that works better for me and my Nash PB-63 P style bass.

So, since the barefaced is only 8 ohms, I'm looking for a high wattage amp since
I'll 'only' be getting about half the wattage. Looking between the mesa wd800/d800+(will the LPF be my savior for the mesa sound) and the Ampeg PF-800. I play rock/alt country, nothing crazy, just classic p bass tones. Any advice from someone with experience with both amps?

 

[Shpigel]

I own a Mesa D800+ and I absolutely love it.
That's being said, it sounds to me like you prefer the "Ampeg signature tone". I have a kemper profiler and the Ampeg profiles sound very different than my D800+ no matter how I tweak it.
Personally, I prefer the tone of my Mesa (which is darker and deeper like you said), but that's a matter of personal taste...

 

[mikeswals]

I'm a Mesa lover, but sounds like the PF800 is what you're looking for.

 

[Al Kraft]

I'm admittedly a Mesa fan, but think you should try the SW's (I'd suggest the WD-800) and PF-800 side by side if possible and give your ears the deciding vote. IMO Mesa quality (especially the SW line) is unbeaten and rarely matched, but all the Ampeg gear I've owned has been reliable and served me well.

 

[G On Bass]

IMHO there's not much point in fighting the eq on a different amp when all you need is more power for a tone you like. Both are great amps with which many people create great tones, but my vote would be the Ampeg. FWIW, I love my MicroVR (with 2 of the 210AV cabs) and my V-4B. If I needed more volume than either of those, I would go with a PF series. Or re-evaluate why I'm in such a loud band...

 

[Ed Byrnes]

Get an SVT, or even a V4b and crank it. Get a second Barefaced 4x10 and go to heaven.

 

[Gibson Victory]

Get an SVT, or even a V4b and crank it. Get a second Barefaced 4x10 and go to heaven.

Amen !