I can get a mint db751 for 3 hundred more shipped and contemplating returning the thunderfunk and getting it.
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Thunderfunk 750a vs Walkabout vs DB750
- Thread starter JPMcGuire
- Start date
There's always gonna be the next great deal. Do you want to wheel-n-deal and ship amps...or do you want to find something solid that inspires you and focus on your performance?
Agreed. I need to get off the tb gear classifieds and focus on playing. I'm off for two weeks both from band and work. I seem to always try new gear during these times. Need to stop! Is there a cure? 
I played today with a jazzy blues trio. Guys that are very experienced and great musicians. I brought the yf750 and the hs. It is really growing on me. I played my mtd535. The live tone was one of the best modern tones any of us have heard. The tight low end was more apparent and powerful feeling especially first position B was just amazing. Harmonics clear and bell like. I'm going to keep trying the TF and learn more of the little knobs twists. Not the ideal first date but the second date opened my eyes abit. In this live setting for a more modern jazz vibe I may actually prefer the TF to the darker DB. The affair may continue.
So I have decided to give both the TH500 and LMT500 at try... I currently have a possible trade deal in the works between my SL600 and the TH500. I'm gonna wait around for the LMTube to pop up in the classifieds and I'll probably give it a goo as well.
To top that all off... I also have another WA head on its way me
That way I can have a dedicated scout combo at home, and swap different heads at my rehearsal space. 
To top that all off... I also have another WA head on its way me
That way I can have a dedicated scout combo at home, and swap different heads at my rehearsal space.
The one feature of the lm tube I have heard no one really talk about is the dual input with the xlr and adjustment. I also do some vocals. I'm able to plug my mic and bass into the lmt and its really nice for practicing. Could probably get away doing this for smaller gig vocals.
I'm getting tired of this amp test and questioning myself for sanity/obsession! I need to go play! Will keep all three heads for now because I can't decide which one to go. Since the db750 is now gone I'm ok money wise. I have right around $2300 into the TF750+walkabout+lm tube (price of a new db751 and feel have better options having all three). So hopefully if I use these for a couple years or more and have to sell I won't loose too much cash. The extra features of the tf are really growing and I don't mind the 17lb weight at all. I actually prefer a slightly beefier head to the new micros. For one, the more traditional components used are much more serviceable for sure than any micro. Micros are like cell phones if they break, just throw away and get a new one. I popped the hood of the thunderfunk and the lm tube open to take a look. The thunderfunk is very old school and robust, simple in the way it was constructed. The lm tube would probably require unique servicing and likely entire sub board/components if needing service. The thunderfunk you could probably take to your tv service place no problem.
One thing if you get a little mark tube is to get the corresponding small gig bag/case markbass makes for $50. It is really nice.
I'm getting tired of this amp test and questioning myself for sanity/obsession! I need to go play! Will keep all three heads for now because I can't decide which one to go. Since the db750 is now gone I'm ok money wise. I have right around $2300 into the TF750+walkabout+lm tube (price of a new db751 and feel have better options having all three). So hopefully if I use these for a couple years or more and have to sell I won't loose too much cash. The extra features of the tf are really growing and I don't mind the 17lb weight at all. I actually prefer a slightly beefier head to the new micros. For one, the more traditional components used are much more serviceable for sure than any micro. Micros are like cell phones if they break, just throw away and get a new one. I popped the hood of the thunderfunk and the lm tube open to take a look. The thunderfunk is very old school and robust, simple in the way it was constructed. The lm tube would probably require unique servicing and likely entire sub board/components if needing service. The thunderfunk you could probably take to your tv service place no problem.
One thing if you get a little mark tube is to get the corresponding small gig bag/case markbass makes for $50. It is really nice.
I gigged the tf750 this weekend more and miss the DB to much. Sounded great at home but the tf I could not get to the same level of tone, feel and dynamics as the DB I just sold! Found a great deal on a db751 and pulled the trigger and returned the tf750a today.
I have run out of time for my gear trials. This has been a fun experience. Next week I get back to work and gigging. This is what I ended up with and will make work the for the longer term. I like to not change rigs more than every couple years if possible.
Db751
Lm tube
Walkabout
Hs410
Hs210
Minimark for practice(love it, surprised it doesn't get more love here)
I think this berg HS610 stack with the DB751 breathen over (2.67 ohms) 800 watts should be slamin. I love the hs more than the NV cabs having tweeter control and ports for high control and open tight bass.
