Amp for a 4003

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 4:37 am

I can only offer a solid opinion on the Mesa cabinets. I have 2-1x15 and 1-2x10 cabinets (diesel series) and for the first time in my gear search am very pleased with my tone. They provide strong lows and easily handle the range up to the highest feedback driven squeals that I need from time to time.

The 400+ has a reputation as a great amp and I road tested one a few times but needed more power so I opted for a power amp/preamp instead (which Mesa does not offer).

A fantastic cabinet to consider if you don't mind hauling it around is the Mesa Powerhouse 1000 (1-1x15/4x10/horn).

kirbywilson · Post by **kirbywilson** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 4:50 am

I play a 4003 through a Mesa Boogie 400+, running to two Mesa Boogie cabs (4x10 and 1x15). Great sounding rig. I also use Rotosound roundwounds and a Fulltone Bassdrive.

I compared the 400+ to an Ampeg SVTCL at my local GC, and went with the 400+ (purchased used off of ebay later).

Very reliable and well built. You will be changing tubes though.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:32 am

MESA 400 or 400+? Big difference.

Plus: big tone, tons of headroom, quiet for a valve amp.

Minus: retube time=$$$, recap time=$$$, HEAVY metal, very difficult to service.

kirbywilson · Post by **kirbywilson** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:30 am

Yes, considering the physical dimensions of the 400+, it weighs a heck of a lot. I can't carry it on my own, I always need someone else's help (old injury).

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 10:16 am

yeah those guys on the airline/cargo ramp, that thangs so heavy they'll just dump it in the can.

anvil case or not...

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 11:48 am

SVT= easy to service, heavy as hell. Lot of parts availability. Built like a tank, I dropped one 4' to a concrete sidewalk, didn't even blink, just put a dent in the metal corner. User friendly bias arrangement, 6 power tubes, heavy as hell, builds muscles.

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 1:28 pm

I like the SVT too myself. A guy I know has 2 SVT's and 1 400+, and was going to sell the 400+ because the SVT's sounded better and were easier to work on.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 2:29 pm

I just sold my Ampeg B4R and stepped up to a much lighter(thank God) Ampeg PortaBass 800. It has two separate pre-amps which I A/B into with my Sabine tuner for two differnt bass tones. I love the sound and simplicity of this thing(no bi-amping, 9-band EQ or stereo outs)and it has bottom end for days. I've had the little brother to this for over a year(PortaBass 250) and couldn't be happier. I don't think it can be beat at 800 watts @2 ohms and 22 pounds.

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 3:25 pm

How about 650 watts rms @ 4 Ohms and 7 lbs.!

I also have the PB250, great little amp but it is twice the weight of the WW and only 250 watts rms @ 4 Ohms.