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Topic: Question about Phil Jones micro bass amps for steel guitar |
Jack Hanson
From: San Luis Valley, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2022 10:21 am
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I have read that some folks will use a bass amp (often augmented with a reverb pedal) for steel, especially as a practice rig.
Has anyone tried the Phil Jones amps, specifically the Nanobass X4? Would be interested in user's opinions. Bass players seem to dig 'em. They've received (mostly) favorable reviews. |
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Darvin Willhoite
From: Roxton, Tx. USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2022 7:35 pm
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There's lots of class "D" amps out there and I've tried a bunch of them. I like the sound I got from the T.C. Electonics Bam 200 better than any I've tried. I liked it so much I bought it's big brother the Thrust BQ500, and it also sounds great. _________________ Darvin Willhoite
MSA Millennium, Legend, and Studio Pro, Reese's restored Universal Direction guitar, a restored MSA Classic SS, several amps, new and old, and a Kemper Powerhead that I am really liking. Also a Zum D10, a Mullen RP, and a restored Rose S10, named the "Blue Bird". Also, I have acquired and restored the plexiglass D10 MSA Classic that was built as a demo in the early '70s. I also have a '74 lacquer P/P, with wood necks, and a showroom condition Sho-Bud Super Pro. |
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Jack Hanson
From: San Luis Valley, USA
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Posted 5 Sep 2022 5:31 am
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Thanks, Darvin. A longtime friend of 50+ years, and longtime bass-playing bandmate, recently relocated from the Land of Lakes to the other end of Texas from you (Weslaco). Before the move, he sold off all his massive bass amplification equipment with the intent to downsize. He, too, settled on a TC Electronics rig (a 500-watter) with a Fender Rumble 15 cab. He says he (and especially his back) loves it.
My question is specifically about the Phil Jones Nanobass X4, due to the fact that it's about the size of a lunchbox.
Can't help but wonder how the little bugger would sound as a steel guitar practice amp. |
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Darvin Willhoite
From: Roxton, Tx. USA
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Posted 5 Sep 2022 5:47 am
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I've looked at some Phil Jones amps but the right deal hasn't come along yet, I'll probably try one someday. As always, it will take some experimenting, but I would bet you can get a good sound out of the PJ. I've never tried one that sounded bad, some just sound better than others. _________________ Darvin Willhoite
MSA Millennium, Legend, and Studio Pro, Reese's restored Universal Direction guitar, a restored MSA Classic SS, several amps, new and old, and a Kemper Powerhead that I am really liking. Also a Zum D10, a Mullen RP, and a restored Rose S10, named the "Blue Bird". Also, I have acquired and restored the plexiglass D10 MSA Classic that was built as a demo in the early '70s. I also have a '74 lacquer P/P, with wood necks, and a showroom condition Sho-Bud Super Pro. |
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Marvin Born
From: Ohio, USA
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Posted 5 Sep 2022 6:32 pm PJB for steel
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I have a double set of Phil Jones BG400 with a C4 extension. They sound great especially for C6. Nice full sound on the wound strings. The amp and cabinets cover the full range of the pedal steel, with up to 500 watts.
The sound on E9 is “tighter” sounding than the normal open back steel amps. I have used a set on a gig a few time when space was tight. My normal steel rig is a Telonics 12” mini combo, with a Steel Dream for effects. Since the speaker is 8 ohms, I use the 8 ohm C4 as extension speaker.
They work well together. (C4 on the bottom, Telonics on top) (note: since the Telonics is analog, I turn it full wet to avoid phase distortion errors, and adjust the reverb and delay levers on the Steel Dream.)
Excel D10 into Telonics with Steel Dream into effects jacks, Telonics volume pedal. |
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