Welp, *fingers crossed* that these are some solid amps. I have somewhere around 8 Traynor guitar amps, but when I bought my last bass amp I wasn't overly enthused with the BB15. This new BM series (heh) with the drive makes me more interested, and now that the Ashdown ROOTMASTER Evo II 2x10 combo I bought earlier this year has been labelled an absolute demon-spawn lemon by the retailer, I'm returning it for the BM15. I do wish there was a 2x10 version though.
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New Traynor BM12 & BM15.
- Thread starter Boy_Narf
- Start date
Ok, very cool - lots of history, and as a Canadian, Traynor has been a thing in my life since 1982. However, you do get that TB rules apply for everyone’s benefit, I hope, and will disclose this going forward.
Intrigued... What didn't you like about the bb115?
It was clean... Super clean. I like just a hint of grit and it didn't have it. My Ashdown was amazing for that, but it lacked the ability to work as expected when needed. I'm hoping this new gain / drive on the BM will get me just that bit of grit that I like without having to break out my pedals.
Ah, the reason I've got a bb preamp permanently on board. I've also been hunting for a bit of built in grit.
Ahhh I love bb pres, I have one with my SWR setup cuz I found the grit in that one was a bit too much.
Xotic has a new version of their BB and RC Booster pedals. Any opinions how these compare to others like MBD3, Scorpion, etc?
I believe they're talking about the BB115 preamp, not a pedal. I could be wrong LOL.
Well they’re talking about using the bb preamp to add grit to the BB115 amplifier because it’s too clean, as all Traynor solid state amplifiers.
Whatever, any thoughts on the Xotic pedals?
I've got the scorpion had the old and recently got the new BB. New BB running at 18V is much more dynamic, which is what I was missing from the old one, way too much compression. It's pretty much the same sound but can still get "murky" in the low mids if you amp is overly warm. The new version is much lighter, so I think they did a big circuit change. Fewer components inside as well.
I just didn't get along with the scorpion. I found myself constantly reaching down to adjust something, maybe it's has too much flexibility? I love how simple the BB is and how it easily cuts through the mix. I was planning to grab the MBD3 after it was announced but honestly I'm very happy with the BB Pre. I do go back and forth between the BB pre and the now discontinued AmpTweaker Bass Blues Fuzz JR depending on my mood. I really dig the Blue Fuzz Jr. Funnily enough I sold both a few years back and bought them both a second time haha.
I only whip out the BB pre or BBF when I'm playing the SB115 combo. Usually I'm on a YBA100 and can get enough warmth out of the preamp to keep me happy.
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I’m guessing the port is in the front under the grill, and I’m happy the 15 doesn’t have a rear port (I know it doesn’t matter).
The ad says it has a 4” horn, but the manual says it has a 1” HF driver.
The ad says it has a 4” horn, but the manual says it has a 1” HF driver.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,968
- 5
- 220,682
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Of course, I never said they were the same.
The fact remains…the ad says one thing, and the manual says another. So then, which is it, or is it both?
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,968
- 5
- 220,682
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Probably both, one is the driver exit diameter and the other is either the overall dimensions (likely) of the edge of the horn flair.
(some pro audio manufacturers use the nominal edges of the flair itself and not the overall dimensions.)
I bought the Traynor BM15C yesterday. Taking it to band practice tonight and it will get the gig-test next Saturday. I know I'll love it even more then, but I will report back all the same
At 450W, it is perfect for any gig I will do from larger to smaller. It has the fat beefiness of a much bigger amp, with great clarity with EQ controls flat/centered. The tone was hitting me right in the center of my chest at relatively low volume at the store. Lots of range in the tones. I probably won't use the bright or deep switches
since you can get plenty bright or deep without, but certainly doesn't hurt having the option. The Drive and Gain work together really well ... from the TC Spark Booster mild I love so much to "musically" wild with gain and drive cranked (turn down the master first).
