I have a pretty extensive pedalboard, so the Quilter is perfect for me - it simply puts out a loud version of what I put in.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I am noticing a trend that this is definitely a love/hate amplifier with people falling into a few categories.
1. Using onboard EQ and love it. Seems to be the "I mostly flatline my EQ settings and adjust for the room" crowd (I fall into this one)
2. Using external EQ and love it. They like the weight and the power output as well as the way the power section handles the speakers. However, they like more EQ options and/or want a DI that is not impacted by the amplifier settings. I am throwing the "I have a ton of pedals and only want an amp to make them louder" group into this one.
3. Tried it hated the EQ and do not want to use external. They sell in the marketplace and buy a comparable product with more EQ. Typically the Mesa occasionally something else (Fender Rumble, Aguilar Tone Hammer).
It would be interesting to see Quilter offer an amplifier only version of the Block series. However, it seems pointless given how close the BB800 already is to that setup.
1. Using onboard EQ and love it. Seems to be the "I mostly flatline my EQ settings and adjust for the room" crowd (I fall into this one)
2. Using external EQ and love it. They like the weight and the power output as well as the way the power section handles the speakers. However, they like more EQ options and/or want a DI that is not impacted by the amplifier settings. I am throwing the "I have a ton of pedals and only want an amp to make them louder" group into this one.
3. Tried it hated the EQ and do not want to use external. They sell in the marketplace and buy a comparable product with more EQ. Typically the Mesa occasionally something else (Fender Rumble, Aguilar Tone Hammer).
It would be interesting to see Quilter offer an amplifier only version of the Block series. However, it seems pointless given how close the BB800 already is to that setup.
Last edited:
And that is the key, it's not a baked in sound like the Fender, Mesa, GK....all of which I dig and like a lot(I have a Rumble 200 head too) It's just simply a different brush in the pallet
It is a really sweet combo. At the end of my last band, I was on almost all the time. I ran it pretty clean, and pretty close to unity. Just added a little something and made things sound a little bigger. Allowed me to dig in and get a little more feel.
I went into a music store years ago, described what I wanted, and this dude - didn't even think about it - just said, you want the Pork Loin. Bought it, sold it, tried other stuff, and went back to the PL.
I also like to have as little as possible. My goal is 3 pieces - cab, bass, and amp (the amp case should have cables, tools, etc.). I agree about not adding something to sound good, but sometimes you want to sound "different."
Seems harder to avoid getting a pedal board or preamp these days, and that means more cables, different power, etc. And we all know pedals tend to multiply. Can't have just one.
Yep - I would agree with this and fall into both #1 and #2 depending on the band/song. I most recently came from D800+ which afforded too much knob twisting and I was literally driving myself crazy vs enjoying playing.
The simplicity and power of the BB800 is awesome though it can be a little flat IMO.
I think a lot of guys agree. Why so many guys are finding tonal bliss with the BB + what ever pre-amp they like.
They kindof-sortof already do. It's called QSC.
Considering you can get a BB800 for like $425 used, it's hard to pass up if you are just looking for a clean power platform.
They kindof-sortof already do. It's called QSC.
Fair point. I meant something in the Block family form factor. Doubt it happens as there really is not a good business case for it. I mean the BB800 already does it. People just do not purchase it as a power amp even though many people use it that way.
My setup is
Bass -> Wireless -> HP/LP Filter -> Amp -> Cab
Wireless and Filter are sitting on top of my amp, so my floor space is completely clutter free.
Here is my personal experience with that (just one man 's experience): Every now and again, there will be a discussion on TB about, "How come nobody makes a small form factor power amp for bass?!? Quilter BB800 won't work for me, because I don't want any preamp controls, just a master volume."
However, whenever Acoustic Image Focus SA's (best bass-specific power amp ever in my opinion!) pop up for sale in the classifieds, they tend to languish for weeks and not sell quickly.
This leads me to believe the demand for bass-specific, small-form-factor power amps isn't that high, and the BB800 actually makes for a better power amp than most power amps.
PS I think Quilter could sell a ton more BB800's if they re-skinned it as the Power Block 800 and marketed it to keyboardists, people putting together a small PA, etc., not just bass players! (I wonder however if they have a "non-compete" with QSC?)
Here is my personal experience with that (just one man 's experience): Every now and again, there will be a discussion on TB about, "How come nobody makes a small form factor power amp for bass?!? Quilter BB800 won't work for me, because I don't want any preamp controls, just a master volume."
However, whenever Acoustic Image Focus SA's (best bass-specific power amp ever in my opinion!) pop up for sale in the classifieds, they tend to languish for weeks and not sell quickly.
This leads me to believe the demand for bass-specific, small-form-factor power amps isn't that high, and the BB800 actually makes for a better power amp than most power amps.
PS I think Quilter could sell a ton more BB800's if they re-skinned it as the Power Block 800 and marketed it to keyboardists, people putting together a small PA, etc., not just bass players! (I wonder however if they have a "non-compete" with QSC?)
There were some others...but some of them have been discontinued (SWR Amplite, Markbass MB 1000 etc.). The ones which are still in production are rather boutique (Demeter, Jule Amps, Sumo and Baby Sumo from GSS).
I've never been aware of the AI Focus SA until just now. Maybe since it's pretty rare. Very cool. But $700 used - where as you can get a quilter for less than $450 used (if you are willing to deal with the pre-amp).
Some of the others like the Demeter or Jule are kind of $$. Some of the ones like the Markbass or amplite are a little underpowered (I think) for guys who are looking for power amps. I would guess, if you are looking for a stand alone power amp, you are looking for big power.
Some of the others like the Demeter or Jule are kind of $$. Some of the ones like the Markbass or amplite are a little underpowered (I think) for guys who are looking for power amps. I would guess, if you are looking for a stand alone power amp, you are looking for big power.
Me neither
That might apply to Amplite (400W) but probably not to Markbass (1000W).
Last edited:
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,042
- 45,888
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
Yep, less than 100 ever sold IIRC. The market has just never really been shown to be there, IMO and IME.
I’d agree with that - if you need an amp that provides a lot of tone shaping, this isn’t it.
I have a great-sounding bass and an accurate-sounding cab, with a bunch of pedals in between.
I customized the bass...the cab is custom...I built half my pedals — at this point the less tone shaping from my amp, the better!
The Quilter ticks that box for me, with just enough flexibility to accommodate room variations, and plenty of power to get the message across.
Quilter Bass Block 800 with the Phil Jones c4 cab, anyone uses this combination? What do you guys think?
I don't want to use a pre-amp, I want just the QBB.
Thanks!
I don't want to use a pre-amp, I want just the QBB.
Thanks!
Gr Bass makes the PureAmp 800 and 350, with only volume knobs and no tone controls. I haven't seen any English language reviews for this particular amp, though. Italian company.
