Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Have any of you use'd the Phil Jones Bass Briefcase combo? I saw it in a magazine like a year ago. Thought the thing seemed pretty awesome, but Chip said generally speaking 5" speakers aren't gonna give you the bass you want. Just generally 10+ is what you want. But, I read over reviews and they seem pretty good. I was thinking it'd make a pretty good practice amp and allow me to have something more portable. Right now I just got my 200 bassman, Which I hate taking anywhere. Because normally its more then I need and its kinda big and bulky. I mean it could be alot worse, yes but it still seems like over kill. The only other amp I have is a little Gorilla 50 watt. Thing sounds like ****, and you cant get anywhere near half way or over without it distorting out to the point were you just dont want to play any more.

But, If you'v used it or heard about it from friends and what not tell me what you heard/thought. Oh and if you know anything comparable to it. Portability/size and in sound and what not let me know.

Thanks guys.

How small do you want? I know a lot of people slam them, but I have a Peavey Basic 112. It's 50 Watts and not really very powerful, but it has a nice, round sound. It's a nice little practice amp and suitable for small backyard acoustic type gigs. Plus, the thing costs less than $190 new.

I was just thinking something small, but still that is packing a pretty good amount of power. Alot of the time Im just jamming with guitarist. In their house or whatever. My bassman is a little much to take just for an two hour jam or something where we cant get super super loud anyways. But I can't take my Gorilla because it sounds like ... well lets just say horrible.

I figured its small enough I can carry it around with me and not worry about trouble of taking it in to places and what not. As well as taking it to school and all that. We have a guitar club and theres a few of us that put together little acts and what not, to entertain, show what all we have going on, and teach some what. I was just thinking this would be perfect for packing around the school (battery a plus for the hallways !) and loud enough for our stage area thingy. Theres another word for that I just dont know how to spell it lol. Last time I try'd taking in my Gorilla about Mid-way I said im sorry im done, I cant put up with this. My bassman is too much to take in for something small like that.

Mainly something to pack around for jamming with friends. But enough that if needed I can keep up with a drummer (possibly).

I have done a few gigs in small places with this little amp. It has a line out so you can use the PA to help support the sound a bit if necessary. It is NOT something for a bigger gig or work with a loud drummer. It would work with a small Jazz combo type of setup. I don't know of anything that works off a battery, though. I really like my Basic 112. Like I said, people slam Peavey all the time, but the stuff works, and in my experience is close to indestructible even if it isn't stellar sounding.

Yeah, Im not expecting to be rocking out with a rock drummer on this PJB amp. I realize thats probly out of the question. But I think I could have it pushed enough for a jazz type thing going on. As long as the drummer wasn't pounding it, I think it may work.

Auditions, Writing Sessions, Small Demonstrations, Little Jams, and maybe Smalls gigs (also has a line out to go to a PA I believe). Is what I kind of want it for.

The battery isn't really needed. Its more of a extra goody so I can annoy people in areas I generaly cant. Nah, You get the point tho. Its not like the hour battery life is really any good ya know? I mean, It well cut it for some fun stuff, but anything really serious and its not gonna be very useful.

Someone I talk Ric with has a killer PJB rig. He says it's simply the best set up he's ever played and he has used a comprehensive Ampeg rig for many years.

If the band you play with has a big pa then you don't need a big amp ... for instance Geddy has no amp at all ... I like 4 10s or 2 15s on stage ...

Jacob, if you're looking for a quality portable amp, I'd suggest the GK MB150. Light enough to carry with one hand and enough power for many situations.

Rickenbacker TR-35B

It's a good bit lighter than most combo's and has plenty of punch for a teeny amp.

behringer and crate both make good inexpensive combo amps ...

I know this isn't any help, but that's just why I like separate components. I leave my 2X10 cab at the practice room, & gig with the 4X10 cab using the same head.

I tried the PJB BC amp a while ago, it sounded okay, maybe a bit boxy. For reasonably quite jams it may be okay but don't expect much bottom end without the amp wimpering a bit. There is only so much 2-5" speakers can put out.

I had a little Gorilla amp years ago. Bought it at a pawn shop for a practice amp. I ended up giving the thing away. I paid very little for it and it wasn't even worth that.

I refuse to play anything Behinger, Its probly because I haven't seen much by them and what I did was low priced stuff tho.

Gorilla is kinda sad lol. Its hardly worth using.

Ill check out the other options you guys gave me when I get a chance.

Oh and I was thinking. Before CJ said anything I was jsut gonna run my bass right into the interface to my lap top as soon as I get all that. I didn't give it much thought. But Im gonna use a line out on the practice/travel amp to record with I believe.

Behringer is a copycat company with little ethics, no doubt, but for the price point it's not bad.

Hardly pro quality gear however. The handle on my Behringer head is falling off, and it's not like I have 2 gigs a week...but it is a reliable amp, and gets a decent enough sound for the little over $200 I paid for it. And now for the same price you get a 450 W head.

I might just get one of their 300 W combos at some point - if my son needs an amp going to school, or just to have a smaller set up. I am not too keen, however, on their speakers. No like aluminum cones, and I hear they really don't take the abuse that comes from real playing.

YMMV