why the hell did you play the pick style palm muted? :( finally i found a video where someone plays this amp with a pick and then i hear that :( that doesnt really give me an idea how it sounds... but obviously thats a really good review!
Hello Ed. Great information!! Is there any vibration or rattle associated with the top latching system? Do the clasps hold the lid tight enough? Please keep up the great product reviews. -Michael
Hey Ed, how do you feel about SWR products? I just got an SM 500 and a Warkwick neo pro 1x15. would you say that it is a good rig? I've heard a decent amount about SWR products but i would like to know what you think about them.
I wanted to buy a portiflex so badly, but no dealer in B.C. wants to touch Ampeg. I get the same song and dance at every dealer. High Warranty Volume and poor service. I am sorry, but I tried to find a dealer that liked Ampeg, but I think I have to go with Fender Rumble series.
Ed, how do you personally tell the differences between amp heads and (especially) cabinets? I get that a lot of them have EQ sections tuned to different frequencies, but what makes an Ampeg an Ampeg, or an Ashdown an Ashdown, etc.?
@BassGuitarMag HUH? If I went into a store and used my ears I would never buy an amp...Go buy reviews/quality of brand and hopefully you can hear some videos or even a band using your amp/cab.
@WyattTheGuitarist If you haven't seen it already there's a pretty comprehensive guide to attaching the head on Ampegtv's channel. There should be a link to some of their vids on the right.
Great video! Do you have a personal preference of 15" vs. 10" speaker for recording? I've got a 4x10 and a 1x12, and I use the 12 more often, but I'm not sure if 15" speakers might be too low-frequency heavy for a lot of recording situations.
@jessegimbel - Not really, I use 12" most of the time anyway, so that's what I typical record. Each speaker will sound a little different, and yeah - a 15 will have less high end. You can change mic position to achieve different tones also. For less bottom, turn the face of the mic off axis.
@BassGuitarMag Thanks for the input. And interesting, in the years I've been recording, off-axis micing has always been a great way to tame harsh high end, somewhat of the opposite of getting less bottom. Anyway, I'm between the PF-350 and the Micro-VR for a new bass amp for the studio, but I'm thinking the PF-350 with that beautiful cab might be the one. Thanks for the video!
I was comparing this with the Acoustic B600H and chose the Acoustic bass amp. Have you sampled the Acoustic amps at all? What is your take Mr. Ed? Thanks.
sorry to bother again, have you tried your upright through the head? After thinking a lot (but not being able to try the systems out) i've come to considering this head for electric and acoustic playing with a 12 cabinet (thinking of the TC electronic RS112). That would be portable, not expensive and versatil i hope. I'm just wondering how good (or bad) the upright would sound through that...
your opinion please! since you've put your hands on a lot of amps
hi Ed another great review I just watched. Thankyou, im looking for a tube sounding amp that wont break my back and the guys at BE in austin recommended the orange terror, tc450 or the genz benz streamliner. I realize they are very different. How does this amp stack up? Is it close. What do you think?
hey ed all your reviews are great, i love to keep up with the music man reviews. i am considering purchasing this stack but the pf500, i was just suggesting if you do a review on that (i know you're busy) if you could show the heavier side of things and maybe being picked more instead of finger style
@thepumpkinking866 - Sorry, but it's not going to happen. This was my last demo for Guitar World. I'm now working for Bass Player mag, and they have already reviewed the PF500.
Hi Ed, another great review! Thanks so much for doing this.
Cool head! Which cab, though? I play mostly Motown and classic rock, so do I get the 115 or the 210? Ampeg really pushes the idea that multiple 10s are better than fewer 15s, but theoretical physics doesn't back up that position. So my question is, is there something inferior about the 15" woofers Ampeg uses, or is it propagation of a popular myth, or something else?
@BlackEaglePhotos - I think a 115 will give you more of the Motown sound, but 210s might handle the power a little better because the load is split between two drivers. This amp sounds good, but you can't push it too hard, the speaker will start to fart out at high volume. Nature of the beast.
