Aguilar Tone Hammer

The Aguilar Tone Hammer is a highly regarded bass amplifier series known for its warm, tube-inspired tones, lightweight design, and versatility.

History of the Aguilar Tone Hammer

• Introduction (2011): The Aguilar Tone Hammer series was launched in 2011, combining the preamp circuitry of the popular Tone Hammer pedal with a Class D power amp section. This innovation aimed to address the perception that early Class D amps sounded sterile by delivering a lightweight amplifier with the warmth and character of classic tube amps.
• Design Features: The Tone Hammer series includes models like the Tone Hammer 350, 500, and 700. These amps are equipped with a 3-band EQ featuring sweepable midrange controls, a proprietary Drive circuit (AGS—Adaptive Gain Shaping) for tube-like grit and harmonic richness, and versatile connectivity options such as DI outputs and effects loops. The amps are celebrated for their portability, weighing under five pounds while delivering up to 700 watts of power.
• Tonal Characteristics: The Tone Hammer amps are known for their 'pillowy' low-end warmth, smooth mids, and subtle overdrive capabilities. They excel at emulating the soulful character of vintage tube amps while maintaining clarity and punch, making them suitable for a variety of genres from funk to rock.
• Legacy: The Tone Hammer series has become a staple among bassists worldwide due to its reliability, tonal flexibility, and ability to blend seamlessly into live and studio settings. In 2024, Aguilar introduced second-generation models with upgraded hardware and expanded features like universal connectivity and enhanced cabinet pairing options.

Popular Settings

• Classic Warm Tone:
  • Gain: 9 o'clock
  • Drive: Off or minimal
  • Bass: Slight boost (1 o'clock)
  • Midrange: Flat or slight cut (11 o'clock)
  • Treble: Noon
  • Ideal for foundational rock or soul bass lines.
• Funky Slap Bass:
  • Gain: Noon
  • Drive: Off
  • Bass: Boosted (2 o'clock)
  • Midrange: Slight cut (10 o'clock)
  • Treble: Boosted (2 o'clock)
  • Perfect for slap or percussive playing styles.
• Tube-Like Overdrive:
  • Gain: Noon
  • Drive: Engaged at 1-2 o'clock
  • Bass: Flat or slight boost
  • Midrange: Boosted (1 o'clock)
  • Treble: Flat
  • Great for rock or gritty tones.
• Modern Clean Sound:
  • Gain: Minimal (9-10 o'clock)
  • Drive: Off
  • EQ flat or slightly scooped mids.
  • Suitable for jazz or high-fidelity applications.

Notable Players

The Aguilar Tone Hammer has been embraced by numerous professional bassists across genres:

• Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck/Nine Inch Nails): Known for his versatile tone in both rock and electronic settings.
• Eva Gardner (P!nk): Relies on the Tone Hammer's warm yet articulate sound for pop and rock performances.
• Tim Lefebvre (Tedeschi Trucks Band/David Bowie): Uses the amp's Drive feature to craft gritty, dynamic tones.
• Adam Blackstone (The Roots/Justin Timberlake): A go-to amp for his session work due to its tonal flexibility.

Summary

The Aguilar Tone Hammer remains a favorite among discerning bassists for its ability to deliver vintage-inspired warmth in a modern, portable package. Its legacy continues to grow as it evolves with new iterations tailored to meet the demands of today's players.