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Class D Bass amp and cab recommendations

sonic boogaloo

sonic boogaloo

Aug 18, 2017
825
2,025
Valencia • España
#1
First of all, Hi everyone! I'm a newbie.

A bit of background: Up until 20 years ago I played bass guitar semi-professionally doing small-medium size gigs and even recording until taking a hiatus.

Fast forward to present day, I've reestablished my enthusiasm for playing bass and hope to start playing live (in small-mid size venues) and recording again.

Back in the day I only used tube amplification such as HiWatt and Fender, but sold all my amps after taking a break.

Now I'm looking at buying a new amp and cab(s). Research has convinced me that tube amps are no longer practical and are probably out of my price range anyway. Class D seems the way to go.

I play a CIJ Fender Mustang Bass with LaBella flatwounds. I play with fingers and plectrum. I absolutely hate the slap and pop bass sound.

My favourite bass sounds/players are:

McCartney Revolver-Abbey Road Beatles
Jamerson 60s-early 70s motown
Late 60s - early 70s JBs
Classic 60's/70's pop/Rock - Byrds, The Who, Cream, Stones, Faces etc
Herbie Flowers' playing on Gainsbourg's 'Histoire De Melody Nelson'
Scott IV - Scott Walker (whoever played the bass on that)
Bruce Foxton with The Jam
MC5/Stooges

YouTube is a minefield because almost ALL demos feature mainly slap bass, grrrr!

Anyway, my research seems to indicate that the Aguilar TH500 plus 1x12 cab is probably best suited. Any other recommendations that I should audition?

Thank you!
 
#5
Welcome!

I'm not sure if you mentioned where you are located.

I agree, we need to know your budget, and will you just be using your amp as a stage monitor with FOH support, or will you need to fill an average sized venue?

I have used many class D amps, and have settled on Genzler. The MG800 is a very versatile head with 2 channels that are foot switchable.


sonic boogaloo said:
First of all, Hi everyone! I'm a newbie.

A bit of background: Up until 20 years ago I played bass guitar semi-professionally doing small-medium size gigs and even recording until taking a hiatus.

Fast forward to present day, I've reestablished my enthusiasm for playing bass and hope to start playing live (in small-mid size venues) and recording again.

Back in the day I only used tube amplification such as HiWatt and Fender, but sold all my amps after taking a break.

Now I'm looking at buying a new amp and cab(s). Research has convinced me that tube amps are no longer practical and are probably out of my price range anyway. Class D seems the way to go.

I play a CIJ Fender Mustang Bass with LaBella flatwounds. I play with fingers and plectrum. I absolutely hate the slap and pop bass sound.

My favourite bass sounds/players are:

McCartney Revolver-Abbey Road Beatles
Jamerson 60s-early 70s motown
Late 60s - early 70s JBs
Classic 60's/70's pop/Rock - Byrds, The Who, Cream, Stones, Faces etc
Herbie Flowers' playing on Gainsbourg's 'Histoire De Melody Nelson'
Scott IV - Scott Walker (whoever played the bass on that)
Bruce Foxton with The Jam
MC5/Stooges

YouTube is a minefield because almost ALL demos feature mainly slap bass, grrrr!

Anyway, my research seems to indicate that the Aguilar TH500 plus 1x12 cab is probably best suited. Any other recommendations that I should audition?

Thank you!
Click to expand...
 
#9
jlepre said:
Oh ok...then I would give Genzler a serious look. Also I've heard good things about Mesa Class D heads.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I've added the Genzler to my list as per other poster's recommendations.

The Mesa certainly interests me but from the demos I've heard (on YouTube admittedly) it has that 'slap and pop' tone that lends itself to a more modern sound. Same with the TC RH450.

My first port-of-call due to my previous experience at owning tube amps, was Ampeg. I'm not convinced by them. The V-4B would break the bank but I'm really not sure if this tube amp sounds any better than a class D. The porta-flex line sound pretty par for the course and again, seem more modern sounding than vintage.
 
#10
sonic boogaloo said:
Thanks! I've added the Genzler to my list as per other poster's recommendations.

The Mesa certainly interests me but from the demos I've heard (on YouTube admittedly) it has that 'slap and pop' tone that lends itself to a more modern sound. Same with the TC RH450.

My first port-of-call due to my previous experience at owning tube amps, was Ampeg. I'm not convinced by them. The V-4B would break the bank but I'm really not sure if this tube amp sounds any better than a class D. The porta-flex line sound pretty par for the course and again, seem more modern sounding than vintage.
Click to expand...
Plus the Genzler MG800 has a very nice over drive sound to one of the channels. I am like you when it comes to vintage sound, and non-slap. I play with fingers only, and love the nice deep round tone that I get with my Magellan 800. Pretty sure it's available from retailers over your way.
 
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#12
jlepre said:
Plus the Genzler MG800 has a very nice over drive sound to one of the channels. I am like you when it comes to vintage sound, and non-slap. I play with fingers only, and love the nice deep round tone that I get with my Magellan 800. Pretty sure it's available from retailers over your way.
Click to expand...

Sounds right up my street! Thanks again for your recommendation, much appreciated!
 
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#14
+1 for the Genzler Magellan. I've also played through a Mesa D800 once as my backline and really liked that. Lots of choices out there. Good luck.
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#20
Carvin BX700 and a Carvin BRX 10.2 cab is what I'd recommend to anyone who needs an amp. My only complaint is that it doesn't get quiet enough for my bands practice space without being nearly inaudible (it's either too loud for the room or not there). For that reason alone I'd possibly say a Carvin BX250 but then you give up the graphic eq.
 

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