Head & Cab recommendations

[JenderBazzFass]

I'm looking to buy a new head and cab. I've been looking used for a while and had a few deals fall through, so I'm back to square one and I might as well seek some feedback / recommendations here.

My usual stage is DI-only, but I want something more than capable of playing a medium sized room or a rehearsal space with drums.

I will probably buy new for warranty purposes and to make sure I'm covered in the event of needing to make a return.

I will probably get a matched head and cab.

What I believe my requirements are:

• Solid state head making at least 300W, probably 500W or more
• I want an 'everything' solution so it needs to have DI Out, Aux In and Headphone Out.
• The head should be operable without a cab attached
• I prefer it have a mid frequency control or a multiband EQ (not just one mid knob or low mid/high mid knob)
• I don't have strong preferences in speaker sizes, but would want a cab that around 50lbs at most
• Clean/Clean-ish tones are most important
• Would like some versatility in the sound so, not strictly vintage or strictly modern
• Budget for the head and cab combined would be a maximum of around $2k.
• Generally I'd go for sound quality and features over power.

What is there out there that TBers would recommend that meets these specs?

Roughly speaking there are offerings across the spectrum from Fender, Genzler, and a few others I'm seeing but I wanted to ask the collective wisdom of TB.

Thank you!

 

[shoot-r]

Since you mentioned used.

This is a picture of my gigging set-up, (Broughton "Always On" HPF > SansAmp BDDI V1 > G.K. MB Fusion 800 > Bergantino CN212 cabinet.)

All was bought from the T.B. Classifieds.
All was in very good to new condition.
Absolutely no problems with T.B. sellers.
(Replaced a scratchy pot in the G.K. as was advised by the seller.)
Total investment $1,155.00.

(Also from the T.B. Classifieds but not in pic), a yet to be needed backup head, bought in near mint condition with a carry bag, G.K. MB2-500, $250.00.)

Absolutely kick butt system at WELL under half of what it would have cost me by going new.

My recommendation, decide what your ears would like, have patience, watch the classifieds, negotiate but make reasonable offers (prices have gone up since I put my system together), buy only quality.
Your dollars will go much further buying used but not abused.

 

[JenderBazzFass]

Since you mentioned used.

This is a picture of my gigging set-up, (Broughton "Always On" HPF > SansAmp BDDI V1 > G.K. MB Fusion 800 > Bergantino CN212 cabinet.)

All was bought from the T.B. Classifieds.
All was in very good to new condition.
Absolutely no problems with T.B. sellers.
(Replaced a scratchy pot in the G.K. as was advised by the seller.)
Total investment $1,155.00.

(Also from the T.B. Classifieds but not in pic), a yet to be needed backup head, bought in near mint condition with a carry bag, G.K. MB2-500, $250.00.)

Absolutely kick butt system at WELL under half of what it would have cost me by going new.

My recommendation, decide what your ears would like, have patience, watch the classifieds, negotiate but make reasonable offers (prices have gone up since I put my system together), buy only quality.
Your dollars will go much further buying used but not abused.

View attachment 5409199

Thanks for the suggestions!

Unfortunately, it's very hard to find things to try out locally (especially cabs) so I'm leaning a bit on recommendation and online reviews and will probably end up buying new.

 

[JenderBazzFass]

From what I have seen online, things like the Fender Rumble 800 fit the description, as well as the Genzler Magellan (and surprisingly few others). The latter of those may be the best fit but I'm unfamiliar with the character of their heads or cabs.

I personally am not inclined toward Ampeg and some of the brands out there like Mark or Aguilar don't produce much that ticks all the boxes.

Mesa stuff is certainly nice but may cross over the top of my range when cabs are included. Maybe possible still.

Thanks again for any help from anyone.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I'm looking to buy a new head and cab. I've been looking used for a while and had a few deals fall through, so I'm back to square one and I might as well seek some feedback / recommendations here.

My usual stage is DI-only, but I want something more than capable of playing a medium sized room or a rehearsal space with drums.

I will probably buy new for warranty purposes and to make sure I'm covered in the event of needing to make a return.

I will probably get a matched head and cab.

What I believe my requirements are:

• Solid state head making at least 300W, probably 500W or more
• I want an 'everything' solution so it needs to have DI Out, Aux In and Headphone Out.
• The head should be operable without a cab attached
• I prefer it have a mid frequency control or a multiband EQ (not just one mid knob or low mid/high mid knob)
• I don't have strong preferences in speaker sizes, but would want a cab that around 50lbs at most
• Clean/Clean-ish tones are most important
• Would like some versatility in the sound so, not strictly vintage or strictly modern
• Budget for the head and cab combined would be a maximum of around $2k.
• Generally I'd go for sound quality and features over power.

What is there out there that TBers would recommend that meets these specs?

Roughly speaking there are offerings across the spectrum from Fender, Genzler, and a few others I'm seeing but I wanted to ask the collective wisdom of TB.

Thank you!

Ampeg 212av (or the new venture, if you want smaller and lighter. But, the av sounds better to me.

