Phil Jones Bass Briefcase or???

junglejem · Post by **junglejem** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:48 pm

Looking for a small, great sounding practice amp for my 4003. Anyone have any experience with the Phil Jones Briefcase? It is at the high end of my budget at $570, but it looks interesting.

Any other thoughts? I do not need a gigging amp; the smaller the better, but with some tone.

Can I get it done for less $$? SWR LA Series? Orange Crush? Others? Is the PJB Briefcase 3 times the amp for 3 times the money?

walker · Post by **walker** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 9:04 pm

A friend of mine has the FULL PBJ stack, and professes it to be the most well-rounded & clear sounding AND loudest cranking cabinet he's ever played through. I would imagine that the brief case would definitely be worth plugging into for a test drive. You might be onto something with your 3x the amp analogy.

beacon · Post by **beacon** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:04 am

I play through the Suitcase at rehearsal. It belongs to one of the guitar players...getting my Ampeg SVT and 410HLF down the stairs is a challange....At any rate, I was reluctant at first but I have to tell you it is quite clear and plenty loud and with some tweaking of the equalizer performs quite well. I was surprised at how well it handles the B string on my V string. I agree with Mark, I'd give it a test drive.

woodyng · Post by **woodyng** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 2:44 am

check out the micromark from markbass-it's about half the size of the briefcase with a single 6" driver and 50 watts-should be available at guitar center.i have not seen/heard one in person,but evidently it wowed the folks at the namm shows-i'm sorry,i don't know the price.....

jps · Post by **jps** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:09 am

I tried the Briefcase a while back. It was pretty decent sounding but I don't think the bottom end was anything to write home about. In addition to the above mentioned candidates, add the SWR Workingpro 12 or 15 to your list. I'd opt for the 12, myself.

junglejem · Post by **junglejem** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:32 pm

Well I suppose I'll be the guinea pig. Found one at "Jive Sound" in Virginia for a decent price. It should be here by early next week, as will my "new" '82 4003. I'm sure I will be posting my first impressions.

crazypink · Post by **crazypink** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:42 pm

I've recently bought an Ashdown Perfect 10 65 Watt Stack and it's excellent! Very warm, balanced, controlled with loads of power. I tried a few mini/practice amps at the time, Warwick, Orange, Roland and the Ashdown was miles above the rest! Cost me about £199, they can be picked up in the US for $199, rrp $379!

crazypink · Post by **crazypink** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:44 pm

crazypink · Post by **crazypink** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:45 pm

I would say it's well worth a try if you can find one in the US, and would say compare it side by side with whatever else you thinking of trying. I'd be very surprised if you was disappointed!

woodyng · Post by **woodyng** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:28 am

i beleive musician's fiend had the ashdown ministack on their clearance page-looked pretty cool and low $$$ as well. i had also read posts that the pj briefcase was lacking in low end,but you could boost that by positioning it in a corner.

gray · Post by **gray** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:37 am

My lil' ol' Ampeg B100R works like a champ for me. Everyone is always surprised at how loud it is.

tsarter · Post by **tsarter** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:07 am

I cannot speak for the briefcase, but I just bought a pair of his cabs - a 6T and a 9B - and am loving them. I feel like my quest for my dream cab is over. Remarkable cabs.

junglejem · Post by **junglejem** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 6:31 pm

My Briefcase arrived yesterday, and I have finally had the opportunity to fire it up. In a word? Perfect.
I was not looking for a gigging amp, just a great sounding practice and recording amp for my new 4003. The Briefcase is not particularly loud, but I tell ya'....these speakers are crystal clear. 5 band EQ is adequate, on-board compression doesn't do a lot, but does add a little flavor.
But here's the most bizarre twist...my Gibson J-200 sounds gorgeous thru the Briefcase, pure, crystal clear acoustic tone. But that's not all...I honestly think the most impressive use I have found for the Briefcase in my first evening with it, is with the Janglebox compressor and my Rickenbacker 330 12! Absolutely the purest clean tone I have ever heard in an amplifier. This is an amazing little unit, and it looks as though it is going to work into my personal arsenal better than I ever expected.
Finally...I bought mine thru "Jive Sounds" in Arlington, Virginia. You'll find them on the Phil Jones Bass website list of dealers. The price and service was A+ and I would unequivocally recommend giving this dealer a shot at your business.

terry_h · Post by **terry_h** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 12:20 pm

I also tried the "BRIEFCASE", amazing sound for the size! Anybody out there that's tried the newest "PhilJones Flight-Case", it's got four 5" speakers,150w, & weighs 24lbs? I'd like to, but none in my area.