what's like Mesa, but less tubey

[bino]

i dig the Mesa tone a lot. the midrange and high mids sound just they way i think an amp should. but i'm not into the tubey bloom down low. i prefer it punchier and thighter than Mesa. GK is sort of close, but they seem a little to harsh to me. maybe i haven't spent enough time with one. most other punchy and "warm" SS amps like Markbass sound like the treble is rolled off. they have a treble response, just no sizzle.

any advice? am i just missing something with the way I'm using these amps? i've tried a lot.... Aguilar, Markbass, GK, Ashdown, Eden. I come back to the MPulse stuff each time, but tire of the tubey-ness after a while.

 

[anyonefortennis]

Maybe a Genz Benz GBE (pick your power) is what you need.

Check out all the Ed Friedland bass reviews on youtube. Most are done on a GBE1200.

 

[David Jayne]

M6 or M9? Not my bag, but you might dig it. Not like M-Pulse at all.

 

[bino]

i've tried the Shuttle 6, but it didn't have enough oomph. Even in Ed's videos. I'm looking for a weightier tone.

Have not tried the M6. Wish it was just a bit cheaper and lighter.

 

[TrooperFarva]

The Mesa Walkabouts, Ventures, and Titans are all in a similar tone category. The Mesa M6 and M9 are in a different category, the tone is clearer and punchier.

 

[Pitbull Growl]

Maybe Carvin?

I personally like (LOVE!!) the sound of my 400+, but if I were to go back to tube-less I'd prolly get a B1500.

 

[flipper_gv]

The Mesa Walkabouts, Ventures, and Titans are all in a similar tone category. The Mesa M6 and M9 are in a different category, the tone is clearer and punchier.

def the M6 or M9

If you want still less tube like tone, Markbass might be your thing. It is mine too.

 

[Kenny Allyn]

With a 4 tube pre-amp section, active mid control and selectable overdrive
the Mesa Big Block 750 gives you that Mesa growl and a big tight bottom.

... It's quite an amp!

 

[apple pie]

Maybe check out Gallien Krueger. Their stuff is weighty and has oomph!

 

[bino]

i should take a second look at GK. the stuff doesn't weigh a ton and the price is right.

 

[Mulebagger]

just a thought.... it might be your cabs. My DB750 sounds tight and punchy through my mesa cab, but organic and more musical through my Bag End cab. Same settings, same bass... You might want to A/B the head with another cab if you haven't already.

 

[anderbass]

what's like Mesa, but less tubey

Any of the Mesa Buster series. There so freakin clean you'd swear they're SS.

 

[georgestrings]

i should take a second look at GK. the stuff doesn't weigh a ton and the price is right.

Try a 700rb-II - they're warmer than the 1001rb-II, and have stronger lows than the 800rb... Also, they're much louder than their 480watt rating would lead you to believe... If one of those doesn't have enough power(not likely, though), the 2001 will definitely get the job done...


- georgestrings