| Author | Message | ||
| robinc
Intermediate Member Username: robinc Post Number: 102 Registered: 5-2008 |
I am intrigued... Anyone have any experience with these cabs? I'm sure there are many threads discussing this already, but my search didn't quite turn up what I was looking for. First hand experience greatly appreciated! Thanks. hey, I'm an intermediate member now! :-D | ||
| 3rd_ray
Intermediate Member Username: 3rd_ray Post Number: 110 Registered: 2-2008 |
I played a few of the models in a store once. They sounded okay, but none of them seemed to have much volume, even the ones with more wattage. I like the idea of the one that can run on a motorcycle battery. But overall, I wasn't impressed enough to buy any of them. Mike | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1983 Registered: 10-2002 |
If memory serves, I believe Jazzyvee has one. maybe he'll chime in with his findings. Graeme | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1157 Registered: 2-2005 |
Alan Dover also has/had one so he would be a good person to ask. Keith | ||
| lmiwa
Member Username: lmiwa Post Number: 85 Registered: 2-2008 |
I have a 16B and an 8T. There's a bad picture of them about 2/3 of the way down this thread: http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/25827.html?1222113571 Over the years, I've used a number of different JBL loaded custom cabinets (8's, 10's, 12's, 15's, and 18's), a SWR 2x10 + 2x10 + 1x18 system run bi-amped in stereo, and now these PJB cabs. There is NO comparison! The cone area of these cabinets is the equivalent of a 2x10 plus 4x10, but with the drive/control capacity of 24 drivers. WAY better control of the low end with incredible mid and high end clarity - the perfect compliment for my new Alembic! I'm using a Crest Audio LT 1000 bridged to drive them (6ohm load). Plenty of power for the church where I usually play. Just for fun, I've cranked them up a couple of times. No signs of strain - they just keep getting louder! Our auditorium seats a little over 100. Using a wireless system and standing at the back of the auditorium, I can crank it to the point where it's uncomfortably loud even at that distance. Of course by then, the whole building is rattling! Having the slanted top cabitnet is really nice as I usually stand right beside them. Instead of all the highs getting blasted into my pants leg and on past me, I can actually hear them. If you have any other questions, just let me know. | ||
| karl
Intermediate Member Username: karl Post Number: 143 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey Robin, I used to have a Phil Jones Sixpak, paired with a 9B. I loved it, although it was far from conventional. Clarity and punch were beyond anything I've used before or since. But these amps change the way you hear the bass. Set flat, they don't give that low end rumble that most people associate with bass, and while this can be a bit disconcerting, and lead you to think that the whole rig is rather quiet, it's actaully a very good thing - onstage sound is much cleaner and much less boomy than with a regular rig. Also, it projects better than anything else I've used. It may not feel like there's a lot of bass coming out of it when you're standing right in front of it, but stand 20 feet in front of it, and it hits you in the chest like nothing else. The other benefit of those small drivers is that you really get to hear the spaces between the notes - the drivers can stop and start on a dime - there's none of the waffle and inertia you get from big drivers and cones - which means you really better clean up your technique or you won't like these cabs at all . . . they reveal everything. I also found that the smaller drivers were much less directional than big cones - so everybody onstage hears the same bass sound that you do. Build quality was second to none - Phil Jones gear is built to last. His heads have the most flexible eq I've ever used - very easy to isoalte any sound you want to. But they have a slightly strange volume graph - the volume is basically linear, unlike most amps out there. So you'll have it at at least 5 (out of 10) before you feel you've got a decent playing volume. Other amps usually give you a good volume as low as 2 or 3. However, this is deceptive - most other amps then don't get much louder as you turn them up. Phil Jones gear DOES get louder, all the way to the top of the dial. So you may think, on first using one, that you're going to be short of headroom, but that's not the case. Downsides? It's heavy - all those magnets and that build quality don't make a lightweight package. It's also bulky - the drivers may be small but the cabs themselves aren't (unless you're talking about the portable stuff, like the suitcase and briefcase). And it's expensive, if you look at it on a 'per watt' basis. But