• 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.

Suitcase combo?

#2
Nice pic. I am basically anti-combo but I ended up purchasing a Phil-Jones Fleightcase B-300 with the matching cab ext. , so you never know. This PJ unit was not cheap either but what I like about it is that it is studio quiet . Now back to your suitcase, you might have something there as far as a proto-type unit goes. Looks like it could be a retro-look and hopefully it is quiet and powerful enough for your needs. Another thing I bought was a Pignose Hog-30($225 new) battery powered amp which seems closer to your suitcase idea. After replacing the cheap 8" speaker it came with (Fliptops replaced it) I have something that holds a charge for several hours and sounds ok at the same time. Only thing I see is spending too much to get a unit that you can buy for less or close to it. Still, its your decision and sounds like fun.....:cool:
 
#3
waleross said:
Only thing I see is spending too much to get a unit that you can buy for less or close to it. Still, its your decision and sounds like fun.....:cool:
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm more concerned with having a unique and useable little unit to drag around to parties and such. I figure I'll end up spending more money than a comparable factory made item. That's part of the fun of modding, though, right?

Anybody know if there's a place I can gather all the parts from for such a project?
 
#7
I should add... this could work for a guitar combo amp if a low-mass neo drivers was used. It would be hit & miss, but a guitar amp wouldn't need to adhere to the requirements of a bass amp.

At best, you might be able to get a "Champ" sound with a 10" or 12" driver.

But it would still need to be braced properly for this to work. An old suitcase may have plenty of structural integrity to contain some socks and a few T-shirts, well, you get the idea...
 
#8
I'm gonna chime in here just cause I love the vibe. I have played pro. for 50 yrs. I not so long ago...6-8 yrs, got a hankering for all the old tube stuff from my past. I have acquired several thing's that I get a kick out of. Even if I don't gig them generally speaking ...of course with some exceptions early 70's b-15 , Sunn 200S with a killer & pristine 4 x12 guitar cab that kills w/unreconed original guitar spkrs. Guild Thunder-bass..later 60's w/ black tolex....bla bla I bought a vintage "Suitcase " guitar amp made by a "mad local genius" and it has more MOJO than most any of my other vintage gear. I absolutely love the ethic. AND for guitar it BARELY ( HEAD YES; cab NO) works!!! for a bass rig FUH GETTHO-bout it. I just sold the head which is a wild ass sounding 20 watt 2xEL84 Creamsicle of an amp (no headroom) but awesome tone.

A suitcase BASS amp will NEVER be an even close to cool even as a bedroom amp without some real engineering. Unless you dig a 5 watt amp .... different strocks etc. YMMV- ETC> ETC>
peace Kirk
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back