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TC Electronic BG250 Club (Part 2)

#1,181
Yes I find the tone of the Rumble combo sweeter than the BG250. I kept a combo because I have to move it often.
I think that the problem with the BG250 is that if you don't want it to be a bit honky, the eq is not designed to supress that. The mids cut at 500Hz while the BG250 mid hump is more in the 800/1Khz area. And I find the 4 band eq of the Rumble more easy to tweak to make tone adjustments (I was not a big fan of the eq points of the BG250 even if it's innovative).
I didn't find this mid hump too problematic while playing finger style, it was mainly when I played with a pick. And I think it was more audible while being near the BG250. I don't think it was so noticeable for the crowd.
And with changing the speaker it would keep it in a price similar to the Rumble 200. I was thinking of it but the head died before I did it.
However it's nice to have so many choices in tone with the different brands who manufacture amps.
 
#1,182
GoneFission said:
Hi Jim, Just saw your post and was wondering if you have done anything else to your amp to make it sound any better? I own one of these (the 15) and REALLY have tried to like it but now it sits idle. I agree with most of your findings. I even have to lower the mids to about 10 o'clock for me to get a tone that sounds decent. I think it sounds like garbage actually and really have tried to like it. Was wondering about opening it up and adding something to the interior to possibly tighten it up. It's just gawd awful as it is if you ask me. I've been playing for 35 years now so i've been around the block and the tone of this thing is just blahhh imho
Click to expand...

I really wanted to like this combo as it would serve a number of uses where my tiny metal GK combo is too small for yet a 2x12 with a head was just to much gear.
Even when I tried it, I convinced myself that it was going to be OK in a band setting.
I had considered adding some deadening material to the cabinet to tighten things up but didn't really believe that it was going to change the tone all that much.

For the first time in ages it was a good experience with an amp that didn't work for me.
It was super clean and I bought it through CL for $100.
Ended up selling it to a used equipment store for $175.

Congrats to all who find the tone great for their style!
It is so light and loud; just not a good fit for me.
A TL606 with a Carvin speaker sounds MUCH better (to me) for my applications.
 
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#1,183
I've had a BG250-115 and a 208. Both were cracking little amps, good for live work with the DI socket. Loud enough for most applications, especially if you slaved the two together. Like many have said, they weren't without problems. I'm from a Double bass and Peavey background and love the old MK111 heads with BW 15", but for normal bass I needed the nice tweeter top end you get with these combos.
The 115 had issues with loading the toneprints. I had the MK1 version, so I could load compression and tubetone for the sound I wanted. Everything else was surplus. The 208 arrived damaged, but I repaired it and got a £50 reduction on the price. I found both suffered from distortion at higher volumes and the 208 is really a 125W unless you link it to another speaker, such as a 15" Eminence like I did.
I loved the weight and wish I had kept one as a practice or for small jazz venues. Not a fan of the tolex as after 2 months they looked very well used and abused, you can't beat carpet covering.

However, since owning it I can say they are the best combos I have owned for price and sound which has led me to getting the full BH500 stack with 1 2x12 and 2 2x10's which suit every type of music from rock to jazz.
 
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#1,184
Fretagain said:
I've had a BG250-115 and a 208. Both were cracking little amps, good for live work with the DI socket. Loud enough for most applications, especially if you slaved the two together. Like many have said, they weren't without problems. I'm from a Double bass and Peavey background and love the old MK111 heads with BW 15", but for normal bass I needed the nice tweeter top end you get with these combos.
The 115 had issues with loading the toneprints. I had the MK1 version, so I could load compression and tubetone for the sound I wanted. Everything else was surplus. The 208 arrived damaged, but I repaired it and got a £50 reduction on the price. I found both suffered from distortion at higher volumes and the 208 is really a 125W unless you link it to another speaker, such as a 15" Eminence like I did.
I loved the weight and wish I had kept one as a practice or for small jazz venues. Not a fan of the tolex as after 2 months they looked very well used and abused, you can't beat carpet covering.

However, since owning it I can say they are the best combos I have owned for price and sound which has led me to getting the full BH500 stack with 1 2x12 and 2 2x10's which suit every type of music from rock to jazz.
Click to expand...

Thoughtful and fair...good stuff!
 
#1,185
And I've just become a member of the club as well. I bought mine (BG250 115 MkII) used in the US from a gentleman in Virginia who held it for me until I could have a listen. Loved it from the first note I heard from his bass.