@BassGuitarMag ouchie, a cabinet rated at 400W that farts when receiving less 200W from the PF350 is a big drawback... have you any idea why it does so?
@cinghialemannaro76 Because 400w is thermal power, the speakers start to fart out at about half of that because it reaches their capabilities sound wise
hi ed, please can you help me. basicly ive been getting annoyed with my amp for ages because it sounds kinda rubbish. so i tried putting on my overdrive pedal as an eq (i have the bass about 3 oclock and the treble about 1 and a half) when i play hard it distorst, i know it sounds silly coz thatts what its meant to do, but i have the overdrive dial all the way off and when i turn down the eq it doesnt fuzz up. in short im worrying if its damaging the amp.
@cheeseperson03 - Even without the overdrive off, you're getting a volume boost either from the pedal's gain or from boosting the eq. It could be overdriving the input on your amp.Yes, that is what it was designed to do. It probably won't hurt your amp unless you get into serious crazy volume... but then I have no idea what kind of amp you're talking about. Best advice - buy a new amp!
Hi Ed! You're work and review are awesome! This Mike Lull P5 sound very good. Will you doing a review of this bass or is a new one in your collection ?
Dude, your bass on this episode sounds great. Not sure if it is the bass or amp or both, but sounds really, really good (especially for p-bass piccups).
@themusicaddictislost - SUB is no longer made, the others are. Most of the SUBs were passive, some had 2-band preamps, some had diamond plate pickguards. They were a cheaper MM bass, but licensed so they were "official".
I'm cynical - it's a combo with latches. The Ashdown take is much more intriguing and saves real space and adds transit protection that is actually needed.
A while back we exchanged messages about the PF series and you said you had (or had heard about) some QC issues with Ampeg gear. What's your latest intelligence on this ?
@BassGuitarMag Thanks Ed - I sooooo want this gear. Local shop in Edinburgh has quite a throughput of them so Ampeg seem to have hit a home run with this one
Great review Ed! How would you compare this stack to SVT-3Pro with SVT-15E ? Im going for vintage motown tone and I'm wondering should I retire my old pal SVT and go for Portaflex or give it alittle refurbishment due to its age (tubes, pots etc etc)
Great and informative review as usual, Ed. As good as the 350 watt (4 ohm) head sounds, the 500 watt model adds a lot of midrange equalization and lo/hi boosts along with the extra wattage for just $100 bucks more. I assume it can be mounted in a similar fashion to the 350. Have you tried it Ed and, if so, what did you think? For $100 bucks more the 500-watt model seems like a slam dunk to me. Also, are the cabinets on casters? Great sounding little "two-faced" rig. Suits my tone needs to a T!
hi ed thanks for the review. just a quick question. because i tend to play hard does that mean i should use heavy gauges. i dont realy get the differences of using light medium and heavy strings and i was hoping to find out without spending loads of money on strings.
Damn, Ed that Lull P5 sounds amazing, the maple board on blue is stunning. How does it's B string feel/sound compared to your Fender P5's B? BTW, the Ampeg rig sounds pretty fat and sweet.
Is that Mike Lull with flats? Wow, it looks and sounds amazing.... even on a youtube video...... I'm still on my quest to get a 6 string P bass, but that's another story. Good job on the video, and great bass choice to showcase the amp! Cheers
Yay! Bass Whisperer video! another great video, Ed. thanks again. hey man, in these amp videos, why dont you play some upright so we can hear what that sounds like through the amp? are these amps just not suitable for the upright or something?
i've heard of the B15 and seen one at a guitar center that was going for a lot. what is so great about them exactly? its the tone right? i played a gibson grabber through one and it sounded really cool.
Thanks for doing this review Ed - I had money burning a hole in my pocket to buy it's slightly bigger bruv - the PF500. Sadly the money's been frittered away but I'm still hopeful - maybe Santa can help LOL!
What is that song you're playing in the beginning?
My bass teacher always plays that and I forget to ask him what it is...
ryanjd93 2 weeks ago
@ryanjd93 It's "I was made to love her" by Stevie Wonder. Incredible bassline is laid down by the incomparable James Jamerson.
williamsanders 2 weeks ago
@williamsanders
Thank you!!
