• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

New Head Help Needed

MacBass57

MacBass57

Aug 16, 2011
303
36
Barnegat, New Jersey
#1
My current amp head is acting up and I need to get a new one. I am currently using a Hartke 2200 Professional Series Cabinet with 2 -12's. I am looking at the Carvin BX500 and the Ampeg PF500 heads. Which would anyone recommend and why? Also open to other options but I need to stay in the $400 - $500 range.
 
#4
So many micro choices in the $500 range. First you need to determine what kind of tone your after. There are plenty of threads to help you out. Only looking at new or is new used ok? check out the TB classifieds, some really good deals there.
 
#5
+1 for used

As long as you carefully examine any used item before buying, you should be fine. I know I have found some nice gems out there.

If you decide to go new, either of the heads you describe would be excellent choices. There may be others as well. It is worth playing as many different heads as you can. That is the only way to find your true sound.

We can only offer opinions which will vary greatly from person to person. Take advantage of the return policies that companies like MF and GC have. You can take stuff home and play it for 29 days, give it a full workout. Then swap it for another one, until you find one that you really like.

Sounds like fun to me!
 
#7
I have a Carvin BX1500 and it thumps like a son of a b&%$c. I like the features in the head, I like that it's light weight. It has loads of power and load of options for tone shaping. THe BX500 looks pretty nice too, so I would say go for the Carvin. But that is just personal bias. You can get the ampeg tone you want (more or less) from the Carvin. You won't be unhappy.
 
#8
The head I have currently plays great then all of a sudden a load pop like the speaker just blew. I know if I keep using it, someday it will blow. I've been using a Behringer BX3000T but even though it says 300 watts into 4 ohms, its really low in power. So I need a new (new used) head. I've been looking but I would like a micro head and most that I like are much more than I can afford at this time.
 
#9
May not be your cup of tea or too low of watts but search Ashdown MAG 300 if you wanna know more of it. I love the larger Ashdown amps but had a bad experience years ago with one.

But I've seen quite a few on TV shows/live shows and I've always liked the tone of those heads. So as not to throw a buncha money at it I just ordered a MAG300 Evo II from The Bass Place. They show them on sale for $249. but if you call in, ask for Dennis and tell em your a TBer, I got mine for $220 shipped.

They are new in the box, full warranty but its a "No return" sale, I'm cool with that. I checked out a YouTube vid of the MAG300 and it seems to have that Ashdown tone with some cool features. So if you wanna try a new tone this may be a inexpensive option. If you dont like it, you can prolly get most your money re-selling it. Just a thought. Peace, e.
 
#10
May not be your cup of tea or too low of watts but search Ashdown MAG 300 if you wanna know more of it. I love the larger Ashdown amps but had a bad experience years ago with one.

But I've seen quite a few on TV shows/live shows and I've always liked the tone of those heads. So as not to throw a buncha money at it I just ordered a MAG300 Evo II from The Bass Place. They show them on sale for $249. but if you call in, ask for Dennis and tell em your a TBer, I got mine for $220 shipped.

Actually, the call in price was $195.00, my ship price to TX made it $220 total, that'll differ depending where its going. Ordered Monday got a track # today, should be here for my Friday gig. I'll pair it with my GB Neox 212T, its a 4 ohm cab and should work nice for these low-volume gigs we just booked.

They are new in the box, full warranty but its a "No return" sale, I'm cool with that. I checked out a YouTube vid of the MAG300 and it seems to have that Ashdown tone with some cool features. So if you wanna try a new tone this may be a inexpensive option. If you dont like it, you can prolly get most your money re-selling it. Just a thought. Peace, e.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back