Aguilar DB750 Head

I won't go into a lot of detail about the specs of the amp becuase they've already been listed plenty of times here, and are easy enough to find on the intarwebz. This amp has 750 watts (at 4 ohms) of chest-thumping, butt-clenching power. It's very easy to get loud enough to cause permanent damage to people, animals, and small buildings. The single channel format with minimal controls is close to perfect for my needs, but others might find it lacking. The only things I find myself wishing for is a variable frequency on the "Mid" EQ control, and a front mounted power switch. These are minor issues for me, really. My rating is based on it's flexibility compared with similar amps, not any judge of it's quality.

My primary basses are passive Fender Precisions and a G&L ASAT, and my tone has never been better for the striaght-forward rock I play. There is a combination of heft and clarity to the tone that I've not heard from any other amp (including my well-loved SVT-CL). As soon as I played the first note through the DB750, I knew I had finally found what I had been looking for, and the SVT has been collecting dust. Although the EQ is not exceptionally versitile, the tone - no matter what the settings - is just freakin' magic. Cranking up the "Gain" will get a very mild, very musical overdrive. It might be better described as a bit of "warmth" to the tone. Set the "gain" low, and you have a stupid amount of clean headroom. I have yet to turn the "master" knob past 3-o'clock during any playing situation.

I'm currently using either a Aguilar DB410 (4 ohm) or DB210 (8 ohm) cab with the DB750, depending on the venue. I couldn't ask for a better combination for my needs.

Just for the fun of it, I have replaced the stock preamp tubes with a set of JJs. The sound opened up a little bit, but in a full-band situation you can't tell any difference whatsoever.

So far, I have not had any issues with this amp. Based on what I've read from other users, I expect the DB750 to be close to bullet-proof.

I've not yet had a reason to deal with customer service. Aguilar's CS reputation, however, is exemplary.

I've been playing almost excusively bass for the past 5 years, and played guitar for almost 20 years before that. For bass amps I started with a GK Backline 600, and have also used an Ampeg SVT3-Pro, and an Ampeg SVT-CL. The SVT-CL was very close to perfect tone-wise for me, but the weight of that amp is ridiculous and soon became tiresome to gig with. The DB750 is half the weigh and all-and-then-some of the tone, so the SVT-CL sits and collects dust in my garage. If stolen, the DB750 would get replaced with another (or DB751) as soon as absolutely possible.

At first I was a little skeptical about the minimalist feature approach of the DB750. I always used heads or pre-amps with way more tone controls and thought that I might miss having my usual umpteen tone option on this amp. The reality, however, is that I'm a set-and-forget player and this is where the DB750 shines. The flat tone of this amp is ideal and, as one reviewer mentioned, if I need a little tone boost here and there, I'd much rather control that from my bass eq. This amp makes my on board pre-amps and passive tone controls sound great doing what they were designed to do. Mixing too many amp eq. options + bass eq. usually just puts me further away from my tone goal.
The rest of the features on the DB750 are just as straight forward and to the point. Simple, appropriate, and effective. The '10' rating in this review format is for 'very versatile' which I usually associate with lots of bells and whistles. My '10' rating here is for the DB750's no-bull simplicity.

Playing through several active and passive basses from my '65J to my SR4 to my Ric 4003, and I'm using a Berg. NV610 cab. They all sound great with this amp. I play straight out rock and my guitarist and drummer who are both loud, heavy hitters were hounding me about my lack of low-end authority in our band. Well, after my first session with the DB750 they both said, 'THAT is what we were talking about!" While my other amps (SWR, GK, MB) and various pre/power amps sounded good alone, they would all seem to get washed out in the band setting. The DB750 solved this problem. It NEVER gets lost in the mix and, to be honest, this has taken a little getting used to. I've been able to 'hide' in the mix for so long that being present now has forced me to address some of my playing weaknesses. No more fudging allowed with the DB750.

I've been fortunate to never have any amp fail me. I have had no problems with this amp either.

I e-mailed Aguilar once about a simple question and got a nice reply the same day. Customer support is important to me. Its reassuring to know that if a problem or question did come up with the amp there will be someone at the company who will be there to help.

