Head Hunting

[Deadworks]

Ok so at about this time next month I'll be in the market for a new head. My Peavey nitro bass has done its duty and it's time for something better. I've used search for a good 3 hours and looked through threads to gather some information but I'm still kinda up in the air.

I'm about 99.99% sure I want a tube head. And the budget will be aproximately $1000 and I'm probably going to go used anyway so I know I'm going to have some good options available.

Right now I think my number one contender for my money is a mesa 400+. I haven't had a chance to play one yet which is a drawback. I know I need to get out there and get my fingers under some stuff before I make my final decision. And I'll make the time to do that before I plop down the cash. I have tried some SVT's at GC and Ampeg is just not my cup of tea.

My main concern is if I have enough cab for one of those big heads. My cab is an Eden D410-T(the older rear ported) 540W max @ 4ohm. I really like this cab so would like to keep that but I'm not adverse to adding another cab to it later down the road if I find it's necessary.

I play alt-rock/metal in medium sized venues. The tone I want is a warm with a bit of grit in it as my base tone. Am I ever going to be in a situation where I can open one of these heads up enough to get some of the natural tube overdrive? or will my head explode from volume first?

Any input you guys/gals may have I'd greatly appreciate.

 

[Deadworks]

bump, anyone have any input?

 

[MJ5150]

bump, anyone have any input?

I do.

I played a Mesa through one of them there Eden 410's. It sounded awesome. I actually met up with a guy to buy his Eden, and he let me try it out with a Mesa. I tried to buy the Mesa, he said no way. I went out and got a 400 the next week.

You can crank up that 400 with the Eden. I did with no problems.

-Mike

 

[Munjibunga]

The 400+ is the only Mesa bass amp approved by Munjibunga.

 

[Plain Old Me]

Just curious, what Ampeg amps did you try? Have you tried an origional SVT or SVT-II? Those are great amps; I do not like the current heads in production. Other than those used and the Mesa 400(+), there is the Traynor YBA-200 and the Fender/Sunn 300 used as well. Of course there are many other great amps, but those are the ones that come to mind. I love my Mesa 400+, but make sure you try out as many possibilities as you can.

 

[Deadworks]

I tried an svt3-pro at GC. Through an 8x10 and then through a 4x10. I know the classic or an original 70's svt would probably be more what I'm looking for but those are tougher to get playtime on. I just don't think I'm a "svt and fridge" guy. Driving a hatchback kinda seals the deal on that.

There are a few amps I'd like to try before I make my purchase like the TE V series, a peavey classic 400, but again the chances of that happening are slim to none. I need to go to some different music stores though, that stupid GC just has ampeg and GK. In the meantime I just have to browse the amps forum longer and try to find soundclips of different amps

 

[Chef]

A used DB750 is a little more than your $1000, but they are kick butt.
New Thunderfunks-while not tube-are really warm and punchy, and about that price.
A used Mesa 400+ in great shape will abe about $850 or so. Nice amp The older Mesa 400 is very similar, and can sometimes be cheaper.