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Head Recommedations

gjbassist

gjbassist

Sep 7, 2005
6,039
3,131
60
Kansas City, MO
#1
Looking for an bass head to go with my Dr. Bass 1580 4 Ohm cabinet. Would like something in the low $300 range (used is fine) in the 300-500 watt range.

Here are a few I'm considering:

Hartke LH500-This is my top contender. I have read many positive things about this head. I like the simplicity of the controls and Hartke customer service is supposed to be excellent. I have found new ones for sale right at $300.

Peavey Tour 700. Also heard many positive things about this one. More power than the Hartke. Would have to buy used to get in my price range.

GK 700 RB II- Another one I have heard many good things about. Would have to be used to stay in my price range.

So what others are out there?
 
#2
that's all of them.

:D

nah, there's a lot of stuff you can get, and some more new stuff coming out soon as well. but really, there's nothing wrong with any of those you named off. they're all great companies in business for a long time. might also throw ampeg at you as well. they've got a couple micro amps coming out in that price range that sound promising. but play what you can and decide what amp works best for you. the used market does open you up to more expensive amps, but some folks find a warranty comforting....i can dig that line of thought as well.
 
#4
When I was looking at getting my first stack, I tried out both the LH500 and the Tour 700. Both heads sound great, LH500 has a tube pre. I think you'd be pleased with either, but all I know is that my Tour 700 gets incredibly loud, and has the tone I love. I decided to go with the more expensive Tour 700 because of the flexible EQ controls, but the Hartke is a great head, and I've heard nothing but great things about them.

It took me a while to get familiar with the graphic EQ on the Peavey, but once I figured it all out, I got a tone that I love. I can't see me buying another head for a while, unless I step it up to one of the Tube peaveys.

If you like the simple controls on the Hartke, get that, but you really can't go wrong with either.

I haven't played the GK.
 
#5
Gonna throw one more into the mix. Bugera BVP 5500. Yes I know there is not much love around here for Behringer/Bugera products in general. However, most of the reviews on this particular head have been very positive. It is supposed to be like a poor man's SVT. Found a good deal on a used one. Thoughts?
 
#6
gjbassist said:
Gonna throw one more into the mix. Bugera BVP 5500. Yes I know there is not much love around here for Behringer/Bugera products in general. However, most of the reviews on this particular head have been very positive. It is supposed to be like a poor man's SVT. Found a good deal on a used one. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

It's just got a tube pre. If you want all tube, Peavey VB-2s can be had for about $120 more than the Bugera, and the Peaveys are sturdier.
 
#8
there seem to be some used swr heads in your price range, although likely on the low end of your desired wattege. i am in a similar position as the OP and am leaning toward the lh1000 because of larry hartke and his activity here on TB.
 
#10
I'd take an old Peavey Mark over the Firebass. I'm generally one who likes Peavey quite a bit, but I just think the Firebass is loud for the sake of being loud and doesn't sound incredibly good. I think the Tour 450 sounds better & can be had for relatively cheap on the used market.

There's also the Yorkville BM and XM series heads that are pretty awesome. I used a 400B (precursor to the BM series) for 10 years or so and it never failed me. Pretty clean/transparent head though so if you're looking for something colorful that might not be it for you.

Can't go wrong with the 700RB. They're solid and sound good.
 
#11
xjeremiahx said:
gjbassist, as in glassjaw?

on topic: the 700 RB is a personal fav for me. Those things are built like tanks and they sound great to boot!
Click to expand...

Thats what I thought at first but I thought they were from NY.

IMO, with all I have read, good and bad, Bugera would be like russian roulette. I personally would not take the chance. I still buy behringer stuff (headphones are awesome and just got a bdi21 and it sounds nice), but I wouldn't feel comfortable trusting their amps. YMMV, IMO.

I say Hartke. I would have gotten one for myself if it had more EQ options. I ended up getting a used Peavey pre for $100 and a Crown XLS Drivecore for $260 shipped. My thought was if I was going to buy a Peavey, I might as well get the made in the US, indestructible stuff. My buddy gave me a rack for free so for just under $400 I have an 800 watt setup for my BFM Omni 15. It will eat your face off.

A lot of people like "heads" for their bass rig because of simplicity, I like my pre/power rig. I think I am going to make a new box for it though. I am having a hard time figuring out what else I need in my rack and I am only using 3 of my 8 spaces.
 

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