I've been playing for 28 years (yikes), and have GAS just as much if not more than the next guy. I would be lying if I said I was sure this is my last amp I'll ever buy. What I am sure about is that the DB750 has met my current needs for an amp that has gobs of power that allows my bass to be heard and felt in my band. I asked, it delivered, and it got my other band members off my case. I know that when I plug in now I'll have the low-end covered no questions asked. IMO the DB750 is destined to be a classic.

Aguilar DB750 - Made in 2007

All tube preamp, tube-buffered DI & effects loop.

450 Watts@8 Ohms
750 Watts@4 Ohms
975 Watts@2 Ohms

This amplifier is so ridiculously loud, it can make you lightheaded. But it always stays clean, composed and punchy. Crank it as loud as you want, it never sounds strained and you will NOT run out of headroom. Ever. Look inside and you'll see why. The power transformer is MASSIVE - about the size of one of those industrial rolls of duct tape.

LESS THAN 0.003% TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION! Try finding that in anything short of a studio reference amplifier.

The usual big names in bass amplification (Ampeg, SWR, Ashdown, GK, etc) all make amplifiers which are rated at higher power levels than the DB750, but this to me is absolute nonsense. Compare this amplifier to anything "rated" at twice the wattage and it will become very apparent that Aguilar is severely underrating the DB750's actual output.

There's a simple explanation for this. Aguilar's power sections are "broadband", meaning the amplifier puts out its full 450/750/975 watts throughout the ENTIRE frequency range of the electric bass guitar - from 20HZ on up. Most bass amplifiers (especially those with tube power sections) can only produce their full published power at 400HZ.. Think about that for a second. The low B on a 5-string bass registers at 33HZ. Ever wonder why those "classic" Ampegs sound so soggy on the low notes?

Here's my take on it:
Other bass amps are like a peaky 4-cylinder motor, the power exists, but not everywhere in the rev range. The DB750 is the 426 Hemi - The power is available anywhere you need it, and it comes on INSTANTLY. That huge amount of muscle is always on tap and it never runs out of steam.

I will say this, though.. If you have a sloppy right hand, this amp will take some getting used to. Transient response is "RIGHT NOW" and can be downright startling if you're used to playing through an amp that doesn't have that kind of power reserve. You've been warned.

Controls:

Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Bright and Deep switches, Effects Loop send/return.

I really like the fact that there is a ground lift right there on the front panel. It comes in handy when using the DI in a poorly wired venue.

Controls are simple and straightforward. I agree with other reviewers - too many controls lead to confusion and subpar tone. My opinion on this matter is simple: If you consistently rely on parametric/graphic EQ's to sound decent, then there's something lacking in your signal chain. The 3 bands of EQ might sound very limited to the tweakers out there, but trust me - it's all you need. If this amp can't put a stupid grin on your face the way it is, you should probably consider playing a different instrument.

I don't feel this amplifier is lacking anything in features. Leo Fender always said "Less is more", and that certainly applies here. Set the EQ flat, and you probably won't touch it for the rest of the night. You won't want to.

If there's one thing I could change, it would be the location of the power switch. But that really doesn't bother me, because the standby/mute is on the front panel.

I've used this amp in the studio, small clubs, large stages, and outdoor venues. It's brilliant everywhere you put it.

I play a number of different basses through this amp:

Warwick Thumb Bolt-on 5 String - Stock MEC pickups and 9V preamp
Warwick Corvette Fretless 4 string with EMG's and the BTC system
Lakland Joe Osborn Signature 5 String - Lakland Custom Vintage Jazz Pickups w/ Aguilar OBP-2 Preamp
Carvin BB75P Fretless - H50N Stacked Single Coils with Piezo in Bridge and 18V Preamp
Lakland 55-02 Deluxe - Lakland Pickups and LH-3 Preamp
Fender Geddy Lee Signature Jazz - Stock Fender Vintage Jazz pickups

I use it with any combination of the following cabinets:

Aguilar GS410
(2) Aguilar GS112

It seems you really can't go wrong with anything you plug into this amp. Every instrument's individual voice comes through exactly the way it should. You want the best Jazz bass tone you could ever imagine? Done. Want your fretless to bloom, growl, sing, and ring like a bell? You got it. Every little nuance of your playing comes through unfettered, and nothing ever sounds thin or clanky. There is a beautiful, organic warmth always present in your tone, but you never lose definition or clarity. It's just fat, warm, clean, and punchy. You will play better because you will instantly sound better. This thing is so unrestrained and oozing with warmth, that you'll think your bass just received a makeover - it will practically play itself.

