Portable jazz amp with bluetooth?

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 06:33 AM

I live in Japan and had hoped to get a Henriksen Blu Six but it's not available in the market here. All they have is The Blu, with no bluetooth, and if I order a Blu Six from abroad the voltage is different. I need an amp with bluetooth so I can stream tracks from my iPhone, which has no headphone jack.

So I would like to consider other options and see if they're available in the market here. Is there a comparable portable jazz guitar amp with bluetooth? Something with at least 100W, less than 10 kilos, 6-8 inch speaker, defeatable tweeter. I'll use it for jam sessions (with drums and horns), and the occasional small club gig. I've had a Loudbox Mini, but the tweeter is not defeatable. The DV Mark Little Jazz seems promising but no bluetooth. What else could you suggest I might look at?

**orri** · 03-08-2022, 07:33 AM

It seems to be available from this Japanese dealer:
https://www.okada-web.com/henriksen/the-blu
(I found it from the "Dealers" section on the Henriksen webpage)

Based on this photo of the backside of a blu six it has a C13 mains connector and takes 90-250VAC at 45-65 Hz so ordering from abroad shouldn't be problem for the mains voltage.

I think bluetooth playback is mainly found in newer smaller amps intended for practise at home, like Yamaha THR30 Wireless and Boss Katana Air.

Another option might be to supplement your current amp (or new amp) with a blutooth speaker like JBL Charge or a similar product?

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 08:20 AM

Thank you for replying and taking time to suggest Okada. Unfortunately, their site is somewhat misleading. And several dealers here (Ikebe, Ishibashi, etc.) have reproduced that mislead. What Okada lists as The Blu SIX is simply The Blu, which differs from Blu Six. If you look at the control panel on the top of Okada's The Blu SIX, you'll see an "aux in" jack. Blu Six has a bluetooth switch instead of that aux in jack. It took me a while and time on the phone and email to sort that error out. The difference between The Blu [SIX] and Blu Six is the feature I need: bluetooth. Granted, perhaps Henriksen caused some confusion with its naming and renaming that didn't translate well into Japanese. In any case, I could order a Blu Six (with the bluetooth switch) from abroad, and I checked with several dealers in Europe, the UK and the US, but the voltage differs from Japan.

I tried the Yamaha, Katana and other bluetooth practice amps, but they're not really usable for jam sessions and small gigs. Henriksen's Blu Six (with bluetooth) fit the bill perfectly, but is sadly not available in Japan. I'm hoping there's something comparable out there that I haven't seen yet.

**marcwhy** · 03-08-2022, 08:41 AM

[What is "The Blu?" The only thing I see on the Henriksen site when clicking on the "Blu" IS the Blu 6, which has Bluetooth ... The Blu 10 also has Bluetooth..]

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 09:01 AM

The Blu seems to be a halfway step between The Bud and Blu Six. Quite confusing, I agree. In any case, what I need is now called Blu Six, essentially the same as The Blu but with bluetooth added.

Henriksen Amplifiers: The Bud vs. The Blu - Sound Pure

Those guys did a comparison between The Bud and The Blu. Oddly, in this case what they call The Blu is lacking BOTH the aux in AND the bluetooth switch. Maybe we'll need a gear detective!

**orri** · 03-08-2022, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by JazzPadd

but the voltage differs from Japan.

Yes but the amp should support all of them (if I'm looking at the manual for the correct version).

From what I can gather Japan uses 100VAC 60Hz mains and the amp can take between 90 and 250VAC at between 45 and 65Hz so you only need to get the correct power cable from a local store (if you don't already have one to spare).

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 10:10 AM

I think you may be right, sir. Mighty good eye, thank you!

**Woody Sound** · 03-08-2022, 10:43 AM

By "portable," I though you were looking for battery powered, I guess not.

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 11:25 AM

Thank you, that clears it up. On second thought, I think the version available in Japan from Okada might actually suffice, and save me the trouble of overseas shipping, import duties, etc. May get one locally and try it out with an adapter instead of using bluetooth. Other than bluetooth, what Okada has in stock appears to be identical to the one on the Henriksen site, sans bluetooth. And Henriksen has them on back order. In any case, thank you all for the kind and helpful responses.

**Woody Sound** · 03-08-2022, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by JazzPadd

Thank you, that clears it up. On second thought, I think the version available in Japan from Okada might actually suffice, and save me the trouble of overseas shipping, import duties, etc. May get one locally and try it out with an adapter instead of using bluetooth. Other than bluetooth, what Okada has in stock appears to be identical to the one on the Henriksen site, sans bluetooth. And Henriksen has them on back order. In any case, thank you all for the kind and helpful responses.

