Author Topic: Amp recommendations? (Read 309 times)

dela217 · « **on:** February 27, 2012, 07:15:48 AM »

I know this has been discussed in other threads, but I am hoping for some fresh insight from the experienced players here.

I have a few good bass amps that I use as needed. I have a rack system. I also have a GK 1001 and a small Eden setup that I use for small venues. Well, this weekend my Eden WT550 developed a problem. I am interested in replacing it with something, but what??

I have not been fond of this Eden amp as it has been problematic in the past. I just don't want to get it repaired. Again. Right now it has a very loud micro phonic squeal in the signal very similar to feedback. The problem is intermittent and I have changed the tube. It's just that it let me down on a gig and I feel I can't rely on it.

So.... What do you guys recommend as a replacement? I've heard great things about Genz-Benz, Mesa, Mark Bass and others. Keep in mind that I am talking about a small rig here and I am looking for something reliable and great tone.

What are you using? Thoughts?

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2012, 07:18:50 AM »

I'm terrifically pleased with my Carvin BX500..

http://www.carvinguitars.com/bassamps/bassheads.php

John

Glynn · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2012, 07:40:32 AM »

GenzBenz Streamliner 900 or 600. Glynn

dannobasso · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2012, 09:56:59 AM »

phil Jones and epifani are my weapons of choice.

tomhug · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2012, 10:54:11 AM »

+1 on GenzBenz. I love how my Series I sounds into the tube channel of my ShuttleMax 12.0.

It's lightweight but powerful stuff, and they have great customer service too.

dnburgess · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2012, 12:53:44 PM »

I can't comment on GB but have some experience with all the other brands mentioned.

I suspect everyone here is sympathetic to boutique American manufacturers who produce great products. I personally use and recommend Thunderfunk.

Rarely for the MI amp space, this design actually has a lineage. And Dave Funk is a good guy. Not often you can speak to the guy that designed and built your amp.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2012, 01:18:37 PM »

I have and can highly recommend the Mesa boogie Walkabout head.

Jazzyvee

bassman10096 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2012, 01:43:43 PM »

Mesa Walkabout and MPulse (for as much power as I tend to need) are both highly reliable and tasty. I'd encourage a test drive. Good luck and happy hunting.

hammer · « **Reply #8 on:** February 27, 2012, 01:58:08 PM »

A Yamaha P5000S power amp run through an FX-1 and Phil Jones 9B/6B cabs. has provided me with with incredible clean sound if that's what you're looking for.

wishbass · « **Reply #9 on:** February 27, 2012, 04:08:24 PM »

I've been very happy w/my Markbass Mark III.I'm able to meet my needs very nicely.

wishbass · « **Reply #10 on:** February 27, 2012, 04:13:08 PM »

I've been very happy with my Markbass Mark III. Plenty of power,easy to haul,and I can dial up everything I need.

lidon2001 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 27, 2012, 04:25:39 PM »

Thanks for posting Michael. I recently had a bit of success in my first attempt at a WSOP event, and was looking for something to replace my WT400. I just found and purchased a GB ShuttleMax 9.2 on ebay for $720 shipped, listed as new, due to this thread. Looking forward to the extra headroom.

lembic76450 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 27, 2012, 07:24:42 PM »

Tom,
You are going to love it, I have been using a Shuttle 9.0 for over a year now. Your Series will love it...

peoplechipper · « **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2012, 12:40:22 AM »

I've been using my Acoustic 370 for more than 6 years, including some benefits where it's run for 12 hours straight without any problem at all, other than it's so damn loud! I bought(got for free) a backup 370 a couple years ago and it'll probably never get used...the only thing about them is they're heavy; I still can't wrap my head around the fact that those tiny heads can reliably pump out that much power...one thing that no one thinks about with those 4 pound heads is that it makes them really easy to steal...Tony

Glynn · « **Reply #14 on:** February 28, 2012, 01:28:48 AM »

I considered the 'easy to steal' thought when I bought the GB Streamliner and it is a serious point you make. That said, I still bought it and prefer it to my Mark Bass stuff which I used for 5+ years. It was good but I never was quite happy with the VLE/VPF filters and in the end just turned them off. As the MB speakers were neos, there was a tendency to harshness and honkiness. I am back to ceramic with my new (and a first for me) Bergantino stuff with the Streamliner and also my not very used these days but lovely existing EBS rig. That said, my Alembic Orion makes all of the higher range amps sound good. I think bass players fall into either constantly trying and questioning gear but in the main, content (that's me) and the others being plug in, turn up full and carry on. We are what we are! Glynn