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Bass Amp Head $500 Limit

#22
RickenBoogie said:
Budget is for the head only? What about spkr cabs? Don't skimp on those.
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1) Im loving all the suggestions
2) i left out the biggest detail I also already have a Ampeg 410HE (and i also already have a presonus eureka and QSC 1450, but ill be selling those soon)
3) that genz benz is also looking pretty i may have to talk to lightgroove
 
#23
I bought a brand new Carvin bx500 combo with 2 10s about 2 years ago....it sounded great and worked great unil a couple months ago....It just shut off on me during a gig...Will turn on after a while but wont stay working but just a few minutes or so..then shuts down again......so I am done with that amp...According to the website they want 350$ for an exchange.....when a new one is only about 399$....no thanks..I would look elsewhere..
dechristimo said:
Really, just what the title says, I'm looking for a good bass head that is affordable for me, one I've been looking at in particular is the Carvin BX500, but I'm open to all suggestions. I play an epiphone thunderbird (not that good I just dont have a lot of money, but hey its not that bad, and when i get the chance ill be getting a q-tuner bridge pick up for it too!)
So any recommendations?

Also I have no real preference over solid state or tube, just as long as it is good, and I'd like a versatile amp, the only genres i wont really be playing are like death metal and pop, I play ska, prog rock, jazz, and fusion type stuff the most.
Thanks for any help!
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#27
Thanks for the insight on this!!!That would be great if that was the only problem...I too really loved this amp ....I just can't afford to send it out or buy a new one....Once again thanks for the input...Would really like to be able to use this again!!
garnermike said:
Your BX500 most probably has a loose or "bad contact" ribbon wire inside. I had the same problem. Carvin techie walked me thru how to open it up and clean/reset the ribbon wire. No issues since then. I love my BX500
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#28
sj45 said:
Thanks for the insight on this!!!That would be great if that was the only problem...I too really loved this amp ....I just can't afford to send it out or buy a new one....Once again thanks for the input...Would really like to be able to use this again!!
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By yourself a can of contact cleaner (Radio Shack) before you open it up. According to spin on the Carvin website, contact cleaner works wonders on corroded ends on the ribbon cables.
 
#29
I'll push again for a GK 700rb-II

I realize the 'hip' thing to do is to go 'micro' heads with all the Class D, A/B switching amps, but theres just something about them that don't put out the grunt and authority that traditional amps (either SS or tube) do.

I will stand behind my opinion that a GK 700rb-II will take care of ANY of your needs. PERIOD.
 
#32
GK MB500 or Markbass Little Mark III. I have both of these, and I like the Markbass just a little more, but they are both great amps. I didn't gel with the shuttle, but they are decent amps, with great service.

The Peavey Tour heads are decent, but heavy. Can't go wrong with an ampeg neither.
 
#34
I have the pf 500. It's great. I use an 8 ohm 410. Great sound. 450 watt cab and its running @ 300 watts. Little bit of grunt, may add a 15 or a second 410. Doesn't cut out. Compressor is fairly good, seems to work well, don't really use the 5 way selector thing or bass booster, plenty good without it. Nice bass, mid bass, mid and treb control. Well worth it for the money. Nice and lite, haven't got any complaints.
 
#35
Thanks for your input!!!! I always try to keep some contact cleaner on hand.....used it a bit on my old Hartke 7000Mosfet and Hartke He7000 heads.....a must for those old push switches....thanks again!
bassplayer8953 said:
By yourself a can of contact cleaner (Radio Shack) before you open it up. According to spin on the Carvin website, contact cleaner works wonders on corroded ends on the ribbon cables.
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#38
Go used, man. That's where you get the most for your money. $500 will get you a good amp with some change left over.

A good condition used Toyota (GK, Ampeg, Peavey, etc.) is a helluva lot better than a new Yugo (TC, Behringer, etc.).
 

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