Best Light weight backup amp under $500

[peledog]

RH450
TH500

 

[Bassworship1]

Just curious - is there something about the D-800 that you don't like in the smaller venues?

There is absolutely nothing I don't like about the Mesa D-800 for large and small. Really just wanted to get a backup in case something ever did happen. Figured I could use the Mesa for larger and keep it at church and my small travel gigs.

 

[dannster]

Why not an RH450 or 750?
Killer tones to be had and can handle just about anything.

 

[Bassworship1]

I had the RH450 and liked it but sold it because it seemed I was having to work the EQ to much to get a desirable tone.

 

[Kukulkan61]

Get this, it's powerful, light and reliable and fits in your gig bag pocket..GK MB200

 

[Bassworship1]

I appreciate the MB200 references and know they are very good for the money and size but I'm not interested in them at all.

 

[AcridSaint]

Out of your choices I would get the Aguilar.

I had the MB200 that keeps getting suggested and traded it on a BX500. Never been happier. I didn't care for the GK, but I hear the Fusion amps are better? For your money new you can get the BX500 or maybe even the 700. Neither of them is all that small, even though they are light.

 

[TKing16]

I love the Tone hammer 500. Depending on what you currently use, the Aguilar could wind up becoming your main amp!

 

[Bassworship1]

@TKing16
My main is a Mesa D-800 and I love it but I love Aguilar products especially their Preamps. I know that is different but what videos I've listed to the tone of the TH500's sound really good.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I appreciate the MB200 references and know they are very good for the money and size but I'm not interested in them at all.

what didn't you like about it?

 

[BawanaRik]

I use an Eden wtx when I go out.

It's small and does right by a 4ohm cab

 

[Bassworship1]

what didn't you like about it?

I haven't tried it but I'm wanting more power in case main amp goes down.

 

[MrLenny1]

TC RH450, $350 used, warm, great features and yes, loud.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I mainly just want something that will work on smaller rooms that will hold roughly 40-75 people max. Using my TC RS210 8ohm 400 watt cab and give me good warm tone that will be heard in a full band mix.

see, your requirements are fully met with the mb200. Watts and loud are only loosely related and it's an inverse logarithmic galactic scale cockup to assume 400w is twice as loud as 200w. It's only twice as loud as 40w.

 

[Spocky]

Just reading through this, a couple of questions:

1) What is your primary amp head (and do you want to match it in tone/capabilities)
2) Are you after a smaller venue amp or as a dual purpose backup to your primary and also a smaller venue device (i.e. capable of driving your main cabs but also smaller and more portable for the smaller venues)?

Cheers Spocky

 

[buldog5151bass]

I like the MB-500, and no tube, so no heat.

 

[Spacecase]

This would be overkill, but it's gets close to $500. Make the seller an offer.

Peavey Mini Mega 1000 watt bass Amplifier

 

[edencab]

Traynor SB200H light, powerful, big tone options, gig-bag-able...they have 500W version as well..Traynor Amps

look up bebass (a fellow TBer) ..USA distributor and all round good guy to talk with

 

[MegaSwing]

I appreciate the MB200 references and know they are very good for the money and size but I'm not interested in them at all.

It's better than you think—and a wonder of simplicity.

 

[Bassworship1]

@MegaSwing
I think I'm mainly looking for something that can easily handle my bigger gigs also if needed.