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head recommendation in the $600 range?

H

hiros

Jan 12, 2005
2
0
#1
In getting up to speed with all the amp options out there, I'm looking for a recommendation for a head priced new at around $600. I'm a guitarist moving to more bass playing and a first time bass amp buyer.

Instead of getting a combo, I decided to purchase a head and borrow a friend's 15" cab (some obscure brand I can't recall - very beat up condition) until I really get a feel for what I need. I figure that getting a head is the most flexible approach and that I will do the research on cab options at a later time.

I play a MIM jazz bass with a pick, standard fingerstyle, and muted thumb. I rarely ever slap or pop and don't like my sound to be "hi-fi". I like a warm solid tone with a hint of growl for more rock stuff. I don't need the more extreme sounds found in a lot of metal or contemporary pop. Somewhere between McCartney and Me'shell is where I would like to be.

Thanks in advance.
 
#7
toddtodd said:
GK 800RB
Kustom Groove Bass
Sunn 1200s/Fender Bassman 1200 PRO
Genz Benz GBE 600
Click to expand...

For a new head (not used), I'd recommned the a Kustom Groove Bass 1200 or GK 1001RB II for sure depending on your playing style.

The Groove Bass is slightly warmer (almost tube like) than the GK and you can get that overdriven tube sound out of it if you set the master and gain properly and EQ is correctly. It can be rather bright and in your face also, but not as much as the GK.

The GK as stated above is rather bright and has that modern, in your face hi-fi tone. I found less versatile than the Kustom when I A/Bed them both, but if you are looking for that hi-fi tone, then it might be the head for you.

The Kustom GB puts out 50% more watts at 2 ohms (1200 vs 800) than the GK, but it comes at a slight cost......weight. The Kustom weighs about 30 lbs and the GK is just under 20 lbs I believe.

BTW, I play mostly classic and hard rock (but not heavy metal) both pick and finger style and really don't slap much if at all. The Groove Bass is PERFECT for this application. Nice warm and can get gritty and packs 1200 watts and it can get down to 2 ohms.

Both are GREAT values for at or under $600 The GK's are about $600 even at Ricks (can't remember his URL) and the Kustom can be had for about $500 if you find the right dealer.

Of course the above two are the best option for NEW heads with warranty under $600. There are some great used heads out there, but just be careful. I've gotten some great used heads and also some duds that broke quickly or were not as described. I personally aim for new...

In any event, good luck!
 
#8
+1 On the Gallien-Krueger recommendations. When trying one out, make sure to use the Boost knob quite liberally. ;)

A used Mesa Walkabout would be almost in your pricerange.

If you go Yorkville, save up a bit extra and get the XS800H. It has more power and a tube in the preamp, and will prove much more versatile.
 
#11
If you want warm and you want new, for $600 you can go all tube with the Traynor YBA-200. 200 watts all tube, but you would probabally have to change out the stock tubes (they suck) which would cost a little more. But, as was mentioned, you can get something pretty awesome used; I got my used Mesa 400+ for just $700 and I'm loving it ;)
 
#17
Quadzilla said:
For a new head (not used), I'd recommned the a Kustom Groove Bass 1200 or GK 1001RB II for sure depending on your playing style.

The Groove Bass is slightly warmer (almost tube like) than the GK and you can get that overdriven tube sound out of it if you set the master and gain properly and EQ is correctly. It can be rather bright and in your face also, but not as much as the GK.

The GK as stated above is rather bright and has that modern, in your face hi-fi tone. I found less versatile than the Kustom when I A/Bed them both, but if you are looking for that hi-fi tone, then it might be the head for you.

The Kustom GB puts out 50% more watts at 2 ohms (1200 vs 800) than the GK, but it comes at a slight cost......weight. The Kustom weighs about 30 lbs and the GK is just under 20 lbs I believe.

BTW, I play mostly classic and hard rock (but not heavy metal) both pick and finger style and really don't slap much if at all. The Groove Bass is PERFECT for this application. Nice warm and can get gritty and packs 1200 watts and it can get down to 2 ohms.

Both are GREAT values for at or under $600 The GK's are about $600 even at Ricks (can't remember his URL) and the Kustom can be had for about $500 if you find the right dealer.

Of course the above two are the best option for NEW heads with warranty under $600. There are some great used heads out there, but just be careful. I've gotten some great used heads and also some duds that broke quickly or were not as described. I personally aim for new...

In any event, good luck!
Click to expand...



ah hah! i knew quadzilla would strike here!

anytime the kustom groovebass is a possible answer/suggestion, you appear. :D i'm still looking for one of those bad boys to try it out. but i've been busy lately.
 
#19
I can only talk about the GK since I have not tried the Kustom 1200.
For the size, weight and price, it's definity worth a look & listen. Riks music.com for $600 shipped. GK1001RB-II would be my recommendation. Great Tone, punch, light-weight and small, use the boost knob to get your overdrive/grit edge and your all set. Grunge to Hi-Fi. It's been reliable and solid. After being a staunch Eden guy, GK works for me. Made in America. (cue out-tro with flag waving in the breeze to fade out)
 

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