I am currently using a Markbass Micromark 1 as a practice amp, but I'm not totally satisfied with the tone or overall performance. I'm looking to upsize, and I'm considering the Micromark 2, which has two eight inch speakers, the Phil Jones BG-75, or the Phil Jones CubII BG110. I'm leaning towards the Cub II because of the additional features it provides, but tone is the most important factor for me. I play five strings exclusively. Since I live in an area that doesn't have access to any of these amps, I can't play through any of them to compare sound. Can anyone offer a comparison?
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Practice/small gig amps
- Thread starter Bob Burbridge
- Start date
I've tried both the BG-75 and the Cub Pro BG-120. The BG-75 has a deeper sound even though it's smaller and has 4" instead of 5" speakers. The Cub will get louder, but it has more of mid-range kinda sound. The passive radiator design in the BG-75 probably accounts for the difference. The BG-75 can also be battery powered. Lots of threads on TB about this. I can't comment on the Markbass. I personally prefer the sound of the BG-75 (Double Four). Tone wise it's great. Volume wise, as long as you're not planning it use it for gigs it'll be fine.
If you're not happy with the tone if the Micromark with a single 8" speaker, I'd veer from the 2x8 MB option unless you can try before you buy. The PJB combos are good (I own 2) and look gorgeous, but are as or more expensive than other options which will go louder and deeper. Is there a reason you're not considering a 110 or 112 combo?
I have a 1x12 Markbass that I use for small/medium indoor gigs, but I wanted some thing small for my practice studio. Is there a specific 1x10 that you think I should consider?
It all depends on budget and what your priorities are. I own the Double 4 and Cub Pro. I use the former for travel 'cause it fits in a carry on bag. The Cub Pro/ extension I got in trade. It's gorgeous and well-built but doesn't sound better than a decent 112 combo. I kept it but would never have bought it new. Right now, for practice at home I use the Phil Jones C2 ext cab with a Quilter Interbass pedal amp. I loooove this setup. I much prefer the Quilter's tone through the C2 over the Cub Pro's internal amp. The Quilter has a cab sim offering either clean or "harmonically enhanced/vintage" tones, phones out, aux in (via the return on the parallel FX loop), line level output and eq. It really sounds superb through the C2/ records well, and it can even serve as a handy backup that fits in a pedal pocket. The whole rig fits easily on a shelf....but it's not cheap.
