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The Combo Club
- Thread starter ChefKen
- Start date
Combo Numero Uno is the Ampeg BA108v2. And here are a few syllables about it:
This is a kicking combo! Ah yes, a massive 20 watts and an 8 inch driver means no Maxell advertisement with this one. It's a practice amp. Now I dunno about you, but my practice volumes aren't exactly thunderous. Likely there's enough meat behind the knobs it can hold its own against an acoustic guitar in a coffee shop. Won't rattle anybody's hat off but that's not the intention for this amp.
What the little Ampeg brings is a sweet lotta Ampeg tone, a great headphone out and an AUX In with its own volume knob. That's actually pretty important to me as there's no telling the volume of whatever it is I plug in.
One of them things that gets plugged in is a Tascam GB-10. Little headphone amp with all the trimmings. Not sure I can call the Tascam a combo amp but it sure is loaded with useful features.
Which brings us up to the combo amp of droolage, the Phil Jones Bass BG-400 Suitcase Compact. This is the "everything inna box" solution. Two inputs means it's easy to double should one be a doubler. Each channel has its own preamp section. Rad. And an effects loop, and and and this is a major amp of no mean amplitude. Pair it with a Compact 4 extension cab (as I do) and that's a whole lot of loud. 500 watts loud through eight 5 inch drivers.
Ever have the pleasure of driving a Mercedes Benz from the 60s? You know how in one of those things when you push a button or engage a switch there is a clearly discernable "thunk" that feels as solid as a brick s-house? That's what the controls on the Phil Jones feel like to me.
One might argue that's a lot of dosh for 300 watts in a combo that doesn't reach my knees. For the same coin it's possible to own a rig that is powerful enough to fry chickens in the barnyard. But that's not the point with the Phil Jones gear. With the C4 it gets scary loud enough as it is.
And suits me fine
... would I own another combo?
The combo amp stork has been taking notes on the Vox VX50BA shhhhhhhh
Ever had a look inside one? I just wondered if they fill them with quick drying cement! They look as if you should be able to kick them to the car, but they have so much mass they seem to warp time and space! What I especially love with the BG-400 is having one input for the acoustic bass and one for the electric with totally different preamp settings. Very well designed.. Phil knows his market!
????????? I'm sorry, I have a hard time believing any number of 5" drivers will reproduce the low D on my B string to my satisfaction...just sayin'...
I have a Cort B5+ and Overwater Custom J5 and the BG-400 handles the low B just fine. I’ve been tending to use my P a little more in recent months and that sounds great. Such a surprising package.. but I guess Phil knows what he’s doing.
- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,155
- 256,567
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
The 15 inch extension cab I used for my Peavey was heavier than the Peavey combo itself. The end of its life with me came that day I discovered there is no way I could lift it by myself into the car. "Going to the gym" is not reality and absolutely nobody anywhere would dress as the grim reaper and stand behind people on the treadmill at Planet Fitness.
And the BG-400 line out opens a world of possibilities. What I imagine as a possibility is to run the line out to drive the little Ampeg BA108 in tiltback mode as a personal stage monitor. (Actually a far better idea is the PJB Ear Box....) Or just run another amp and cab for stereo ...
- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,155
- 256,567
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
I'd like to take this time before I withdraw to my slumber chamber to wish Christians around the world a happy Easter! May the dominant species on this rock finally get it all together to improve its living conditions for all, instill hope and optimism back into those who have chosen cynicism as their daily mantra, and spread the joy of music to all corners. I do believe it's the universal language we can still use to communicate with.
That, plus I'm looking for an amp dedicated to my new bass. The hollow-body needs its own vehicle. Any ideas out there? I'm thinking smallish combo that is open and accurate enough to show off the woody pedigree of this Hofner copy. Doc, you're our German guitar expert, what are your thoughts?
So please stop in today and post up something to making this day special. Happy Easter!
While neither Doc nor German, can comment on some combo-osity from experience ---
One of the Trace Eliott combos would be on my radar for certain. The Elf is, to my ears, a very musical amp. With all EQ at noon, there's a modest bump in the lows and highs that might give the appearance of a mid-scoop. That apparent scoop is slight at about 3 db, the TE Elf thread has the graphs. The real sleeper in the amp, though, is the DI. The raves are in. By all reports the 1x10 kicks booty and takes names. The 2x8 is held to be even better-er.
Have not heard the Peavey 2x8 but really like the cut of its jib.
The Tech 21 combo looks killer to me. My experience with a VT Bass pedal says this one is a major contender. Digging the Blackstars but understand they run on the heavy side ....
No pain - no gain!
. In relation to current gear, perhaps. But compared to what I used to haul around, my back is a happy camper. 42lbs on my U250 is not a big deal for me - but I'm kinda big and beefy myself! 