I love this line and James Jamerson is the man!
ryanjd93 1 week ago
always great reviews
TheBassfresh 3 weeks ago
why the hell did you play the pick style palm muted? :( finally i found a video where someone plays this amp with a pick and then i hear that :( that doesnt really give me an idea how it sounds... but obviously thats a really good review!
sh0rty1231 1 month ago
IMO 15's don't sound good for slap. I love 12's and 10's for all playing styles. I play mostly finger style.
bassistdc 1 month ago
sweet lull p!
FinestxGB 1 month ago in playlist More videos from BassGuitarMag
Ed, I love your reviews. I just want to say you've done an awesome job so far and I'm looking forward to many more great reviews.
PS. Any chance on a PF 500 review? ;)
MrNicoPotamus 1 month ago
Hello Ed. Great information!! Is there any vibration or rattle associated with the top latching system? Do the clasps hold the lid tight enough? Please keep up the great product reviews. -Michael
mcontour 2 months ago
Hey Ed, how do you feel about SWR products? I just got an SM 500 and a Warkwick neo pro 1x15. would you say that it is a good rig? I've heard a decent amount about SWR products but i would like to know what you think about them.
Thanks so much Ed!!!
henry12350 2 months ago in playlist More videos from BassGuitarMag
This has been flagged as spam show
I wanted to buy a portiflex so badly, but no dealer in B.C. wants to touch Ampeg. I get the same song and dance at every dealer. High Warranty Volume and poor service. I am sorry, but I tried to find a dealer that liked Ampeg, but I think I have to go with Fender Rumble series.
Sorry.
jimdandypicker11 2 months ago
you really put a smile upon my face!
duerlidttyk 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos
Ed, how do you personally tell the differences between amp heads and (especially) cabinets? I get that a lot of them have EQ sections tuned to different frequencies, but what makes an Ampeg an Ampeg, or an Ashdown an Ashdown, etc.?
demontoadsmacker 2 months ago
@demontoadsmacker - How do I tell the difference? I use my ears. I don't really have an answer for your question.
BassGuitarMag 2 months ago 5
@BassGuitarMag HUH? If I went into a store and used my ears I would never buy an amp...Go buy reviews/quality of brand and hopefully you can hear some videos or even a band using your amp/cab.
martyman5000 1 month ago
WOW beautiful tone on that Stevie Wonder tune
Azaan1016 3 months ago
is that enough to play shows with a post-hardcore and rock band??
can it beat the drums connected to a 1x15" cab??
BreakTheWallsMusic 3 months ago
@BreakTheWallsMusic - No, you need more power and more speaker coverage.
BassGuitarMag 3 months ago
@BassGuitarMag what about the PF500 and 1X15" cab?
tomerba666 2 months ago
Hey Ed, how did you get the head to actually attach itself to the top of the cab? We can't figure it out.
WyattTheGuitarist 3 months ago
@WyattTheGuitarist - It came already attached.
BassGuitarMag 3 months ago
@WyattTheGuitarist If you haven't seen it already there's a pretty comprehensive guide to attaching the head on Ampegtv's channel. There should be a link to some of their vids on the right.
3rduncle 2 months ago
@WyattTheGuitarist dino monoxelis has a vid on the ampeg channel for how to do this.
TheBassfresh 3 weeks ago
Great video! Do you have a personal preference of 15" vs. 10" speaker for recording? I've got a 4x10 and a 1x12, and I use the 12 more often, but I'm not sure if 15" speakers might be too low-frequency heavy for a lot of recording situations.
jessegimbel 3 months ago
@jessegimbel - Not really, I use 12" most of the time anyway, so that's what I typical record. Each speaker will sound a little different, and yeah - a 15 will have less high end. You can change mic position to achieve different tones also. For less bottom, turn the face of the mic off axis.
