Double Bass PJB BG120 vs GK MB110

[alvinliaobass]

I’m looking for a lightweight amp for practicing electric bass at home and playing jazz duo/trio gigs on the upright bass with light drummers, especially when there’s no backline amp at the venue like small bars and restaurants.

I’ve narrowed it down to the PJB BG120 and the GK MB110. Both sound great in demos. Can the PJB handle those quieter gigs? If so, it seems like the better choice due to its size and weight.

Also, can the GK handle a full jazz band with horns and a drummer in styles like hardbop? And if I pair the PJB with a C2 extension cab, will it be loud enough for that kind of gig?

Any other suggestions are welcome!

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

I haven't played the BG 120, but I have a BG 100 and it is not up to the tasks you describe. I really, really wanted it to be, and I have been playing Phil Jones amps exclusively for years. For what you describe, I would look for a Flightcase BG 150 on the used market. I take a Super Flightcase with me to my gigs just in case they get louder than I expected, but I also own a regular Flightcase and it would be adequate for most of them.

 

[basss]

I do a lot of small acoustic jazz gigs that require a tiny amp. After owning many over the years I've ended up with a Markbass 801. I owned the Phil Jones double four and used the BG100. Both sounded good but neither satisfied if the drummer was more than quiet. The 801 is capable of much more volume, provided you use a preamp in front, preferably with an hpf. The larger PJ flightcase is a whole different story. There is a club in NYC that had one as backline and it was one of the best sounding DB amps I've used, but it's about twice the size of the Markbass.

 

[tinyd]

I have a Warwick Gnome head plus the PJB C2 cab, which is similar (in terms of speakers and amp power) to the BG120. I find it loud enough for a drummer/piano/singer/bass gig in a restaurant without putting the bass through the PA, so my guess is that the BG120 will do what you want.