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Small combo help - Blackstar vs EBS vs Ampeg

S

starjag

Supporting Member
Dec 3, 2019
628
824
Southern Ontario, Canada
#1
One of my kids is looking for a small combo. No opportunity to test them in person as we plan to buy online.

Based on his budget and availability, we have three options:
* Blackstar Unity 60
* EBS Classic Session 60
* Ampeg BA-112

With the exception of the speaker (Blackstar and EBS are 10" while the Ampeg is 12"), the features on paper are rather similar. EBS and Ampeg tilt back, which would be a good thing to have.

We have a couple "bigger" amps at home: a Fender Rumble 200 combo (15" speaker) and an Ampeg PF50-T paired with a flip-top 2x10 cab. Two solid amps. As said, looking for a small combo now, ideally with good overdrive so no pedals are needed.

If you're still reading, could you please share your wisdom and experience with the three options listed? Headphones out, aux in would be cool but not a must. We don't need to replicate Rumble and/or PF50 tone, we're of course looking for good tone given the limitations of the size. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!
 
#2
I'm don't have any input re: the Blackstar or EBS, but I do own both an Ampeg BA-108 and BA-210. Both have continued to perform as expected. (The BA-108 in spite of having 5 gallons of sweet tea dumped into it!) Although the Scrambler Overdrive may have limited use and/or appeal to many, I use just a touch of it most of the time and it seems to liken the sound of my P basses to what I hear from my SVT 8x10 cabinet. Close, but not perfect. The BA-108 has been a great practice amp and with FOH support I have even used it a few times at gigs. The BA-210 on the other hand is my "go to" combo and has been doing it's job for almost two years making me happy and making a substantial part of my income.
I can say that the 210 has the features I really like - Aux in and headphone out as well as an Ext. speaker out, although the BA-112 does not. I actually have these two combos as well as a Hartke HD150 and a vintage GK 400RB that sits on top of the SVT cabinet.
As far as build quality goes, I have no complaints about either of the Ampegs and have experienced no problems at all. The resilience of the little one after the tea accident is likely what prompted me to buy its bigger sibling. YMMV.
 
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#5
starjag said:
One of my kids is looking for a small combo. No opportunity to test them in person as we plan to buy online.

Based on his budget and availability, we have three options:
* Blackstar Unity 60
* EBS Classic Session 60
* Ampeg BA-112

With the exception of the speaker (Blackstar and EBS are 10" while the Ampeg is 12"), the features on paper are rather similar. EBS and Ampeg tilt back, which would be a good thing to have.

We have a couple "bigger" amps at home: a Fender Rumble 200 combo (15" speaker) and an Ampeg PF50-T paired with a flip-top 2x10 cab. Two solid amps. As said, looking for a small combo now, ideally with good overdrive so no pedals are needed.

If you're still reading, could you please share your wisdom and experience with the three options listed? Headphones out, aux in would be cool but not a must. We don't need to replicate Rumble and/or PF50 tone, we're of course looking for good tone given the limitations of the size. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I have owned, used, and taken apart the EBS Classic Session 60 and Ampeg BA110, both gen 1, currently they are both gen 2.

There is simply no comparison, the EBS is way better built, woodwork, tolex and electronics. Cab is MDF, well built, while Ampeg was particle board, badly assembled.

Electronics are much more refined in the EBS, aux input in stereo (via headphones), separate tweeter, separate gain, aux vol PLUS master volume. Intelligent eq section that offers much adjustment, but no overdrive.

It sounds much cleaner, gets louder and has wider frequency range, and can be used as for guitar, keys or even as a vocal PA.

I really wanted to like the Ampeg, but it was extremely limited in comparison. The BA112 gen is much larger, but still misses many of the EBS options.

I have no affiliation with EBS, and I no longer have the amp.
 
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#8
AlexanderB said:
I have owned, used, and taken apart the EBS Classic Session 60 and Ampeg BA110, both gen 1, currently they are both gen 2.

There is simply no comparison, the EBS is way better built, woodwork, tolex and electronics. Cab is MDF, well built, while Ampeg was particle board, badly assembled.

Electronics are much more refined in the EBS, aux input in stereo (via headphones), separate tweeter, separate gain, aux vol PLUS master volume. Intelligent eq section that offers much adjustment, but no overdrive.

It sounds much cleaner, gets louder and has wider frequency range, and can be used as for guitar, keys or even as a vocal PA.

I really wanted to like the Ampeg, but it was extremely limited in comparison. The BA112 gen is much larger, but still misses many of the EBS options.

I have no affiliation with EBS, and I no longer have the amp.
Click to expand...
Have you looked for any used gear? I picked up a near mint Ampeg B-50R on impulse a few years ago for $250 off a local guy on Craigslist. It is phenominal for the size, a bit heavy but not too bad at 40 lbs. I did add (2) Fliptop repro handles on the sides, a padded soft cover and removeable casters on it making it really easy to move. The back casters pop off and it angles the speakers perfectly for me to hear on stage. I also have a Rumble 100 and replaced the stock Celestion with a Neo Delta 2012 and it really opened up the sound, is cheap, and LIGHT. I have started using the B50 as my monitor sitting elevated on an amp stand with a Baggs DI in front sending the XLR to the FOH, very nice! My big gear very seldom leaves the house anymore. I play mainly Jazz and old school blues using an old p-bass, a BSX Allegro EUB, or a 53 Kay w/ a dual K&K pickup configuration and all sound great, are easy to move, and have been totally reliable.
 

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