BassGuitarMag 3 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thanks for the input. And interesting, in the years I've been recording, off-axis micing has always been a great way to tame harsh high end, somewhat of the opposite of getting less bottom. Anyway, I'm between the PF-350 and the Micro-VR for a new bass amp for the studio, but I'm thinking the PF-350 with that beautiful cab might be the one. Thanks for the video!
jessegimbel 3 months ago
I was comparing this with the Acoustic B600H and chose the Acoustic bass amp. Have you sampled the Acoustic amps at all? What is your take Mr. Ed? Thanks.
Ikillpeopleforfree 4 months ago
@Ikillpeopleforfree - I think if you compared them for yourself and chose the Acoustic, then you made the right choice for you.
BassGuitarMag 4 months ago
sounds great to me, much like my lil practice amp the B50R
TheBassfresh 4 months ago
sorry to bother again, have you tried your upright through the head? After thinking a lot (but not being able to try the systems out) i've come to considering this head for electric and acoustic playing with a 12 cabinet (thinking of the TC electronic RS112). That would be portable, not expensive and versatil i hope. I'm just wondering how good (or bad) the upright would sound through that...
your opinion please! since you've put your hands on a lot of amps
thanks
wataday2day 4 months ago
@wataday2day - I did not try it with an upright bass.
BassGuitarMag 4 months ago
@BassGuitarMag thank you
wataday2day 4 months ago
I'm buying this tonight!!!!!!
Whitemoon379 5 months ago
i dont get how the cabs are the same price when one has an extra (although smaller) speaker?
Runbassskaterock 5 months ago
wow that pickstyle tone is just brutal! awesome. great job on the jamerson bit at the beginning too.
pCeLobster 6 months ago
When is the next video going to be posted?
astrotrain53 6 months ago
hi Ed another great review I just watched. Thankyou, im looking for a tube sounding amp that wont break my back and the guys at BE in austin recommended the orange terror, tc450 or the genz benz streamliner. I realize they are very different. How does this amp stack up? Is it close. What do you think?
Thank you so much SV
sri888 6 months ago
Nice Mike Lull P5. Best P5 string on the market for price and quality IMO. Especially going used.
sneha1965 6 months ago
hey ed all your reviews are great, i love to keep up with the music man reviews. i am considering purchasing this stack but the pf500, i was just suggesting if you do a review on that (i know you're busy) if you could show the heavier side of things and maybe being picked more instead of finger style
thepumpkinking866 6 months ago
@thepumpkinking866 - Sorry, but it's not going to happen. This was my last demo for Guitar World. I'm now working for Bass Player mag, and they have already reviewed the PF500.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
Hi Ed, another great review! Thanks so much for doing this.
Cool head! Which cab, though? I play mostly Motown and classic rock, so do I get the 115 or the 210? Ampeg really pushes the idea that multiple 10s are better than fewer 15s, but theoretical physics doesn't back up that position. So my question is, is there something inferior about the 15" woofers Ampeg uses, or is it propagation of a popular myth, or something else?
Anyway, what would you use?
BlackEaglePhotos 6 months ago
@BlackEaglePhotos - I think a 115 will give you more of the Motown sound, but 210s might handle the power a little better because the load is split between two drivers. This amp sounds good, but you can't push it too hard, the speaker will start to fart out at high volume. Nature of the beast.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
@BassGuitarMag I'll buy that, thanks, Ed. I appreciate your timely response, too. Keep up the great work!
BlackEaglePhotos 6 months ago
@BassGuitarMag ouchie, a cabinet rated at 400W that farts when receiving less 200W from the PF350 is a big drawback... have you any idea why it does so?
cinghialemannaro76 6 months ago
@cinghialemannaro76 Because 400w is thermal power, the speakers start to fart out at about half of that because it reaches their capabilities sound wise
dopewithabass 6 months ago
hi ed, please can you help me. basicly ive been getting annoyed with my amp for ages because it sounds kinda rubbish. so i tried putting on my overdrive pedal as an eq (i have the bass about 3 oclock and the treble about 1 and a half) when i play hard it distorst, i know it sounds silly coz thatts what its meant to do, but i have the overdrive dial all the way off and when i turn down the eq it doesnt fuzz up. in short im worrying if its damaging the amp.
cheeseperson03 6 months ago
@cheeseperson03 - Even without the overdrive off, you're getting a volume boost either from the pedal's gain or from boosting the eq. It could be overdriving the input on your amp.Yes, that is what it was designed to do. It probably won't hurt your amp unless you get into serious crazy volume... but then I have no idea what kind of amp you're talking about. Best advice - buy a new amp!
