The Combo Club

[GonePlaid]

Yeah but, as you may have noticed, "it's not an Ampeg"!
.





Hey, iago, why don't you admit you have the Vox Mini SuperBeetle and tell him all about it, huh? I didn't really shame you on it all that bad, did I? I mean, if it had anything, other than cosmetics, to offer over the li'l foxy Voxy VX50BA, then I'd be all over it, myself*.

Seriously, @redstrand, that's my bottom line, it's a VX50BA (which I love, dearly!) dressed up in SuperBeatle cloths, which is a very nice touch, but not quite enough for the extra cost to me. If I didn't already have the VX50BA, and didn't need the lower weigh of it (which I medically did when I bought it), I'd be extremely tempted to go for it. Soundwise, assuming it's at least comparable to the VX50BA, I'd consider it a very useful practice/jam/small gig amp. HTH.


*Edited To Add: OK, maybe I dinged the bass Mini SuperBeetle a little too hard for being less than the guitar Mini SuperBeetle with bigger speaker and extension cab capability. But, come on Vox, don't you know bass needs more amplification than guitar? Sheesh!
.

Maybe not, since bass amps never were their main objective.

 

[G-Dog]

Maybe not, since bass amps never were their main objective.

Yeah, they even short changed Paul himself! So, maybe it is in keeping with the Vox legacy.
.

 

[G-Dog]

Point of clarification? Is a piggyback like the Vox Mini Superbeetle not a combo because it's separates that work as one unit?

Blow the horn, Dog, blow the horn!

Dear Divine Miss M, please see "exception final point" diatribes posted previously. BOOM!

How 'bout dat, Fearless Leader?!? See dat's why it's so dangerous to make exceptions. Good think you threw in that "final point", huh?
.

 

[SoulReflection]

Good one, Soul Reflection! For me, it’s not getting my head around the neck, but my right hand around the traditional Precision neck!

All the more reason to look for a P with a J neck (lefty of course) .

 

[SoulReflection]

Have you tried an Ibanez?

Thanks for the recommendation. I will look into them. Problem is, I have to admit that I have a preference for a Fender giving a Fender sound...please note that I did not say I was a Fender fanboy!

 

[iagtrplyr]

I have no problem getting my right hand around a P neck-assuming I'd be swinging it as a weapon.

Through my research, I have read with the American P-bass you get a “1963” C neck, but on the Players P you get a modern C, like the Jazz’ neck but a dash wider at the nut. That’s why I’m leaning towards the PP-bass (no jokes, please).

 

[redstrand]

Didn’t know they were the same, I shall look into it!

Yeah but, as you may have noticed, "it's not an Ampeg"!
.


Didn’t know they were the same, I can always put a better speaker in the cheaper one


Hey, iago, why don't you admit you have the Vox Mini SuperBeetle and tell him all about it, huh? I didn't really shame you on it all that bad, did I? I mean, if it had anything, other than cosmetics, to offer over the li'l foxy Voxy VX50BA, then I'd be all over it, myself*.

Seriously, @redstrand, that's my bottom line, it's a VX50BA (which I love, dearly!) dressed up in SuperBeatle cloths, which is a very nice touch, but not quite enough for the extra cost to me. If I didn't already have the VX50BA, and didn't need the lower weigh of it (which I medically did when I bought it), I'd be extremely tempted to go for it. Soundwise, assuming it's at least comparable to the VX50BA, I'd consider it a very useful practice/jam/small gig amp. HTH.


*Edited To Add: OK, maybe I dinged the bass Mini SuperBeetle a little too hard for being less than the guitar Mini SuperBeetle with bigger speaker and extension cab capability. But, come on Vox, don't you know bass needs more amplification than guitar? Sheesh!
.

 

[SoulReflection]

Through my research, I have read with the American P-bass you get a “1963” C neck, but on the Players P you get a modern C, like the Jazz’ neck but a dash wider at the nut. That’s why I’m leaning towards the PP-bass (no jokes, please).

Well, I think if you get a P with a true Jazz (1.5") neck, lefty, same as your current J, your almost there, except for 34" but, you can play your J, so you are there!

 

[iagtrplyr]

Yeah but, as you may have noticed, "it's not an Ampeg"!
.
Nothing quite is, my man!