My only slight confusion is the reason for a 3-ohm cab. I never came across a 3-ohm cab. The amp is built to add an extension cab, but Traynor doesn't even have any 4-ohm extension cabs, let alone 3-ohm, to my knowledge. After several decades, I still get lost on the ohms discussion beyond 2 x 8 = 4
I don't need the full 600W anyway, but assume a 4-ohm cab from another manufacturer would work OK? Adding a Traynor 8-ohm cab seems like a mismatch :
Maybe they'll see how this model sells before introducing a matched extension cab (would help if people knew the amp existed though... lol).
I guess I should also read the manual
At 450W, it is perfect for any gig I will do from larger to smaller. It has the fat beefiness of a much bigger amp, with great clarity with EQ controls flat/centered. The tone was hitting me right in the center of my chest at relatively low volume at the store. Lots of range in the tones. I probably won't use the bright or deep switches
since you can get plenty bright or deep without, but certainly doesn't hurt having the option. The Drive and Gain work together really well ... from the TC Spark Booster mild I love so much to "musically" wild with gain and drive cranked (turn down the master first).
My only slight confusion is the reason for a 3-ohm cab. I never came across a 3-ohm cab. The amp is built to add an extension cab, but Traynor doesn't even have any 4-ohm extension cabs, let alone 3-ohm, to my knowledge. After several decades, I still get lost on the ohms discussion beyond 2 x 8 = 4
I don't need the full 600W anyway, but assume a 4-ohm cab from another manufacturer would work OK? Adding a Traynor 8-ohm cab seems like a mismatch :Maybe they'll see how this model sells before introducing a matched extension cab (would help if people knew the amp existed though... lol).I guess I should also read the manual
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Huh, you’re right, the external cabinet thing is confusing. Someone should email Traynor.
- Sep 3, 2006
- 4,358
- 6,117
- Disclosures
- Authorized dealer for Dingwall, Genzler, Phil Jones Bass, Cort, Traynor, Yorkville Sound
Did you report back your “gig test”, or did I miss it? Do you still have the amp? Edit: I found it on the Yorkville/Traynor Club Part 2 thread.I bought the Traynor BM15C yesterday. Taking it to band practice tonight and it will get the gig-test next Saturday. I know I'll love it even more then, but I will report back all the same
At 450W, it is perfect for any gig I will do from larger to smaller. It has the fat beefiness of a much bigger amp, with great clarity with EQ controls flat/centered. The tone was hitting me right in the center of my chest at relatively low volume at the store. Lots of range in the tones. I probably won't use the bright or deep switches
since you can get plenty bright or deep without, but certainly doesn't hurt having the option. The Drive and Gain work together really well ... from the TC Spark Booster mild I love so much to "musically" wild with gain and drive cranked (turn down the master first).
My only slight confusion is the reason for a 3-ohm cab. I never came across a 3-ohm cab. The amp is built to add an extension cab, but Traynor doesn't even have any 4-ohm extension cabs, let alone 3-ohm, to my knowledge. After several decades, I still get lost on the ohms discussion beyond 2 x 8 = 4
I guess I should also read the manual
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Not sure what I wrote in the other thread, but I've gigged almost every weekend since and the BM15C has been the only amp I've used (still have my SB500H and 2x12 Traynor cabs, but they have taken a bsck seat). Master volume just before noon, gain at 10 o'clock, drive at 9 o'clock, bass and treble at noon. The low and high mids i adjust slightly depending on the room. Fairly loud classic rock band, guitars player and bass drum through the PA, me with no PA support. Love it.
Post show video indicates I'm right in the mix where I should be (video is from a cell phone, so happy i could hear any bass at all 
). Totally recommend the cover from Coveramps.ca. They have the exact BM15C dimensions listed on their site.
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- Sep 3, 2006
- 4,358
- 6,117
- Disclosures
- Authorized dealer for Dingwall, Genzler, Phil Jones Bass, Cort, Traynor, Yorkville Sound
Not sure what I wrote in the other thread, but I've gigged almost every weekend since and the BM15C has been the only amp I've used (still have my SB500H and 2x12 Traynor cabs, but they have taken a bsck seat). Master volume just before noon, gain at 10 o'clock, drive at 9 o'clock, bass and treble at noon. The low and high mids i adjust slightly depending on the room. Fairly loud classic rock band, guitars player and bass drum through the PA, me with no PA support. Love it.
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Thanks for the reply and the settings!