I just deleted my first post. I guess both the original Blu and the Blu 6 have Bluetooth, hence the name. And the original Blu had the light Class D amp. When they changed over to the Bud 6 and Blu 6, they added Bluetooth to the Bud 6 and also gave it the lighter amp from the Blu. FWIW, I have used my Bud for many theatrical (orch pit) shows without a problem in concert halls, and also with a loud big band.

**sgosnell** · 03-08-2022, 12:01 PM

FWIW, the seemingly easy way to use bluetooth with any amp which has an aux input is to just buy a bluetooth receiver. They're cheap, and many have both transmit and receive function, switchable. For <$15 you can make anything bluetooth capable, either transmitting or receiving at the flip of a switch. My TV has bluetooth, and I use one to listen with my over-the-ear headphones, with the tiny (~1"x1"x3/16") receiver connected to it. It also works with my Little Jazz. I don't often bother to use it with the amp, but it's certainly a possibility.

**ArnoldSchoenberg** · 03-08-2022, 12:19 PM

ACUS ONE FORSTREET - Battery-powered Acoustic guitar amplifiers

I love my Acus amp, and the models above can be used with their Bluetooth dongle (i.e. Artesia BT-1).

Which sort of pickups are you using though?

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by ArnoldSchoenberg

ACUS ONE FORSTREET - Battery-powered Acoustic guitar amplifiers

I love my Acus amp, and the models above can be used with their Bluetooth dongle (i.e. Artesia BT-1).

Which sort of pickups are you using though?

Thanks for the recommendation! The Acus look like wonderful amps. I'd be using it with several guitars: An archtop with Charlie Christian type pickups, a Telecaster with single coils, a 335 type with humbuckers and a flattop acoustic with an under saddle passive transducer. The cabinets look lovely, though they may be a little on the heavy side. I couldn't tell from the specs if the tweeter is defeatable. Seems to not have bluetooth, though not necessarily a deal breaker at this point.

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Woody Sound

I just deleted my first post. I guess both the original Blu and the Blu 6 have Bluetooth, hence the name. And the original Blu had the light Class D amp. When they changed over to the Bud 6 and Blu 6, they added Bluetooth to the Bud 6 and also gave it the lighter amp from the Blu. FWIW, I have used my Bud for many theatrical (orch pit) shows without a problem in concert halls, and also with a loud big band.

Thanks for the additional info!

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by sgosnell

FWIW, the seemingly easy way to use bluetooth with any amp which has an aux input is to just buy a bluetooth receiver. They're cheap, and many have both transmit and receive function, switchable. For <$15 you can make anything bluetooth capable, either transmitting or receiving at the flip of a switch. My TV has bluetooth, and I use one to listen with my over-the-ear headphones, with the tiny (~1"x1"x3/16") receiver connected to it. It also works with my Little Jazz. I don't often bother to use it with the amp, but it's certainly a possibility.

I was looking into this very option just before I read your post. Thanks!

**Stringswinger** · 03-08-2022, 01:16 PM

Henriksen is always making changes to their amp lineup. I imagine some first generation Blu's were made without the bluetooth. I have both a Blu 6 and a Blu 10 with the bluetooth. I never use backing tracks, but I do use the bluetooth to play music from my smartphone during breaks. It is a great feature. And both amps are light, portable and powerful. I have used the Blu 6 to play gigs with a drummer in a large, noisy venue. It is a pretty cool amp.

I would order one and wait for the amp to be made with the bluetooth. It will arrive in due time (2-3 months) and you will be well pleased.

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 01:30 PM

With apologies, let me clear up a confusion I may have caused above. I contacted both Okada and Henriksen, and they both confirmed that the Blu Six amps sold in the US and Japan are identical, except that the export amps don't have the Bluetooth option and have just the auxiliary input.

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by Stringswinger

Henriksen is always making changes to their amp lineup. I imagine some first generation Blu's were made without the bluetooth. I have both a Blu 6 and a Blu 10 with the bluetooth. I never use backing tracks, but I do use the bluetooth to play music from my smartphone during breaks. It is a great feature. And both amps are light, portable and powerful. I have used the Blu 6 to play gigs with a drummer in a large, noisy venue. It is a pretty cool amp.

I would order one and wait for the amp to be made with the bluetooth. It will arrive in due time (2-3 months) and you will be well pleased.

Thank you! I am leaning toward doing that. While cables could work, I would really prefer to have the Bluetooth option for both backing tracks and break music. I'm not in a rush, so will likely place an order for the Blu Six. Thanks for the advice!