Hey, iago, why don't you admit you have the Vox Mini SuperBeetle and tell him all about it, huh? I didn't really shame you on it all that bad, did I? I mean, if it had anything, other than cosmetics, to offer over the li'l foxy Voxy VX50BA, then I'd be all over it, myself*.

Seriously, @redstrand, that's my bottom line, it's a VX50BA (which I love, dearly!) dressed up in SuperBeatle cloths, which is a very nice touch, but not quite enough for the extra cost to me. If I didn't already have the VX50BA, and didn't need the lower weigh of it (which I medically did when I bought it), I'd be extremely tempted to go for it. Soundwise, assuming it's at least comparable to the VX50BA, I'd consider it a very useful practice/jam/small gig amp. HTH.


*Edited To Add: OK, maybe I dinged the bass Mini SuperBeetle a little too hard for being less than the guitar Mini SuperBeetle with bigger speaker and extension cab capability. But, come on Vox, don't you know bass needs more amplification than guitar? Sheesh!
.

I guess I wasn’t really paying attention. I thought he meant the combo. Then when I saw the pic of the rig, I thought it was a full-size gigging bass rig.

And yes, because if the stigma of the past which my therapist made out quite handsomely, I’ve been a tad shy (for me) to display said VOX Superbeetle rig. But, here goes...

In comparison between the two amps, the sum of the parts doesn't necessarily equal the same, at least IMHO. The power amps are identical, both offer the NuTube (which I believe all of us who own this amp like a lot) in the preamp, and both use the same 8" speaker. But that's where the similarities end.

The Superbeetle maintains the compression switch, except it's a toggle now instead of a slider, but drops the OD from the combo (which is fine-sounding) and replaces it with a fuzz (which is super-fine sounding. The negative for all the switches/toggles is there are no adjustments; they're either on or off. You can play with your gain and volume though to offer some nuance. Toggle both the fuzz and compression (much like the combo's OD and compression) and you get all the gnarliness you want while still maintaining the bottom and you can hear the difference.

The other area I believe each are different from each other are the speaker cabinets. Actually, I love both of them and here's why. The combo uses ABS plastic for a super strong shell that's as light as a bass player's wallet right now and it does a heck of a job, using a wood baffle, to get the warmth of your instrument out. The Superbeetle's separate cab has a slightly larger interior and to me gives the bass frequencies more authority. Not any louder maybe, but there's more bottom end compared to the combo and me likey. Still warm as heck and that's why the NuTube works. Even if it's all mumbo-jumbo, my ears hear a warmer tone than say compared to my Phil Jones. Unfair comparison maybe, M, I know.

With the line out you can run to a PA system and use either as a monitor, though you don't get the benefit of the NuTube. I'm telling ya, someone should've been drawn and quartered for that miscue. To me, their goal was to be excellent practice or jam-with-the-band amps, and they do that outstandingly. If I could have exactly what I want it'd be a 250-watt 115 or 210 combo or separates rig that could take on rehearsals and gigs, but with the same spirit as these. They're really fun to play through and make my violin bass sound exactly like I think it should sound.

If you haven't auditioned them, you really should. Yeah, the Superbeetle is overly-priced, making the combo by far the best buy, but if demand the looks to go with the sound, start saving your shekels.

Finis

 

[iagtrplyr]

Well, I think if you get a P with a true Jazz (1.5") neck, lefty, same as your current J, your almost there, except for 34" but, you can play your J, so you are there!

Soul Reflection, you alone are influencing me to begin writing up the order. Here's what I'm currently looking at:

 

[redstrand]

Thank you, that the most illumination I’ve had in awhile

I guess I wasn’t really paying attention. I thought he meant the combo. Then when I saw the pic of the rig, I thought it was a full-size gigging bass rig.

And yes, because if the stigma of the past which my therapist made out quite handsomely, I’ve been a tad shy (for me) to display said VOX Superbeetle rig. But, here goes...

In comparison between the two amps, the sum of the parts doesn't necessarily equal the same, at least IMHO. The power amps are identical, both offer the NuTube (which I believe all of us who own this amp like a lot) in the preamp, and both use the same 8" speaker. But that's where the similarities end.