I have run out of time for my gear trials. This has been a fun experience. Next week I get back to work and gigging. This is what I ended up with and will make work the for the longer term. I like to not change rigs more than every couple years if possible.
Db751
Lm tube
Walkabout
Hs410
Hs210
Minimark for practice(love it, surprised it doesn't get more love here)
I think this berg HS610 stack with the DB751 breathen over (2.67 ohms) 800 watts should be slamin. I love the hs more than the NV cabs having tweeter control and ports for high control and open tight bass.
Has anything changed for you in the last few months?
I have run the WalkAbout thru one or a pair of HS210 cabs for a while. I have found myself running out of headroom more often lately thru one HS210, but not enough to be a significant problem.
I was at the mega-chain store a few days ago (really miss Bass Emporium) and decided to try everything they had. I liked the Little Mark III (through the MB traveller 15 cab).
The LM Tube wasn't in-stock, but I did play the Tube 800. I do try to consider the different ideas/opinions regarding perceived SS power, but like you I still prefer the Class A/B over Class D. I played a Shuttle 9.0 for nearly two years with great results (and still recommend it as an option to others), but there's something about the sound of that signal I have noticed with a/b'ing and listening back to venue or home recordings; kind-of brittle and compressed, lacking warmth and girth. However valid it may be to base my expectations/opinion on power supply type is good for another (likely already existing) thread.
Do you still find a use for both the LM and WalkAbout?
I ditched the Shuttle mostly to spend less time comparing/tweaking and more time practicing and refining tone and familiarity with one amp.
Now I'm back at it. I was just really into what I perceived as a "faster" feel with the LMIII.
Do you ever find the LM Tube a bit too "smooth" with the HS cabs in a louder/heavier ensemble?
I have run the WalkAbout thru one or a pair of HS210 cabs for a while. I have found myself running out of headroom more often lately thru one HS210, but not enough to be a significant problem.
I was at the mega-chain store a few days ago (really miss Bass Emporium) and decided to try everything they had. I liked the Little Mark III (through the MB traveller 15 cab).
The LM Tube wasn't in-stock, but I did play the Tube 800. I do try to consider the different ideas/opinions regarding perceived SS power, but like you I still prefer the Class A/B over Class D. I played a Shuttle 9.0 for nearly two years with great results (and still recommend it as an option to others), but there's something about the sound of that signal I have noticed with a/b'ing and listening back to venue or home recordings; kind-of brittle and compressed, lacking warmth and girth. However valid it may be to base my expectations/opinion on power supply type is good for another (likely already existing) thread.
Do you still find a use for both the LM and WalkAbout?
I ditched the Shuttle mostly to spend less time comparing/tweaking and more time practicing and refining tone and familiarity with one amp.
Now I'm back at it. I was just really into what I perceived as a "faster" feel with the LMIII.
Do you ever find the LM Tube a bit too "smooth" with the HS cabs in a louder/heavier ensemble?
I love the lm tube with the hs 210 for practice. You can really hear that tube IMO through that cab. The walkabout is about 85% the vol of the lmt.
I have a walkabout, db751, and a markbass lmt. Of those 3 the lm tube through one hs 210 for small gig, or through the hs410 for larger are my go to set ups.
The walkabout sounds best playing at home for practice. It is my second choice for gigging. I have yet to tame the db751.
I have a walkabout, db751, and a markbass lmt. Of those 3 the lm tube through one hs 210 for small gig, or through the hs410 for larger are my go to set ups.
The walkabout sounds best playing at home for practice. It is my second choice for gigging. I have yet to tame the db751.
Rig update
Through some trades, etc I have ended up with the following heads im still comparing through my trusty bergantino hs210 and hs410 cab:
Thunderfunk 800b2
Thunderfunk 550b
Aguilar DB750
Markbass Little Mark Tube
Using my Sadowsky Vintage NYC5 and Lakland USA BG.
Hard choice and all awesome heads in there own right. For now I seem to be reaching for the 800b2 and my sadowsky most. Sounds great live. Using both the 210 and 410 stack the rig becomes massive for power and tone. I have yet to have a gig big enough to require both. Just the 410 can handle just about anything.
Through some trades, etc I have ended up with the following heads im still comparing through my trusty bergantino hs210 and hs410 cab:
Thunderfunk 800b2
Thunderfunk 550b
Aguilar DB750
Markbass Little Mark Tube
Using my Sadowsky Vintage NYC5 and Lakland USA BG.
