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Mesa Boogie 400+ or SVT-4PRO ?
- Thread starter BG6654
- Start date
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,633
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
Good all-tube head vs hybrid that some say isn't as loud as the ratings & weight would suggest? I vote Mesa.
Thanks for the comeback .. keep it coming!!
The reason for asking is I have the Mesa Boogie and it's in perfect condition, but it's been idle for 12 years except for recent new tubes. The dreaded sentimental attachment syndrome. Anyway may consider trade or sell for real good hybrid, something lighter yet powerful & clean.
So what's a really good powerful hybrid under 35 lbs?
The reason for asking is I have the Mesa Boogie and it's in perfect condition, but it's been idle for 12 years except for recent new tubes. The dreaded sentimental attachment syndrome. Anyway may consider trade or sell for real good hybrid, something lighter yet powerful & clean.
So what's a really good powerful hybrid under 35 lbs?
Mesa - all those power tubes are sexy. Plus they sound killer when they get pushed...ahhhh beautiful beautiful tube sounds...
genzbenz is highly regarded here...and made in the USA. I'd check them out if you want a good hybrid head.
- Jan 8, 2002
- 593
- 7
- 64
- Disclosures
- Owner, Xsonics Bass Cabinets
I had a Mesa 400+ for about 6 months. I prefer the SVT-4 Pro big time. Been using them since '97. You see plenty of them on tour!!
hey Ncognito, could you elaborate on what you prefer about the 4Pro, especially when compared to a 400+? Thanks! 
- Jan 8, 2002
- 593
- 7
- 64
- Disclosures
- Owner, Xsonics Bass Cabinets
I never was able to get the sound I was looking for from the Mesa, and that was after about 50 gigs with it. First gig with my Ampeg SVT-4 Pro I got the tone that worked for ME. The Mesa is an awesome head if it gets you "your" sound. It never got me "my" sound. Also, no power tubes to mess with or replace with the 4 Pro. YMMV.
Of the 2 heads mentioned, Mesa. I liked the tone of the 4 Pro, but it just didn't come close to the Mesa - just goes to show you opinions vary, and you really should hear for yourself before you decide.
For hybrid heads, I like Genz Benz. Flexible, super reliable, and very loud.
For hybrid heads, I like Genz Benz. Flexible, super reliable, and very loud.
re: "my sound"
I'm always amazed that when comparing top drawer amplifiers and cabs, we all express and take our different tastes in equipment so seriously... I think we each hear sound differently and thus what each of us likes is based on subjective experience as much as real difference in equipment.
I'm always amazed that when comparing top drawer amplifiers and cabs, we all express and take our different tastes in equipment so seriously... I think we each hear sound differently and thus what each of us likes is based on subjective experience as much as real difference in equipment.
The Mesa is really not *that* heavy, BTW. I always carry my 400 (non-plus) up the stairs in one hand.
If one yields *your* sound and the other one doesn't, that would definitely trump anything else.
If one yields *your* sound and the other one doesn't, that would definitely trump anything else.
I prefer the Mesa, but I'm just not really an Ampeg guy (Tho I do like some aspects of the BSP Preamp, and I remember liking the Pro-5 I tried out in the store). Alot of it is the Mesa EVM-15 loaded cabs I use too, cuz the punchy tuning of 'em comes thru even w/other heads, but the 400+ I use has some serious power & depth to it that makes my cabs shine. I've heard the 400+ doesn't sound the same w/other non-Mesa cabs, but I've never tried my head w/any other cabs so I don't know 1st hand about that. I've never felt a need/desire to try any other cabs.
