Could use some Amp recommendations please

[Default]

OK y'all, so I'm still trying to drag myself into the modern era of playing bass and I need some guidance.

What I have/have had:

Currently I have some vintage Kustom amps and massive cabs, my go to right now is a K250 with a 118 cab that's 6ft tall and 300lbs. Love it, but I cant afford the road crew to support that thing lol. I also have a Fender Rumble 800. Nice, but kinda dead sounding to me. I've had in the past older tube amps and a few ampeg heads as well, but its been a while

What I'm looking for:

Im looking to have a slightly vintage tone (mostly play passive basses, or ones designed around a "vintage" sound), be powerful and preferably more portable than the Kustom stuff. I know I can get a 410 in my trunk if its the right build (I've had an acoustic 410 cab in there fine). I just hate the lifting.

Budget is sub $2k, I tend to go for as much power as I can but I'm still trying to wrap my head around how modern amps wattage works when compared with old stuff (I know the math and function, but you cant convince me the old stuff is louder with the same watt/RMS ratings...)

Also, I'd be open to getting the Fender 210 extension to pair with the rumble and maybe something like a sansamp or other front end piece to give me a bit more flavor, I just don't know what I'd go with.


And NO, I wont just use an amp in a box or DI only situation. I need the air to move. The keyboard player farts too much for it not.

Thanks

 

[gtirard]

With your budget contraint, I would look in the used market.

If you like the Ampeg sound, you can get a Venture V7 + Venture VB-212 < 2k
If you can cope with the aesthetics of Markbass, you can get a Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 and a MB58R 122

I would buy a Barefaced Super Compact and wait a few months for the Quiter v803 to be released, or look for a Quilter BB800 or 802 used

If you want the lightest possible but loud solution you can buy a GR Bass SL212/4 (10 Kg, super loud, transparent sound) with a Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 head.

 

[Default]

I absolutely HATE Mark bass. not for the looks, hell make it all obnoxious yellow. I have never heard one in any configuration sound good. and I cant for the life of me figure out what it is that its missing.


Ill look into the other suggestions tho. I was originally thinking maybe a mesa subway of some flavor but I like having options.

 

[HelpImaRock]

I absolutely HATE Mark bass. not for the looks, hell make it all obnoxious yellow. I have never heard one in any configuration sound good. and I cant for the life of me figure out what it is that its missing.


Ill look into the other suggestions tho. I was originally thinking maybe a mesa subway of some flavor but I like having options.

I have a Mesa D-350 and can't imagine needing more power. That said, you probably can't go wrong with a D-800 and a 2x12.

 

[gtirard]

I absolutely HATE Mark bass. not for the looks, hell make it all obnoxious yellow. I have never heard one in any configuration sound good. and I cant for the life of me figure out what it is that its missing.


Ill look into the other suggestions tho. I was originally thinking maybe a mesa subway of some flavor but I like having options.

Yes, you can't go wrong with Mesa Subway if you can find in your budget, new or used. Especially if you live in the USA.

 

[Adjectives]

I have a MB r500 as a backup. It works great for grit/OD and plays fine with my portaflex 210 and 115 but it’s not that smooth to my ears. I wouldn’t get MB again, though I’m 90% Genzler now. The Magellan 800s are dropping in price so I’d snag one of them! It has some nice cleans as well as grit with the 2 channels. Love mine!

 

[Thumpin6string]

Genzler MG800. A killer head. I run mine with 2 Epifani UL cabs. A 210 and 112 stack. Total weight of both cabs and head is under 66 pounds and it can thump a house off its foundation.

 

[SJan3]

There's an Aguilar Tonehammer 500, the limited gold edition on Sale at M.F. for $749, new! That's a fine amp and a steal at that price. I was going to suggest a MarkBass 4x10" but you seem to be adverse to their product. I will tell you the TH 500 and the MarkBass 104HF or 104HR will slay.
Th500 $749+104HF $891 =$1640 NEW!
It's a no compromise rig that is also very lightweight and within your budget.
P.S. I'd get the 4ohm version of the 4x10" so you get all 500 watts from the amp and the cabinet can handle the power.

