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Need help with Amp choice

S

Sptz

Apr 18, 2004
103
0
#1
Hey, I had an Ampeg SVT3 Pro with a Hartke 410TP, but I sold both because I wasn't too happy with it. I just felt I wasn't getting the tone I wanted, so I decided to sell it and buy a new rig.

Now I was thinking of either SWR or Aguilar ( I live in Portugal, so other type of brands are pretty hard to find (less "known" brands)). My style of playing varies much, I play since latin, fusion, jazz, to rock, and extreme metal. So it varies a lot.
From what I'm looking at right now on both brand's websites I'm digging both, although a little inclined to Aguilar, but I would like to know some personal views from people who own both products. It will serve for rehearsal as well as gigging. I was digging the Aguilar DB750 as well as the AG500 SC, and I was also looking at the SWR 750 X...
( I was also wondering about Mesa or even EBS..)

Either way I'm going to be a little blind folded here when ordering and trust my instincts as well as you guys opinions, since it's pretty damn hard to find a decent music store with these kind of products where I live.

Thank you in advance.
 
#3
I don't know about metal, but aguilar ag500 (two channel) would be my top pick. from what I've heard from others, aguilar SS distortion is pretty sweet. The 500 head is fairly powerful without being too heavy, like the 750.

Mesa mpulse 600 is the next possible choice in my mind. 600w into 4ohms with 4 semi-parametric EQ makes its sound VERY flexible, if you know how to use a semi-p EQ. you can also overdrive the preamp tube to give you a more distorted sound.

those are my opinions base on what i've READ NOT HEARD in person. I tried IN PERSON the AG500SC (no distortion) and it was nice clean and clear. and the amp is very lightweight at 18 Lbs. 8,2kg. I've heard the mesa walkabout and V12 and liked both of their sounds, so I assume the mpulse is similar.

verify my conclusions with others before proceeding.

here are some links....

ag500
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"agro" distortion from aguilar (compare with ag500s description page)
(listen to clips in first post)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=365645&highlight=agro


mpulse
http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Bass_Amps/M-Pulse-600/M-Pulse-600.html

walkabout overdrive clip
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#4
Hey, thank you SO much for your post, I was really keening onto the DB750, but you definitely opened my taste on the AG500, and by having 2 channels and even D.I. it's really a great deal.

I think I'll go with that one, and what about cabs? I was thinking of pairing it with an Aguilar cab, but I also see a lot of fuzz about Bergantino's... how are those?
 
#6
Does it really has a real life advantage to have the AG500 due to the overdrive channel? Because I have a big muff ( which I think it does the job quite well ) and I don't intend on using extensive overdriving, so I was looking more of that punchy tone ( for funk / fusion etc). But I was also gonna play metal and stuff with it..
 
#10
allexcosta said:
Sounds like Marcus Miller, I play whatever pays...
Click to expand...

I just wanted to know if it's a versatile head, I play mainly funk/jazz, but also will occasionally gig with it in a metal band I'm in. Both guitarrists use GK btw.. What head do you have? Do you think it fits for what I want?

btw, I thought Marcus Miller played Aguilar?
 

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