I need something gritty!

[RedCoatMonster]

My current set up is a LH500, GK Neo212, and a Spector NS2A. Ive recently sold some gear to fund the purchase of a new head. Im looking to get something can be gritty/hairy/etc., and that is also full and warm. I play mostly rock, and have a $600-$700 fund built up(if my LH500 sells). I would prefer a hybrid head, $500-$700 isnt gonna land me an all tube head Im sure. Also, I have owned a 700rb-II and 400rb(old school) before I got my Lh500 and dont want to go that route again, or the fully SS route if I can help it. I plan on running it through my GK Neo 212 btw.

I know people hate these threads sometimes, but I am truly at a loss. I live over an hour from the nearest music store and do not have the luxury of testing out amps.

 

[heath_r_91]

hmm...

As I'm sure you know, the AD200 is the mother of tone for what you are describing. Like you stated, though. It's out of your price range by a good bit.

However, Orange recently came out with a hybrid version that has the same preamp as the AD200 called the Bass Terror.

You should give it a look, it may just be exactly what you are looking for. I'd imagine it would be just a tiiiny but above your price.

 

[BlackMetalAkaz]

Your avatar is awesome.

 

[RedCoatMonster]

hmm...

As I'm sure you know, the AD200 is the mother of tone for what you are describing. Like you stated, though. It's out of your price range by a good bit.

However, Orange recently came out with a hybrid version that has the same preamp as the AD200 called the Bass Terror.

You should give it a look, it may just be exactly what you are looking for. I'd imagine it would be just a tiiiny but above your price.

I actually just watched a video of it on bass gear's youtube but they didnt play through it and the audio was horrible.

Your avatar is awesome.

"...and Lot went outside with his de-sexing stick, and waved it around most unsexily..."

 

[georgestrings]

- georgestrings

 

[Fretlessboy]

I think a Genz Shuttle6.0 would be the ticket. Tube pre, you can dial in as much grit as you want and it is 600 watts and under 4 pounds.

 

[RedCoatMonster]

I think a Genz Shuttle6.0 would be the ticket. Tube pre, you can dial in as much grit as you want and it is 600 watts and under 4 pounds.

Does anyone have an opinion on the volume and tonal differences between the GBE600 and the Shuttle 6.0? Ive heard it said(i think) that the Shuttle's tube pre is grittier. True?

 

[mike_v_s]

A used Peavey T-Max will do the job and you'll have $400-500 left over.

Mike

 

[georgestrings]

Does anyone have an opinion on the volume and tonal differences between the GBE600 and the Shuttle 6.0? Ive heard it said(i think) that the Shuttle's tube pre is grittier. True?

I don't think there are any significant tone or volume differences between the 2 - IME, the main differences are:

The GBE 600 has both FET and Tube preamps, and will go down to 2 ohms, but is also much heavier and larger than the Shuttle series - I *think* the GBE 600 weighs around 20lbs, vs the 4lbs the Shuttles weigh...



- georgestrings

 

[georgestrings]

A used Peavey T-Max will do the job and you'll have $400-500 left over.

Mike

I had a couple of them - although very good amps, the Genz stuff sounds better to my ears...



- georgestrings

 

[blendermassacre]

I had a couple of them - although very good amps, the Genz stuff sounds better to my ears...



- georgestrings

T max's are pretty great. It's all about the tube you have in it. I just replaced mine (from a marshall ecc83 to a JJ/tesla 12ax7) and I LOVE IT TO DEATH. Gets great grit.

 

[Korladis]

My current set up is a LH500, GK Neo212, and a Spector NS2A. Ive recently sold some gear to fund the purchase of a new head. Im looking to get something can be gritty/hairy/etc., and that is also full and warm. I play mostly rock, and have a $600-$700 fund built up(if my LH500 sells). I would prefer a hybrid head, $500-$700 isnt gonna land me an all tube head Im sure. Also, I have owned a 700rb-II and 400rb(old school) before I got my Lh500 and dont want to go that route again, or the fully SS route if I can help it. I plan on running it through my GK Neo 212 btw.

I know people hate these threads sometimes, but I am truly at a loss. I live over an hour from the nearest music store and do not have the luxury of testing out amps.

I got my tube head for $800, including shipping and handling.

I hear VB-2's from Peavey are pretty cheap for tube heads. "Can be gritty/hair/etc. and that is also full and warm" seems to be the way tube amps are usually described.

 

[steamthief]

The new Fender TB series can get gritty as you like, full and warm without the drive channel. Sounds like just what you're looking for.

 

[rodl2005]

Aint the LH500 a nice head????? Why not simply buy(or at LEAST TRY) a Tech21 VTBASS pedal - all the tube grit U 'sound' like U'd like!

 

[MIJ-VI]

^ +1 True grit.

 

[pedroims]

Aint the LH500 a nice head????? Why not simply buy(or at LEAST TRY) a Tech21 VTBASS pedal - all the tube grit U 'sound' like U'd like!

+1000

 

[pgk]

a restored ampeg V4B

 

[chiplexic]

The GBE 600 has both FET and Tube preamps,
- georgestrings

I believe the GBE 600 is discontinued. However I thought it was just FET with no tube channel. I think you had to go up to the GBE 750 to get a tube channel?

-Is the Shuttle 6.0 "Warm/Full" as the OP required ? My limited experience with the Neo Pak 3.5 (same voicing) was pretty high mid, bright. But the tube did add grit.

-I was thinking a Walkabout head (used) meets your requirements. Always thick and warm but can get clean-to-super gritty by adjusting the Gain. It's Powerful EQ will get you bright and twangy but the warm, thick nature of the head keeps the bright,twangy from being too offensive.

-Or for more of an SVT like grit you may want to watch for a Mesa Big Block 750 (used).

 

[RedCoatMonster]

Aint the LH500 a nice head????? Why not simply buy(or at LEAST TRY) a Tech21 VTBASS pedal - all the tube grit U 'sound' like U'd like!

It actually is a very nice sounding head, way fatter than I expected. Ya know Ive thought about doing this. It may be a better idea to spend $150 and see how I like it than $5-700. I just get excited!

 

[cassanova]

The Ampeg SVP-Pro preamp IMO/IME would do the trick for you. You'd need a power amp though. But you could get both the pre and power amp and still be within your budget. You can find them on ebay and other places on the web.