Marshall Bass Amps

jim_morris · Post by **jim_morris** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:43 pm

I'm sure a lot of you guys already knew this, but Marshall is making bass amps again. They have this monster 12 tube 400 watt head, and your choice of either a 4x10 or 8x10 cab to go with it. Has anyone tried one yet? I can't wait to, especially now that Ampeg's integrity has been compromised somewhat by the move to China.

jim_morris · Post by **jim_morris** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:49 pm

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Marshall-VBA400-All-Tube-Bass-Head?sku=486014

Figured I ought to include the URL.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:56 pm

http://www.marshallamps.com/downloads/files/VBA400%20hbk.pdf

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 8:03 pm

Crikey! Now my SVT seems like a Pignose!

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 9:03 pm

that amp sounds awesome-but I still am partial to the Super Bass models and Majors...

My Major needs a cap job and the first stage filters are hard to find...

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 9:25 pm

I prefer the solid state Marshall bass amps (MOS-FET) over the valve types, as they give a more direct attack(when slap/pull playing). I feel the valves are functioning a bit like compressors. Also the maintenance for valve amps is different. The Marshall 3540 (400W) is my choice for a big stack. The sound is a bit more modern than the SVT.

gray · Post by **gray** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 3:22 am

I've been considering a VBA 400 sometime. How do they sound? I can't find one in a store.

iamthebassman · Post by **iamthebassman** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:17 am

I've had a Marshall Bass Combo for about 10 years now, it's what I use in the studio. It has a great tone; 60watts, 1-12",graphic EQ,compressor,limiter.

seyesbass · Post by **seyesbass** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:53 am

Ive tried the VBA and its a great amp. Only thing is that same old chestnut...the weight. Just like an SVT2 it sounds fantastic but weighs a ton (1000kg in case the metric police are looking) Also I dont think it will rack mount as an option so you need a flight case to keep it safe.I think Mani from Stone Roses was using one last time I saw him on tv.
Talking about trying one out,a few years ago when they launched the VBA I couldnt find one anywhere.I went to the Northwest Guitar Show at Manchester University and Jim Marshall was there as usual with the full guitar amp range and live demos in the lecture hall but no VBA.I had a chat with Jim and apologised for having just bought an Ampeg stack as there were no VBA stacks to try out.By the way the Marshall Dynamic Bass System cabs are some of the best (and heaviest) I have used.Best of luck with the amp.

lucky · Post by **lucky** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:37 am

Would that be the show at UMIST Pete.

hen_jin · Post by **hen_jin** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:52 am

It is an updated version of the Model 2001. It sounds like the improvements are good, but...

kbhag · Post by **kbhag** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 9:24 am

For years I used a late 60's SuperBass 100 for live shows. It's good.

Squire knows what he's doing...

Great tone, too much weight to lift unless you have a crew.

geddeeee · Post by **geddeeee** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 9:31 am

Our band uses only valve amps. After lugging them around for years and setting up our own equipment, you kinda get used to the weight.
C'mon people.... it's a valve amp, not an anvil!!!

jimb · Post by **jimb** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 12:05 pm

I use a Super Bass 100 for practice, nice warm tone. For small gigs I use a Marshall DBS 7200, 200w SS with a tube preamp, graphic EQ and compression, which I never use. Good tone, light, nice looking and very reliable. Cost half of what a cheap Super Bass would go for these days.
Jim B

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 1:45 pm

Jared, what filter caps do you need (value/voltage)?