So, this is my first thread. I have been reading many on the Ampeg PF500 and the Aguilar Tonehammer 500; I am hunting for the right rig. Currently I have a mid 70's Ampeg V-4B I run through a 4x10 cab. I also have a Genz Benz GBE 600 I run through an Avatar 212 Neo. I love vintage Ampeg tone as so many do, not stoked on lugging the weight around. The Genz Benz is cool but not quite the tone that stokes me. I am considering the Ampeg PF500 or an Aguilar Tonehammer 500. Undecided best way to go as I read a lot of positives and not so positives re. both esp. the PF500. I am also thinking of trying a Tech21 Sansamp VT-bass pedal and running that through the Genz Benz to warm it up and see if I get a vintage type tone that moves me. Looking for input, re. keeping the weight light and the tone warm; looking for vintage tone in a modern rig.
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Vintage tone/modern rig?
- Thread starter Bobcat11
- Start date
You might also dig around in the effects forum. There are several popular pedals intended to mimic classic vintage tones, particularly in terms of tube breakup/distortion -- such as the VT (which you mentioned), the Catalinbread SFT, and the Darkglass Vintage Microtubes.
You might also check out the Genz Benz Streamliner. It has a very vintage type tube tone in a small and light package. It is a bit more complicated than it looks but once you learn this amp you can get a lot more out of it than what it gives you on the first impression.
Thank you both, Lowbrow and MCS4 for your suggestions. MCS4, those are 2 pedals I am not familiar with thank you for mentioning. I will check for threads on both of those and see about checking them out in person.
+1. At the very least, try to find one and plug in. Pricey yes, but a tube sound that stands alone, IMHO.
Out of PF500 and TH500, definitely TH500. I'd steer clear of any micro or D class Ampegs nowadays, horrible reliability issues, especially SVT7PRO.
That said, I use Darkglass VMT into my GK rig to add some vintage tube like breakup. If I was to vintage up my rig a bit more, I'd probably add a Tone Hammer preamp and possibly bypass the GK preamp.
That said, I use Darkglass VMT into my GK rig to add some vintage tube like breakup. If I was to vintage up my rig a bit more, I'd probably add a Tone Hammer preamp and possibly bypass the GK preamp.
Thanks for all the input. This is what it's coming down to. I have two rigs, my Ampeg V4b through a 4x10, which I love and my Genz Benz GBE 600 through a 2x12 which I actually also love. Two very different rigs. I am going to have to let one go. I feel like the GBE 600 provides a lot more versatility and headroom, but the V4B has an incredible tone and such a cool vintage vibe. I will miss which ever rig I let go of and I am having a hard time deciding. I don't have to make the decision too soon so I am playing around with both at rehearsal. I play in a band that is very Wilco-esque and there are times where I want the more modern tone I can get from the GBE 600 that I can't get from the V4B and then there ore more often times when I just want that warm tube bass tone that I get from the V4B. If I got that same tone from the GBE 600 it would be a no-brainer, except the V4B has that vintage vibe that can't be replaced by the GBE 600. You see my dilemma.
Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
Check out the Monique pre-amp by Jule. Lots of positive comments on TB, including some very nice clips.
Another recommendation: swell B-peg pedal.
Different tubes get different tones. My Aguilar can sound just like my svt2 pro with ease.
Different tubes get different tones. My Aguilar can sound just like my svt2 pro with ease.
Markbass TTE heads are versatile but simple with a fat, tubey character and the larger dimensions give it a more old school look.
Wow, thanks for the quick responses. Jazzdogg, I had never heard of Monique, she is beautiful as I am sure the tone playing through her would be, but the price tag is a bit out of my league. GlassOnion, thanks for the tip on the swell B-peg pedal looks promising and a little easier on the wallet than Monique, though not quite as pretty. Other amp suggestions are appreciated as well as the other option is I sell both of these rigs and go for something completely new. JimmyM, how does the new V4B sound. It looks good, a but more that I was thinking spending as I was considering the TH500 or the PF500 and then hanging on to my 2x12 cab. The Markbass TTE is also something I am considering but have read some mixed reviews.
I haven't heard the new V4B yet, but everyone at Ampeg who has tells me they AB'd it with an original and said it sounds the same. Not out yet but I'm getting one.
BTW, I've had a PF350 for 2 years and it's been a tank. Even dropped it Saturday and on Sunday's gig it worked great.
BTW, I've had a PF350 for 2 years and it's been a tank. Even dropped it Saturday and on Sunday's gig it worked great.
The Monique is really something to check out...a fine hand made piece of gear. If I didn't own a REDDI I'd be very tempted by one.
For me the TTE is a really utilitarian, easy to use amp. I can get a big round but clearly defined sound out of every cab I've used it through so far. I like the function and feel of the passive EQ. It's not as light as some but at 13lbs it's very portable. And this is kinda shallow but it looks like an amp. I've owned several micro heads and can't ever see myself not having one around but honestly to me they'll always look like a Stephen King novel with knobs sitting on top of your cab.
Have you picked out a name for the horse? For what a new V4B costs she might even get one with some teeth left.
Looking forward to the review....of the amp.