Hard choice and all awesome heads in there own right. For now I seem to be reaching for the 800b2 and my sadowsky most. Sounds great live. Using both the 210 and 410 stack the rig becomes massive for power and tone. I have yet to have a gig big enough to require both. Just the 410 can handle just about anything.
Although currently My TFB750A is my gig head (and a great head it is), my 550B gets a lot of play time since I use it for all rehearsals and small gigs. I like both of them. I take both to gigs just so I will have a backup (I'm anal about those type of things).
When I put together my Monique/poweramp rig, I plan on putting one of the Thunderfunks in the SKB to be used for a backup (just in case).
You are very fortunate to have such nice equipment to choose from and compare. Enjoy!
Are there any head to head comparisons between the Thunderfunk TFB-800B2 and either Aguilar DB head - 750 or 751 ? I use a 4 ohm load into a fEARful 1515/66.
I've tried out a DB 751 with my above cab and the amp had staggering power yet the volume knob let it get very loud by only 9 o'clock - not a smooth slow increase in volume at all = bummer. I don't think the DB 751 would ever run out out of gas for volume at 4 ohms. Actually, it seemed to be far far more power than I'd need. Was I hearing "reserve power" in the DB 751 ? Is there even such a thing as reserve power in these two amps - TFunk and Aguilar ?
About EQ:
The EQ section in ANY one of the Thunderfunk amps is lightyears ahead of any Aguilar amp in terms of flexibility. I believe I'd find that very practical when needed. My DB 680 for example, does not allow me enough EQ control despite all of the praise it gets-granted it has good tone but I'm selling it. I'd venture to say that few people have tried both amps-TF800 and DB 751. I'm shopping a TFB-800 B2 so please reply with some feedback if you have any. Thanks.
I've tried out a DB 751 with my above cab and the amp had staggering power yet the volume knob let it get very loud by only 9 o'clock - not a smooth slow increase in volume at all = bummer. I don't think the DB 751 would ever run out out of gas for volume at 4 ohms. Actually, it seemed to be far far more power than I'd need. Was I hearing "reserve power" in the DB 751 ? Is there even such a thing as reserve power in these two amps - TFunk and Aguilar ?
About EQ:
The EQ section in ANY one of the Thunderfunk amps is lightyears ahead of any Aguilar amp in terms of flexibility. I believe I'd find that very practical when needed. My DB 680 for example, does not allow me enough EQ control despite all of the praise it gets-granted it has good tone but I'm selling it. I'd venture to say that few people have tried both amps-TF800 and DB 751. I'm shopping a TFB-800 B2 so please reply with some feedback if you have any. Thanks.
I have both a db750 and an 800b2. I'll do some comparisons and get some feedback to the thread. 800b2 is definately cleaner and more SS (warm side of SS). Both are somewhat organic in tone with the DB having tubes and evident in the tone.
I also had a db751 for a while.
The 800b2 is definately on the cleaner side and more even accross the tonal spectrem.
The DB750 has a unique low mid punch of power and authority the 800B2 can't exactly emulate but can come close.
But the more I play out these days the more I realize how much I dont need a big boutique rig.
Actually, I get most use from my Markbass LM Tube through a Berg HS 210. The LM Tube is still for me one of the best all around heads for tone/flexiblity, convinence I have ever had. This is even compared to all the fancy boutique heads, vintage SVTs etc.
My band is playing next week at the Michigan State Fair, which will be a big festivle stage, etc. I will bring the 800b2 and both my Berg HS410 and HS210. In this setting the extra eq and ability to to easily the 2.67 ohms makes the thunderfunk a winner.
So, bottom line. My preference for bigger gigs, outdoors, etc. the 800B2 over the DB750 (the DB being harder to tame EQ and can get boomy from my experience, also heavy to lug). Both have ample output, especially through two cabs to handle any peaks and valleys from the dynamics of your playing (slap, funk back to finger style). The thunderfunk is going to be more cutting and clean in the mix vs the DB IME. However with EQ/Timber adjustments that can be easily subdued.
The LMT and HS210 is my go to for smaller gigs/rehersals. The 800b2 is not that heavy so I sometimes bring that for a change and it also sounds great, slightly less colored than the LMT. But suprisingsly comparable. for a budget minded bassiest, the markbass slays for the Functionality/Tone/Cost. Many actually might prefer the tone when a blindfold test is done and also has very similiar feel and dynamincs to the thunderfunk when using an 8 ohm cab. The 800b2 comes alive with I use both cabs.