 

[HotelX]

Get a tube preamp and run it into the rumble effect loop return. This bypasses the rumble’s preamp. I’ve done this with the broughton p15 and it sounds so much better.

 

[gtirard]

Get a tube preamp and run it into the rumble effect loop return. This bypasses the rumble’s preamp. I’ve done this with the broughton p15 and it sounds so much better.

Interesting! Sometimes I'm obliged to play on a Rumble combo when we rehearse in a rented studio, if it's all they can provide, and it's not my stuff. I've already tried the 10, 2, 2,10 "true flat settings", and while it improves the sound noticeably, it's still not perfect. Next time I will take a preamp in my gigbag just in case.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[definenredefine]

I'll throw out Gallien Krueger. You can still snag the older RB amps for like $400-600 used and they're great sounding amps. I have an 800RB, and, even though it's "only" 200 watts at 8 ohms, I'm usually asked to turn down. Even though those amps are older tech and therefore heavier than more modern amps, I'd wager that they're smaller/lighter than your Kustom.

There's also their class D amps, which offer more wattage in a much smaller/lighter package. The Fusion series also features a tube preamp. I have less experience with these except for an MB500, which is a pretty great amp - pretty close to the "rails" sound GK is known for, 500 watts and much smaller/lighter than the 800RB.

 

[squarepeg]

I'll throw out Gallien Krueger. You can still snag the older RB amps for like $400-600 used and they're great sounding amps. I have an 800RB, and, even though it's "only" 200 watts at 8 ohms, I'm usually asked to turn down. Even though those amps are older tech and therefore heavier than more modern amps, I'd wager that they're smaller/lighter than your Kustom.

There's also their class D amps, which offer more wattage in a much smaller/lighter package. The Fusion series also features a tube preamp. I have less experience with these except for an MB500, which is a pretty great amp - pretty close to the "rails" sound GK is known for, 500 watts and much smaller/lighter than the 800RB.

I second this. I started playing bass in 1970, using mostly Fender and Traynor amps (still have a '71 Custom Special). I've tried many different amps and find I prefer the GK sound. I currently have a 400RB and an MB150. The 400RB is loud enough for any venue; with its XLR out it goes right into the p.a. and through a Barefaced Super Twin can hold its own in a band with two guitarists using Marshall stacks.

 

[Nightman]

Genzler MG800. A killer head. I run mine with 2 Epifani UL cabs. A 210 and 112 stack. Total weight of both cabs and head is under 66 pounds and it can thump a house off its foundation.

This, then forget about bass amp requirements!

 

[groooooove]

honesty modern amps are so good i think you should be looking at the "cant go wrong" list that many of us would agree on.

primarily mesa or genzler.

you can always buy these amps used since they're famously reliable. they (and others like them) can do your classic vintage sounds very well.

for a more boutique option, the fuchs SVT clone is an amazing amplifier. I had one briefly and was blown away by it.

 

[Slevage]

I absolutely HATE Mark bass. not for the looks, hell make it all obnoxious yellow. I have never heard one in any configuration sound good. and I cant for the life of me figure out what it is that its missing.


Ill look into the other suggestions tho. I was originally thinking maybe a mesa subway of some flavor but I like having options.

I used my 1-12 comb (about 13 years old), with a 1-12 cabinet.
I received many compliments on my sound (I often do). I think my 50+ years of playing the instrument contribute to getting the most out of the amp.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

OK y'all, so I'm still trying to drag myself into the modern era of playing bass and I need some guidance.

What I have/have had:

Currently I have some vintage Kustom amps and massive cabs, my go to right now is a K250 with a 118 cab that's 6ft tall and 300lbs. Love it, but I cant afford the road crew to support that thing lol. I also have a Fender Rumble 800. Nice, but kinda dead sounding to me. I've had in the past older tube amps and a few ampeg heads as well, but its been a while

What I'm looking for:

Im looking to have a slightly vintage tone (mostly play passive basses, or ones designed around a "vintage" sound), be powerful and preferably more portable than the Kustom stuff. I know I can get a 410 in my trunk if its the right build (I've had an acoustic 410 cab in there fine). I just hate the lifting.

