I picked up this small but powerhouse of an amplifier at a small music shop slightly used, and with barely a scratch. I've been using the B-100R now for two years and am very pleased. I primarily use an Epiphone Thunderbird 4-string bass guitar equipped with nothing but Dean Markley Blue Steel Medium Gauge Stainless Steel Strings, and have recently bought a Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar -- both instruments are complimented very well with the B-100R. I also use a Zoom Effects box w/pedal to compliment my sound.

I've used the B-100R for both small and medium-sized venues. I use a direct box into the PA system rather than using an external mic. Depending on the size of the gig, you can use the B-100R without directing into the PA system; it is loud enough on its' own.

FEATURES: The B-100R Combo amp has the traditional volume, gain, high/low inputs, low and high range control features along with a nice 4 band graphic equalizer, which enables you to set up your own quality of sound. This feature allows the bassist to either set for a high range or low, allowing you to either have that deep growl for blues style, or the snap-n-twang sensation for jamming on funk. Another feature that I find most useful is the gain indicator - red indicating that the gain is being overdriven, and green indicating that you are using the optimum setting for this feature. The enclosure houses a 15" speaker and the entire electronics package, making it a small but power-packed machine.

RELIABILITY/VERSATILITY: I have used this amplifier in both indoor and outdoor situations and have never experienced any issues whatsoever. At last year's 4th of July Bike Show, for example, where temperatures soared to 100F that day, the amp held out better than the band members, including some other gear that was lost. The amp is also wonderful for the indoor gigs as well. This amp can be used almost anywhere, providing there is available power! I have also used this amp for my keyboard, and it provisions extremely well when used this way, too. As for usage with different styles of bass playing, it's all there, man. I've even loaned the amp to other bands' bass players; all of their styles range from metal to slap-funk and not one of them ever complained about its performance.

POWER: This amp is THE ONE to use when it comes down to power. People generally assume that 100 Watts isn't enough to drive a band, especially for an outdoor show, but I've used it once outside, without the added help of direct boxing the amp to a PA. I was amazed that how this little amp can carry it's weight. To aid in the projection of the sound, one could either set the amp onto a milk crate or tilt it in a position where the bassist can use it as a monitor. That's another nice feature about this little amp -- you won't really need a monitor. With the volume and settings adjusted for your liking, you have this little monster booming right behind you. No need for anything else.

THE TRUE STORY: We were setting up to perform as warm up act for a local but famous metal band. Their bass player laughed at what he called "my practice amp" and cited that I had better direct box to the PA in order to be heard. Because of his comments, I wanted to prove him wrong, and watch his jaw fall to the ground when he would hear me play. I chose not to direct box, so I merely played out in the open without the assistance of the PA system. In our opening cover tune (7 Mary Three's Cumbersome) it became quite apparent to the other band's bassist that my B-100R was kicking out the jams quite well, without the aid of the PA! Nowadays, the amp is very well known in the local music scene, and I have graciously allowed other bassists to borrow my amp - provided of course I get free admission -- and all the beer I can drink!



Recommended: Yes