So far, so good with all the features working. I do have trouble at times getting toneprints to change but that is more me than the amp I feel. And the tolex. Well, I'll agree with everyone who says that it is a bit too soft for the application. In saying that, it managed flights (unprotected) from Pittsburgh all the way back to my home in Christchurch NZ with only one extra scuff mark from what it had. I'll most likely cover it in carpet at some stage anyway before I start gigging with it but this is the best combo I've ever owned when factoring in price, tone, and portability. Beautiful, beautiful combo. :)
 
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#1,186
I'm hopefully going to invest in a new BG250 myself, the only problem is I can't decide between the 115 or the 208. On the one hand the 115 has that extra toneprint channel and is far bigger, but the 208 has the two speakers and is compact which is also a plus. I'm a little torn!
 
#1,187
theskankinggoth said:
I'm hopefully going to invest in a new BG250 myself, the only problem is I can't decide between the 115 or the 208. On the one hand the 115 has that extra toneprint channel and is far bigger, but the 208 has the two speakers and is compact which is also a plus. I'm a little torn!
Click to expand...

Where do you plan to play them? If bedroom only, the 208 is nice for its small footprint. If bedroom + gig, the 115 will likely work better for filling the room as is although you can add an extension cab to the 208 if you require more volume. The 208 will certainly struggle to handle the B string as well if you play a five string.

Just to clarify, you do have access to two toneprints on the 208 with the Switch-3 footswitch. I had the 115 but now use the 208 as my rig for small acoustic gigs or practice.
 
#1,188
Jamvan said:
Where do you plan to play them? If bedroom only, the 208 is nice for its small footprint. If bedroom + gig, the 115 will likely work better for filling the room as is although you can add an extension cab to the 208 if you require more volume. The 208 will certainly struggle to handle the B string as well if you play a five string.

Just to clarify, you do have access to two toneprints on the 208 with the Switch-3 footswitch. I had the 115 but now use the 208 as my rig for small acoustic gigs or practice.
Click to expand...

I want something that I can practice with but can also be used to gig. I'm leaning toward the 115 I must say. A couple of friends have also mentioned an ampeg combo which sounds nice but I do really love the BG250 sound and flexibility.
 
#1,189
theskankinggoth said:
I want something that I can practice with but can also be used to gig. I'm leaning toward the 115 I must say. A couple of friends have also mentioned an ampeg combo which sounds nice but I do really love the BG250 sound and flexibility.
Click to expand...

I replaced my Ampeg BA115" v2 with the BG250-115 v2 and I found the TC to be better in everything. If my Ampeg was not problematic (that's why I replaced it)
I would probably never consider TCE as a brand to go and get. The only problem with the 115 is that it is too big for an average size practice room ie you will need
bass traps or alternatively turn all the way down the bass knob.
 
#1,191
I used a bg250 115 during a long time until the amp died.
I then bought a Fender Rumble v3 200 combo.
I liked the bg250 but had some problems to find the good settings between not enough low end and boomy low end.
The Fender is more easy to set right (tighter in the low end).
And while I was really disapointed to get rid of my bg250 I am now way more happy with the Fender.
Just to say there are different alternatives to get a good sound :)
I never tried the new Ampeg combos so I can't comment.
 
#1,192
Got a great deal on a refub BG250 112. Love the amp. Great sound, light, and loud. The toneprint tech is quite ingenious, but i'll have to get a foot switch to really make it worth it.
This is the first amp i've ever given a firmware upgrade :D.
Can't wait to try it out with my Sire V7 when it arrives.
BTW: Can I get a owner number?
IMG_1902.JPG
 
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#1,196
Hi guys- I downsized and just purchased a TC BG250-112. It was the perfect fit for my music practice room (1x15 was a little too large in physical size). Will just be using the amp for practice and church/coffeehouse gigs. Nothing major. I got the five year extended warranty at a good price, along with a Tuki cover. Hoping this little guy will work well.
 
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#1,199
The balanced output will not mute the speaker. You have to plug something into the headphone jack to mute the speaker.
However, if you engage the Mute control on the control panel, it should mute the signal going to the balanced out.

ivorytower said:
Random question: I have an original BG-250 115. If I were to use the balanced out to send stuff to a PA, does it mute the speaker?
Click to expand...
 

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