The Superbeetle maintains the compression switch, except it's a toggle now instead of a slider, but drops the OD from the combo (which is fine-sounding) and replaces it with a fuzz (which is super-fine sounding. The negative for all the switches/toggles is there are no adjustments; they're either on or off. You can play with your gain and volume though to offer some nuance. Toggle both the fuzz and compression (much like the combo's OD and compression) and you get all the gnarliness you want while still maintaining the bottom and you can hear the difference.

The other area I believe each are different from each other are the speaker cabinets. Actually, I love both of them and here's why. The combo uses ABS plastic for a super strong shell that's as light as a bass player's wallet right now and it does a heck of a job, using a wood baffle, to get the warmth of your instrument out. The Superbeetle's separate cab has a slightly larger interior and to me gives the bass frequencies more authority. Not any louder maybe, but there's more bottom end compared to the combo and me likey. Still warm as heck and that's why the NuTube works. Even if it's all mumbo-jumbo, my ears hear a warmer tone than say compared to my Phil Jones. Unfair comparison maybe, M, I know.

With the line out you can run to a PA system and use either as a monitor, though you don't get the benefit of the NuTube. I'm telling ya, someone should've been drawn and quartered for that miscue. To me, their goal was to be excellent practice or jam-with-the-band amps, and they do that outstandingly. If I could have exactly what I want it'd be a 250-watt 115 or 210 combo or separates rig that could take on rehearsals and gigs, but with the same spirit as these. They're really fun to play through and make my violin bass sound exactly like I think it should sound.

If you haven't auditioned them, you really should. Yeah, the Superbeetle is overly-priced, making the combo by far the best buy, but if demand the looks to go with the sound, start saving your shekels.

Finis

View attachment 3758450
View attachment 3758452

 

[RodRy]

My current favorite combo:

View attachment 3756817

Just don't get them mixed up!

 

[biguglyman]

Just don't get them mixed up!

...for all my friends who tell me: "BLOW IT OUT YOUR @$$". lol

 

[RodRy]

Seems to me by the powers invested in [everyone's electronically signed combo club agreement, paragraph 47, line 4, amended in the CC TOS] an Elf paired with an Acoustic Image Doubleshot is a combo in the same way a famous fliptop is a combo. The Doubleshot runs 4 ohms and weighs 16 pounds. By all accounts, an Elf likes to run at 4 ohms.

* edit
looks like the Doubleshot is made to dock with the Acoustic Image heads. Which, really, ain't such a bad deal, 600 watts .... but it will pair with a head you own with an aftermarket widget. Loses some slickness on that count, IMO.

Are you going to the Acoustic Image store and saying, "make mine a Double"?

 

[RodRy]

M, I support you, but there are those who have poo-poo'd the idea of including separates in the club and I can understand their point. I made a rash decision last year adding the B-15, but because of it being an icon I felt like it was defendable. What if we couldn't see the Elf as in, hidden from view? Would the Doubleshot allow you to place the head somewhere behind it, perhaps? If so, then a combo it would definitely be. Thoughts, Combo Club?

Thoughts? Erm...static...

Why would being unable to see the amp change the definition of combo-ness? It would not change the state or essence of the set up? Still a separate head paired with a speaker cab. I think the truth of combos is that the amp is directly paired with the cabinet from the manufacturer into a single unit.

Don't get me wrong, I love separates too, but we need to stand for something, don't we?

 

[GwenOnBass]

Is the Line Out on the Mini Super Beetle pre- or post-EQ? I'd want all that warmth to go somewhere.

 

[G-Dog]

I guess I wasn’t really paying attention. I thought he meant the combo. Then when I saw the pic of the rig, I thought it was a full-size gigging bass rig.

And yes, because if the stigma of the past which my therapist made out quite handsomely, I’ve been a tad shy (for me) to display said VOX Superbeetle rig. But, here goes...

In comparison between the two amps, the sum of the parts doesn't necessarily equal the same, at least IMHO. The power amps are identical, both offer the NuTube (which I believe all of us who own this amp like a lot) in the preamp, and both use the same 8" speaker. But that's where the similarities end.