I play in 5 different groups, vastly different in style. Everything from Rock, R&B, Soul, Funk Pop, Folk, Acoustic, Metal, Industrial, etc. The DB750 just performs. There's so much you can do just by moving the knobs around, you almost don't want to touch them - there's a usable tone everywhere you land.

I should mention the abundance of headroom again.. I have never actually needed to put the master volume anywhere higher than 10 o'clock (running a single 4X10 at 4 ohms). I've pushed it harder just for fun, but you don't want to be in the same room for very long when you do it. Every other bass amp I've owned or played starts to get sloppy and lose tone when pushed hard - I've cranked the hell out of my DB750, and I couldn't make the power section clip. It just sits there happily while it pounds the hell out of you and everything else anywhere near it.

This amplifier is overengineered to an absolutely ridiculous degree. Even with the master volume at 100%, the DB750 is dead quiet at idle. You will hear the cooling fans, but I think many people here are exaggerating a little. I've recorded with this amp at several VERY high end studios, and the engineers have never once hinted at isolating the cabinet.

Some people have said that it won't do the "hi-fi" thing.. I completely disagree. That endless reserve of power and instant response are the essence of just that. You can dial in all the brightness and "zing" to please the most rabid SWR enthusiast, and it's deceptively simple to get an incredible slap tone. Metalheads will love this amp as well. Put the gain up around 2 o'clock to dial in a little tube grit, suck out the mids, flip the bright and deep switches on.. Bam. I've found myself playing punk every now and then as well, and even though it's not my thing to use a pick, the DB750 loves it. Dime both pickups on your Jazz, grab a pick, and start plucking - you'll be inspired by it. Really.

One thing to consider with this amplifier - use high end cabinets with drivers capable of handling large amounts of power. The DB750 will expose a ****ty cabinet for what it is.

The only other thing I can say is this: If you're not in the market for an amp that costs this much, don't play through the DB750 - you won't be happy with anything else until you get one of your own. That's what happened to me.

Anyone familiar with how Aguilar does things in their NYC shop knows how uncompromisingly dedicated they are to producing quality amplifiers. The 10 year warranty Aguilar puts on every single DB product shows just how serious they are.

This is not my first, nor my only Aguilar product - I also own an AG500SC, two GS112 cabinets (with consecutive serial numbers... How cool is that?), and a GS410 cabinet. I average about 12 - 15 gigs per month, and most of those are high volume gigs. I have never had a single issue with any of my Aguilar gear. These things are built to last forever, and it shows. A friend of mine took a peak inside my DB750 and looked at me with wide eyes.. "I worked on electronics in the military for 14 years, and we have million dollar pieces of equipment that aren't built anywhere near this nice."

See what I'm saying?

Now, I'm really really nice to my gear, but **** happens. My DB750 has been in an SKB rack ever since I took it out of the box, but I'd be lying if I said it hadn't been dropped, fallen off of a hand truck a few times, etc.. Zero issues whatsoever. This amp is always ready and willing to work and work and work. Night after night. Flawlessly. I never bring a backup for two reasons:
1) This amp weighs almost 50 lbs on its own, and its weight isn't exactly balanced. Once I load it and a cabinet up, I'm done moving ****.
2) If you can't trust your gear, why are you playing out? Get something built properly and be done with it.