Markbass has a bunch of good heads around that price range. I have the Big Bang 500w. It's a great little head.

I also have a portaflex 800. Great little head.

The venture 700 looks great to me too. I haven't tried the venture series heads yet, but I'm gonna pick one up soon.

 

[g-dude]

I'm looking to buy a new head and cab. I've been looking used for a while and had a few deals fall through, so I'm back to square one and I might as well seek some feedback / recommendations here.

My usual stage is DI-only, but I want something more than capable of playing a medium sized room or a rehearsal space with drums.

I will probably buy new for warranty purposes and to make sure I'm covered in the event of needing to make a return.

I will probably get a matched head and cab.

What I believe my requirements are:

• Solid state head making at least 300W, probably 500W or more
• I want an 'everything' solution so it needs to have DI Out, Aux In and Headphone Out.
• The head should be operable without a cab attached
• I prefer it have a mid frequency control or a multiband EQ (not just one mid knob or low mid/high mid knob)
• I don't have strong preferences in speaker sizes, but would want a cab that around 50lbs at most
• Clean/Clean-ish tones are most important
• Would like some versatility in the sound so, not strictly vintage or strictly modern
• Budget for the head and cab combined would be a maximum of around $2k.
• Generally I'd go for sound quality and features over power.

What is there out there that TBers would recommend that meets these specs?

Roughly speaking there are offerings across the spectrum from Fender, Genzler, and a few others I'm seeing but I wanted to ask the collective wisdom of TB.

Thank you!

You’re looking for a Mesa.

A Subway 115 cab is $1200 new. Subway D-350 is $800 new.

You can probably get a Subway 115 for $1k used.

D-350 is cheaper used, obviously, or you can use the money you save from a used Subway 115 to go for the D-800 or D-800+ used.

Frankly, the TT-800 head is amazing, so if you can get that used for a good price, it might be worth going slightly outside your budget.

 

[Bassdoggydogg]

I'm looking to buy a new head and cab. I've been looking used for a while and had a few deals fall through, so I'm back to square one and I might as well seek some feedback / recommendations here.

My usual stage is DI-only, but I want something more than capable of playing a medium sized room or a rehearsal space with drums.

I will probably buy new for warranty purposes and to make sure I'm covered in the event of needing to make a return.

I will probably get a matched head and cab.

What I believe my requirements are:

• Solid state head making at least 300W, probably 500W or more
• I want an 'everything' solution so it needs to have DI Out, Aux In and Headphone Out.
• The head should be operable without a cab attached
• I prefer it have a mid frequency control or a multiband EQ (not just one mid knob or low mid/high mid knob)
• I don't have strong preferences in speaker sizes, but would want a cab that around 50lbs at most
• Clean/Clean-ish tones are most important
• Would like some versatility in the sound so, not strictly vintage or strictly modern
• Budget for the head and cab combined would be a maximum of around $2k.
• Generally I'd go for sound quality and features over power.

What is there out there that TBers would recommend that meets these specs?

Roughly speaking there are offerings across the spectrum from Fender, Genzler, and a few others I'm seeing but I wanted to ask the collective wisdom of TB.

Thank you!

Maybe think outside the box and consider the Fender Rumble 800 stage and the matching 2x10 extension cab. Or the newish Rumble 800 combo and extension cab.

 

[bottomzone]

I have a Phil Jones Bass BP-800 connected to either a Phil Jones C-4 or an Epifani DIST3 112 cab. It's very clean.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Here's a used one:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[JimChjones]

It probably doesn't matter too much. As I keep saying, at least provided you avoid the real beginner stuff and stick to an established manufacturer there just isn't the crap around there used to be. And it ain't a marriage. You can sell your bass gear, get other gear, all the rest without the slightest feeling of guilt. That probably means that if you are getting your first rig without strong feelings about what you need then it's as well to get mainstream kit that you can move on readily if you want to. Personally I'd also say also secondhand. Your desire for a warranty noted, but modern electronic gear tends to either die quickly or last for years, so there's an argument that it's only new amps that need a warranty! Plenty of people would say the above adds up to Fender Rumble, but there are decent alternatives which many prefer. Look at your local second hand ads, see what's about, and see what sells quickly and what sticks around.

Power. Have a read of the link in my sig. Talkbass apparent consensus in posts is for much more powerful kit than many of us actually use. Personally I don't even worry about power ratings much. Haven't run out of volume since the 70s.

 

[DeepHz]

Save up and get the TT-800. I have not bought another amp since.

 

[Parzival]

Genzler, Mesa, or GK. Can’t go wrong with those.

 

[Gervais Cote]

You’re looking for a Mesa.

A Subway 115 cab is $1200 new. Subway D-350 is $800 new.

You can probably get a Subway 115 for $1k used.

D-350 is cheaper used, obviously, or you can use the money you save from a used Subway 115 to go for the D-800 or D-800+ used.

Frankly, the TT-800 head is amazing, so if you can get that used for a good price, it might be worth going slightly outside your budget.

I have the Mesa D350 with two GK Neo IV 112 cabs and never get lost with any drums that is not amplified no matter the drum size or the drummer’s forearms.

