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Average Price: $1,200

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the deep end of the sound spectrum with the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head, a powerhouse of bass amplification. This marvel seamlessly blends vintage warmth with modern clarity, thanks to its KT88 vacuum tube power section and a meticulously engineered preamp. Whether on the stage or in the studio, its versatile EQ and voicing options, including a five-position voicing switch, cater to every tone aficionado's dream. With the Bass Prodigy, your bass will not just be heard; it will be felt.

Key Features:

  • Selectable 125 or 250 watt KT88 vacuum tube power section for unmatched warmth and clarity
  • Active treble and bass controls with a passive mid knob to sculpt your perfect tone
  • Five-position voicing switch offers unparalleled versatility in sound shaping
  • Three 12AX7 vacuum tubes in the preamp for rich, harmonic content
  • Balanced XLR line output for direct recording or live performance
  • Buffered effects loop for seamless integration of external effects

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Bass Prodigy Four:88 250-Watt Bass Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2013 - 2018
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 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 250
Power Tube Type KT88
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head?

The Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head delivers a warm, punchy tone characteristic of tube amplifiers, with a focus on clarity and definition. This amp is ideal for players seeking a vintage-inspired sound with modern reliability.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 250-watt output, the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom to cut through in band settings.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head work well with effects pedals?

The Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head takes pedals well, making it versatile for bassists who use effects in their setup, thanks to its tube-driven design which handles dynamic and tonal changes smoothly.

What types of power tubes are used in the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head?

The Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head uses KT88 power tubes, known for their robust low-end response and high output, making them a great choice for bass amplification.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head handle both 4-ohm and 8-ohm cabinets?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head is designed to work with both 4-ohm and 8-ohm cabinets, offering flexibility in choosing speaker configurations.

Bass Club Chicago

Bass Club Chicago

Mesa Boogie Prodigy Tube Bass Head demo by Bass Club Chicago

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Prodigy Tube Bass Head demo by Bass Club Chicago by Bass Club Chicago

Mesa Boogie Prodigy Tube Bass Head demo by Bass Club Chicago

Bass Club Chicago

Bass Club Chicago

Video thumbnail for Richmond Music Center: Mesa-Boogie Prodigy Bass Amp Demo and Review by RichmondMusicCenter

Richmond Music Center: Mesa-Boogie Prodigy Bass Amp Demo and Review

RichmondMusicCenter

RichmondMusicCenter

Video thumbnail for Bass Tube Amps vs Solid State Amps!!!! Featuring the Mesa Subway D-800 and the Mesa Prodigy Four:88 by Marvin Martelly

Bass Tube Amps vs Solid State Amps!!!! Featuring the Mesa Subway D-800 and the Mesa Prodigy Four:88

Marvin Martelly

Marvin Martelly

Video thumbnail for Mesa Engineering Bass Prodigy Four:88 All Tube Bass Amplifier Review & Demo by Marvin Martelly

Mesa Engineering Bass Prodigy Four:88 All Tube Bass Amplifier Review & Demo

Marvin Martelly

Marvin Martelly

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone quality, surpassing many users' experiences with other amps

  • Versatile features like variable wattage and a buffered effects loop enhance performance

  • Compact and lightweight for a tube amp, facilitating portability

  • Durable construction, made in the USA

  • Intuitive EQ and voice settings allow for easy sound customization

  • Provides powerful output even at half power setting

  • Includes a user-friendly manual that simplifies operation

  • Features like the footswitch add functionality for live performances

  • Effective for a wide range of instruments, not just bass guitars

  • Customer service is helpful and responsive

CONS

  • May be considered pricey compared to solid-state alternatives

  • Tube amps require more maintenance than solid-state amps

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Mesa TT-800 is noted for its two channels offering distinct voicings, making it a more versatile choice compared to others like the Darkglass Microtubes V2.

    Source
  • Class D amps, like the Darkglass M500v2, are praised for their compactness and power but are noted for difficult repairs due to their complex internal components.

    Source
  • The Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 or 700 is noted for its ability to break up well when gain is pushed, offering a grindy tone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Mesa Bass Prodigy offers an all-tube design, providing a different tone experience compared to Class D amps like the Subway TT-800.

    Source
  • It's highlighted that Class D amps, including models from Darkglass, can operate without a cab, doubling as a practice amp or DI for recording setups.

    Source
  • The Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy 4:88 is praised for its half power feature, which allows for adaptability in various performance settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the Mesa TT-800 pairs excellently with a 4-ohm cab, delivering stellar performance and making other amps like the Darkglass M500v2 less used.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Tube amps, like the Mesa D-180, tend to be more affordable on the used market since fewer people want to transport them.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Amp Lab: Mesa Boogie Prodigy | Bass Gear Magazine

bassgearmag.com

The Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head impresses with its robust construction and sophisticated engineering, making it a great choice for bassists who want a high-quality tube amp without the bulk. Its tonal flexibility, highlighted by features like the Input Select switch and Voice control, offers a wide range of sound-shaping possibilities. However, the amp’s LED glow might not appeal to everyone, and its price point could be a drawback for some. Overall, the Prodigy is lauded for its powerful output and rich tones, making it a strong contender for both live performances and studio work, though it lacks some features of its bigger sibling, the Strategy.

positive

Mesa/Boogie Strategy and Prodigy Bass Heads and TRADITIONAL POWERHOUSE 410 and 810 Bass Cabs | Bass Gear Magazine

bassgearmag.com

The Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head impresses with its powerful yet portable design, retaining the distinct rich and articulate tone Mesa/Boogie is known for. The review praises its tonal versatility and features like the Silent Recording option and adjustable bias, which enhance usability for various settings. While it lacks Speakon outputs and the high-end clarity of its predecessors, the Prodigy shines with its dynamic sound and intelligent design. For those seeking a robust tube head with modern conveniences, this amp stands out, though it may not suit those prioritizing pristine high frequencies.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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william_fletcher

Two in the back line

Again a main stay in my back line much underrated

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the MESA/Boogie Bass Prodigy Four:88 w/ MESA/Boogie Traditional Powerhouse cab is listed in this blog

See how Joel Bruyere uses Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head

Joel Bruyere

Bassist

Thousand Foot Krutch

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

He is listed as a Mesa/Boogie artist on their website and has the gear he uses listed on his page.

See how Tony Hall uses Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head

Tony Hall

Bassist

Dave Matthews & Friends

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Mesa Bass Strategy & Prodigy with Dumpstaphunk's Nick & Tony" by MESA/Boogie, it is confirmed in the video's description that bassist Tony Hall uses the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head.

See how Andrew Pressman uses Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head

Andrew Pressman

Bassist

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

According to the artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, bassist Andrew Pressman is confirmed to use the Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Four:88 Amp Head.

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 Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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