I have talked to the guys at Aguilar a few times, by phone and email. These guys know their product up and down, and can intelligently answer anything you throw at them without having to consult a manual or read from a script. They're all musicians and are very passionate about what they do. They won't brush you off, make you feel stupid, or act like you're wasting their time. They will take the time to answer everything you ask, and are happy to do it. Very friendly and very professional. I'm not one of their superstar endorsers, not a "rockstar", nothing.. But they treat you like the fate of their company depends on your satisfaction. Ampeg, are you taking notes?

I've been playing professionally for 15 years, and have owned a massively ridiculous amount of gear: I've owned SWR's (SM900 and Super Redhead), Ampegs (SVT-CL, SVT4Pro, SVT 450H), Ashdown (ABM500 EVOII, Perfect Ten, Electric Blue 15-180), Warwick (Pro FET 3), and a GK 1001RB. I honestly can't compare the DB750 to any of the above, because it's just such a dramatically different experience. Calling the DB750 an amplifier is almost an insult - I consider it more of an instrument. It has a soul, and it will make you play differently, better, cleaner, more musically. I've never been inspired by an amplifier before, but here it is.

Basically, to put it all in short and simple terms.. I've found myself in almost every playing situation imaginable in the 8 months I've owned this amplifier, and in the right hands it will do anything you ask of it better than you ever could have imagined. I cannot say anything negative about the tone of the DB750, because I've never heard anything that sounded this good. I played through everything I could find (regardless of price) before buying the DB750, and as far as I'm concerned, there is nothing out there that can touch it.

If it were stolen or lost, I'd be pretty ****ing upset. Of course I'd replace it with another one as soon as possible, but sometimes it's not that easy. This amplifier is becoming more and more popular, and people don't seem to mind the price tag because they know what they're paying for, and they know it's more than worth it. This puts people like me at a distinct disadvantage, because due to Aguilar's small staff (a little more than 10 people, last time I checked), production is limited. There was a 4 month backorder on this amp when I bought mine (luckily, a local dealer had one on hand brand new in the box). You can find a used one every now and then on Ebay, but you know you should buy it new, right?

Overall, this is the last bass amp I will ever buy. Unless I end up being some sort of super successful ??ber bassist touring all over the world.. Haha. Right. In that unlikely event, I'll buy three more. Until then, this one will do just fine.

I'll this a 10 for having just the right amount of features. Three band EQ is very easy to use and somehow this amp manages to make all my basses sound great with EQ close to flat. Has a "bright" switch that is nicely voiced for slap style, and a "deep" switch that adds a a little bottom for a 5-string.

I play a Sadowsky (maple fingerboard) for funk and I use an F-Bass (ebony fretboard) or a Fender P-bass for blues or blues rock. This amp captures the highs of a single coil pickup and maple fingerboard more beautifully than any other amp I've played. It has a beautiful presence that I only expect to find in an all-tube amp. That's why I was surprised that it also works well for slap style as long as you are not looking for a very dry tone. But what I love about this amp is the way it seems to breath and bring to life nuances of your playing. All-tube amps often have this characteristic, but the DB750 always captures nuances in a flattering way. This amp brings out the best in all my basses. Work with the gain to get a ballsy sound or a very clean tone.

Have not had any trouble in the year I've owned it. Aguilar has built a great reputation.

Never had to deal with Aguilar.

Been a musician for decades. Bass was one of the first instruments I picked up and it remains my favorite. To me, bass is about the groove, and this amp's presence, great bottom end and ability to bring out the tone of an instrument make this the best overall choice. There are other amps that I enjoy playing through, but when it comes time to chose one, no doubt, this is it.

I bought an early model om ebay for $1200.I play country music and rock n roll in bar's.It has lot's of power but not enough ball's. Sounds wimpy like an ampeg for it's poer rating !!

I play a Stingray 5 and a Lackland jazz through an ampeg 810. The fan is very noisey. It sounds like a plane starting up.It is plenty loud but very wimpy sounding, like a trace or a ampeg. It is also very heavy, would make a great boat anchor !!!

It did seem reliable as long as I could stand to play it. I finally unplugged and went straight through the board with my stingray. The amp does'nt seem to cut through the mix at all.

I did call Aguilar and they were very helpful and knowelgable. Ten year warrenty !! Did'nt need any repair's.

