The first real bass amp I owned was a MarkBass Little Mark III. An Italian made model. I played the MarkBass exclusively for about a decade. Then, two years ago, I purchased an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500. I've used the Aguilar exclusively since.
That said, I have acquired perspective on the nuances between the two amps which I thought I'd share. Maybe it will help somebody decide a future purchase. Maybe you own one of these amps and can share your perspective as well.
While the MarkBass is more or less even across the frequency spectrum, the Aguilar has a noticeable high end roll off. Coupled with the drive function, the Aguilar effectively conveys 60’s or 70’s bass tone.
The Aguilar really shines with tweeters off, drive 9-10 oclock, with a Fender in hand. Classic sound. For me, that’s the sound. The drive function adds convincing tube characteristics through a solid-state amp. It’ll break-up musically on stage if I really dig in, but cleans up if I lighten my touch. Chef’s kiss.
The Aguilar is more dynamic and responsive than the MarkBass. My LMIII feels compressed under my fingers. With the Aguilar I feel like I have complete control of the attack of the strings under my fingers. I like that. I don’t feel the MarkBass respond as accurately to the nuances of my fingers’ attack. This was something I never noticed until I stopped playing the MarkBass. This is the single biggest reason I don’t play the MarkBass much these days.
However, the MarkBass might be more versatile than the Tone Hammer. The vintage loudspeaker emulator (VLE) knob on the MarkBass allows me to roll off the highs to my liking. I set it around 9 oclock. Now the MarkBass sounds more like (but not identical to) the Aguilar.
The variable pre-shape filter (VPF) knob quickly adds a musical mid-scoop to the sound. I’ve found this handy in plenty of situations. Maybe I’m doing a contemporary funk thing, for example.
With these controls at my fingers, I can more easily make the MarkBass sound like the Aguilar than I can the Aguilar to sound like the MarkBass. Although, they’ll never sound identical.
I often wish my Tone Hammer had more extensive frequency range. I feel pigeon holed with its tone sometimes. I’d like to try the AG700 sometime. I suspect having both of them in my arsenal would cover all the bases.
Both are excellent amplifiers. They’re lightweight, loud, and reliable. The LMIII has an extensive frequency range that, when coupled with the VLE and VPF knobs, makes it a very versatile amp. On the other hand, the TH500 has a more rolled off, 60’s / 70’s vintage style tone. For me, the deal breaker is the responsiveness of the Aguilar. It just feels better under my fingers.
Have you played either of these amps? What were your thoughts?
John
That said, I have acquired perspective on the nuances between the two amps which I thought I'd share. Maybe it will help somebody decide a future purchase. Maybe you own one of these amps and can share your perspective as well.
While the MarkBass is more or less even across the frequency spectrum, the Aguilar has a noticeable high end roll off. Coupled with the drive function, the Aguilar effectively conveys 60’s or 70’s bass tone.
The Aguilar really shines with tweeters off, drive 9-10 oclock, with a Fender in hand. Classic sound. For me, that’s the sound. The drive function adds convincing tube characteristics through a solid-state amp. It’ll break-up musically on stage if I really dig in, but cleans up if I lighten my touch. Chef’s kiss.
The Aguilar is more dynamic and responsive than the MarkBass. My LMIII feels compressed under my fingers. With the Aguilar I feel like I have complete control of the attack of the strings under my fingers. I like that. I don’t feel the MarkBass respond as accurately to the nuances of my fingers’ attack. This was something I never noticed until I stopped playing the MarkBass. This is the single biggest reason I don’t play the MarkBass much these days.
However, the MarkBass might be more versatile than the Tone Hammer. The vintage loudspeaker emulator (VLE) knob on the MarkBass allows me to roll off the highs to my liking. I set it around 9 oclock. Now the MarkBass sounds more like (but not identical to) the Aguilar.
The variable pre-shape filter (VPF) knob quickly adds a musical mid-scoop to the sound. I’ve found this handy in plenty of situations. Maybe I’m doing a contemporary funk thing, for example.
With these controls at my fingers, I can more easily make the MarkBass sound like the Aguilar than I can the Aguilar to sound like the MarkBass. Although, they’ll never sound identical.
I often wish my Tone Hammer had more extensive frequency range. I feel pigeon holed with its tone sometimes. I’d like to try the AG700 sometime. I suspect having both of them in my arsenal would cover all the bases.
Both are excellent amplifiers. They’re lightweight, loud, and reliable. The LMIII has an extensive frequency range that, when coupled with the VLE and VPF knobs, makes it a very versatile amp. On the other hand, the TH500 has a more rolled off, 60’s / 70’s vintage style tone. For me, the deal breaker is the responsiveness of the Aguilar. It just feels better under my fingers.
Have you played either of these amps? What were your thoughts?
John