**ArnoldSchoenberg** · 03-08-2022, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by JazzPadd

Thanks for the recommendation! The Acus look like wonderful amps. I'd be using it with several guitars: An archtop with Charlie Christian type pickups, a Telecaster with single coils, a 335 type with humbuckers and a flattop acoustic with an under saddle passive transducer. The cabinets look lovely, though they may be a little on the heavy side. I couldn't tell from the specs if the tweeter is defeatable. Seems to not have bluetooth, though not necessarily a deal breaker at this point.

They do have a Bluetooth USB port, which you see here beside the 1/8 aux input: https://www.acus-sound.it/177-large_...orstreet-8.jpg. But you would need their Bluetooth accessory dongle.

Acus are amazing for piezo, transducers, and mic'ing. Superior to AER and Schertler to my ear. But they're not so great when it comes to magnetic pickups. Maybe it's because they don't have a defeatable tweeter. So they're not as versatile as Henriksen re guitar types.

**st.bede** · 03-08-2022, 04:10 PM

I did not fully read all the posts... my idea would be to buy an adapter that lets you run a line out from your phone. I would think of that as an inexpensive thing to try.

I have played a DV mark little jazz. They sound great. I own a Henricksen Jazz amp. I felt like the DV was super close to the same sound. People have said that the DV is not as reliable. I assume the DV has a extra line in, since you are considering it.

I have never been super happy running two sound sources into one amp. Backing tracks take up a lot of sonic space and with out a tweeter I wonder how well the higher end will come through (such as cymbals). Also in my limited experiences, the mids get eaten up and blurred pretty fast when dealing with combining two sound sources together.

I just had an idea... the Roland JC 40 takes a stereo input. So you could use one side with guitar and the other for tracks... I wonder how well that would work. Maybe I will pull out my JC 40 and give it a try.

I have blown out a couple of guitar speakers by plugging basses into guitar amps. So that is always a concern. (I know, why would anyone try that more then once... well, the thought was, “we will just keep the volume low”... ).

Here is one more idea to put on the table. I have an Akai MPC Live II. That could easily play backing tracks. I have brought it to a number of situations and it has worked pretty well. The speaker on it is pretty good. I have typically used it for drum tracks.

Just my thoughts. Peace

**Shay** · 03-08-2022, 08:16 PM

I recently saw this one:

Although I never played one, it looks interesting...

Elite Acoustics "EAE" D6-58 120 Watt Acoustic Guitar/Multi-Chan Amplif | shop.eliteacoustics.com

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**Spook410** · 03-08-2022, 08:38 PM

I've been using inexpensive bluetooth to RCA converters for awhile. They work fine if you have any sort of line in. Don't have this specific one but as an example..

Amazon.com

**JazzPadd** · 03-08-2022, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by st.bede

Just my thoughts. Peace

Thanks for the suggestions and observations. The JC-40 is big for what I hope to get. I'm familiar with the JC line. The 120 is a common backline amp here, looked at the smaller 20 as a possibility. For a while I used a Bose S2 Pro. It had two channels plus bluetooth, and I used it with the iPhone for an occasional backing track. The bluetooth seemed to work well enough, and it's one of the reasons I'm now seeking that in a guitar amp.

Originally Posted by Shay

I recently saw this one:

Although I never played one, it looks interesting...

Elite Acoustics "EAE" D6-58 120 Watt Acoustic Guitar/Multi-Chan Amplif | shop.eliteacoustics.com

Thank you, that's a beautiful looking amp! But it's more than I really need and at 30 lbs beyond what I'm hoping to find to carry around to small gigs and jam sessions. But it'd be great for a living room amp! It's tempting me to sell my current living room amp, the MarkAcoustic AC-101H, and get one of those!

Originally Posted by Spook410

I've been using inexpensive bluetooth to RCA converters for awhile. They work fine if you have any sort of line in.

Thanks! I've looked into those in the event I cannot get an amp with the bluetooth built in.

**Shay** · 03-08-2022, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by JazzPadd

Thank you, that's a beautiful looking amp! But it's more than I really need and at 30 lbs beyond what I'm hoping to find to carry around to small gigs and jam sessions. But it'd be great for a living room amp! It's tempting me to sell my current living room amp, the MarkAcoustic AC-101H, and get one of those!

That also have a smaller model. You can see it on their website. It looks the same.

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**Ukena** · 03-08-2022, 10:08 PM

FWIW, the original Bud and Blu had 1/8" aux inputs on the top. The Blu is the single-channel version of the Bud, which has two independent channels.

The next iteration of both Bud and Blu were lighter and replaced the 1/8" aux inputs with a bluetooth switch. When Henriksen decided to offer both with larger speakers, the 6.5x" speaker versions were renamed the Bud 6 and Blu 6.