Class D Bass amp and cab recommendations

[wjl]

I'm very much looking for an old school tube sound

- then try the Markbass TTE range (500,800, now replaced through 501 and 801 IIRC). Randy Jackson "invented" those together with Markbass, Michael League also plays them. And Invalid Link Removed wrote that it's the next best thing compared to an Ampeg SVT, with much less weight of course...

There's also the normal "Tube 800" if you want it smaller/lighter...

 

[Yemhek]

Oh, and ditto for the Quilter Bass Block heads. Utterly FRFS hi-fi. Love 'em, but there is nothing "old-school" about the sound.

 

[Yemhek]

- then try the Markbass TTE range (500,800, now replaced through 501 and 801 IIRC). Randy Jackson "invented" those together with Markbass, Michael League also plays them. And Invalid Link Removed wrote that it's the next best thing compared to an Ampeg SVT, with much less weight of course...

There's also the normal "Tube 800" if you want it smaller/lighter...

Good point. MarkBass actually has a very broad range of products, and some of them really do get into "old school" territory. And used heads are out there, often for half what they cost new.

 

[wjl]

I'd take a Markbass any day, but if "old school" is the argument, then there's just one answer. Or two:

1. Ampeg SVT with 8x10 cab
2. Ampeg B15N Heritage with 1x15 cab

In case of the latter, use a DI box additionally to be loud enough for bigger audiences...

 

[Gasman]

Another vote for the D800. They can be had used for around $500 US. I have one, but don't play it anymore because I replaced it with....a D800+. Truly fantastic amps. Get nothing but compliments.

My other amps include a GK800rb, an old Fender Rumble, and an old Mesa 400. I love them all, but the D800 really shines. Get a used one then a used cab (I use a GK Neo 115 with it right now) and you have an awesome rig for right around your price range

 

[Yemhek]

I'd take a Markbass any day, but if "old school" is the argument, then there's just one answer. Or two:

1. Ampeg SVT with 8x10 cab
2. Ampeg B15N Heritage with 1x15 cab

In case of the latter, use a DI box additionally to be loud enough for bigger audiences...

Ha ha! Exactly so. You will require roadies for option 1, however. And an amp tech.

 

[jallenbass]

my research seems to indicate that the Aguilar TH500 plus 1x12 cab is probably best suited.

That combination would work great for you based on the list of your influences. I have a a fEARful 12/6 under my TH500 and cannot imagine a better tone

 

[kasbrey]

Oh, and ditto for the Quilter Bass Block heads. Utterly FRFS hi-fi. Love 'em, but there is nothing "old-school" about the sound.

I have to disagree. The BB800 with one or two Barefaced One10's is absolutely in B15 territory.
+1 for the Markbass TTE heads too.

 

[monsterthompson]

I have to disagree. The BB800 with one or two Barefaced One10's is absolutely in B15 territory.
+1 for the Markbass TTE heads too.

Possibly much to do with the cabs, based on my experience with them and a very transparent Demeter head.

 

[kasbrey]

Possibly much to do with the cabs, based on my experience with them and a very transparent Demeter head.

I also have a 3 way FRFR TKS cab which I usually use and I can get an old school tone with that using the filters on the Quilter. To me it sounds tubey. Transparent but with a tube character.

 

[monsterthompson]

I also have a 3 way FRFR TKS cab which I usually use and I can get an old school tone with that using the filters on the Quilter. To me it sounds tubey. Transparent but with a tube character.

Never played the QBB so I'll take your word for it. They have a pretty decent reputation, so I have no reason to doubt you.

 

[Sparkl]

Hmmm sub 1000 huh? Maybe look at the new V3 Fender Rumble series. They offer alot for the money, and move quite a bit of air. Plus I feel that they are geared toward a more vintage tone.

I could only confirm. A GREAT product for the price and the vintage knob on the amp really thickens the sound. Really not a bad amp and this comes from the mouth of a "spoiled" Barefaced owner. I would happily take the Rumbles as a backup system in case my Barefaced and Aggie was somehow absent at a gig.

 

[sonic boogaloo]

Thanks again everyone! Seems this thread has run its course.

I'm not able to audition every amp recommended, but the 3 which have made the top of my list are:

Aguilar TH500
Mesa D800/D800+
Markbass TTE501

Will report back and welcome further recommendations.

Cheers all!

 

[sonic boogaloo]

oh, and thanks for going gentle with me! I expected a 'slap' on my newbie retro bass ass.

 

[Tectonic]

If you have the opportunity to try the Bergantino B-amp it would be well worth your time.

 

[sonic boogaloo]

If you have the opportunity to try the Bergantino B-amp it would be well worth your time.

Unfortunately, there are no resellers in Spain. It's also a little above my budget. Having said that, I'm due a trip to the UK so may have the opportunity to try it out there. It does seem like a contender!

Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Brian Hubbard]

Money is no object?

Darkglass Microtubes 900. The head will give you the modern tone and the vintage tone. It also covers modern and vintage distortions well.

The challenge with this head is that you need something that can faithfully reproduce the tone. I recommend the Bergantino HDN212.

Total price? Approximately $2600.

Interesting combo. I tried this combo-Darkglass 900 with Bergantino HD112. It really impressed me. I keep going back to the Aguilar cabinets too. Very nice warm sound.