Replace the old amp or go with something new

[Mark Mac]

Last Saturday, the practice space my band was renting burned to the ground. Luckily most of my gear was at home but my Ampeg v4B and 2 SVT 212 AV cabs were destroyed. The good news is that I have all of my gear insured with Music Pro and less than a week later I have a check in my hands for the full replacement value of $3k.

I really liked the way that rig sounded but to be honest we never play a gig without a PA (with sub) so I didn't really ever need the second cab. I'm also getting older and even though the V4B is half the weight of an SVT it's still a 45lb head. Those two cabs were another 120lbs on top of that.

I'm thinking about taking the opportunity to invest in a lighter / smaller rig and am very interested in the Mesa TT 800.

If you were in my situation, what amps would you consider?

 

[teleharmonium]

I am sorry for your loss.
What a pic !

 

[Marko 1]

I'm thinking about taking the opportunity to invest in a lighter / smaller rig and am very interested in the Mesa TT 800.

The pic = ouch! I won't advise on a rig, but ya certainly can't go wrong with Mesa.

 

[SJan3]

If you're laboring physically, I'd absolutely go for new, lightweight gear. Regarding brands, there are many fine options and Mesa is a fan favorite so I'd include it on your list but, in the final analysis, you should audition and compare features as well as perceived value. Considering your love for Ampeg, I'd also add Aguilar to your list as they are known for vintage flavored gear and offer some great, lightweight options. I've not auditioned Mesa so I don't feel qualified to recommend it but I'd bet it's the most highly regarded gear by many on Talkbass. It is also backed up by what many consider the best service response in the industry. That certainly adds to the value factor.
Good luck with your choice!

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I usually use a Fender Rumble 100 combo for gigs where there is a good PA. It sounds really good and weighs about 29 lbs. It is just a stage monitor for me to hear myself.
You can see it by my right leg. It is on a kickback stand.

 

[agedhorse]

Bummer.

If you can, try out a few of your candidates to see if you have a clear preference.

 

[chris_b]

Sorry for your loss, but this isn't a disaster, it's an opportunity. You "traded" in your old rig and with no depreciation!

If weight is now a consideration, you have a long list of great amps and cabs to choose from. Have fun.

 

[five7]

This would sure be nice!
For Sale - Mesa TT-800 & Subway 212

 

[MattZilla]

If you were in my situation, what amps would you consider?

I know exactly how it’d go down.

I’d spend a month trying everything: Mesa, Markbass, 7ender Bassman, GK, cool vintage stuff like Eden & SWR…

I’d probably give the entire Mesa lineup like ten tries really rooting for them to win me over…

Then I’d ask myself why I’m trying to re-engineer steak and potatas and just get another V4B & pair of 212av’s and remind myself that my doctor told me I need to be doing significant amounts of weight training for my back’s long term health anyways and having those two cabs for squats is a handy two-birds-one-stone purchase.

 

[JohnNash]

Wow...my eyes were not ready to see that...I'm very sorry for that loss, but very happy you got paid out for replacements.
Post a pic of the replacement gear when it arrives!

 

[bherman]

If you are an Ampeg fan, then that certainly should be on the top of your list. But I’d look closely at some of the newer stuff (Mesa TT800, Genzler Magellan) as they are more versatile, much lighter, and without much effort (perhaps an Ampeg pedal or preamp) can cop the Ampeg sound as well as a bunch of other tonal options. Mesa cabs are much more robust, I wouldn’t think that you’d need 2 - 2x12 cabs to accomplish the same thing as your prior Ampeg cabs.

 

[buldog5151bass]

As I got older, I went from a 150+ pound Trace Elliott rig to a class D head, and sub 40 pound 212. I'm very happy.

 

[Auspuff]

Last Saturday, the practice space my band was renting burned to the ground. Luckily most of my gear was at home but my Ampeg v4B and 2 SVT 212 AV cabs were destroyed. The good news is that I have all of my gear insured with Music Pro and less than a week later I have a check in my hands for the full replacement value of $3k.

I really liked the way that rig sounded but to be honest we never play a gig without a PA (with sub) so I didn't really ever need the second cab. I'm also getting older and even though the V4B is half the weight of an SVT it's still a 45lb head. Those two cabs were another 120lbs on top of that.

I'm thinking about taking the opportunity to invest in a lighter / smaller rig and am very interested in the Mesa TT 800.

If you were in my situation, what amps would you consider?

SVT810, and don't look back.

 

[Biggbass]

I love my V4b rig but I also love my small rig too. Replacing either would be a tough choice but I'd probably replace with the same thing lost.

 

[Wasnex]

This is something you need to figure out for yourself. There really is no best rig, only a best rig for you. A Mesa TT800 would definitely be lighter than a V4B, but it's not going to sound the same. Ideally you would play a Mesa TT800 so you can make an informed decision. You may find that you prefer the sound of the TT800, and that would make the decision much easier. If you prefer the V4B, then you need to figure out which compromise to make (weight and power VS your tone preference)

If you decide to stick with the V4B, then put some serious thought into the 212AV cabs. Will one really be enough for all occasions, or will you sometimes need two cabs? If you will sometimes benefit from the extra cab, I suggest going ahead and getting it. However, just because you have two cabs does not mean you always have to use both.

Of course you might prefer a different cab altogether. The cab sometimes makes more of a difference than the amp. IMHO, take this opportunity to play as many amps and cabs as you can. You never know, you may find something you like better that is lighter, less expensive, etc.

 

[Discount Bassy]

Good luck with getting things sorted out and re-establishing your equipment situation. You do realize that when you have everything gathered you are required to post pictures.

 

[agedhorse]

I would suggest trying the D-800+ as that's closer to the Ampeg voicing than the TT, though the TT-800's Subway channel is also close. The Boogie channel is quite different however.

 

[Speakz]

I think trying out the TT800 is very much worth your time. It's pretty versatile and the settings in the manual are a great starting point to get to a variety of tones more quickly.

The other things to check out are the Ampeg SVT 7pro (get new and make sure you have warranty) which is around 15lbs but I think really has a great ampeg tone and maybe the Aguilar Tonehammer 500/700 (5-6 lbs). Both would be lighter and be closer to the amp tone you're used to. I have the TT800 and it does have the Mesa tone regardless of the two channels. So it's important to try it and see if it's your thing.

I do find that my Subway cabs 2x112's seem to work well with all my heads GK, Aguilar, and Mesa so I would HIGHLY recommend the cabs. They're light and allow the character of all the heads to come through... can't recommend them enough. Have fun trying them all out.

 

[FFEJY]

No way.

I don't buy this story. I think it's pretty obvious Mark Mac was burstin' out those tasty licks until his amp gave up in flames when it couldn't keep up.

 

[Killing Floor]

Sad to see but I’m glad you’re ok. Even Gear we love is replaceable. Good luck choosing.