New head suggestions (clean, reliable, not crazy expensive)

JamesSGBrown

My Aguilar Tonehammer 350 just shit itself. Accidentally set to the wrong voltage (after it had died and was permanently on 'clipping'  and apparently that fries the entire output module at the least (which cost about as much as the amp cost me!).

Not keen on replacing dying kit with another identical piece. I'm looking for a head up to 500w that takes distortion and fuzz well, with a flexible but not crazy EQ. I play a vintage P-bass and am currently in a hard-rock/stoner band in the vein of Thin Lizzy, Sabbath, Sleep etc. So need a nice crunchy-ish base tone that cleans up, but has enough headroom for a good dollop of fuzz. Preferably not too heavy, and RELIABLE. I can't stand it when stuff breaks!

ICBM

Unfortunately this might fail on being not *too* heavy, but...

Peavey MkVIII.

350W into 4 ohms or 600W into 2 ohms. Classic Peavey slightly rough and unrefined 'rock bass' tone that takes fuzz and distortion spectacularly well, 9-band graphic EQ and high/low shelving knobs, louder than a jet engine and would probably still be working after a nuclear strike.

I do slightly miss mine, but I have to admit it was a bit of a lump. Although nothing compared to the 4x10" cabinet which I think was actually designed as an underground bunker...

Funkfingers

My nomination is for the tc electronic (discontinued) Staccato '51 or the RH-450. 

These are, essentially, the same thing except that the S'51 gets Rocco Pesteria's pseudo Ampeg preset as its default sound.

ICBM will shortly explain why my suggestion is terrible.

fretmeister

TC Amps. All limited to about 260w no matter what it says on the box. Excessive compression adding the impression of loudness.

Sound like slapping a wet rag on a wall, only quieter.

fretmeister

Tech 21 VT500 is very good and has been the subject of a blowout recently so you might get a cheap one. I just got one and it does a very good Ampeg tone.

V1 Darkglass M900 goes used for under £500 and is very good too.

Theres a few recently discontinued Orange heads that would fit the brief as well.

mike257

The Genzler Magellan heads are great. I've got some Genz Benz kit, which was Jeff Genzler's previous company that Fender bought out and consumed, and it's fantastic. The Genzler stuff is a step up again. 

MattBanshee

The Ampeg PF500

Legionreturns

I've been very happy with my Ampeg PF350 

JamesSGBrown

We just got a good deal on an Ampeg SVT450h with a flightcase.

From what I understand, they're loud and clinical, which to be honest will do me. No tubes, which is good. I can always add pedals for flavour!
Going halves with the bassist of another band I'm in so if it doesn't blow me away I won't be too disheartened.
Anyone got an opinion on these things?

ICBM

JamesSGBrown said:

We just got a good deal on an Ampeg SVT450h with a flightcase.

From what I understand, they're loud and clinical, which to be honest will do me. No tubes, which is good. I can always add pedals for flavour!
Going halves with the bassist of another band I'm in so if it doesn't blow me away I won't be too disheartened.
Anyone got an opinion on these things?

It’s effectively a B2 in a traditional SVT-style case. Loud, reliable, heavy (for solid state). I wouldn’t say clinical - it sounds like an Ampeg, just a bit less so than a full-on valve SVT.

JamesSGBrown

ICBM said:

JamesSGBrown said:

We just got a good deal on an Ampeg SVT450h with a flightcase.

From what I understand, they're loud and clinical, which to be honest will do me. No tubes, which is good. I can always add pedals for flavour!
Going halves with the bassist of another band I'm in so if it doesn't blow me away I won't be too disheartened.
Anyone got an opinion on these things?

It’s effectively a B2 in a traditional SVT-style case. Loud, reliable, heavy (for solid state). I wouldn’t say clinical - it sounds like an Ampeg, just a bit less so than a full-on valve SVT.

Good good. Read some awful reviews post-purchase so was feeling slightly roped-in to a regrettable purchase! £400 delivered with flight case... not too bad. 

Yeah sadly the classic Ampeg ‘look’ which undoubtedly adds to the weight is part of the stage image. My back will not be benefiting from our vanity. 

Reggaebass

Have you thought about the Ashdown RM 500 , and their after sales service is great 

mrn1989

For the style you play and what it seems like you're after one of the Orange bass heads will be perfect, they work great with a P bass and Orange gear is very reliable and easily repairable if needed. Check out the Terror head https://www.andertons.co.uk/brands/orange/orange-bass-amps/orange-terror-bass-head

casapete

Fender Rumble - 500 or 800 heads are fantastic - sound great, portable and not stupidly priced.