The Combo Club

[iagtrplyr]

Same photo as GK Club- way too many shadows.

GK MB212 II,
Gig worthy.
Have a Mesa 18" that needs power and the combo-combo will be truly any-gig ready- except both my Tahoes are gone and the 18 will barely fit in my wife's SUV, never mind my daily driver.

Number please; if you will have me.

Another Doctor in duty...awesome! Doc, I’ll have ya a nice new number as soon as I get into HQ’s Command Central. Been a while since I’ve issued one too. Thanks a bunch for your interest in the club and don’t forget to tell your unsuspecting friends that they can join too! Be looking for me later today...

 

[iagtrplyr]

Ask me about small drivers

I know where you’re going but PJB likes to swarm it’s listeners with literally thousands of dinky speakers, whereas VOX has decided one 8” speaker is going to thrill the audience with its bottom end. Like ‘Dog has spoken in the past, it will surprise you with its heft, but my vision was a ten minimally and maybe KBD’s idea of dual eights pushing a little more air. Argh!

So since I have you, M, would the Double Four be a good entry level model to get the taste for a Mr. Jones sound? I keep looking at the Session 100 but don’t like the weight and perceived lack of volume. I know the D4 isn’t a powerhouse either, but I’m interested in the portability and its, from what I’ve read, sweet tone. Liking your idea, I’d maybe grab an Ampeg or Tech 21 VT pedal to make it my sound. Thoughts please. Thanks!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I’d wait until they sell the head alone.

Just last week I was pondering buying a pre-owned RevSound 2x8" right here on TB, but then I went looking for a head to go with it, I do wish the SuperBeetle head was available separately.
In the end I decided to stick with my combo, because I know deep-down that most heads will disappoint me.

What I need is a head with the Gain & overdrive of a guitar tube amp, but with the EQ controls of a bass amp, preferably 4-band or parametric.

 

[GwenOnBass]

I know where you’re going but PJB likes to swarm it’s listeners with literally thousands of dinky speakers, whereas VOX has decided one 8” speaker is going to thrill the audience with its bottom end. Like ‘Dog has spoken in the past, it will surprise you with its heft, but my vision was a ten minimally and maybe KBD’s idea of dual eights pushing a little more air. Argh!

So since I have you, M, would the Double Four be a good entry level model to get the taste for a Mr. Jones sound? I keep looking at the Session 100 but don’t like the weight and perceived lack of volume. I know the D4 isn’t a powerhouse either, but I’m interested in the portability and its, from what I’ve read, sweet tone. Liking your idea, I’d maybe grab an Ampeg or Tech 21 VT pedal to make it my sound. Thoughts please. Thanks!

I've not tried the Double Four myself but @pcake recently auditioned one at a TBer's place. Another TBer uses his Double Four in a ukulele orchestra. By all accounts the Double Four with its 4 inch drivers is a bit more musical than the BG-100 Bass Cub. Two different amps, really, with an outboard power supply on the DoubleFour. Someone here was / is (?) running a Bass Cub with (up to) three PB 100 powered bass cabs, and read here of one who plays the Vegas circuit with the Bass Cub and a PB 300 powered cab.

People who like the VT Bass really like the VT Bass (and people who don't really don't like it). By now I can hear the overdrive and compression at work, and learning how musical low character knob settings are. It helps to think of the character knob as a pre-EQ mids control. It adds a lot of depth to my PBJ, and I've been complimented for tone using it. Pushing the Ampeg BA-108 with the VT Bass is just plain old fun. I get Ampeg Plus out of an 8 inch driver that in all honesty is probably not top drawer

Every confidence the Vox VX50BA is much more than the sum of its parts. I can make no accounting for Vox' marketing strategy for bass. The little Vox stack kind of reminds me of seeing a VW Bug with a dune buggy body. Gonna be a lot of fun but you don't want to spend a lot of time in the overtake lane.

It's the Trace Elliot Transit B that might be a truly useful pedal if you like the TE colour. I do. But it's really not an Ampeg tone and totally not a Phil Jones tone. It's its own thing, and a very fine thing. It seems to me a great grab 'n go pedal to put in the gig bag.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I've not tried the Double Four myself but @pcake recently auditioned one at a TBer's place. Another TBer uses his Double Four in a ukulele orchestra. By all accounts the Double Four with its 4 inch drivers is a bit more musical than the BG-100 Bass Cub. Two different amps, really, with an outboard power supply on the DoubleFour. Someone here was / is (?) running a Bass Cub with (up to) three PB 100 powered bass cabs, and read here of one who plays the Vegas circuit with the Bass Cub and a PB 300 powered cab.

