JamesTun

I picked up an Aria Pro 2, don't know the model, but it sounds amazing. Active pickups. A lot of grind and very good higher end. Arias are probably the best for buying a cheap bass. That or Ibanezs/Yamahas. (Made in the Matsumoku factory).

Haha true true. I like having lightweight cabs. But don't really mind about the heads because you can just place them on top of the cabs so it is relatively easier to have heavier items. Saying that I do like GK/Carvin heads for the their weight and the punch which it gives.

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1410887029' post='2554358'] I love the notion of a 400 as a 'practice' amp. Headphones in the bedroom, perhaps..? We rehearse (and play out...) with a Hiwatt 200 valve head, but for practice, I use a Vox Amplug..! [/quote] Haha, I think I worded that wrongly. Its for future gigs and sometimes a practice amp!

Preference is everything. But the Mark bass has a lot more warmth and clarity for me. I've had a TC electronic cab and it was extremely weak.

Exactly, I think I'll know if I'm pushing it over the edge. I don't need a lot of volume..

Hmmm, I think I'll just use it for practising. Rather than just trying to go as loud as possible. Then save up for another 2x10. Probably the most sensible way of going about it.

Potentially the pre-sets are geared to the guitarist than the bass player. However they look cool. And they sound great!

Yes exactly, players like Paul Gilbert were big users of this. I believe they're applicable to basses as well. They seem to go hand in hand. A lot of the older guitar players use them through Mesas. Maybe they sound great together!

Its literally why I bought it. The SVT 3 Pro wasn't doing it for me. Especially through a TC electronic cab. The combination didn't really do it for me. But I put the TC Electronic cab through a carvin bx 500. And that sounded amazing. Its the combinations that make great sounds. This Mesa 400 will be going through a Ampeg SVT-210HE Classic. So the cab will smooth out the sound for the finger playing. But the Mesa will bring out a great sound, hopefully! Should be getting it on this Friday! Might invest in a little head like a Carvin BX model. Just for the light moving around. Because as we all know, the Mesa Boogies are really not light!

Anyone know much about these? Apparently they are great pre-amps, with pre-sets. Good for metal and hard rock. Although its a guitar pre-amp can be used for basses as well.Very late 1980s! Regards, James.

Interesting, Mesa Boogie isn't my most knowledgeable brand. But I know the difference between the 400 and the 400+. There is more graphic EQ controls and as you say more power in the valves. In the early 90s these were the amps to have. Still are reliable and great sounding. I think this will go great with an Ampeg classic as well.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bass-guitar-As-Used-By-The-Beat-/221548173856?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item33954cda20 Nice finish, wenge neck. The Beat are one of my favourite Ska bands!

I agree getting the right sound for you from a Graphic EQ can be difficult. But I have only had them so I know how to get a rough sound I like. The 400 sounds so aggressive, I love it. Why did they stop producing them?

Mesa Boogie 400. Not a plus haha!

It looks like I've got one! But its not a 400+. Got it for around £500. Good deal?

8 string on the right!

When it comes to weight, its not a concerning factor as I do not have a fridge. I only have an Ampeg SVT 210HE. So its only a 2 by 10. Just swapped it for a TC electronic cab. This means I wouldn't have to put it on top of a fridge and just put it on waist height. Using the cab sideways up. This makes it easier to move everything around. The head I am putting it through is an early SVT 3 Pro as shown at the bottom. This weighs a total of 11 Kilograms, 7 lighter than the 400+. Which to think about isn't much. The tones are similar but I think my SVT misses that scoop on the top that just edges the SVT. Funny you should mention Eden, I have tried them when I didn't know what it was. And it was not what I was looking for at all. Out the three I tried (Where I didn't know which was which) Ampeg, Eden and Aguilar. The Ampeg came first, with the Aggie second and the Eden last. It was too muffled in comparison. I do like clarity and scoop sound. I know you cannot really account it to the cab. Its down to the head as well.

Mine currently is not! So maybe, I'll stick with the Ampeg or just go for a aggie/carvin.

Interesting. To me it sounds exactly what I want. I have a SVT 3 Pro, with a graphic EQ. I think its the 90s model. And the Mesa looks like an upgrade on that. The tones are far more brighter from what I have heard. And the clarity even turned all the way up is still present. A 400+ through an Ampeg head is quite a great sound.