The Vox has been a useful preamp for me, but I like some dirt in my tone. Otherwise, I'm not sure what would work as it will depend on what you want. The only thing I can strongly suggest is to scoop your EQ. To my ears it sounds great with the Violin basses.I'd like to take this time before I withdraw to my slumber chamber to wish Christians around the world a happy Easter! May the dominant species on this rock finally get it all together to improve its living conditions for all, instill hope and optimism back into those who have chosen cynicism as their daily mantra, and spread the joy of music to all corners. I do believe it's the universal language we can still use to communicate with.
That, plus I'm looking for an amp dedicated to my new bass. The hollow-body needs its own vehicle. Any ideas out there? I'm thinking smallish combo that is open and accurate enough to show off the woody pedigree of this Hofner copy. Doc, you're our German guitar expert, what are your thoughts?
So please stop in today and post up something to making this day special. Happy Easter!
I picked up this combo from Sweetwater recently. I have a soft spot for Hartke, going back to the 80's.
I like clean and punchy, which is right where this combo lines up.
I like clean and punchy, which is right where this combo lines up.
There was a an advertisement for some kind of fitness machine that started out "The worst part of going to the gym...is going to the gym." I'll drink to that.
So instead of getting to bed so I can live a long life, I just finished grading 4th-grade assessments before heading onto here for a nightcap. You don't know how nice it is to see you back on the forum, Giff. Ya know, I missed the Aussie touch when it came to making a point.
As far as my Rock Summer Camp idea, I await final word before it's official. These would be kids I probably taught previously and maybe even worked with them in the elementary talent show, so it might be a reunion of sorts. I've got what looks like a busy summer ahead, but it'll be more than worth taking time to rock out with the kindlings...
Dog, none of us know your current actions, so kill away! Giff, don't mind 'Dog. He slipped on a Fast Fret can, konked himself on the noggin, and hasn't been the same ever since. He's basically harmless and causes us to smile whenever he posts. Doc Intrepid says we ought to check him in for psychiatric evaluation, but the Club Council voted 6-4 to let it ride. Ya can't buy entertainment like this stuff...
Dog, how am I doing with keeping your secret agent identity a secret? I've been practicing in front of the mirror.
Hey, don't forget AC/DC. That band is equal to a hundred groups from about anywhere else on this sphere.
harp, good to see you again. Let us know how you like it. Ya read the reviews from owners and while most like it, there's always someone complaining that it's not loud and there's not enough bass. I say baloney. Give your thoughts after you've played through it a while. Thanks!
Great pics, B & W. Just watch, a comment or two will be coming up remarking on the long life that these Peaveys have enjoyed over the years AND how darn heavy they are. My gal, M, will probably be one of those scribing. Enjoy rocking out!
And here you go, our latest member! You're #129 on this day after Easter. Congrats and wear it proudly. Maybe you can help find us another interested combo lover because we like round numbers around here. BTW, that's definitely a nice setup you have there!
While neither Doc nor German, can comment on some combo-osity from experience ---
One of the Trace Eliott combos would be on my radar for certain. The Elf is, to my ears, a very musical amp. With all EQ at noon, there's a modest bump in the lows and highs that might give the appearance of a mid-scoop. That apparent scoop is slight at about 3 db, the TE Elf thread has the graphs. The real sleeper in the amp, though, is the DI. The raves are in. By all reports the 1x10 kicks booty and takes names. The 2x8 is held to be even better-er.
Have not heard the Peavey 2x8 but really like the cut of its jib.
The Tech 21 combo looks killer to me. My experience with a VT Bass pedal says this one is a major contender. Digging the Blackstars but understand they run on the heavy side ....
Preach it, Morrighan! The Elf combos certainly are intriguing, but I'm waiting for someone more courageous than I to kick the tires before I do. They're a chunk of dough too, but I'm sure very fine. All I'm reading about the new Peavey line is how the grills rattle like a toddlers toy in the playpen. Must wait and see how that gets taken care of.
I was looking at used Vox T-25b and T-60 combos in the GC used lot tonight. A little aesthetics go a long way, especially since I plan to lobby to have the bass and amp placed prominently in the living room this summer. It's too darn cute to keep in the man cave.
steelbed45, that's a mighty nifty rig you have there. Definitely good enough to earn you a membership number if you're interested. Reply back and let me know. If ya hurry you'll get #130.
I'm actually thinking a clean sound for the new bass without the baked-in tone of some of our fave brands. I want the ability to adjust without having to duke it out with the factory's predetermination of what it'll sound like. That being said, I haven't gotten the chance to play it with a real chameleon of an amp, my Stage 800. The Fender continues to kill my plans to purchase a new amp each month because it does such a good job of getting me the sound I want. I'm gonna give it a whirl later today.
Hahah yeah they are heavy as sin but reliable! I will definitely have it as a back up for all out of town shows from here on out.
You know Mike...these darn Peavey's, like my MKIV head and 1820 cab, live such a long life but are so darn heavy!