People who like the VT Bass really like the VT Bass (and people who don't really don't like it). By now I can hear the overdrive and compression at work, and learning how musical low character knob settings are. It helps to think of the character knob as a pre-EQ mids control. It adds a lot of depth to my PBJ, and I've been complimented for tone using it. Pushing the Ampeg BA-108 with the VT Bass is just plain old fun. I get Ampeg Plus out of an 8 inch driver that in all honesty is probably not top drawer

Every confidence the Vox VX50BA is much more than the sum of its parts. I can make no accounting for Vox' marketing strategy for bass. The little Vox stack kind of reminds me of seeing a VW Bug with a dune buggy body. Gonna be a lot of fun but you don't want to spend a lot of time in the overtake lane.

It's the Trace Elliot Transit B that might be a truly useful pedal if you like the TE colour. I do. But it's really not an Ampeg tone and totally not a Phil Jones tone. It's its own thing, and a very fine thing. It seems to me a great grab 'n go pedal to put in the gig bag.

As always, an enjoyable and informative read. That’s why I ask those who know when I wanna know. Thank you, Morrighan!

I’d like to spend some time with a TE amplifier to see if I like playing through that sound. Though they’re pricey, I’m intrigued by the two Elf combos. The advertising says they’re gig-ready, but I can’t see how unless you’re adding the 2 x 8 or 1 x 10 cabs. Then, to me, it’s more transporting than I may wish to do.

Toss in the fact that the Stage 800 absolutely rocked my casbah. We made an awful recording off the board where we DI’ed all the guitars and that darn Beatle bass sounded like it was on a professional recording. Does that make sense? And I’m not talking my playing, it was the tone of what I was hearing that I enjoyed hearing.

I’m rambling, but when you begin to really listen to what you’re putting out there for your audience you appreciate what excellent equipment does to enhance your fingers. I love making music!

 

[Mo Boogs]

Alright, I’m all over the map in my search for a smaller rig for medium gigs down to practices. Initially I was looking at combos, then most recently D-class Aguilar and Mesa heads with 15” cabs. This weekend my band played a booze cruise and had my V-4B with 212AV a crankin. I’m so in love with that tone I thought I take one more shot in the combo department and ask, is there a combo that nails that sound too?

 

[GonePlaid]

Hope enough folks show up to make this sacrifice worth it. (I really wilt in the heat and humidity.)

Most of the people who came to the Harley dealer were there for the pulled pork and to look at bikes-inside(AC). If someone had tossed a grenade, all they woulda got was the band. I have a pay gig next Sunday(yay). It's outside too but at least I get paid for my efforts.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Alright, I’m all over the map in my search for a smaller rig for medium gigs down to practices. Initially I was looking at combos, then most recently D-class Aguilar and Mesa heads with 15” cabs. This weekend my band played a booze cruise and had my V-4B with 212AV a crankin. I’m so in love with that tone I thought I take one more shot in the combo department and ask, is there a combo that nails that sound too?

To read TB (and that's all I have to go on here as a not-yet-owner) the closest you'll come is a PF-50T bolted to the fliptop of a PF-115HE riding another PF-115HE to finish the deal. Technically that would be a combo amp for the same reason(s) the B15 gets the nod for combo amp. A most worthy rig.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Alright, I’m all over the map in my search for a smaller rig for medium gigs down to practices. Initially I was looking at combos, then most recently D-class Aguilar and Mesa heads with 15” cabs. This weekend my band played a booze cruise and had my V-4B with 212AV a crankin. I’m so in love with that tone I thought I take one more shot in the combo department and ask, is there a combo that nails that sound too?

Mo, you have my respect for not giving up on a do-it-all Combo. My first thought after reading your post was something tubey like Mesa. I’ve read where their combos, though expensive, sound incredible.

Okay members, can ya help out a fellow bass player? I’m more of a rank and file combo lover and know less about the boutique brands as maybe some of the others. Fire away, Club!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Most of the people who came to the Harley dealer were there for the pulled pork and to look at bikes-inside(AC).

I find this hard to believe

 

[GonePlaid]

I find this hard to believe

Oh. Forgot to mention the smokers. They were outside long enough to puff. A couple of them had actual cigarettes.

 

[GwenOnBass]

As always, an enjoyable and informative read. That’s why I ask those who know when I wanna know. Thank you, Morrighan!

I’d like to spend some time with a TE amplifier to see if I like playing through that sound. Though they’re pricey, I’m intrigued by the two Elf combos. The advertising says they’re gig-ready, but I can’t see how unless you’re adding the 2 x 8 or 1 x 10 cabs. Then, to me, it’s more transporting than I may wish to do.

Toss in the fact that the Stage 800 absolutely rocked my casbah. We made an awful recording off the board where we DI’ed all the guitars and that darn Beatle bass sounded like it was on a professional recording. Does that make sense? And I’m not talking my playing, it was the tone of what I was hearing that I enjoyed hearing.

I’m rambling, but when you begin to really listen to what you’re putting out there for your audience you appreciate what excellent equipment does to enhance your fingers. I love making music!