Budget is sub $2k, I tend to go for as much power as I can but I'm still trying to wrap my head around how modern amps wattage works when compared with old stuff (I know the math and function, but you cant convince me the old stuff is louder with the same watt/RMS ratings...)

Also, I'd be open to getting the Fender 210 extension to pair with the rumble and maybe something like a sansamp or other front end piece to give me a bit more flavor, I just don't know what I'd go with.


And NO, I wont just use an amp in a box or DI only situation. I need the air to move. The keyboard player farts too much for it not.

Thanks

V4B

 

[Slevage]

OK y'all, so I'm still trying to drag myself into the modern era of playing bass and I need some guidance.

What I have/have had:

Currently I have some vintage Kustom amps and massive cabs, my go to right now is a K250 with a 118 cab that's 6ft tall and 300lbs. Love it, but I cant afford the road crew to support that thing lol. I also have a Fender Rumble 800. Nice, but kinda dead sounding to me. I've had in the past older tube amps and a few ampeg heads as well, but its been a while

What I'm looking for:

Im looking to have a slightly vintage tone (mostly play passive basses, or ones designed around a "vintage" sound), be powerful and preferably more portable than the Kustom stuff. I know I can get a 410 in my trunk if its the right build (I've had an acoustic 410 cab in there fine). I just hate the lifting.

Budget is sub $2k, I tend to go for as much power as I can but I'm still trying to wrap my head around how modern amps wattage works when compared with old stuff (I know the math and function, but you cant convince me the old stuff is louder with the same watt/RMS ratings...)

Also, I'd be open to getting the Fender 210 extension to pair with the rumble and maybe something like a sansamp or other front end piece to give me a bit more flavor, I just don't know what I'd go with.


And NO, I wont just use an amp in a box or DI only situation. I need the air to move. The keyboard player farts too much for it not.

Thanks

Sounds like a fender rumble will work for you. My go to rig is a Markbass, though an Elf 1-10 combo often fits the bill.
I also own a Mesa TT 800, though I have not used it on s gig because most of my gigs are low volume or great, professional FOH.

 

[jeffb28451]

Quilter 800 or 802 are voiced more "tubey" and can grind a little bit. I have owed both and as a fanboy of Ampeg voicing, like the 800 better. Can't go wrong with Genzler Magellan, either.

I have been in high end audio for a long time, in addition to being a bass player. I was excited at first when the Class D stuff came out, but it was sorta shrill and gutless. It has improved considerably
over the years. I'm sure people will also recommend the Mesa 800, etc. I've owned Mesa, M3, 6 and 9. Like their voicing, but just have never owned any of their solid state stuff or their Class D or what have you
I'm sure Agedhorse can set me/us straight on exactly what they call their power supplies, etc.

 

[MrLenny1]

I have never been a fan of Fender bass amps,vintage or new gear.
Dedicated bass amp companies are my pick. i.e. GK MB series head into 2 1x12 GK Neo cabs
I used for a while. Light, loud & portable. Mesa's new series is also a fave & Bergantino's
amps & cabs.

 

[bherman]

I’d rule out the rumbles, especially since you said you have one and don’t particularly like yours or ones that you use at studios. I would endorse the advice that others are giving you about looking for a used Gensler Magellan 800, used they can be found for about 700 bucks or so. Not sure how loud you need to play, but there are plenty of decent cabinets out there that are not heavy and sound great. I’m trying to be mindful of your under $2000 budget, so again I would look at used and consider something like a 2 x 12. Even the modern two by tens are extremely effective and may be more than enough, depending on how loud you need your amp to be. I just played it an outdoor gig at a good size brewery patio last night with two 1 x 12 cabinets, and it was more than I needed. I use revsound cabinets because they’re super efficient and very light. A new 2 x 12 built for you would probably cost about 1000 bucks. With a used head, that would put you well within your budget range. You can only buy them direct from the manufacturer, so look them up on the Internet and call and talk with David, the owner and builder. You can’t go wrong with a set up like that.