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Average Price: $1,000

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Aguilar AG 500 sets a new standard for bass amplifier heads, offering dual-channel versatility in a compact, lightweight package. With its robust 500-watt MOSFET Class D power section, this amp head is engineered to deliver dynamic and authoritative sound for any performance setting. Channel one is all about clean, punchy tones, enhanced by a sophisticated 4-band active EQ that allows you to sculpt your sound with precision. Channel two, on the other hand, invites you into a world of sonic exploration, featuring a passive EQ and an overdrive section that ranges from subtle warmth to aggressive grit—perfect for those who crave vintage tube amp textures.

Connectivity is a breeze with the Aguilar AG 500. It boasts an effects loop with a push/pull send pot for line or instrument level, and a push/pull return pot for both parallel and series operation, ensuring seamless integration with your pedalboard. The head is equipped with two Speakon and two 1/4" outputs, along with an XLR balanced D.I. out and pre/post-EQ switches, making it stage and studio-ready.

Whether you're on the road or in the studio, the Aguilar AG 500 is designed for ease of use and portability, complete with side handles and removable rack ears. The included footswitch for channel selection and mute offers hands-free control, allowing you to focus solely on your performance.

Key Features:

  • 500-watt MOSFET Class D power section
  • Dual-channel operation with clean and overdrive options
  • 4-band active EQ on Channel 1; passive EQ on Channel 2
  • Effects loop with push/pull send and return pots
  • Two Speakon and two 1/4" outputs
  • XLR balanced D.I. out with pre/post-EQ switches
  • Includes footswitch for channel select and mute
  • Lightweight design with side handles and removable rack ears

Product specs

Brand Aguilar
Model AG 500 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2004 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Bass Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 500
Power Tube Type None
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Aguilar AG 500 bass amp head?

The Aguilar AG 500 offers a versatile tonal palette with its two channels. Channel one provides a clean, full tone with a 4-band active EQ, while channel two features a passive EQ section with a versatile overdrive, making it suitable for various musical styles.

Is the Aguilar AG 500 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Aguilar AG 500 is well-suited for live performances with its 500-watt power output, ensuring ample volume and headroom for gigging bassists. Its solid-state design and dual preamps provide reliability and tonal flexibility on stage.

Does the Aguilar AG 500 have an effects loop?

Yes, the Aguilar AG 500 features an effects loop, allowing you to integrate external effects into your signal chain for enhanced tonal options during performances or recording sessions.

How portable is the Aguilar AG 500 bass amp head?

The Aguilar AG 500 is relatively portable, weighing 18 lbs and featuring a side handle for easy transport. Additionally, it includes removable rack ears for convenient integration into rack setups.

What connectivity options does the Aguilar AG 500 provide?

The Aguilar AG 500 offers versatile connectivity with 2 Speakon and 2 - 1/4" outputs, an XLR balanced D.I. out with a pre and post EQ switch, a tuner out, and a single input for streamlined setup and performance flexibility.

Stan Korchagin

Stan Korchagin

Aguilar AG500.avi

Video thumbnail for Aguilar AG500.avi by Stan Korchagin

Aguilar AG500.avi

Stan Korchagin

Stan Korchagin

Video thumbnail for Aguilar's Newest Amps Sound INCREDIBLE! by Patrick Hunter

Aguilar's Newest Amps Sound INCREDIBLE!

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional clarity and rich tones that surpass many competitors

  • Lightweight design makes it portable and stage-friendly

  • Dual Channel version with footswitch supports versatile setups

  • Front-side effects loop and D.I. for easy stage setup

  • Super responsive EQs enhance sound customization

  • Provides a high-end boutique sound through any cab

  • 500W power handles larger venues with ease

CONS

  • Initial quality control issues led to receiving a defective unit

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Aguilar AG 500.

User experience

  • Owners report the Aguilar AG 500's fan noise can be intrusive in small studio settings, suggesting it's better suited for live performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Mesa Subway 350 is highlighted as a quieter alternative for studio use, with owners expressing satisfaction with its silent operation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's common for bass amp heads like the AG 500 to have cooling fans, which may be noisy but are essential for heat management.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Aguilar AG 500

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Aguilaramp

Used with DB 810 and DB 412 cabs, according to Aguilar's official site.

See how Paul Turner uses Aguilar AG 500

Paul Turner

Bassist

Jamiroquai

...
Verified via Aguilaramp

Listed on Paul's official Aguilar page.

See how John Patitucci uses Aguilar AG 500

John Patitucci

Bassist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via Aguilaramp

"Aguilar is a company that is devoted to the beauty of a warm, clear and tight, bass sound. Amps designed by bass players who understand what is needed. These amps feature the richness of sound that comes from tubes. They sound great, whether it is electric or acoustic bass, live or studio, for any style of music you can think of. They also look great! I love my Aguilar amps and I also appreciate the company for their straightforward, caring and honest way of doing business."

See how John Davis uses Aguilar AG 500

John Davis

Singer, Bassist

Superdrag

...
Verified via Tayste

Amps and cabinets are Aguilar, and I use an AG500sc into a DB212 around town.

See how Branden Campbell uses Aguilar AG 500

Branden Campbell

Singer, Bassist

Neon Trees

...
Verified via Aguilaramp

Listed on Branden's official Aguilar page.

See how Chris Chaney uses Aguilar AG 500

Chris Chaney

Bassist

AC/DC

...
Verified via Aguilaramp

"I also use the Tone Hammer 500 and the AG 500. For a lot of the sessions I do – like film dates – I just bring the AG 500! I did that movie Identity Theft, and I used the distortion channel on the AG 500 anytime they needed that sound and it was great, I didn’t have to add any pedals to my signal chain! I just dialed that tone in and it sounded amazing. I blended that with the clean DI signal and that was it!"

See how Nick Schendzielos uses Aguilar AG 500

Nick Schendzielos

Bassist

Job for a Cowboy

...
Verified via No Treble
See how Ryan Lerman uses Aguilar AG 500

Ryan Lerman

Guitarist, Bassist

Scary Pockets

...
Verified via YouTube

Ryan's YouTube channel description has a list of gear he uses, including an "Aguilar AG-500 Bass Amp".

See how Nate Query uses Aguilar AG 500

Nate Query

Bassist

The Decemberists

...
Verified via Aguilaramp

Listed on Nate's official Aguilar page.

See how Kaveh Rastegar uses Aguilar AG 500

Kaveh Rastegar

Bassist

Kneebody

...
Verified via Photo

Rastegar's go to amp.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Aguilar AG 500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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