The current TB Elf discussion executive summary:
Elf + TE 1x10 = jazz combo, no drums
Elf + 2x TE 1x10 = "sane volume"
Elf + TE 2x8 = "sane volume plus"
Elf + 2x TE 2x8 = Impressively loud
Elf + AnyBrand 4x10 = outdoor gig level
Elf + AnyBrand 8x10 = <big grin>

The Elf's colour is very present. Actual Elf studio cat types report here the DI is top drawer. Disconnect the speaker and run the headphone jack as a line out - which means it's possible to use the Elf as a preamp only. <shrug> for that there is the Transit B with all the toys on board.

 

[iagtrplyr]

To read TB (and that's all I have to go on here as a not-yet-owner) the closest you'll come is a PF-50T bolted to the fliptop of a PF-115HE riding another PF-115HE to finish the deal. Technically that would be a combo amp for the same reason(s) the B15 gets the nod for combo amp. A most worthy rig.

She’s right, as we’ve pretty much decided if it looks like a B-15 and sets up like a B-15, we’ll count it. That rig will cost you a few bucks too, but everyone who owns the tube amp talks very highly about it.

Mo, being you’re already an Ampeg guy, that might be something you’ll want to audition. Nice call, M. Anyone else got a suggestion?

 

[GonePlaid]

She’s right, as we’ve pretty much decided if it looks like a B-15 and sets up like a B-15, we’ll count it. That rig will cost you a few bucks too, but everyone who owns the tube amp talks very highly about it.

Mo, being you’re already an Ampeg guy, that might be something you’ll want to audition. Nice call, M. Anyone else got a suggestion?

No suggestions, but I did play through another guy's B-18. Awesome-and I'm not a 'Peg sound fan. But that thing? Wow! He was looking to sell it. Unfortunately, he knew what it was worth. Oh, well, I couldn't lift it anyway.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Same photo as GK Club- way too many shadows.

GK MB212 II,
Gig worthy.
Have a Mesa 18" that needs power and the combo-combo will be truly any-gig ready- except both my Tahoes are gone and the 18 will barely fit in my wife's SUV, never mind my daily driver.

Number please; if you will have me.

My apologies to the good doctor for completely forgetting to add his fine name to our esteemed membership list, mainly due because I noodled around before bedtime for the first time in a week, BUT that's not an excuse. This time I remembered to add his name after noodling around again. Welcome Doc, we're glad to have you and your GK combo to the group! You are officially # 142. Very cool...

 

[biguglyman]

The Holiest of Holy Grails? (CL and Ampeg content)

 

[GwenOnBass]

The Holiest of Holy Grails? (CL and Ampeg content)

Beyond words.

^ So those two words will have to do.

 

[Ricardo Rodriguez]

I know where you’re going but PJB likes to swarm it’s listeners with literally thousands of dinky speakers, whereas VOX has decided one 8” speaker is going to thrill the audience with its bottom end. Like ‘Dog has spoken in the past, it will surprise you with its heft, but my vision was a ten minimally and maybe KBD’s idea of dual eights pushing a little more air. Argh!

So since I have you, M, would the Double Four be a good entry level model to get the taste for a Mr. Jones sound? I keep looking at the Session 100 but don’t like the weight and perceived lack of volume. I know the D4 isn’t a powerhouse either, but I’m interested in the portability and its, from what I’ve read, sweet tone. Liking your idea, I’d maybe grab an Ampeg or Tech 21 VT pedal to make it my sound. Thoughts please. Thanks!

I've played all the PJB amps and in my opinion, the Micro 7 has the better sound compared to the Session 100 and Double Four. If you need something louder then I would move up to the BG400.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I've played all the PJB amps and in my opinion, the Micro 7 has the better sound compared to the Session 100 and Double Four. If you need something louder then I would move up to the BG400.

Thanks Ricardo for your knowledgeable advice. I’m impressed by your endorsement of the Micro 7, but am I little a little dismayed that I have to spend twelve big ones to enjoy what PJB brings to the table. Sheesh, I’d be forced to put Gone Plaid’s garage door on eBay to help pay for it!

I know I’d have to audition each to decide what I like before buying and again, I do appreciate your thoughts.

And then there’s that darn Vox Superbeetle Mini rig...

 

[GonePlaid]

Thanks Ricardo for your knowledgeable advice. I’m impressed by your endorsement of the Micro 7, but am I little a little dismayed that I have to spend twelve big ones to enjoy what PJB brings to the table. Sheesh, I’d be forced to put Gone Plaid’s garage door on eBay to help pay for it!

I know I’d have to audition each to decide what I like before buying and again, I do appreciate your thoughts.

And then there’s that darn Vox Superbeetle Micro rig...

Let's split the difference and say the Stuporbeetle has a 9". apparently there's no such animal