Phil Jones Bass Combo BG-400 BL

Mighty sound in a compact construction

I bought this combo for the rather obvious and simple reason of having a rig that took up less space than a conventional set up and was easier to transport.

Didn’t get to try it before I bought it, but there were some useful online demonstrations that gave me enough confidence in what it could do, tone wise and range wise.

I am not disappointed. It has a superb and simple tonal range that meets all my needs. I tend to have mainly neutral settings on the amp and let the instrument controls dictate tone, but I did love the deep bass that this amp delivers. It has slightly altered my live sound. The extra delight is the amount of volume that this amp delivers. I’ve never worried too much about having a massive output that carries beyond my stage sound, that is what the DI to the mixer is for, but this is something that I can turn up and frighten people with. Especially as its size belies its power.

This is a solidly built bit of kit, and whilst it is compact, it is not light. I bought a flight case to add extra protection during transport, but it’s probably able to stand up for itself in a fight. The road crew love it. As does the front of house sound guy. As do I.

I like that it has two individual inputs. I use two instruments on stage for different songs that have slightly different amp settings, so it’s great to be able to switch between alternate instruments without having to dial in different settings. If I was to improve it, I would add some Bluetooth technology in there. I’m currently managing my own monitoring sound with my mobile. It would be great if it could talk to the amp as well.

I should also add that it’s great for rehearsing and practicing too because it’s easy to transport and lug around. That way, I get to practice with the tones and settings that I’m going to be using live, rather than use a small practice/rehearsal amp that has a different sound.

Highly recommended.

This Amp is a Total Pass

I did a lot of homework before I paid this much for this small looking bass amp. I assessed features, sound, size, weight and all the points I needed in a practice and gigging amp. This one came out on top and it has fulfilled the hope I had in it. One reviewer noted that this amp could not be played in a place where quiet was needed (apartment etc). I find that not to be true - I practice hours in the early morning in the room next to my wife sleeping. Never once has she asked me to turn it down (it's already down, mind you, but loud enough for me - no problem!) or have I woken her up. She is a light sleeper. She can hear me cooking in the same room... So, this review point is not true.

Volume can go very low, but when working with a drummer, it cuts through very well. It is loud. So, the amp can be a close quarters practice amp or a gigging amp. If the venue is bigger - one adds a cabinet. So, this amp is versatile, sounds great and has all the features one can need. DI for recording - records very well. Mute switches, active/passive switches, limiter, tone controls that are excellent and yes, does it handle a low B? I play an active 6 string - and the B is superb. So, this amp does it all.

The other point in video reviews that scared me, I noted in several reviews the midrange 'fart.' It came across as distortion on video. Guess what, these guys just didn't know now to use the EQ on their instruments - just cut the mids and that disappears. This point - as there were so many of them, almost dissuaded me from buying. But, I heard someone record it properly and I said, let's go. So, this amp is excellent. I recently played through a MarkBass head and 4X10 cab - sounded different, but that's just a matter of taste - I have an amp that I can carry in with one hand, and my bass in the other. You can't do that with a 4X10 and head... impossible.

Yes, this one is heavy for its size, but magnets are heavy man.. that's why the speakers can be so small. So, do your homework, There is nothing negative about this amp except variations of personal taste in nuances of sound. The PJB is clean - adds nothing to the sound. That's the point - it delivers what is claimed. I am a believer.

the best combo so far

It's all there:power, clarity of sound, great craftsmanship.

Just a build-in tuner is the only thing to add.

Great value!