All in all I have settled in to keep for the long haul my Markbass LM Tube and the Thunderfunk 800b2. I have been using the berg HS cabs for 4 years and don't see change to the either. Just a great modular rig combination that can handle any gig and have tone that always receives compliments from bands and soundmen.
By the way. I use at Sadowsky NYC Vintage 5 (RW/Alder) and a lakland BGUSA 4 with flats, another great bass combo that can handle ANY situation. They both sound fantastic through this rig.
However now gassing for a MTD 6 to get into some more chordal arrangements! Then I'm done.
The 800b2 is definately on the cleaner side and more even accross the tonal spectrem.
The DB750 has a unique low mid punch of power and authority the 800B2 can't exactly emulate but can come close.
But the more I play out these days the more I realize how much I dont need a big boutique rig.
Actually, I get most use from my Markbass LM Tube through a Berg HS 210. The LM Tube is still for me one of the best all around heads for tone/flexiblity, convinence I have ever had. This is even compared to all the fancy boutique heads, vintage SVTs etc.
My band is playing next week at the Michigan State Fair, which will be a big festivle stage, etc. I will bring the 800b2 and both my Berg HS410 and HS210. In this setting the extra eq and ability to to easily the 2.67 ohms makes the thunderfunk a winner.
So, bottom line. My preference for bigger gigs, outdoors, etc. the 800B2 over the DB750 (the DB being harder to tame EQ and can get boomy from my experience, also heavy to lug). Both have ample output, especially through two cabs to handle any peaks and valleys from the dynamics of your playing (slap, funk back to finger style). The thunderfunk is going to be more cutting and clean in the mix vs the DB IME. However with EQ/Timber adjustments that can be easily subdued.
The LMT and HS210 is my go to for smaller gigs/rehersals. The 800b2 is not that heavy so I sometimes bring that for a change and it also sounds great, slightly less colored than the LMT. But suprisingsly comparable. for a budget minded bassiest, the markbass slays for the Functionality/Tone/Cost. Many actually might prefer the tone when a blindfold test is done and also has very similiar feel and dynamincs to the thunderfunk when using an 8 ohm cab. The 800b2 comes alive with I use both cabs.
All in all I have settled in to keep for the long haul my Markbass LM Tube and the Thunderfunk 800b2. I have been using the berg HS cabs for 4 years and don't see change to the either. Just a great modular rig combination that can handle any gig and have tone that always receives compliments from bands and soundmen.
By the way. I use at Sadowsky NYC Vintage 5 (RW/Alder) and a lakland BGUSA 4 with flats, another great bass combo that can handle ANY situation. They both sound fantastic through this rig.
However now gassing for a MTD 6 to get into some more chordal arrangements! Then I'm done.
Recently, I came this close to purchasing a DB751. I am very impressed with Aguilar gear. Having played a DB750 in a controlled environment, it sounded wonderful. However, the EQ of the Thunderfunk continues to amaze!
No matter what venue, I can dial that head in. Even in fussy settings, after the gig is started, fast and efficient adjustments with the Timbre and Enhance gets me where I need to be.
At times, I will plug my tube head into my GS cabs (at home) and love the sound. But at a gig, and in the mix, I have never been disappointed with the Thunderfunk.
Recently I purchased a Crest ProLite 2.0 and my Monique tube pre will arrive in a couple of days. I look forward to playing with my new rig and seeing how it fits in with the gig I currently have. However, I already have one of my Thunderfunks in the rack case. Yes it will travel with me (just in case).
When you find something this good, you stick with it (even when you want to try something new).
I try to be objective when responding to posts on TB, and I know I sound like a blind TF endorser, but these are my honest experiences with these (750A & 550B) heads. Quality build plus excellent EQ.
No matter what venue, I can dial that head in. Even in fussy settings, after the gig is started, fast and efficient adjustments with the Timbre and Enhance gets me where I need to be.
At times, I will plug my tube head into my GS cabs (at home) and love the sound. But at a gig, and in the mix, I have never been disappointed with the Thunderfunk.
Recently I purchased a Crest ProLite 2.0 and my Monique tube pre will arrive in a couple of days. I look forward to playing with my new rig and seeing how it fits in with the gig I currently have. However, I already have one of my Thunderfunks in the rack case. Yes it will travel with me (just in case).
When you find something this good, you stick with it (even when you want to try something new).
