Loudbox 100 vs Phil Jones Cub 100

[DustinK]

I need an amp that will allow me to be heard with a jazz swing band that has a horn section, drummer, bass, keyboard. The band owns a fender deluxe that I can use but can't lift, so I got a Phil Jones Cub 100 and used it a few times with the band in smaller venues, but it's not considered loud enough by the band and they'd rather I find another solution. The Loudbox 100 was recently recommended to me as something that will continue to be lightweight, have a decent sound, but be louder then the cub 100. Had anyone tried this as a solution? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have been looking for a solution for a while and find it hard to locate amps that are light and loud yet keep the clean sound necessary for a big swing band sound. Thank you.

[4thstuning]

Originally Posted by DustinK

I need an amp that will allow me to be heard with a jazz swing band that has a horn section, drummer, bass, keyboard. The band owns a fender deluxe that I can use but can't lift, so I got a Phil Jones Cub 100 and used it a few times with the band in smaller venues, but it's not considered loud enough by the band and they'd rather I find another solution. The Loudbox 100 was recently recommended to me as something that will continue to be lightweight, have a decent sound, but be louder then the cub 100. Had anyone tried this as a solution? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have been looking for a solution for a while and find it hard to locate amps that are light and loud yet keep the clean sound necessary for a big swing band sound. Thank you.

I've not tried your two amps above but the ZT Lunchbox is plenty loud and stays clean all the way....and there's nothing lighter (~11 lbs). I play trio format but my good buddy plays with horn groups like yours and his Lunchbox blows 'em away. The Lunchbox is very efficient in its tonal range which works well for guitar.

[amusiathread]

The cub 100 has been the topic of recent discussion. The general consensus is that it sounds amazing, but it's really quiet and can't deliver the volume needed to compete with a drummer. For the most part I've heard that the Fishman delivers the volume, but the overall tone is good but not great.

I've been amp shopping as well for something to fit similar needs as yours, and in addition to The Phil Jones and the Fishman, I also played around with the Roland Ac-60, and the Ultrasound RG4. The Roland Ac-60 seems to have a very "murky" sound, even without effects. It could just never seem to deliver a nice clean sound, and it seemed to color the guitar's sound so that every one of the 5 guitars that I tried with it sounded pretty much the same.

I was amazed with and purchased an Ultrasound amplifier. I initially demoed the RG4, a very loud 50 watt full-range combo. I loved it, but ended up buying it's bigger brother (a 100 watt combo with 2x8" and additional extension cab for larger gigs). The ultrasound amps are still pretty portable (25 lbs), very warm and transparent, affordable, and made in the USA. It might be worth looking into!

[Eddie Lang]

I have a Phil Jones CUB 100. Sounds great but it is quiet.

You might like something like my other amp, the Henriksen JazzAmp 12. Sounds great, more volume, still portable.

[Tom Karol]

+1 on the Henriksen JazzAmp112. But what about a Phil Jones Super Cub? They're sort of pricey but very intriguing (never tried ... or even seen one)!

[NSJ]

Originally Posted by Tom Karol

+1 on the Henriksen JazzAmp112. But what about a Phil Jones Super Cub? They're sort of pricey but very intriguing (never tried ... or even seen one)!

http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guita...-ag-300-a.html

$1320? for the amp? Yikes. My Henriksen Convertible cost me $900, amp and cab.

[GodinFan]

A ZT Club amp would fit the bill perfectly. Lots of posts on here about it.

[DustinK]

I really appreciate everyone's comments. This is my first time out on this forum and didn't know what to expect. It is great to get such good comments, thank you. I have tried out the ZT lunchbox, it's the only one out in my area so far, no club version to try. I do like it's sound. The sales guy told me it wouldn't get over the horns without being attached to an extention cab though. Great price point. Would love to try the club version. On the jazzamp, I can't find a 'stocking dealer' out here. This is my first encounter with the idea of a 'non-stocking' dealer - who knew. But I did find someone that will let me try his 'accoustic image' amp which I was also curious about. That solution is WAY expensive, but I hope to try it out at the end of the month. If so, I will check back with how that sounded for anyone that might be interested. If anyone has already tried one, let me know. Again I appreciate all the help.

[GodinFan]

I play a fair amount with a big band using the Lunchbox or Club. You can be heard quite well with the Lunchbox.