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
@BassGuitarMag i was thinking that (its an ashdown mag300 btw) but would it be cheaper to get an eq pedal or di or someting
cheeseperson03 6 months ago
Out of curiosity, is the box real airtight when played? that puzzles me :)
cinghialemannaro76 6 months ago
@cinghialemannaro76 - It is a sealed cab. Airtight for the most part, but I'm sure a little air must escape.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
Hi Ed! You're work and review are awesome! This Mike Lull P5 sound very good. Will you doing a review of this bass or is a new one in your collection ?
jflbassgroove 6 months ago
Very thorough review. Awesome!
1612HavenhurstDrive 6 months ago
Dude, your bass on this episode sounds great. Not sure if it is the bass or amp or both, but sounds really, really good (especially for p-bass piccups).
jakeadams0412 6 months ago
What's the differences between a SUB bass and a regular Music Man (like a Stingray or Sterling)?
themusicaddictislost 6 months ago
@themusicaddictislost - SUB is no longer made, the others are. Most of the SUBs were passive, some had 2-band preamps, some had diamond plate pickguards. They were a cheaper MM bass, but licensed so they were "official".
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Was there any sacrifice in tone quality other than the 3-band to 2-band preamps?
themusicaddictislost 6 months ago
Is there a chance you'll be reviewing the Fender Blacktop basses?
MiraiHikki 6 months ago 4
@MiraiHikki - It's possible, but not definite.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
I'm cynical - it's a combo with latches. The Ashdown take is much more intriguing and saves real space and adds transit protection that is actually needed.
pd4165 6 months ago
Rock on,Ed! You the bass-man :)
PowermadNavigator 7 months ago
A while back we exchanged messages about the PF series and you said you had (or had heard about) some QC issues with Ampeg gear. What's your latest intelligence on this ?
eckie4679 7 months ago
@eckie4679 - This worked fine.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thanks Ed - I sooooo want this gear. Local shop in Edinburgh has quite a throughput of them so Ampeg seem to have hit a home run with this one
eckie4679 7 months ago
Wich of the emg pups are most similar to the jazz pups in this vid you think?
etienne2014 7 months ago
Sorry my ignorance, but I can't recognize the 5 stringed P-style Bass. What manufacturer and model is that?
Thx!
Katzenzungen2 7 months ago
@Katzenzungen2 - It's a Mike Lull P5.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thx man, still love your reviews!
Katzenzungen2 7 months ago
NEEDz MOAR MXR BASS COMPRESSOR!!!111!!!11!!
Please :)
jmattbassplaya 7 months ago
I WANT THE 2x10 VERSION!!!
JosephGallagher 7 months ago
Great review Ed! How would you compare this stack to SVT-3Pro with SVT-15E ? Im going for vintage motown tone and I'm wondering should I retire my old pal SVT and go for Portaflex or give it alittle refurbishment due to its age (tubes, pots etc etc)
mazdah 7 months ago
Ed what preamp is in your jazz bass? Great sound!
lijeiii 7 months ago
I liked -6 dB clip much more than 0 db...
DolganoFF 7 months ago
in my humble opinion, beats the fender TV combos for quite any aplication
cachubiza 7 months ago
Who's your little buddy in the background just behind you?
brucespesti 7 months ago
i would like to watch a review of the MXR bass compressor :P
FunkyRegan 7 months ago
Great and informative review as usual, Ed. As good as the 350 watt (4 ohm) head sounds, the 500 watt model adds a lot of midrange equalization and lo/hi boosts along with the extra wattage for just $100 bucks more. I assume it can be mounted in a similar fashion to the 350. Have you tried it Ed and, if so, what did you think? For $100 bucks more the 500-watt model seems like a slam dunk to me. Also, are the cabinets on casters? Great sounding little "two-faced" rig. Suits my tone needs to a T!