I try to be objective when responding to posts on TB, and I know I sound like a blind TF endorser, but these are my honest experiences with these (750A & 550B) heads. Quality build plus excellent EQ.
I have both a Thunderfunk 550B and an Aguilar DB750 in addition to my Markbass rig and between the Thunderfunk and the DB750, I would say I'm leaning towards keeping the Thunderfunk. The Aguilar is a Great amp, full, warm natural and plenty loud but for some reason I can dial in a sound I like on the Thunderfunk better.
Plus, not that it should matter (but it does) the Thunderfunk costs quite a bit less and weighs about a quarter of what the Holy Grail Aguilar DB750 does.
All that said, FWIW my Markbass rig is still my main working amp. Light, sounds good and is rock solid reliable.
Plus, not that it should matter (but it does) the Thunderfunk costs quite a bit less and weighs about a quarter of what the Holy Grail Aguilar DB750 does.
All that said, FWIW my Markbass rig is still my main working amp. Light, sounds good and is rock solid reliable.
I'm leaning far more towards a TFB 800 B2 than an Aguilar DB 750 or 751. Most of the time I use a 4 ohm load with either two single 12" cabs or one large 2x15 cab. Now, I recently played through a TFB 750 into my two single 12" cabs and it sounded really nice. I'm pretty sure that an 800B2 would be enough power for my 2x15. I don't play loud but I do really lean on all of the lows that I can get out of my "B" string when I play Reggae. The tone of the TF amp will be just fine for me it's the power of the head that concerns me a bit. Although the TFB 750 had plenty of power. In the event of service needs it seems like a TF amp would be far easier to get serviced than Aguilar. Well, I'm starting to save up for a 800B2.I also had a db751 for a while.
The 800b2 is definately on the cleaner side and more even accross the tonal spectrem.
The DB750 has a unique low mid punch of power and authority the 800B2 can't exactly emulate but can come close.
But the more I play out these days the more I realize how much I dont need a big boutique rig.
Actually, I get most use from my Markbass LM Tube through a Berg HS 210. The LM Tube is still for me one of the best all around heads for tone/flexiblity, convinence I have ever had. This is even compared to all the fancy boutique heads, vintage SVTs etc.
My band is playing next week at the Michigan State Fair, which will be a big festivle stage, etc. I will bring the 800b2 and both my Berg HS410 and HS210. In this setting the extra eq and ability to to easily the 2.67 ohms makes the thunderfunk a winner.
So, bottom line. My preference for bigger gigs, outdoors, etc. the 800B2 over the DB750 (the DB being harder to tame EQ and can get boomy from my experience, also heavy to lug). Both have ample output, especially through two cabs to handle any peaks and valleys from the dynamics of your playing (slap, funk back to finger style). The thunderfunk is going to be more cutting and clean in the mix vs the DB IME. However with EQ/Timber adjustments that can be easily subdued.
The LMT and HS210 is my go to for smaller gigs/rehersals. The 800b2 is not that heavy so I sometimes bring that for a change and it also sounds great, slightly less colored than the LMT. But suprisingsly comparable. for a budget minded bassiest, the markbass slays for the Functionality/Tone/Cost. Many actually might prefer the tone when a blindfold test is done and also has very similiar feel and dynamincs to the thunderfunk when using an 8 ohm cab. The 800b2 comes alive with I use both cabs.
All in all I have settled in to keep for the long haul my Markbass LM Tube and the Thunderfunk 800b2. I have been using the berg HS cabs for 4 years and don't see change to the either. Just a great modular rig combination that can handle any gig and have tone that always receives compliments from bands and soundmen.
By the way. I use at Sadowsky NYC Vintage 5 (RW/Alder) and a lakland BGUSA 4 with flats, another great bass combo that can handle ANY situation. They both sound fantastic through this rig.
However now gassing for a MTD 6 to get into some more chordal arrangements! Then I'm done.
Yes. I just sold my last DB750. I had three of these over the years. The 800b2 I like better for overall versitility. A great clean gigging head. The only thing it does not do well is the Ampeg grit kind of tone. The 800 can be big and smooth type of warm. The Markbass tube does ampeg svt much better IME.
However, scored a deal on a 1961 all orginal Ampeg B15 I'm picking up this morning. So hopefully my tube gas is cured.
However, scored a deal on a 1961 all orginal Ampeg B15 I'm picking up this morning. So hopefully my tube gas is cured.