I have been playing for 30 year's and this was a very dissappointing experience. It looked good but weigh a ton and sonds very unfull, empty. Definately buy an eden and leave these for the guy's who don't know there sound. I would even take a mesa or swr over this, it's a tossup with ampeg, and GK. The new Markbass stuff sounds great to.t's a little pricey but so is the DB750. Overall I was disappointed !!!

The DB750 is a single channel amp that has been around for a number of years. I guess it hasnt gone through any changes because it is just so good. It is a single channel Amp, but the tonal control is just amazing. It is fully featured with Balanced DI with gorund lift and pre and post EQ switching, Tuner out with Muting,Bright and Bass boost swithcing. The main controls are simply Gain, Treble,Mid, Bass and Master Vol. Simple in design yet so versatile tonally.
The amp has a Tube pre amp driving a 750 watt (@4ohm) mosfet back end.
The power and sensitivity of this thing is amazing

This amp just wants to work. I have owned many amps over the years, but nothing compares to the Aguilar. I have never played an Amp that responds to my right hand the way this thing does...the dynamics are brilliant.
I play a wide range of styles and the DB750 can just do it all.
The fans are a little noisy compared to other amps I have owned , but I dont care, it just doesnt matter in the scheme of things.
I am using my DB750 with Aguilars GS412- 4x12 cab and together, the head and box work like nothing I have ever played before. I'm not sure I can find the words to describe how good this rig sounds...if you are in the market, I strongly suggest you check it out.

I have only had my Aggie a short time and so far - no problems.

I have had no need to contact.

I have been playing for 30 years or more and have owned just about every bass and amp over the years. The Aguilar DB 750 with the GS412 cab. is without question the best rig I have ever used...by a long way. I have owned Ampegs, SWR,etc etc and they are fine amps...its just that the Aggie has raised the bar.
The only downer is the weight, but that is just how it is....I'm into sound and I guess there is always a price to pay.
If my Aggie were stolen I would rush out and grab another one....right after I killed the mongrel who stole it !!

Purchased brand new from TODOBAJOS in Madrid - SPAIN.
the features are well expalined at the webpage: www.aguilaramp.com

I have a Huamani 5 string fretless bass and a Warwick Corvette FNA 5 string with MM pickup. before buying this head I used a SWR bass 350 head (with a 4X10 goliath III speaker.) all with monster cables.

Ok I??m not going to say anything bad about the SWR head because it never failed me and the sound is good, but never could get to "tone heaven"... but the Aguilar WOOOW!!, before buying it I tried it with some of the bass that TODOBAJOS was selling (Windmill with MM pickup, Sadowsky....) and my fretless bass, and the sound was incredible every time...I love more the sound of passive pickups but to be honest with the big guy everithing sounds awesome, punchy,clear... I also tried it with the GS410 and the GS112 cabinet (in my opinion, the GS112 is perfect for fretless basses.. I??m saving to buy this litle guy)

It comes with 10 years waranty.

I wrote to aguilar for some questions and the response was very quick and friendly

I tried lots of amp heads: Hartke, Galien Krueger, the new Sadowsky all tube amp head (this one also sounds really sweet), Ampeg, SWR... they all have something to offer but the sound that was always in my head came alive with the Aguilar DB750 and the fact that it??s not an all tube amp head but has an all tube preamp makes it perfect for me.

I know the price is OUCHHH!!!... but for me this is the last amp head I??m going to buy, and thats saving money.

Bought this amps directly from Aguilar in 2005.
This is a hybrid amp 3U rack-spaces high and weighs about 45lbs. It puts out 750 watts @ 4 ohms, 975 watts @ 2 ohms and has 4 tubes in the preamp Section: Three 12AX7s and one 12AU7. The power amp is composed of 12 MOSFETS. The amp has a 45-second self check diagnostic circuitry everytime you turn it on. It's great for peace of mind but if you ever have a gig and loose power you'll have to wait for the 45 seconds to be able to start playing again after startup.