The Superbeetle maintains the compression switch, except it's a toggle now instead of a slider, but drops the OD from the combo (which is fine-sounding) and replaces it with a fuzz (which is super-fine sounding. The negative for all the switches/toggles is there are no adjustments; they're either on or off. You can play with your gain and volume though to offer some nuance. Toggle both the fuzz and compression (much like the combo's OD and compression) and you get all the gnarliness you want while still maintaining the bottom and you can hear the difference.

The other area I believe each are different from each other are the speaker cabinets. Actually, I love both of them and here's why. The combo uses ABS plastic for a super strong shell that's as light as a bass player's wallet right now and it does a heck of a job, using a wood baffle, to get the warmth of your instrument out. The Superbeetle's separate cab has a slightly larger interior and to me gives the bass frequencies more authority. Not any louder maybe, but there's more bottom end compared to the combo and me likey. Still warm as heck and that's why the NuTube works. Even if it's all mumbo-jumbo, my ears hear a warmer tone than say compared to my Phil Jones. Unfair comparison maybe, M, I know.

With the line out you can run to a PA system and use either as a monitor, though you don't get the benefit of the NuTube. I'm telling ya, someone should've been drawn and quartered for that miscue. To me, their goal was to be excellent practice or jam-with-the-band amps, and they do that outstandingly. If I could have exactly what I want it'd be a 250-watt 115 or 210 combo or separates rig that could take on rehearsals and gigs, but with the same spirit as these. They're really fun to play through and make my violin bass sound exactly like I think it should sound.

If you haven't auditioned them, you really should. Yeah, the Superbeetle is overly-priced, making the combo by far the best buy, but if demand the looks to go with the sound, start saving your shekels.

Finis

View attachment 3758450
View attachment 3758452

Thanks, Mike. I think you just gave me a new appreciation of the Mini SuperBeetle! After all, it is a version of the combo that I have a special relationship with. Thank you for that. Thank you, very much.
.

Soul Reflection, you alone are influencing me to begin writing up the order. Here's what I'm currently looking at:

View attachment 3758464

Cool, iago! Does that have the Jazz neck you're familiar with? I can't tell from the pic.

I love my 2004 P-bass Special, with the Jazz neck and PJ pups. It's everything I've ever dreamed of.

[Stock photo. Changed PG to white pearloid for colorblind sensitivities.]​

.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Thoughts? Erm...static...

Why would being unable to see the amp change the definition of combo-ness? It would not change the state or essence of the set up? Still a separate head paired with a speaker cab. I think the truth of combos is that the amp is directly paired with the cabinet from the manufacturer into a single unit.

Don't get me wrong, I love separates too, but we need to stand for something, don't we?

Both in a single enclosure seems fair enough to me. An extension cabinet is okey-dokey.

 

[Polish Thunder]

Soul Reflection, you alone are influencing me to begin writing up the order. Here's what I'm currently looking at:

View attachment 3758464

iagtrplr,

When I wanted to pick up a lefty Fender P-bass, I kept going back and forth between an MIA and a MIM model. I called Fender Customer Service and asked them why they hated lefties because we do not a have wide range of choices. The rep said it is based on demand and there not just that many lefties to justify more choices. He said he played bass and had several MIM that he liked. He said the main difference is more expensive hardware. I also know the overall quality of a MIA is more consistent.

So I decided on getting a MIM. It came down to the Tidepool with Maple FB or the 3-Tone Sunburst with Pau Ferro FB. It was a coin toss. I found a used 2018 3-Tone Sunburst used in Mint condition on Reverb. Turns out it was an open box, not a demo or return. Perfect condition with all of the plastic wrap still on it. $529 (including shipping). It plays like butter and I can get the action nice and low. The only thing I did was put LaBella flatwounds on it. I will say that the Tidepool with the maple neck looks awfully nice too.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Thoughts? Erm...static...

Why would being unable to see the amp change the definition of combo-ness? It would not change the state or essence of the set Time up? Still a separate head paired with a speaker cab. I think the truth of combos is that the amp is directly paired with the cabinet from the manufacturer into a single unit.

Don't get me wrong, I love separates too, but we need to stand for something, don't we?

Yes we do, RR, and that’s why we are THE Combo Club!

Except for the B-15...