Choosing Between the Aguilar Tone Hammer V1 and V2
The Aguilar Tone Hammer has long been one of the most trusted bass preamps on the market, known for its warm tone shaping, powerful mid control, and the signature AGS circuit. With the release of the Tone Hammer V2, many bassists are now wondering whether the upgrade is worth it, or if the original V1 still holds its ground.
In this guide, we break down the key differences between the Aguilar Tone Hammer V1 and V2, how each performs in real-world situations, and which version is better for your playing style, rig, and budget. Let’s get started!
Make sure to watch our video comparing the Aguilar Tone Hammer V1 and V2 side-by-side to hear the differences for yourself.
Aguilar Tone Hammer V1 Vs V2 Quick Summary
What’s New in the Tone Hammer V2
- Adds a dedicated Drive knob for controlling AGS overdrive.
- Includes a headphone output and aux input, making it ideal for home practice and silent sessions.
- Overall tone is cleaner, clearer, and more refined, especially at low-gain settings.
- More modern and versatile for gigging and practicing.
What Stays Strong With the Tone Hammer V1
- Delivers more gain on tap: a little goes a long way.
- Produces a thicker, wilder fuzz-like drive at higher settings.
- Simple layout that avoids option paralysis.
- Retains its reputation as a bassist staple for years.
Sound Comparison at a Glance
- V2: Squeaky-clean cleans, rich mids, smooth overdrive, more control.
- V1: More aggressive gain, rawer textures, fuller distortion character.
Who Should Get Each Version
- Choose V2 if: You want versatility, practice features, and smoother gain control.
- Choose V1 if: You prefer heavier drive, simplicity, and classic Tone Hammer grit.
Aguilar Tone Hammer V1 Vs V2 Features Overview
Before diving into tone differences, it’s important to understand what each version of the Tone Hammer brings to the table. Both remain true to Aguilar’s signature preamp design, but the V2 introduces new tools that modern bassists will appreciate.
Aguilar Tone Hammer V2: Modern, Versatile, and Practice-Ready
The Tone Hammer V2 keeps the soul of the original but adds functionality that today’s players need, especially those practicing or recording at home.
Main Features
- Dedicated Drive knob for controlling AGS saturation
- Headphone output for silent practice
- Aux input for playing along with tracks
- Cleaner overall tone with refined clarity
- Similar EQ section and workflow to the V1
- Better low-gain response and smoother drive behavior
The V2 essentially takes the original formula and makes it more versatile, especially for players who need a do-it-all preamp for gigs, recording, and home sessions.
Aguilar Tone Hammer V1: Classic, Proven, and Powerful
The Tone Hammer V1 has been a staple in the bass community for years. It’s known for its reliability and strong tonal shaping thanks to Aguilar’s active EQ and AGS circuit.
Main Features
- Three-band EQ with powerful midrange shaping
- AGS (Adaptive Gain Shaping) with a single Gain knob
- Warm, vintage-leaning tone character
- Compact, simple layout that avoids option overload
- Highly responsive to boosts in bass and treble
- Strong overdrive capability with plenty of gain on tap
The V1 has been used everywhere, from small bedroom rigs to massive live stages, and still holds up as one of the most respected bass preamp pedals available.
Aguilar Tone Hammer V1 Vs V2 Feature Comparison
When comparing the Tone Hammer V1 and V2 side-by-side, the differences become much clearer. Here’s how each version stacks up in terms of features, functionality, and real-world usability.
Drive Section
Tone Hammer V2
- Adds a dedicated Drive knob, giving much finer control over saturation.
- AGS tones are smoother and more refined.
- Easier to dial in subtle grit or mid-level drive.
Tone Hammer V1
- Uses the AGS circuit controlled only by the Gain knob.
- Produces more gain overall, capable of aggressive, fuzz-like tones.
- Simple, but can be sensitive. Small adjustments create big changes.
Verdict
V1 is raw and powerful; V2 offers precision and versatility.