the chances are you won't need as many Phil Jones watts as you will another brand! :-) I'd heartily recommend them, but bear in mind these cabs and amps really come into their own in a group performance situation. Solo them at low volume in a shop, and they seem fairly run-of-the-mill. Don't be fooled! Only reason I got rid of mine is the weight and size issue - just not convenient for hopping in and out of cabs, tube trains, buses, etc in London. When I get out of the city and get a bigger car, I'll definitely invest in some more. Hope that helps! Also, Phil Jones is always ready to chat about his gear and offer advice - give him a call or drop him and email - he's a good guy. K. www.myspace.com/karlclews www.myspace.com/harambe | ||
| 3rd_ray
Intermediate Member Username: 3rd_ray Post Number: 113 Registered: 2-2008 |
I think I'll have to give PJB another try. Mike | ||
| 262632
Junior Username: 262632 Post Number: 12 Registered: 10-2008 |
Hi Robin, I have one of the first PJB Briefcases amps [ SN#000042]. It's the 100 watter that runs on A/C or a battery. I love it. His MOSFET circuitry really lets me hear the true, uncolored sound of all my basses, especially my customs: two Alembics –the 2006 five A grade Maple custom; the 2008 Buckeye Blue Essence Alembic, as well as“ Valhalla” my 2007 custom build upright double bass from the Upton Bass Co in Connecticut (made of Carpathian tone woods and Ebony appointments). Recently, PJB came out with a 150 watt Flightcase Amp for Guitar and Bass. I could have done a straight trade for one of the protos but the Briefcase is specifically designed for Bass (and sounded better to me - and the weight was within 5 lbs so I held fast with my Briefcase. For British Rock and sixty's stuff - I have an Ashland Engineering 30 watter w/a 15" speaker and a 15" Ext bass cab (I forget the brand but is has that black nappy carpet covering and heavy diamond grill. Now that I think of it - I've replaced the speaker in that old cabinet a few times - back in the day when it was fun to blow them out! Ah, the joys of misspent youth :-) Since I’m no longer in a band [small freelance gigs/studio in Mpls & here and there] so I can't vouch for large venues. The Six-pack w/ 9b speaker set Karl spoke of would no doubt do just about anything short of a stadium. I had that setup for a while but I just did not need that kind of power and my neighbor grew tired of patching the walls in her adjacent studio although it was fun bringing the wine and helping her. Back to the thread - Phil Jones does love to chat about his line. I'd also suggest giving Brandt at The Perfect Bass in Baton Rouge, LA a call. He's a great guy, a bassist and the largest Phil Jones Bass US dealer. He'll get you a great deal and will give you a fair deal. Anyway, good luck with the search. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3365 Registered: 7-2004 |
I have the AAD Cub by Phil Jones. It's a tiny 100 watt acoustic guitar amp. Less than a foot tall, weighs in at 11 lbs! Similar to the bass briefcase. This little bugger is absolutely incredible! I really enjoy when I pull it out of its carry bag and people see it for the first time, then hear it for the first time. It never ceases to amaze. Bill, tgo  | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7158 Registered: 5-2002 |
Roger wrote: "my neighbor grew tired of patching the walls in her adjacent studio although it was fun bringing the wine and helping her". I'm thinking there's a whole 'nuther story there. | ||
| robinc
Intermediate Member Username: robinc Post Number: 103 Registered: 5-2008 |
6T and 9B for $700. A deal worth jumping on? | ||
| lmiwa
Intermediate Member Username: lmiwa Post Number: 111 Registered: 2-2008 |
6-T List $749 ($649.99 at Bass Central) 9-B List $1049.99 ($949.99 at Bass Central) If the ones you're looking at are in good shape, that's a pretty good deal. Watch the shipping though, as they're pretty heavy. | ||
| 262632
Junior Username: 262632 Post Number: 14 Registered: 10-2008 |
Yes Dave - there was a very promising blond blue eyed story there but then I had to move to assisted living. Headphones only over here but my next door neighbor is a nice 90 year old gal & Sylvia down the hall is a sweetheart and only 83 - I have to watch it, there are very few of us males over here  | ||
| 262632
Junior Username: 262632 Post Number: 15 Registered: 10-2008 |
Hey Robin - check on Phil Jones website for his list of USA dealers, then start calling around - takes some time but you could get lucky with a new/demo unit at a great price. I picked up my Briefcase for $400 off that way. Imiwa's right on the freight - they're very heavy! The good news is you can haggle that especially if you're paying cash. BTW-The Perfect Bass no longer carries Phil Jones??? Not sure why. Good luck with your search. Roger |
