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I need help for a Mesa Boogie 400

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by incubass68, Jul 7, 2003.

  1. Jul 7, 2003 #1
    incubass68

    incubass68

    Jun 21, 2003
    el paso, tx
    I was wondering how much a used Mesa bass 400 not the 400+ should sell for. Also is it real expensive to retube these things? Is it expensive to have work done on them? The power switch on this one doesn't work, It's always on. You can use the standby to cut sound but it is still drawing current. I'd say on a scale of
    1-10 condition wise it's like a 6 or a 7. Thanks alot for any help you have for me.
     
  2. Jul 8, 2003 #2
    winston

    winston Supporting Member

    May 2, 2000
    East Bay, CA
    I bought a Bass 400 in good condition for $400 about 5 years ago. It looked clean, was not missing any parts, and came in a rack case. I got it retubed with Chinese Ruby 6550s and Sovtek 12AX7s but I would recommend going with Svetlana 6550s and maybe some 7025 preamp tubes to cut down on noise. It sounded beautifully fat but clear, got really loud and was quite versatile, what with the passive and graphic EQs and 2-channel preamp.

    What didn't I like? The direct outs (XLR and slave) were too noisy to use, and I never got the FX loops to cooperate with my stompboxes. Sometimes when I used inefficient cabinets and cranked the master past 6 I'd blow fuses. Plus it was just too heavy (55# in a rack) for regular use. I sold it for $550 and bought a used Eden WT400 for $500, which suits my needs much better.

    Those amps are old enough that you could start getting into expensive repairs if it hasn't been well-maintained. I wouldn't pay more than $350 for the one you describe-you'll probably have to spend at least $175 to retube it, plus $50/hr. + parts for repairs. Hope this helps.
     
  3. Jul 8, 2003 #3
    winston

    winston Supporting Member

    May 2, 2000
    East Bay, CA
    I bought a Bass 400 in good condition for $400 about 5 years ago. It looked clean, was not missing any parts, and came in a rack case. I got it retubed with Chinese Ruby 6550s and Sovtek 12AX7s but I would recommend going with Svetlana 6550s and maybe some 7025 preamp tubes to cut down on noise. It sounded beautifully fat but clear, got really loud and was quite versatile, what with the passive and graphic EQs and 2-channel preamp.

    What didn't I like? The direct outs (XLR and slave) were too noisy to use, and I never got the FX loops to cooperate with my stompboxes. Sometimes when I used inefficient cabinets and cranked the master past 6 I'd blow fuses. Plus it was just too heavy (55# in a rack) for regular use. I sold it for $550 and bought a used Eden WT400 for $500, which suits my needs much better.

    Those amps are old enough that you could start getting into expensive repairs if it hasn't been well-maintained. I wouldn't pay more than $350 for the one you describe-you'll probably have to spend at least $175 to retube it, plus $50/hr. + parts for repairs. That said, it's a very solidly built and well-designed amp that sounds great when kept in good shape. Hope this helps.
     
  4. Jul 8, 2003 #4
    incubass68

    incubass68

    Jun 21, 2003
    el paso, tx
    There is one in a local pawn shop for $900:spit: But it's been there for like 8 months now so I figured I might get them to go down since about 4 months ago he said $700 I went yesterday and the guy was a complete prick. Also he claimed that guitar center still sold them new for $1300 I told him to prove it. I said if you find me one store selling this thing brand new I'll buy it for $1000 but if you don't you give it to me for $450. Needless to say, he couldn't find anyone,:D , I then told him I'd be back to pick it up later and he said I never said you could have it for $450.:spit:
     
  5. Jul 9, 2003 #5
    Boogie Boy

    Boogie Boy

    Jan 26, 2003
    You can tell the pawn shop owner he needs to do his homework. Mesa no longer produces the 400. However, they do produce the 400+. That amp does go for $1300. It's also much louder than its little brother (12 power tubes). I own one and love it. I searched for my tone for 20 years and finally got it.
     
  6. Jul 9, 2003 #6
    ChenNuts44

    ChenNuts44

    Nov 18, 2001
    Davenport, IA
    12 tubes, each putting out less than half of the power of each of the 6 in the Bass 400 ===> In reality, the 400+ isn't putting out quite as much as it's older brother. However, they're probably both able to shake walls with tone to spare, and I'm glad you've found your tone. Some never do... :bassist: