I need help picking an amp!

[JohnathanBox]

So, I thought my mind was made up. Ampeg Venture V7. Always dreamt of having that SVT grit, comes with a compressor. Etcetcetc.

But, I’m the UK I’m looking at like £700 at least, so I did the cardinal sin of looking around. Now I just don’t know.

I kind of have my eye on the little mark tube 800. Very different to the ampeg, of course, but can still scoop the mids and then just get my drive from a pedal and get a compressor.

So, why would I not go for it? Get the mark bass, get a solid foundational amp sound then colour it as and when I need. I know some people say the solid state and tube blend is a bit overstated but it seems like the obvious choice?

Or maybe there’s something I’m missing that’s the obvious choice?

 

[dbsfgyd1]

So, I thought my mind was made up. Ampeg Venture V7. Always dreamt of having that SVT grit, comes with a compressor. Etcetcetc.

But, I’m the UK I’m looking at like £700 at least, so I did the cardinal sin of looking around. Now I just don’t know.

I kind of have my eye on the little mark tube 800. Very different to the ampeg, of course, but can still scoop the mids and then just get my drive from a pedal and get a compressor.

So, why would I not go for it? Get the mark bass, get a solid foundational amp sound then colour it as and when I need. I know some people say the solid state and tube blend is a bit overstated but it seems like the obvious choice?

Or maybe there’s something I’m missing that’s the obvious choice?

Are you playing in a band? If so, you may want to revisit scooping mids. Scooping mids, especially low mids, makes it harder to hear yourself in the mix.

 

[lug]

Are you playing in a band? If so, you may want to revisit scooping mids. Scooping mids, especially low mids, makes it harder to hear yourself in the mix.

That;s what the 800 watts is for!

 

[JohnathanBox]

Are you playing in a band? If so, you may want to revisit scooping mids. Scooping mids, especially low mids, makes it harder to hear yourself in the mix.

Well maybe not a total scoop but a little bit of a smiley face? That classic ultra hi/lo thing

But a good point. I would have thought the mark bass has a lot more control EQ wise than the ventures?

 

[dbsfgyd1]

That;s what the 800 watts is for!

That certainly would take care of most applications!!! LOL!! But, he scoops his low mids too severely, 800 watts might not be enough.

 

[bdplaid]

I always regretted talking myself into something when I wanted something else.

 

[definenredefine]

I always regretted talking myself into something when I wanted something else.

This. You owe it to yourself to at least try out the Markbass amp first, and see if it even comes close. But ultimately, if you like the Ampeg best, that's the choice.

Try to find one used. I don't know the used market in the UK but surely you could save at least a little bit going that route.

 

[MCF]

I’ve said this until I’m blue in the face. If you want the Ampeg tone, get an Ampeg. Sure, there are many ways to get close. But accept no substitutes.

I have a SVT VR. It’s way too heavy. But it delivers the tone when that’s what I want. No messing about with pedals or other preamps needed.

I also have an amazing Mesa TT800 and a Carbine M6. They deliver multiple different tones when that’s what I’m after. But I don’t even try to make them sound like an Ampeg.

 

[LSM07]

If you want the SVT grit, go for the SVT grit!

 

[MarkA]

So, I thought my mind was made up. Ampeg Venture V7. Always dreamt of having that SVT grit, comes with a compressor. Etcetcetc.

But, I’m the UK I’m looking at like £700 at least, so I did the cardinal sin of looking around. Now I just don’t know.

I kind of have my eye on the little mark tube 800. Very different to the ampeg, of course, but can still scoop the mids and then just get my drive from a pedal and get a compressor.

So, why would I not go for it? Get the mark bass, get a solid foundational amp sound then colour it as and when I need. I know some people say the solid state and tube blend is a bit overstated but it seems like the obvious choice?

Or maybe there’s something I’m missing that’s the obvious choice?

If you're thinking to add a drive pedal and compressor, factor those into the cost (and consider how you'll feel about the bit of added complexity).

I haven't played the Venture series of amps, but I've played through a few Ampegs, old and newer, and owned and played a few Markbass amps (never owned the LM Tube 800, but played through one on a couple of occasions). You might get close to a driven Ampeg sound with a Markbass amp and the right pedal(s)/settings (or, who knows, find something you like more), but if you're shooting for the sound you hear from the Venture series (would be good to demo one, if you can), then one of those amps would seem the most straightforward (though not necessarily the only) way to get it.

That said, if I was looking for something with more warmth, harmonic complexity, and potential squish (or, better, bounce) in the Markbass line, I'd be more inclined to give the Little Mark Vintage amps a look -- haven't played one, but dug the demo I heard (and there is an adjustable limiter which might take the place of a compressor).

As for the tube blend on the LMT 800, I didn't spend much time with it -- it made a difference, but I don't recall it being dramatic (a little thicker, a little darker, maybe a little hairier and more compressed) or being too impressed with it, but it's not fair to judge the amp based on a few minutes in a store. I knew a guy who gigged with one and liked it pretty well. Still, I think you'd get more out of the tube circuit in the LM Vintage amps.

As for 800 watts vs. 500 (or whatever), I'd consider your cabs and how you're getting by with whatever you're playing now (as a point of reference). If you're coasting with 300-500 watts, cool. If you're pushing your 500 watt amp, sometimes, then 700 or 800 can give you some breathing room on peaks (though the voicing of the amp makes a difference and, again, consider your cabs).

Good luck!

EDIT: If you're in the UK, some of the Ashdown amps might be worth a look.

 

[BigBoneRed]

The Ampeg has ultra HI/LO switches, which could help you get a little more scooped sound if you like. Plus the Ampeg looks like it has an aux input, if that matters to you.. didn't see one on the LMark. might be a win-win either way..

 

[MCF]

If you're thinking to add a drive pedal and compressor, factor those into the cost (and consider how you'll feel about the bit of added complexity).

I haven't played the Venture series of amps, but I've played through a few Ampegs, old and newer, and owned and played a few Markbass amps (never owned the LM Tube 800, but played through one on a couple of occasions). You might get close to a driven Ampeg sound with a Markbass amp and the right pedal(s)/settings (or, who knows, find something you like more), but if you're shooting for the sound you hear from the Venture series (would be good to demo one, if you can), then one of those amps would seem the most straightforward (though not necessarily the only) way to get it.

That said, if I was looking for something with more warmth, harmonic complexity, and potential squish (or, better, bounce) in the Markbass line, I'd be more inclined to give the Little Mark Vintage amps a look -- haven't played one, but dug the demo I heard (and there is an adjustable limiter which might take the place of a compressor).

As for the tube blend on the LMT 800, I didn't spend much time with it -- it made a difference, but I don't recall it being dramatic (a little thicker, a little darker, maybe a little hairier and more compressed) or being too impressed with it, but it's not fair to judge the amp based on a few minutes in a store. I knew a guy who gigged with one and liked it pretty well. Still, I think you'd get more out of the tube circuit in the LM Vintage amps.

As for 800 watts vs. 500 (or whatever), I'd consider your cabs and how you're getting by with whatever you're playing now (as a point of reference). If you're coasting with 300-500 watts, cool. If you're pushing your 500 watt amp, sometimes, then 700 or 800 can give you some breathing room on peaks (though the voicing of the amp makes a difference and, again, consider your cabs).

Good luck!

EDIT: If you're in the UK, some of the Ashdown amps might be worth a look.

I do not own one. But a good friend has a Little Bastard. I really like it. Pricy. But something to think about and audition.

 

[kiwi60]

So, I thought my mind was made up. Ampeg Venture V7. Always dreamt of having that SVT grit, comes with a compressor. Etcetcetc.

