Mesa/Boogie Bass 400

$1,200.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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Price

$1,200.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $1,200

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Discover the power and precision of the Mesa/Boogie Bass 400, a legendary bass amplifier head known for its robust performance and exceptional tonal versatility. Crafted for the discerning bassist, this amplifier head is engineered to deliver 400 watts of pure tube power, making it ideal for both intimate gigs and larger venues. With its all-tube design, the Bass 400 offers a warm, rich sound that can be fine-tuned to suit any style, from punchy rock lines to smooth jazz grooves.

The Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 is equipped with a comprehensive EQ section, allowing players to sculpt their sound with precision. The three-band EQ and additional parametric mid control provide deep customization, ensuring your bass tones cut through the mix with clarity and presence. Built to endure the rigors of the road, this amplifier head boasts a rugged construction, combining durability with a sleek aesthetic that will complement any stage setup.

Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or commanding the stage, the Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 stands as a testament to uncompromising quality and innovation in bass amplification.

Key Features:

400 watts of all-tube power for dynamic sound
Three-band EQ with parametric mid control for versatile tone shaping
Rugged construction ideal for touring and stage use
Renowned for its warm, rich tonal quality
Reliable and durable design tailored for professional musicians

Product specs

Brand	Mesa Boogie
Model	Bass 400 2-Channel 400-Watt Rackmount Bass Amp Head
Finish	Black
Year	1985 - 1989
Made In	United States
Categories	Bass Heads
Built-In Effects	No Built-In Effects
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Tube
Impedance	4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	400
Power Tube Type	None
Reverb	None

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Bass 400?: The Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 is known for its powerful, warm tube tone with a robust low end, making it ideal for rock and metal genres. Its dual-channel design allows for versatile sound shaping, from clean to gritty overdrive.
Is the Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its 400-watt output, the Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 provides ample power for live performances, ensuring your bass cuts through the mix effectively, even in larger venues.
Does the Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 have built-in effects?: No, the Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 does not include built-in effects, allowing you to use external pedals or processors to customize your sound.
What kind of tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 use?: The Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 is a tube amplifier, but it does not specify a particular power tube type, focusing instead on delivering a classic tube-driven sound.
How many channels does the Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 have?: The Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 features two channels, providing flexibility in switching between different tones or settings during a performance.

Videos

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The Guitologist

Another DOOZY! - Mesa Boogie Tube Bass 400 Head Repair

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Bass 400.

Setup and maintenance

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The amp's stock biasing keeps tubes cold, extending tube life but requiring costly retubing with 12 6L6GC tubes when necessary.
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It's advised not to run the amp without a matched speaker load due to potential damage.
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Inspect for visible damage and ensure supply voltages are stable before powering up without tubes.
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Recapping the amp is necessary as it ages, costing a few hundred dollars for quality parts.
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The 400+ features many caps, but board-mounted ones simplify maintenance compared to models like the D-180.
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The PCB in some Mesa Bass 400 models may have mislabeled power supply caps, requiring verification of original orientation during repairs to avoid incorrect polarity.
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Owners often find issues like broken solder joints on screen resistors and shorting input jacks, necessitating detailed inspections and adjustments.
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Power tube sockets may need cleaning and re-tensioning to ensure proper function, especially in older or pre-owned units.
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Features and functionality

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Known for its bass-heavy and aggressive sound, ideal for rock, but some find the EQ overly complex and difficult to dial in precisely.
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Use cases and applications

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Best suited for large venues with 200+ capacity due to its power and presence; less practical for smaller settings.
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Comparisons

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Preferred over by some for its specific sound profile, yet compared to Ampeg SVT for those favoring a defined tonal direction.
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User experience

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Owners often replace it with lighter, more portable amps like the GK 700rb2 for convenience, highlighting its weight as a drawback.
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The amp's capacitors can hold significant charge, posing a risk if handled by beginners.
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Mods and upgrades

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Replacing the fixed power cord with an IEC connector requires cutting into the chassis, which is not trivial.
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Build quality

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Some power supply components, like grid resistors and preamp filter caps, may have incorrect values needing replacement for optimal performance.
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It's noted that the 220uf/300V caps are prone to damage or leakage, possibly during shipping, necessitating replacement in some cases.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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fc_bass

373

almost 8 years ago

SOUND!

This is a tone monster with very much power, used to slave into a Strategy 400 but gave up on that because sound engineers were going crazy :-) Old version with 6x6550 output tubes, I use it with two 1x15 Mesa Diesel cabs

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal

Artist usage

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Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

Verified via Photo

A Mesa/Boogie 400 is seen behind Paul in his studio.

Jeff Ament

Bassist

Pearl Jam

Verified via YouTube

In the video "Pearl Jam - 1991-08-23 Seattle, WA (Full Concert)" by pjvideoguy on YouTube, at 1:11 and throughout, a Mesa/Boogie Bass 400 head can be seen in the backline, confirming its use by bassist Jeff Ament during this performance.

Jeremy Kerr

Singer, Bassist

A Certain Ratio

Verified via Muzines

From the January 1993 issue of Sound on Sound:

BASS Mesa Boogie Bass 400 head cabinet Korg DTI Pro Digital Tuner

Phil Hartley

Bassist, Music Producer

Space

Verified via MusicRadar

"I used to use Ampeg SVTs and Mesa Boogie 400s, but there was a lot of sub and a lot of top end, but hardly any mids from the 8x10, so I’m with Ashdown now."