JvJazz83 Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 Hi, guys! I'm just trying to figure out if a Promethean head might be the right amp for me. I currently own a GK MB200 head, playing to a GK MBE 210 cab (1. gen. with neo elements). This amp sound a little harsh and boomy to me playing my JV Jazz Bass. (Have to cut back the bass and treble a lot) An Ibanez Promethean head (P500H) has surfaced on a sales-page here in Norway for about the equivalent of £130. I have read many good things about this amp, but nearly nothing newer than 2015 or something. ( I know it's discontinued). I also read about the slow start issues, and will ask about that if I contact the seller. So. Is it fair to believe that the Promethean might give me a different sound going through the same GK cab? Can the eq and "vibe"(?) knob make it a little "warmer" sounding, with less of a mid scoop? Does anyone have these anymore? experience With both would be awesome. PS. Other amps i have been looking at in the 500-800w range, cost from £300 up used... Thanks in advance. Halvor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teebs Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 Not sure about the Promethean head, but I recently bought the little P20 practice amp & it's brilliant. Very well-but with a good range of sounds from such a little monster. If the head is anything like, I imagine it's very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrixn1 Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 I used to have a GK MB210 (the 500W combo version with the 2x10). I also still have a Harley Benton BA500H which is pretty much the same thing as the Promethean. It is my back-up amp and it sounds really nice with a P bass with flats through an old 1x15 cab and my particular playing style. I would say yes, it's easier to dial in a warmer tone compared to the GK. But there are so many variables involved. To take a different approach - how about a Zoom MS-60B, B3, or B1 pedal? You can plug this into your GK. It has many amp emulations built in, and flicking through them and tweaking is a lot quicker and cheaper than buying & selling heads when you are searching for your best sound or experimenting with all the options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JvJazz83 Posted May 15, 2019 Author Share Posted May 15, 2019 Thank you for your replies. I am looking for a second amp head anyway, so I thought I might try the Promethean. Get a little more power as well as have the ability to rehearse together with my 15 year old, who is just starting to learn. I play only as a hobby, so budget is tight. No paying gigs at the moment... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 I used to have the original Promethean combo, which featured the head you're talking about. It's an awesome piece, very loud with a nice warm tone. The graphic EQ is very useful and all in, if I'm honest, I wish I'd never sold mine. I have no idea why on earth they stopped making them, but it was a bad move. The newer ones are a bit pants... If I was you I'd go for it 😎 Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walliebal Posted May 16, 2019 Share Posted May 16, 2019 I remember the warm and round tones and power coming from a 15" combo I used on a gig once. I was impressed by the sound of this little Ibanez. I think it's a good amp for the price. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarlM Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 I've owned one for over 10 years and have gigged with it extensively. The only issue I've ever had with it is the clip light at higher volumes. I play through two cabs (1x15 and 2x10) at 4 ohm, getting the full 500 watts worth of power. I feel as though I'm pushing the limits of it and it will die on me (though it never has). The environments I play in are mostly clubs and outdoor events, with very LOUD drummers. So everyone has to adjust to that volume. I sometimes feel as though I need another 300-500 watts of headroom just so I'm not putting so much of a burden on it. It once rumbled right off the top of my speaker cab and onto the floor. Still worked! Aside from the clipping issue, its a great little beast. The tone is really good through my Jazz bass...smooth and rich with a good bottom and crisp highs. It comes with these funky feet posts that screw on/off. I use a foam pad without the feet to keep it from vibrating off my cabinet. It has been a steady and reliable workhorse for me for many years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aliwobble Posted February 22, 2022 Share Posted February 22, 2022 I had a Promethean P5110 combo for a while. Sounded absolutely fantastic for a about 12 months, and then it started spending its life at the repair shop. I still have the 1x10 cab it came in. If you find one of the old 500 watt heads that still works then grab it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.