basstige 7 months ago
Hartke 410XL + Ampeg PF 350 It is a good or bad combination?
dekobass1982 7 months ago
Can use the Ampeg PF350 with Hartke 410XL ?
dekobass1982 7 months ago
@dekobass1982 - Sure, the head is sold separately.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
Love the way the head mounts.
jasonsgroovemachine 7 months ago
I love that mike lull, I imagine it has a better b going on versus the fender p 5, though the fender sounds good too
TheIrishOx 7 months ago
Always a good review
Haroldandbob 7 months ago
hi ed thanks for the review. just a quick question. because i tend to play hard does that mean i should use heavy gauges. i dont realy get the differences of using light medium and heavy strings and i was hoping to find out without spending loads of money on strings.
cheeseperson03 7 months ago
@cheeseperson03 - If you play hard, yes, heavier strings makes more sense. That, or crank your action up real high.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago 2
@BassGuitarMag thank you
cheeseperson03 7 months ago
awesome, another bass whisperer video, cool amp, i''ve been thinking about bying one of these
RnRinc1 7 months ago
@92Scalloped - Oddly enough, I did not try that.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Great test then Huh ? Do the math.
bullrushdotnet 7 months ago
I'm thinking of buying the PF500 and use two 4x10" cabs. Do you think this setup sounds good and can fill larger rooms?
IwannaBEamerican 7 months ago
@IwannaBEamerican - I'm sure it would.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
woah, your jazz never sounded this good before!
is it the same U-Retro preamp from before?
inuyashaspet 7 months ago
@inuyashaspet - Same.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
Yesssss I missed your reviews so much. Each one is like a present.
SteveUrkeI 7 months ago 21
thanks great review Ed
alionayo 7 months ago
Damn, Ed that Lull P5 sounds amazing, the maple board on blue is stunning. How does it's B string feel/sound compared to your Fender P5's B? BTW, the Ampeg rig sounds pretty fat and sweet.
MrRedrocket42 7 months ago
@MrRedrocket42 - I think the 35" scale really helps the P Bass B string.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
Another homerun by Ampeg and the Bass Whisperer! \m/
LZS90 7 months ago
lol at your face at 3:26 after the harmonic chord.
"eh.. why not".
jonjonjonmw3 7 months ago
Is that Mike Lull with flats? Wow, it looks and sounds amazing.... even on a youtube video...... I'm still on my quest to get a 6 string P bass, but that's another story. Good job on the video, and great bass choice to showcase the amp! Cheers
PurpleSlimes 7 months ago
@PurpleSlimes Sounds like some rounds, it sounds absolutely terrific.
bassist13 7 months ago
@PurpleSlimes - I believe they were Infeld Super Alloys - rounds.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@PurpleSlimes - I believe they were Infeld Super Alloys - rounds.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
jesus that jazz sounds amazing.
edenite 7 months ago
@edenite precision..
AcousticBeaver 7 months ago
@AcousticBeaver not the Lull the fender.
edenite 7 months ago
Yay! Bass Whisperer video! another great video, Ed. thanks again. hey man, in these amp videos, why dont you play some upright so we can hear what that sounds like through the amp? are these amps just not suitable for the upright or something?
SpagsJippy 7 months ago
@SpagsJippy - Too lazy.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago 10
i've heard of the B15 and seen one at a guitar center that was going for a lot. what is so great about them exactly? its the tone right? i played a gibson grabber through one and it sounded really cool.
henry12350 7 months ago
Thanks for doing this review Ed - I had money burning a hole in my pocket to buy it's slightly bigger bruv - the PF500. Sadly the money's been frittered away but I'm still hopeful - maybe Santa can help LOL!
eckie4679 7 months ago
the folding cab thingy is really cool
but they need to make a tube version come one ampeq you make a really good tube amp whats up with that.
RobiRoadkill 7 months ago
Whoo, new video.
And my sound is screwed up so I can't hear it.
Awesome.
kaz3kag3gaara 7 months ago