indiegrungesound

Ooohhh!!! I might already have a Hartke head(The Mighty LH500!), as well as an equally mighty T C Electronic BH500 AND a still working Ampeg PF 350; but I'd be VERY keen to try this out! Hartke amps have always sounded great and been very reliable for me! I think, if Mr Hartke ensures the quality control stays consistent and high, they might just grab a sizeable chunk of the Micro/Lightweight amp market. It's crowded market, but based on the opinions that have been passed around on here and from my own experience, Hartke could easily take a lead! Markbass seem to be the industry standard benchmark make, but I've never been that sure about the sound for my tastes. Ampeg have a great sound, but they seem to be blighted by technical & quality control problems. T C Electronic's amps all sound great and are popular, but they can't make their mind up about which EQ & "Tone Print" capabilities they should have on them! Ashdown see saw between the sublime & the ridiculous(Superfly: Great; Little Giant: Big let down; 1st Gen MiBass: Nice; MiBass 2.0: Another let down; MAG Rootmaster: Not that loud & not better than standard MAG heads.)! Orange Terror Bass heads are popular, but detractors don't like the EQ. Genz Benz heads are cult favourites but aren't made anymore. The Ibanez Promethean has disappeared too. As for Aguilar's Tonehammer amps, I'd love to try them, but nowhere in Greater Manchester seems to stock them!

[quote name='BassManGraham' timestamp='1413648613' post='2580556'] Yeah I really liked the look of the TC Electronic Rebel heads. I use a little BG250/208 for lessons & practice a great little amp and Tone Print is unbelievable fun and I don't generally do not like putting effects on bass. Only problem with my BG250/208 is that the DI out hums quite loudly I am awaiting a replacement to see if that is any better! I heard an RB450 last week when buying a bass from a guy and it sounded good, but maybe a little too compressed and slighty synthetic to my ears? Maybe it was just not set-up that well, and I probably didn't give enough attention to tweaking the controls to get a tone to my taste? [/quote] If it's just the amp's built in D.I. that you think's the problem with the BG250/208, why don't you just get a D.I. box? That way you'll still have a FOH & Monitor signal if the worst happens with the amp. As if the RH450 head, I think that'd be an excellent choice! The EQ set up is completely different to the BH250, but you can definitely get a good sound out of them with minimal tweaking.

[quote name='petergales' timestamp='1413576152' post='2579861'] I have an Ampeg PF350 and it has great tone. I carry it in a Gator mixer bag and it fits perfectly and you can sling it over your shoulder. I get lots of compliments about its tone and a sound engineer remarked on the quality of the DI at the last gig I did with it. [/quote] I can back up these comments for the most part. I think it depends on the type of gig bag if you want to put the PF 350 in the pocket compartment. It will comfortably fit in a decent rucksack with plenty of room for cables & kettle leads. The D.I. is also very good! It worked great the only time I used it live nearly two years ago at Dry Bar in Manchester, whilst I had great feedback from the engineer when I used it at a recording session for a previous band last year. In light of recent comments about the reliability of the Ampeg PF heads, I'd only recommend it for home & studio use.

[quote name='Mr Anthony' timestamp='1412286151' post='2567601'] This has been my amp/cab setup since 2011, and it's muchos powerful. More than I need for the gigs we play, but it's always nice to feel yourself vibrating across the stage, no matter how small. Pictured here with my bitsa Precision, and pear cider. All that's missing is my pedalboard. Must get a full rig picture soon! [/quote] Sweet! Always nice to see some love for the BH500!

[quote name='phatbass787' timestamp='1412636247' post='2570728'] So how many real watts will these be... Or are we talking TC super quasi compressed watts [/quote] Quasi watts or otherwise, my BH500-which I was pleased to find out hasn't been discontinued! B-)-has plenty of oomph for my needs(My Hartke LH500 is marginally louder, but both do the job brilliant for my band.)! I think, for all interested parties, it's all a case of testing the new heads, seeing if you like them, then seeing if they go with the cabs you use.

I've only tried one in a music shop with a TC Electronic BH250 head. The only problem I had with it was that it only has one "side on"/vertical carrying handle, which makes the cab more awkward to carry than a lightweight one should be. It is, however, a lovely looking and sounding cab. There's also plenty of guys on here who've got or used the HyDrive cabs, so you should get more feedback soonish; such as what amps they use with the cabs. If you can try it out, do so, so your own ears can decide.