But, I’m the UK I’m looking at like £700 at least, so I did the cardinal sin of looking around. Now I just don’t know.

I kind of have my eye on the little mark tube 800. Very different to the ampeg, of course, but can still scoop the mids and then just get my drive from a pedal and get a compressor.

So, why would I not go for it? Get the mark bass, get a solid foundational amp sound then colour it as and when I need. I know some people say the solid state and tube blend is a bit overstated but it seems like the obvious choice?

Or maybe there’s something I’m missing that’s the obvious choice?

I had the same problem some years ago so I went into the music shop with my own bass and tried every amp that interested me. I ended up buying something I wasn’t even considering but when I stood as far in front of the amp as I was able to with the bass to amp lead and actually listened to the tone of each amp: cabinet it soon became clear which amp was the right choice. This came about because I had a full tube Taynor amp and cab and a Lakeland Bob Glaub (loved the tone of that one) which got destroyed in a fire and couldn’t be replaced without special order and 6 months delivery, I live in New Zealand, but I ended up going to a Lakland Joe Osborne and a MarkBass rig that was perfect for the Motownish vibe I was looking for. This method worked me me much better than just reading Alex sheets and making a decision from the numbers. Hope this helps.

 

[Seniormasculino]

If you're in the UK, I would definitely throw the Orange Little Bass Thing in the mix. I was shopping for a new head just before summer and also tested the Venture 7, Orange Terror and the Fender Rumble HD800. The Orange Little bass thing was the clear winner for me. The onboard compressor is great. The EQ is great. I felt it had more power, punch and control vs the Venture 7.

 

[shoot-r]

I had the same problem some years ago so I went into the music shop with my own bass and tried every amp that interested me. I ended up buying something I wasn’t even considering but when I stood as far in front of the amp as I was able to with the bass to amp lead and actually listened to the tone of each amp: cabinet it soon became clear which amp was the right choice. This came about because I had a full tube Taynor amp and cab and a Lakeland Bob Glaub (loved the tone of that one) which got destroyed in a fire and couldn’t be replaced without special order and 6 months delivery, I live in New Zealand, but I ended up going to a Lakland Joe Osborne and a MarkBass rig that was perfect for the Motownish vibe I was looking for. This method worked me me much better than just reading Alex sheets and making a decision from the numbers. Hope this helps.

This, ^^^, 100%!

If there's "anyway possible", take the time and effort to locate a brick and mortar store that has the amp/amps your considering.

Take your bass, any effects you might use, your cabinet and audition any and all heads you can locate.

Don't take into consideration cosmetics or the brand name, strickly let "your ears" decide what works best for you.

It'll be worth the effort.

 

[hennessybass]

I always regretted talking myself into something when I wanted something else.

Boy... that rings true.

 

[MarkA]

I do not own one. But a good friend has a Little Bastard. I really like it. Pricy. But something to think about and audition.

That could be a neat amp -- and it's supposed to be quite loud for what it is -- but a 30 watt tube amp will require that the OP consider his volume wants, how efficient his cabs are, and where in the amp's power/dirt curve he wants to play. Might be fantastic, if it fits the OP's needs. (OP, it might be informative to know what you play through now and how it's working for you.)

If you're in the UK, I would definitely throw the Orange Little Bass Thing in the mix. I was shopping for a new head just before summer and also tested the Venture 7, Orange Terror and the Fender Rumble HD800. The Orange Little bass thing was the clear winner for me. The onboard compressor is great. The EQ is great. I felt it had more power, punch and control vs the Venture 7.

I forgot about Orange. I have a 4-Stroke 500 and it's a hard-hitting and clear-but-not-sterile amp. Doesn't get much dirt unless you dial the optical compressor way up. Haven't played the LBT, but it's supposed to have a similar vibe (albeit with a slightly simplified EQ and its SMPS + Class D power, rather than the 4-Stroke's linear power supply and class AB power amp).