Back in the halcyon days of 2024, I was looking for an amp for my practice space so I wouldn't have to lug my amp in and out for each gig. I ended up picking up an ELF and an Eagleworks 15" cabinet. Only problem is I started carrying the Elf with me to some gigs for backup, and since I wanted to have an amp in the practice space that stayed put (I share with other bands who use the space, I'm a softie like that), I went looking for a replacement. Near the end of December, Sweetwater had the TC Electronic BQ500 on sale for $169, and so I decided to pull the trigger! It was backordered, and 7 months later it has actually arrived! Yay!
I took it for a spin this afternoon, and it certainly has plenty of power. This is good, because the 200W Elf hits its limits frequently when I am pushing it (although it still performs well). It sounds allright, but does not, in my opinion, have a great baked in bass tone (with my passive jazz bass) - it seems a little bit harsh and mid rangey, but I expect that it will sound better in a band conext once I have my preamp and effects cranked up! I do like the warm wooly sound of the Elf, and of course my Genz amps are epic sounding.
So, just wanted to share that sometimes it pays to wait! It was delivered at the $169 price I signed up for in December (despite worries that tariffs might impact this), and for that price I have no complaints at all. It is a perfect backup or band room amp (esp with the Sweetwater 2 year warranty). I don't think it is the best amp out there, but I do anticipate that it will fill a role in my bass world for a while now. They are still available for $179 now; but have been backordered since last year. I wonder how they can make them so inexpensively?
I do wish it had a mute button; I don't see much use for the 1/8" headphone or aux in with this form factor, but maybe some people will.
Anybody else finally get theirs delivered, or are still waiting?
I took it for a spin this afternoon, and it certainly has plenty of power. This is good, because the 200W Elf hits its limits frequently when I am pushing it (although it still performs well). It sounds allright, but does not, in my opinion, have a great baked in bass tone (with my passive jazz bass) - it seems a little bit harsh and mid rangey, but I expect that it will sound better in a band conext once I have my preamp and effects cranked up! I do like the warm wooly sound of the Elf, and of course my Genz amps are epic sounding.
So, just wanted to share that sometimes it pays to wait! It was delivered at the $169 price I signed up for in December (despite worries that tariffs might impact this), and for that price I have no complaints at all. It is a perfect backup or band room amp (esp with the Sweetwater 2 year warranty). I don't think it is the best amp out there, but I do anticipate that it will fill a role in my bass world for a while now. They are still available for $179 now; but have been backordered since last year. I wonder how they can make them so inexpensively?
I do wish it had a mute button; I don't see much use for the 1/8" headphone or aux in with this form factor, but maybe some people will.
Anybody else finally get theirs delivered, or are still waiting?