It has an input jack with a small active/passive switch.
EQ is Gain,Treble, Mid, Bass and master volume. It has bright and deep switches.Also has Send and Return knobs in the from to control the amount of signal for your pedals or effect units. Has a front mounted Jensen DI with ground switch and pre-post eq switch.
In the end it has a Operate/Mute switch. The Power switch is on the back of the unit along with a tuner out, send and return inputs, footswitch input, poweramp in and preamp out jacks. The amp has only 2 Speakon speaker outlets.

To me it has all the features I need. but I'll keep it at 9 because of the Power switch on the back and because some people may want a thousand knobs and switches.

Ive owned and played a lot of amps in my life. GK 400s, 800s,1001s, Ampeg SVT2s, SVT3s, SVT4s, Hartke 3500s, MESA 400+, Behringer Ultrabass, Fender TBP-1 preamp, BBE BMAX and BMAX-T preamps with carvin DCM1500 and QSC PLX3002 power amps.

I love the sound of tube amps but dislike the weight and maintanance issues. I found this amp ands read a lot about it before purchasing. I got it w/o trying it first and I'll never be dissappointed. This is the BEST amp I've ever heard/played or owned. I describe the sound as pure GIRTH and AUTHORITY. It just gives you the attitude of a great all-tube amp while getting much cleaner and clearer than tubes. The amp has a ridiculous amount of power. Each note comes out with a loud roar and sounds so warm and punchy. I always play with the EQ flat and it sounds great as is. I've used it with Aguilars GS410, GS112s, S810, Ampeg SVT810s, SVT410+ SVT18 and more. The amps just has a warmth nature to it no matter what cab you play it with. It WON'T do the "hi-fi" crazy tapping, slapping, sliccing thing. It is a great pop, rock, funk, R&B, blues amp IMO. A great amp for anyone that loves BASS, punch, warmth and growl. The DI sound is great. I've gotten compliments from a lot of sound enginners and musicians.

I doubt I'll find a better amp in the foreseeable future. Its expensive but so is spending tousands on different amps to find the sound that's in you head. Try one out, you wont be dissappointed!!

Have gigged with it a lot during my 2-years of ownership. never had a problem. Built like a tank.

Dealt with Aguilar about 30 times and always came out happy and satisfied. Great people behind awesome products.

As you may have noticed I love Aguilar gear and I'm in love with this amp. It is a roadworthy, vicious sounding, reliable professional peice of equipment. It even looks beautiful.
It would be better only if Aguilar could defy physics and make this amp 1U and 10lbs.
In the meantime I'm happy with this DB750 as it is.

Bought this amp used and have been trying it with a variety of cabinets on several rock gigs. It has more than enough power for any gig I can imagine playing plus refreshingly simple controls that are easy to adjust on the fly while in stage.

I run the DB750 through an Eden 4x10 mostly. The sound is warm and thick, but never murky. I replaced an Alembic FX-1 with this amp, and my band immediately commented on how tight my tone got overnight. The midrange is sweet, the low is focused, and the high end isn't harsh. Great classic tube sound.

I had this shipped form the East Coast and it survived that journey w/o an issue. I lug this hefty amp around in an SBK case and it's been very reliable so far.

NA

The only negatives I can say about it are the weight of the unit and the fairly loud fan, which may only be a problem when recording. I really wish I bought this earlier since I love the tone of the unit and punch I now get out of my rig. Highly recommended.

The DB750 sounds so good! This is first time i have realized how much my basses on-board controls effect overall tone. ussually I am working with my head and bass to dial in the perfect tone for funk or jazz. with this head, I just leave everything alone, and dial in my sound from the bass. It reproduces sound crystal clear and puchy!

I use a four string aniversary series Alembic and a five string brian moore bass(both with stock pickups, though I may be changing that). There is a dracstic difference in gain between the two even though they are both active, but they both sound great!
I am running it at 4 ohms into an Eden 410XST and a matching 115. To be honest, they sound better than they ever did through my Eden amp. The low end is all there, but totaly tight.

only owned it for a month. I did buy it used, however, and it is one year old from what they told me at the store.

I have been playing for twenty years. I have a studio packed with gear now, and this thing really shines!