I've only had a brief look at the website for these, but so far I'm in two minds about these. On the plus side, they're lightweight. The volume & tone of heads should be good too, being a BH500 owner and having demoed the BH250 & RH450 in the past. The capability of having Two Tone Prints at the same time is appealing too. However, I do have a couple of grumbles. I can see reasons for discontinuing the BH500 for reasons of size, weight and aesthetics, but I don't actually agree with ANY of those arguments(The BH500 is not overly heavy at 13kgs, and it's appearance has always favourably reminded me of the SWR Redhead amp-if it wasn't part of a combo.)! Also, I think dropping the Spectracomp and Tube Tone dials is a bad idea, as I think they are awesome features! Then there's the power output settings/uprating. Won't 550 watts @ 4 ohms risk blowing the speakers in the BC cabs that TC Electronic make? Only my opinion mind. I'll also look at the website again in case I've missed any details. I also would not be against trying these heads out either!

I love Hartke amps, so just make sure you get the one that best matches the power handling of your cabs!

[quote name='uk_lefty' timestamp='1411997847' post='2564663'] True! I don't go back to that forum. There was a lot of hatred of Hartke and Warwick, I never really understood it. Just wondered if I was missing out/ could use it to my advantage in negotiating down the price of second hand Hartke amps! [/quote] My rig is a Hartke LH500 amp going through 2 Warwick Neo Pro 12" cabs. It is great set up for me. The cabs are light; fit in my car boot & handle a 600 watts @ 4 ohms. Soundwise, they've due a great job being pushed by the LH500 & my old Hartke HA3500. So I have no problems giving props/thumbs up/a seal of approval to either brand! Coincidentally, Ibanez are my favourite bass makers! Great guitars IMO!

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1411123883' post='2556662'] I agree - I think the summary was something along the lines of "our watts are different to other people's watts' [/quote] Oh. It's that old marketing ploy again, is it? ;-) I've heard this before about all sorts of amps, from Ampeg & Orange valve amps to old '80s Trace Elliot & Peavey S/S heads. I'm sure plenty of Basschaters have heard and/or said the same too. So far, I've had no problems tone wise with my TC head. It isn't the RH450, but it's "cousin"(I hope that's a suitable comparison!) head the BH500. The extra 50 watts billed might make a difference-Or maybe not considering how TC seem to be using "Magic" wattage! ;-)-but it has worked brilliantly in rehearsal situation with three different types of bands. At most, it was going up against 2 electric guitars, 1 acoustic, drums and keyboards and it handled the situation perfectly. I will keep the comments about the potential pratfalls that come in live situations in mind though. I'm due to run it live in November for my first gig since January.

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1410873722' post='2554139'] GK and MB are in a different league from TC. GK are generally 'rockier' than MB and the latest models are all made in USA and good quality too. [/quote] For the sake of parity, I'm going to give a "+1" for the TC Electronic heads. Never had a chance to try any the MB500 or Fusion heads. I myself am not that keen on Markbass amps. That said, getting a matching GK cab & head will allow you use the Bi-amp/Horn feature that is Gallien Kruger's USP.

[quote name='HaNgMaN' timestamp='1410517982' post='2550245'] I'm in 3. Do you tell them that you are also playing in other bands? [/quote] They will do. The 2nd band aren't gig ready yet. I've also told them that the 1st band, who have a gig in November, are the priority. Also, the lads from the 1st band have openly stated that they have no problem if I had other bands on the go. I also think that-though this could be a long shot-both bands could easily be on the same bill. Both are influenced by '90s alternative/indie rock, but are Yin & Yang tone wise. I.e. Band 1 are akin to The Afghan Whigs, whilst Band 2 are nearer The Lemonheads.

[quote name='gsgbass' timestamp='1409863695' post='2544179'] The Super Bassman is 300 watts. [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/nAPdJHQ.jpg[/IMG] [/quote] Is this a replacement for your RH450, an alternative head or a loan? Whatever it is, it looks gorgeous!

Ok, I'm just about to go to rehearsals with a new band I've joined. I've also got an audition for another band tomorrow night. So, in light of the fact that I could be in two active bands again, I was just wondering how many bands the good people of Basschat play in at any one time. I should mention that two guys I know who have both said they were in four at one point.

[quote name='12stringbassist' timestamp='1407973307' post='2526018'] This [/quote] +10! Not sure I'll be able to keep mine much longer, but I'll always love Hartke gear!

[quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1408740187' post='2533186'] It was a ref to the drummer swishing his locks around There aren't many bands that interest me at this festival tbh [/quote] Point taken sir! Just enjoyed Lizzo. Metronomy on right now! :-) Still eagerly awaiting QOTSA! B-)

Not really a big fan of Paramore(Not sure I'm really part of their demographic either!), but the drummer sounds like he's doing ok to me. Enjoyed Drenge, Vampire Weekend & Warpaint so far. Eagerly waiting for QOTSA! B-)

I'm a bit of a convert to TC Electronic amps. I own the BH500 and have tried the RH450 and I really love the tone AND the volume on them. I don't know if your bass is passive or active, but I would suggest that, if you want more volume from your settings, set the Tube Tone at 12 o'clock, the Spectracomp at at least 12 and make sure the Gain dial is less than your volume. I'd leave all the EQ dials flat. However, if you DO want to change your EQ, try cutting the Highs and boost the Lo Mids. All depends if you have an Active EQ bass, try tweaking that first. All I will say is if you are playing Funk or Jazz, then these suggestions probably won't work! :-S ;-)

Very nice! There's a lot a love for Genz Benz heads on this board. If you are happy with the sound of your rig at rehearsals, then micing the cab and/or using a DI at the venue will have everything covered for you. It you ARE able to do it though-based on car/van space, funds, availability of cabs and/or you can hawk it about-get another cab. You should realise though that this is not essential in the slightest... but it WILL look cool! ;-) B-)

[quote name='badboy1984' timestamp='1407914333' post='2525202'] Depend what you trying to do, no the MXR does not replica the sound of my actual amp or speaker. To do that you probably need to mic your cab ...... My bass tone is pretty clean and the DI only provide more bass out front for me so I can get away not using big cabs ...... and also act is backup. [/quote] No problem. I was just curious. Still only in the stage of tinkering with the sounds my head can pull out. I will say that I like the Tube emulator & Compressor a lot! Thanks for the info! :-)

Bad luck about the Bo'ness show! :-( BUT Congrats for getting the Glasgow gig! B-) As to the question of cabs, what is your current rig?

[quote name='badboy1984' timestamp='1407755591' post='2523564'] Either a micro amp as backup or bring a DI with you. I use my MXR M80 bass preamp DI for backup. Actually since I have a monitor myself for gig I can gig with a smaller amp for stage monitor and DI my bass to the PA at the same time and pump some bass on the monitor. If my amp dies on a gig, I'm still ok. [/quote] I hope you don't mind if I ask a potentially stupid question. Have you been able to tweak the MXR so that the sound that comes out via the DI is as exact as possible to mimic the sound of your amp coming through your speaker?

I'm still inclined to get another for BH500, but I know think a DI pedal is the best option. Thanks again Gentlemen!

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1407689340' post='2523055'] I`m also in the same position, however for different reasons. A lot of gigs I do the bands are happy to share cabs, but not heads. Now I use a combo plus ext cab, with a Tech21 VT DI as my actual eq. So I`m looking at an amp head that`s not too heavy to be able to take to these gigs. Ideally I`d get a Little Mark 2 or 3 seeing as it`s the 2 that`s in my combo, but in reality, seeing as all the sound comes from the VT (all the gigs we do I go to FOH) so any little amp knocking out 300 watts or so at 8ohms will be fine. Just got to scour the for sale section I suppose. But back to the original post, well I tend to think if something really fits the bill that well, sticking to it usually a good idea, so another BH500 could be a good idea (and they`re not too much either). Looked at these myself, but too heavy. [/quote] I take your point Lozz, but I don't think it's a particularly heavy head. One thing I now DO think might be a good idea, based on all the feedback I've had, is the DI pedal. Is the Tech 21 pedal still widely available? I do quite like the look of the MXR one too.

[quote name='DanEly' timestamp='1407691162' post='2523072'] It's solid state right? I really wouldn't worry about a back up, get some spare fuses maybe. In my opinion, if you're worried about the head failing then maybe it's not right you. The money you'd be spending on two [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]BH500s[/font][/color] could get you something "better" but then that's for you to decide! I know you said you're not into light weight heads but the Aguilar Tone hammer is really worth a look. [/quote] It is Solid state. The only worry I ever had was with the VERY first BH500 I had died within the first half hour of using it at home. Thankfully, the replacement sourced for me by the shop is awesome &-touch wood-problem free! I really like the features on the BH500 too & it's lighter than the Hartke head, whilst still being sturdy. So, IF anything did go wrong, having something that has the exact same sound would be best. Now, The Tone Hammer sounds awesome! Again though, it's not cheap. Ta for your feedback though! It's very much appreciated.