If my lower back was in a better shape, my cab would have been the matching Mesa 115.

 

[P. Aaron]

If you want cheap power, Hartke's LH1000 or LH500 line have direct outs. They're limited in features but have all the power you'd need for way under $1000.00.
I used one (LH1000) from 2008 thru 2021 and still miss it. They are heavier beasts but not quite Ampeg heavy.

 

[g-dude]

I have the Mesa D350 with two GK Neo IV 112 cabs and never get lost with any drums that is not amplified no matter the drum size or the drummer’s forearms.

If my lower back was in a better shape, my cab would have been the matching Mesa 115.

The Mesa 112 is good too - smaller size makes for slightly easier maneuvering.

Weight of the 115 is actually not as bad as it sounds because it seems well balanced - and it is only in the low 30s.

 

[chris_b]

My recommendation would be the amps and cabs I've been playing for nearly 10 years. The culmination of years of playing great gear, these are loud, very light and sound fantastic. Aguilar amps (TH500, TH700, AG700) and Barefaced cabs (SC, BB3). This might exceed your budget but you'll be hard pressed to find a better sounding rig.

 

[Rev_Slinky]

I'm still pretty new to Mesa Boogie gear, but I agree that it would fit your requirements well. I've got the D-800 head and have been very impressed with the consistent sound quality, from living room volume all the way up to big venue strength. I haven't played around with the headphones option yet, but it's there, if you need it. Those Subway cabs are a great fit, as well, and relatively light for their size and sound. If you're up for buying used (and it sounds like Mesa really stands behind their gear), I bet you could get a head and a cab for a bit under 2k, if you're patient. Best of luck!

 

[JenderBazzFass]

Thanks, everyone.

On paper I’m between the Mesa and Genzler options but there isn’t any place to try these amps near me. (Although there are 3 Guitar Denters in the region there’s never anything in stock but Fender and Ampeg combos. There’s another chain that is a Mesa dealer but is far enough away to be a day trip.) So, I’m reliant on advice and YouTube videos, listening through headphones and to the reviews therein.

I do like the Aguilar sounds I hear and they are available and recommended but they lack the features I mentioned, of easily being able to handle silent practice as well. I suppose I could get a small mixer but I’d like an all in one solution.

 

[pie_man_25]

My first recommendation is to play through everything you can and pick whatever you like the most.

My second recommendation is the ampeg pf500. I've had mine a little over a decade now and it's been nothing but reliable and sounds good to my ear.

 

[g-dude]

Thanks, everyone.

On paper I’m between the Mesa and Genzler options but there isn’t any place to try these amps near me. (Although there are 3 Guitar Denters in the region there’s never anything in stock but Fender and Ampeg combos. There’s another chain that is a Mesa dealer but is far enough away to be a day trip.) So, I’m reliant on advice and YouTube videos, listening through headphones and to the reviews therein.

I do like the Aguilar sounds I hear and they are available and recommended but they lack the features I mentioned, of easily being able to handle silent practice as well. I suppose I could get a small mixer but I’d like an all in one solution.

I bought my TT-800 without getting to experience it beforehand.

No regrets except for the fact that I didn’t get a Subway cab immediately.

 

[dave64o]

If cleanish sounds are your preference, I'd say Genzler is a great choice. You mentioned Aguilar and I see them get a lot of love here, but my impression is that they have a darker tone that you might have to work around. Based on my experience with my Genzler Magellan 350, I'd say that a Genzler would offer a better clean/transparent option. One thing I like about the Genzler heads is the two different filter options. I never use the scooped option (A), but I do like the vintage option (B), which rolls off the highest treble and the lowest lows but with a light low mid bump. So you have both of those choices and you can also turn it fully counter clockwise so it's not in effect. The Magellan amps also have a 3-band EQ with a sweepable mid frequency, which I think is a very useful feature. If you get the Magellan 800, you also get a second overdrive channel for more options, but that is a little over $1000 new and might strain your budget.

Mesa amps are great as well. I've owned a D800 and replaced it with a D800+, which I prefer and has been my main gigging amp for a few years now. I make use of the sweepable high mids and low mids and especially the variable HPF. But that would be even more expensive than the D800, which is also an excellent amp. Either of those should suit you well, but your question makes me think the Genzler might be a better fit for you unless you have the budget for the D800+ (I can HIGHLY recommend the D800+!). I suspect the D350 is equally excellent based on my experience with other Mesa amps, on reports I've read here on TB, and on Mesa's excellent reputation, but I've never used one myself.

For cabinets, I'd say any Mesa Subway cabinet would be an outstanding choice, such as the 12 or the 210. But they could push you over the $2000 budget with a 800W Genzler or Mesa head. I've never used a Genzler cabinet but, if you like the idea of a matching head and cab, a Genzler Nu Classic 210T or 212T (only $100 more) seem like excellent choices. As I said, I've never played through a Genzler cabinet, but Genzler's reputation is outstanding and that series could help you stay within your budget while getting outstanding gear.