I fancy picking up a small bass combo and on balance I think I’ve narrowed it to the Phil Jones Session 77 and the two 12” combos from MarkBass.
Any information/expert opinions would be most appreciated.
Re: MarkBass - apparently the newer ones made in Indonesia are not as good as the old ones made in Italy. But then I always thought far eastern manufacturers a lot more reliable than (particularly) Italian manufacture?
Is there a significant difference between the CMD121P and the CMD121H?
Finally the Phil Jones bass session 77 - I don’t need to go very loud, but I will need it to deal with the B string on a 5-String Bass...
Expert opinions deeply appreciated
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https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/166379/
I have no idea whether it'll handle a low B string without a larger driver, but worth a punt at that price IMO!
Currently running the Marcus Ltd Gold Line 800 head.
the 121H is better than the P.
bigger box, far far better tweeter. Sounds much more open. The P sounds a bit boxy when pushed.
However, get a MB head and then the Barefaced One10 cab to go with it.
Amazing mini rig that will get over most drummers too. I use that rig with a 25 piece big band.
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
They are both ideal units for practise and home playing as they feature Aux in which is handy for drum machine or music player. I use a 4 string through the Session 77 but I think you'd have no problem with a 5. The Double Four likes being placed adjacent to a wall or corner ideally, to benefit from the sound reflection. The Session 77 has a curved front and sound seems to emanate more naturally without special placement.
Why did I decide to sell? They're both solid state amps and while I thought that with bass that wouldn't be an issue for me, I find that actually I much prefer a valve sound - I'm currently playing through a WEM Westminster guitar combo but at the volumes I need at home it works fine. I find I prefer the response to plucking the strings and digging in on a bass into a valve amp but for strictly utilitarian purposes, the PJB solid state units are exceptional amps.
If you are near by, you are welcome to visit and try the Session 77 out to see if it's to your taste.
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator