This is an extremely strange time to be posting about new gear but here it goes anyway: I recently took delivery of an MAS 16, the smaller model that Mike had posted on Facebook about back in January.
First impressions
I have a very specific use case in mind with this cab. In New York there are (or were...?) quite a few gigs that have PAs but no bass amp; it also so happens that these gigs are often jam sessions or 3hr plus restaurant gigs. For me at least, gigs like this are fun acoustically - or through the PA - for 1.5 sets and then I start to feel beat up chops-wise. My solution has been to bring a small amp. For a while this was my MAS18, but its heavy enough that lugging it on the subway is discouraging -- worth it for the right gig, but not for a low paying jam session that ends at 1:30am. Next I tried a PJB double four, but found it a little underpowered / "peaky" in its response. This 16 is right in between, and honestly sounds better than the PJB. Of course I won't be able to test this on the gig for a while, but it seems pretty clear cut to me at home. Because of the prevalence of backline in NYC I actually sold off my larger cabs around when I moved, so this smaller cab is more suited to my needs -- that maybe isn't true for people with cars living in other places.
The Elephant in the room
Recently there have been a few threads that delved into Mike's "quirks" as a businessman. To be transparent I had a bit of a hard time contacting him while he was finishing this order. Given that he had COVID, and in fact that I had a presumptive case around the same time, I wasn't really in any hurry; multiply that by the lack of gigs
Though there are issues sometimes, I'm glad that Mike continues to make interesting and unique solutions for us bass players. Despite a few small issues with construction, I've had cabs of his for 10 years and find that they are more innovative and sound better than almost anything out there.
First impressions
- Its really cute
Having owned an MAS 18 for 4 years its like a mini-me. - Its light! Mike's post on FB says its 11lbs. Compared to an AI Doubleshot its lighter, PJB double four its heavier, BUT the form factor means it seems much smaller than the doubleshot. Exactly what I wanted.
- Sound is amazing. Its full throated, I definitely don't miss the mid driver, and I'm pretty confident its loud enough for my needs. I might.... might... like it more than the 18.
- It fits Felix on top, barely.
- It fits in my IKEA shelf, comfortably.
- Bonus that I wasn't expecting: I can leave this out in my room (or on the shelf) for easier electric bass playing, previously I'd have to put my 18 away.
I have a very specific use case in mind with this cab. In New York there are (or were...?) quite a few gigs that have PAs but no bass amp; it also so happens that these gigs are often jam sessions or 3hr plus restaurant gigs. For me at least, gigs like this are fun acoustically - or through the PA - for 1.5 sets and then I start to feel beat up chops-wise. My solution has been to bring a small amp. For a while this was my MAS18, but its heavy enough that lugging it on the subway is discouraging -- worth it for the right gig, but not for a low paying jam session that ends at 1:30am. Next I tried a PJB double four, but found it a little underpowered / "peaky" in its response. This 16 is right in between, and honestly sounds better than the PJB. Of course I won't be able to test this on the gig for a while, but it seems pretty clear cut to me at home. Because of the prevalence of backline in NYC I actually sold off my larger cabs around when I moved, so this smaller cab is more suited to my needs -- that maybe isn't true for people with cars living in other places.
The Elephant in the room
Recently there have been a few threads that delved into Mike's "quirks" as a businessman. To be transparent I had a bit of a hard time contacting him while he was finishing this order. Given that he had COVID, and in fact that I had a presumptive case around the same time, I wasn't really in any hurry; multiply that by the lack of gigs
Though there are issues sometimes, I'm glad that Mike continues to make interesting and unique solutions for us bass players. Despite a few small issues with construction, I've had cabs of his for 10 years and find that they are more innovative and sound better than almost anything out there.