EQ Flexibility
Both pedals share a three-band EQ with a strong midrange emphasis, and in practice they respond very similarly.
Tone Hammer V2
- Feels slightly cleaner and more “open.”
- Smooth behavior when boosting bass or treble.
Tone Hammer V1
- Natural warmth, responds well to bass and treble boosts.
- Slightly thicker mid character.
Verdict
Same foundation, but V2’s clarity makes EQ adjustments feel more controlled.
I/O and Practice Features
This is where the pedals really start to differ.
Tone Hammer V2
- Adds a headphone output, perfect for silent practice.
- Includes an aux input for jamming along with tracks.
- Much more apartment-friendly.
Tone Hammer V1
- Standard input/output.
- No headphone out or auxiliary input.
Verdict
V2 wins decisively for home practice and portability.
Usability & Workflow
Tone Hammer V2
- More flexible thanks to its Drive control and practice tools.
- Slightly more complex, but more adaptable to different situations.
Tone Hammer V1
- Minimal and straightforward.
- Great for gigging players who prefer simplicity and fewer controls.
Verdict
V2 = versatility.
V1 = simplicity.
Form Factor & Build
Both pedals share a nearly identical enclosure but differ in control layout.
Tone Hammer V2
- Updated layout to accommodate the Drive knob.
- Cleaner user experience for switching between clean and driven tones.
Tone Hammer V1
- Classic Aguilar layout.
- Only one footswitch (AGS).
Verdict
Both are built like tanks; V2 just offers more functional control.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing between the Aguilar Tone Hammer V1 and V2 ultimately depends on how you play, where you play, and what you value most in a preamp pedal.
Buy the Tone Hammer V2 if You Want:
- More control over your drive with a dedicated Drive knob
- Cleaner overall tones and a more refined response
- A pedal that works for gigs, recording, and silent practice
- Headphone out + aux input for apartment or late-night sessions
- A more modern, flexible take on the Tone Hammer sound
The V2 is the best choice for most players, especially gigging musicians or anyone practicing at home. It gives you smoother low-gain tones, better control over saturation, and far more functionality.
Buy the Tone Hammer V1 if You Want:
- More aggressive drive with tons of gain on tap
- A rawer, thicker, more vintage-leaning overdrive character
- A simpler, no-frills layout that avoids option overload
- The classic Tone Hammer feel that bassists have loved for over a decade
The V1 excels if you rely heavily on its saturated tones. When dimed, it produces a massive, fuzz-like bass distortion that, according to the demo, sounds fuller and rounder than the V2’s maxed-out drive. If you want the most “character,” V1 is the one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Drive Circuit the Same on the V1 and V2?
Both versions use the AGS circuit, but the V2 adds a dedicated Drive knob. This gives you much finer control over how much saturation is added, whereas the V1 relies entirely on the Gain knob to push the AGS into drive.
Which Tone Hammer Is Better for Practicing at Home?
The Tone Hammer V2 is the clear winner. Its headphone output and aux input let you practice silently and play along with tracks, features the V1 does not include.
Which Tone Hammer Version Has More Gain?
The Tone Hammer V1. It has significantly more gain on tap, producing aggressive, almost fuzz-like textures when maxed out.
Conclusion
The Aguilar Tone Hammer V1 and V2 may share the same DNA, but they deliver distinctly different experiences for bass players. The V1 remains a legendary preamp/DI known for its raw gain, simplicity, and thick drive character. The V2 builds on that foundation with a more modern, versatile, and user-friendly design.
In the end, neither pedal is objectively “better”, it all comes down to what you value more:
the V1’s character and simplicity, or the V2’s flexibility and refinements.
The Aguilar Tone Hammer V2 is now available on DeathCloud. You can find the Aguilar Tone Hammer V1 here.
More Interesting Reads:
EQ Pedals for Bass Guitar: A Complete Guide
10 Best Fuzz and Distortion Pedals for Bass in 2026
10 Best Aguilar Bass Pedals in 2026
Bonus: Use code IASN10 at checkout for 10% OFF (exclusions apply).