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Phil Jones Combo Amps: Worth it?

49sfine

49sfine

Apr 20, 2008
2,220
65
Austin, Texas
#1
Fellow TBers; Anyone out there have any experiences with Phil Jones bass combo amps? Specifically, the Suitcase, Flightcase or Briefcase? I have lower back issues and need to find a small rig that sounds good, isn't too big, but also is under 50-60 pounds. I am attracted to the Phil Jones stuff, but I am not sure why (other than the size), having never heard them before. Too good to be true? (I know one bassist who owns one of the bigger rigs and he is very, very happy with it.) I am currently playing as much fretless as fretted and have an acoustic bass with a K&K pup that I play too. Phil's stuff is pricey, which is okay if it is worth it. Any opinions? Thanks!
 
#6
Zombbg4 said:
Same with me, had the briefcase and loved the tone but couldn't justify having a 500 dollar practice amp. The suitcase stack looks killer though.
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Yeah, I had my eye on the Suitcase with a possible upgrade later to the 4B cab to bring out that extra wattage. What's the headroom like on those things?

I'll check out MarkBass & GB for sure - they're doing some kool things too.
 
#8
KJung said:
+1 to the above. The small 112 Markbass or Genz Benz combo's sound great, are less expensive, and exponentially louder.
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I picked up a flight case for a steal (I feel really fortunate). Its perfect for what I want to do in the house. Could use it to jam with a conscientious guitar and drummer, but that's about it. The preamp is nice and the built in compressor works great. Its a great home rig, small, light, sounds good, has a good DI and looks attractive.

That said, I don't imagine there is anyway I would pay the new price for this with the Markbass or the Genz combos available, especially if I actually wanted to do some gigging with it. Its an absolutely killer piece of kit at half of retail, but the price doesn't scale.
 
#9
I don't know why, but despite Phil Jones' positive reputation, I can't wrap my head around gear that's quiet, costly, and heavy for its size; for some reason I seem to equate Phil Jones with Amar Bose - gear that's overhyped and overpriced compared to the competition. I'm sure it sounds good, and Phil Jones is doubtless a great guy, but my BS detector is whooping an 130dB alarm. :hmm:

I picked up a Euphonic Audio Wizzy 12M today, and I can imagine one or two of these little cabinets handling just about any of the gigs I play; add one of the new lightweight heads and you've got bass gear that was unimaginable when I started playing 4 decades ago, and at a reasonable price!
 
#10
Jazzdogg said:
I don't know why, but despite Phil Jones' positive reputation, I can't wrap my head around gear that's quiet, costly, and heavy for its size; for some reason I seem to equate Phil Jones with Amar Bose - gear that's overhyped and overpriced compared to the competition. I'm sure it sounds good, and Phil Jones is doubtless a great guy, but my BS detector is whooping an 130dB alarm. :hmm:

I picked up a Euphonic Audio Wizzy 12M today, and I can imagine one or two of these little cabinets handling just about any of the gigs I play; add one of the new lightweight heads and you've got bass gear that was unimaginable when I started playing 4 decades ago, and at a reasonable price!
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I think your B.S. meter needs to be re-calibrated. IME Phil's cabinets deliver great, smooth natural sound with acoustic instruments. The build quality is first rate also. If I wanted something less I would look to other brands.
 
#11
I own a Super Flightcase for smaller upright gigs and it's so transparent sounding I forget I'm using an amp. It doesn't add it's own timbre to the sound of my bass. That's why I own one of these. Sure I can crank it but I'm more concerned about the fidelity aspect than the sheer volume.

Not for everyone.
 
#12
I purchased the Suitcase and 4B extention cab for the same reasons you seek.
I sold them within a month.:bawl:
I now use a TC Electronic rig. 210 and 212.
This, surprisingly, competes with my previous 2 x 410 rig, driven with a LMII.
Output wise I mean, but the weight and features suite me to a T.:hyper:

Please, please, my 2c worth.
 
#15
I've had the Briefcase and the Super Flightcase - like many here, I was looking for something small and well-powered. Although both were impressive for their size, they didn't do what I wanted them to do - esp. the Super Flightcase, which seemed to lack the top end I was looking for.

When I contacted the company, I was told that the amps were MADE to be like that, and that other amps had artificially created high end as part of bass tone, and that my ears would adjust in time. Not the answer I was looking for.

I now have a Carvin 600w combo amp with 2 8's and a 15 + horn, on wheels. It was $400 used, is almost as portable as the PJB stuff due to the wheels, and is FAR more power than I'll ever need. I'm very happy with the amp. :)
 
#16
Everyone; Thanks for all the feedback! Just what I wanted. I'm still taking it all in and am in no hurry to figure it out, but I have especially enjoyed looking at the Genz Benz Shuttle series. Markbass seems very on-target too. I'll keep studying!
 
#17
tonequixote said:
I think your B.S. meter needs to be re-calibrated. IME Phil's cabinets deliver great, smooth natural sound with acoustic instruments. The build quality is first rate also. If I wanted something less I would look to other brands.
Click to expand...

It's not the gear or its quality to which I'm reacting; it's the prices and marketing strategy.
 

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