ilovefuzz.com

Hey all. I'm currently using an old Peavey Special amp into a Ashdown mibass 12" bass cab (which I really like) and am looking to move to a proper bass head. In the price range I'm considering I am liking the Ashown Rootmaster RM220/420 (sounds nice, like the OD, sensible weight) but have also been looking at the Ampeg PF/VR range and Fender Rumble series.
Initially it will be home use, but potential practice / small gigging eventually (happy to add second cab at that point). I am using a Squier VM 5 string jazz playing a mix of stoner, doomy sludge plus a bit of metal/rock.

Any thoughts / opinions / alternatives?

cheers!

I would look for a used Peavey VB-2. They can be found in your price range, they have great stoner, doom sludge & rock tones.

I saw a band pull off some great stoner rock tones with a Markbass head the other day. Get something that's cheap and loud and you'll be fine.

Peavey. or old Trace.

D.o.S. wrote:I saw a band pull off some great stoner rock tones with a Markbass head the other day. Get something that's cheap and loud and you'll be fine.

This is more what I'm thinking! I'll have a look at Markbass equivalent s too!

Deltaphoenix wrote:I would look for a used Peavey VB-2. They can be found in your price range, they have great stoner, doom sludge & rock tones.

As much as a big 'Ol valve amp would be cool, I want to keep things small as possible!

The Peavey VB-2 isn't too big at all, at least IMO.

I would rather Genz-Benz or Gallien Kreuger than MarkBass. I have had one MB head and it was alright. GK does solid state pretty well and can have some nice growl.

Deltaphoenix wrote:I would rather Genz-Benz or Gallien Kreuger than MarkBass

Look into an Aguilar Tone Hammer head too. I think it would fit doomy/stoner needs well.

If you went tube, check out the Traynor YBA 200-2. Not that heavy, great driven tones, should be available for a reasonable price (used).

D.o.S. wrote:I saw a band pull off some great stoner rock tones with a Markbass head the other day. Get something that's cheap and loud and you'll be fine.

that's surprising haha, i had a MB combo and it was pretty great for clean stuff but not so great for heavier tones. those are actually pretty affordable used and are decently loud.

what's your budget DrDoom?

I really like my Ampeg PF800 but I don't know if I'd necessarily call it good for heavier music since it is so clean. But it takes pedals really well so add a nice fuzz/distortion/od and you can get it there.

The EQ is pretty good once you get used to it, so it's a safe choice if you play a wide variety of music. And it'll handle your 5 string well.

ChetMagongalo wrote:

D.o.S. wrote:I saw a band pull off some great stoner rock tones with a Markbass head the other day. Get something that's cheap and loud and you'll be fine.

that's surprising haha, i had a MB combo and it was pretty great for clean stuff but not so great for heavier tones. those are actually pretty affordable used and are decently loud.

what's your budget DrDoom?

Up to about £350. The Aguiller th350 looks interesting!

ah you're in Europe? that makes it a lot harder for me to give you advice haha

ChetMagongalo wrote:ah you're in Europe? that makes it a lot harder for me to give you advice haha

Lol! Advice is still valid, amps are amps wherever (I hope, or my decision process has just been made even harder)!

From much personal experience, I cannot say enough good things about the Gallien-Krueger RB series heads. Have never done me wrong and I've played all sorts of styles.

Ended up with a TC BH250 and am very pleased! Toneprints interesting, nice solid versatile tone and likes pedals! Happy days!