MESA/Boogie has announced the release of the Bass-800D, a Class D-powered reimagining of the iconic Bass 400+. Handcrafted in Petaluma, California, the new amplifier fuses the soul of Mesa’s legendary tube bass head with forward-looking design cues from the Subway line, resulting in a modern workhorse that delivers uncompromising tone without the weight.
The original Bass 400+ reigned throughout the 1980s and ’90s as a go-to for world-class bassists across genres. With its all-tube preamp, 12x6L6 output section, and powerful 7-band graphic EQ, it became a studio and stage favorite for its punch, clarity, and commanding presence – earning fans such as Sir Paul McCartney. Now, the Bass-800D channels that same character in a lighter, more versatile package.
“The Bass-800D is a reflection of our commitment to legacy products, respecting the past while addressing the evolution of music, features, and playing styles,” said Andy Field, Product Development Engineer for MESA/Boogie. “We listened, we developed, and we built the next step in our Subway Bass series legacy.”
At its core, the tube preamp takes inspiration directly from the Bass 400+, augmented by Boogie Channel topography borrowed from the Subway TT-800. The result is expanded tonal range, with added gain for subtle, musically rich overdrive textures.
Instead of the 400+’s graphic EQ, the Bass-800D offers a streamlined but versatile front panel featuring LOW/HIGH preamp gain switch, DEEP/BRIGHT voicing switches, and a variable High Pass Filter (HPF). These tools provide fast access to tone shaping, whether tightening up the lows, adding sparkle to the highs, or taming frequencies that clutter the mix.
By leveraging Class D power, the Bass-800D retains the tonal DNA of the 400+ while being significantly more portable. From R&B and jazz to stadium rock, it offers tube warmth, responsive dynamics, and modern flexibility in a compact design built for the demands of the gigging bassist.
The MESA/Boogie Bass-800D is available here for $999. You can also keep up with all our MESA/Boogie coverage right here.
