BC-80

[One Bad Monkey]

Since this IS the Warwick forum, I figured I'd talk about the new amp that arrived at my door yesterday (yep, Saturday delivery even!). I went for the BC-80 because for my needs, it was perfect. I do a lot of theatre pit work where I'm either run direct with a preamp and a set of headphones as a monitor, or a small amp and a line out. When I'm not doing that, I back a folk singer in her group, which involves two acoustic guitars. So, I need an amp that I can open up a little and still not worry about blowing out anyone when the volume is at 8 o'clock.

This amp delivers. I'm sure the others in the BC line are the same, but it's one of the few amps that I can say truly captures the sound and nuances of the basses unplugged. Unlike other amps that do this but are considered "sterile," there is a small warmth to the tone that adds to the overall sound. I'd equate it to running your bass direct in the studio and the audio engineer putting a slight tube compression on the sound; ever so slight to add to the sound without taking away or enforcing its tonal footprint on your bass.

Expect a video in a couple of weeks, but this is a very impressive little amp.

[Means2nEnd]

I see you also use a JPJ amp with the 4 drivers how do they compare? I know different price points.

[One Bad Monkey]

I'll have to sit down and do a true comparison, but right now, the BC-80 has a little more warmth to it than the PJB stuff does. I love the hi-fi nature of the PJB stuff (I have three of their amps) but I can see what people mean when they say they sound "sterile;" they're just completely uncolored.

That could be because we're comparing a 2x4 cab with a 1x12 cab, it could be the electronics that both amps have, it could be a lot of things.

[WarwickOfficial]

Glad to hear the amp has landed, Jon! The BC-80 is a standout, IMO...perfect medium size, quite versatile, and superb tone. A lot of the R&D that went into the Hellborg line was utilized in the BC/WA line, and there's really more to it than meets the eye. The cabinets are angled to prevent standing waves, the driver is matched to the cab, the circuit/compnent layout enables totally quiet operation, and much more. Looking forward to a full review and video...thanks for sharing!

[One Bad Monkey]

If there's anything I don't care for, it's the power cable. Because it is a different size than nearly everything else on the market, losing it would be a pain in the butt. I also can't use the giant aftermarket power cables.

But really, that's a small nitpicky thing.

[WarwickOfficial]

Yes, thats understandable. It was done that way to further prevent ground loops and other noise being picked up. Thanks again!

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by WarwickOfficial

Yes, thats understandable. It was done that way to further prevent ground loops and other noise being picked up. Thanks again!

I knew there was a reason behind it. No big deal!

[socialleper]

Does Warwick have any plans to throw their hat into the mini-amp ring? (Something like the TH500, Shuttle 6.2, or the MB500)

[WarwickOfficial]

socialleper - its definitely possible sometime in the future... We'll be announcing several new products at NAMM 2013, which guarantee to be very exciting! Thanks!

[One Bad Monkey]

Oh, you tease. :P

What I would love to see is Warwick put out a preamp that's in a pedal format, much like the Aguilar Tone Hammer or the PJB Bass Buddy. Since the bulk of my regular gigging is going to a "no amp" situation, having a preamp is huge for me. If I can that feel from the Warwick amps in a small pedal footprint, I would be ecstatic.

[WarwickOfficial]

Jon, I will certainly pass along your sentiments to the team. They are very open to hearing this type of input, especially from a perspective of real world use! Thanks again!

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by WarwickOfficial

Jon, I will certainly pass along your sentiments to the team. They are very open to hearing this type of input, especially from a perspective of real world use! Thanks again!

Glad to help out! The theatres in our area are finding that with no amps (and everyone with headphones), there's a lot more control for the FOH mix. While that's great, you can't expect me to be happy just plugging into a DI and calling it good, you know?

[WarwickOfficial]

Sounds great, Jon. I, too, see this situation more and more. Again, your feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[One Bad Monkey]

And you know, Garey, if they ever need a beta tester, I could be *ahem* persuaded to do that.

[WarwickOfficial]

Sure thing, Jon... I will definitely keep you in mind if the situation ever calls for it! Thanks for your support!

[One Bad Monkey]

Thought I'd post an update. I had a quick pickup gig to back up a community choir (one day, one reheasal, two shows, food and a generous check) last night so I used it as an opportunity to bring the BC-80 out to a gig. No Warwick basses on the gig; it was an "upright" evening.

Simply put, I was very impressed by the BC-80. I pulled the low mids back slightly and bumped the hi mids a little and got a very nice, supportive, rich tone that the pianist loved. The drummer after the first show even said "Wow, that really sounds nice." The best part was the amp was turned up a ways, but still could've easily given more and been okay; the headroom for an amp of this size is shocking. Plus, who doesn't like the sound of a nice 12" speaker?

I've got more gigs this month, and I think it may make the rounds some more. It's a wonderful little amp that we NEED to get into the stores because I think it would give a lot of companies a run for their money.

[WarwickOfficial]

Thanks for the update Jon! I agree, the BC80 is quite an amazing piece of gear...I appreciate your real world feedback!

[One Bad Monkey]

Had to share this one...

Here's a shot of the BC-80 (and the JB leaning up) from the last photo shoot I did. This was a last minute, we were feeling ridiculous, shots that we just "had to try." I think it turned out really well.

[Buslady7803]

I got one too, I'm a bass learner but it gives me the sound I want

[WarwickOfficial]

Haha, great photo Jon! Thanks for sharing!!