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TC Electronic BQ500 Review
- Thread starter twc1313
- Start date
I've had the BQ500 for a couple of years, it was my first "big" amp. I started with the BQ250 through a TC 2x8 cabinet, but later moved up to the BQ500 and a Barefaced Super Compact. I really loved the sound of the BQ amps. As others have said, it's very transparent with a touch of warmth. I really find it a beautiful sound.
In seeking more volume (for my very loud band) I later upgraded my cab to a Super Twin, and I picked up a Mesa D-800 from the TB classifieds as a kind of Grail amp. Sadly, I struggled with the Mesa for months and I just couldn't get on with it -- it turns out the baked in Mesa tone is just far too dark for my liking. I then picked up a used Quilter BB800 and I like that amp a lot. I played a couple of gigs with it and have been very happy. It's very loud, very neutral, and I actually get on fine with the novel tone controls.
But then a couple of days ago I dug out the old BQ500, and quite frankly, it still sounds fantastic to my ear, even after using those much more premium amps, and it's crazy loud through the Super Twin. I've been A/B/C-ing the Mesa, the Quilter, and the TC the past couple of days, and the result is that the BQ500 is actually getting back into the rotation as my main amp. It's really close between the TC and the Quilter, but the TC has some kind of extra something that just sounds so good to my ear. I think it's that hint of warmth, but with excellent clarity and good punch to it.
To top it all off, it's a nice looking amp, and very compact.
As you might guess, this is a hearty recommendation for the BQ500!
Alex
In seeking more volume (for my very loud band) I later upgraded my cab to a Super Twin, and I picked up a Mesa D-800 from the TB classifieds as a kind of Grail amp. Sadly, I struggled with the Mesa for months and I just couldn't get on with it -- it turns out the baked in Mesa tone is just far too dark for my liking. I then picked up a used Quilter BB800 and I like that amp a lot. I played a couple of gigs with it and have been very happy. It's very loud, very neutral, and I actually get on fine with the novel tone controls.
But then a couple of days ago I dug out the old BQ500, and quite frankly, it still sounds fantastic to my ear, even after using those much more premium amps, and it's crazy loud through the Super Twin. I've been A/B/C-ing the Mesa, the Quilter, and the TC the past couple of days, and the result is that the BQ500 is actually getting back into the rotation as my main amp. It's really close between the TC and the Quilter, but the TC has some kind of extra something that just sounds so good to my ear. I think it's that hint of warmth, but with excellent clarity and good punch to it.
To top it all off, it's a nice looking amp, and very compact.
As you might guess, this is a hearty recommendation for the BQ500!
Alex
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Nice review and pretty much mirrors my experience with this amp. I've used a lot of nice amps over the years and the BQ500 is right up there with them. It's powerful and loud. It's got it's own sound which may or may not be your thing but I really like it. There is a great open punchiness to the low mids that is just fantastic that I haven't found in other amps.
Nice shots - thank you! It is possible to rewire the switch but it would involve some micro surgery and would invalidate the warrantySince I'm a hobbiesthere are some photos of the inside of mine. Hard to get a decent shot of the individual components...
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