AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Phil Jones Solid-State Bass Combos 2026
The top pick is Phil Jones BG-120 Bass Cub Pro 120-Watt 2x5" Bass Combo ($877). Phil Jones X4C Nanobass 35W BK gives you the most for the money at $449. Phil Jones BG-450 Compact Plus 300-Watt 4x5" Bass Combo leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Phil Jones BG-120 Bass Cub Pro 120-Watt 2x5" Bass Combo
BG-120 Bass Cub Pro Combo · Phil Jones
28 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight7.6 kg
The BG-120 Cub Pro is a surprisingly powerful and portable combo, perfect for practice, recording, or smaller venues where a focused, articulate bass tone is key. Its compact design and active/passive switching make it versatile, though serious gigging bassists might find the speaker size a limitation. It’s a solid choice for gigging musicians needing a quality, portable amp.
Pros
- The Class D amp delivers surprising power for its size and weight.
- Neo-Power speakers offer a remarkably clean, articulate low-end response.
- The active/passive switch is genuinely useful, adapting to diverse pickup types.
Cons
- The 5” speakers limit it; serious gigging bassists will likely need more headroom.
- EQ range, while broad, lacks a true mid-sweep for dialing in complex tones.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$877 now$877€779 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Phil Jones BG-80 Double Four Plus 90-Watt 2x4" Bass Combo
Double Four Plus BG-80 WH · Phil Jones
19 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight5.1 kg
This Double Four Plus is a seriously clever little amp. It’s perfect for gigging bassists needing a truly portable solution or for practice and recording where a full-stack isn't required. The surprisingly clean tone and Bluetooth connectivity make it a versatile and convenient package.
Pros
- Excellent portability due to lightweight Class D amp design.
- PJB 'Long-Thro' speakers deliver surprisingly full, articulate tone.
- Active/Passive switch offers genuine flexibility for varied pickups.
Cons
- EQ range (+/- 15dB) is somewhat limited for extreme tonal sculpting.
- 4” speakers lack serious low-end thump for heavier genres.
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$618 now$618€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Phil Jones BG-450 Compact Plus 300-Watt 4x5" Bass Combo
BG-450 Compact Plus Combo RD · Phil Jones
17 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight14.1 kg
This BG-450 Compact Plus is a seriously impressive little amp. The Piranha speakers really punch, and the Class D power gives you a ton of clean headroom. It's perfect for gigging bassists needing a portable, versatile, and premium-priced solution—especially in smaller venues or for rehearsals.
Pros
- Piranha speakers deliver surprising clarity and low-end extension.
- Class D power offers significant headroom without excessive weight.
- The active/passive switch is genuinely useful for varied pickups.
Cons
- The 5” speakers limit extreme low-frequency reproduction, despite the power.
- EQ range, while broad, can be a bit unruly at higher boosts.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,293 now$1,293€1,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight6.7 kg
The BE-17 is a seriously handy little amp – great for practice, small gigs, or recording. The speaker setup is surprisingly full for its size, and the active/passive switch makes it adaptable to a wide range of basses. It's a fantastic, affordable option for gigging bassists needing portability and a solid, clean tone.
Pros
- Excellent Class-D efficiency delivers surprising power for its size.
- PJB ferrite speaker provides a surprisingly full, warm low-end response.
- Bluetooth 5.1 is reliable and convenient for backing tracks/jams.
Cons
- 7-inch speaker limits extreme low-frequency extension at higher volumes.
- EQ’s +/-15dB range can be a bit aggressive for subtle shaping.
56AudioFu
Index↓ 2.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$550 · Aug 17$535 now$535€475 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.4 kg
This mini amp is great for playing multiple instruments in small rooms. You can plug in a bass, guitar, or violin, or even use it with electronic drums. It also connects via Bluetooth so you can play along with songs. Just remember you need to buy your own power bank to run it.
Pros
- Handles bass, guitar, violin, and drums with one digital amp
- Bluetooth 5.0 lets you stream music wirelessly to your instrument
- USB-C power means running on a 20V power bank easily
Cons
- Very small 4-inch speaker limits volume and low-end punch
- No dedicated line-out for connecting to a PA system
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$449 now$449€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight7 kg
The BG-110 Cub II is a fantastic little powerhouse. It’s perfect for gigging bassists needing a portable, reliable amp for rehearsals, smaller venues, or direct recording. The built-in preamp and speakers offer a surprisingly big sound for its size, making it a great value.
Pros
- Phil Jones’ NeoPower speakers deliver surprisingly punchy, defined low-end response.
- Class D amplification provides clean power with minimal heat generation.
- Compact size and lightweight construction make it highly portable for gigging.
Cons
- 5-inch speakers limit ultimate low-frequency extension, especially for sub-bass focused genres.
- EQ range (+/- 18dB) can be a bit aggressive for subtle tone shaping.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$787 now$787€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Solid-State Bass Combos by the numbers
Measured across all 108 models we track, not a sample.
Median $618 — half of all solid-state bass combos here cost less.
median of 90 models · 2.7 kg–22 kg
How to choose the best solid-state bass combos
Tone Character
Phil Jones' signature is a surprisingly warm and articulate tone, thanks to their unique designs and often-overlooked speaker choices. They don't try to be something they're not - it's a clean, focused sound with a nice, even response across the spectrum, avoiding that brittle, ice-picky high end you get with some solid-state amps.
Ported Design & Bass Extension
Most of these combos utilize ported cabinets, which contribute to that extended low-end thump you need for serious bass playing. It's not just hype - they genuinely deliver a surprising amount of low-frequency information, even at moderate volumes.
Speaker Technology
Phil Jones pioneered the use of lightweight, neodymium drivers in bass amps. This translates to a lighter, more portable package without sacrificing power or sound quality. The unique speaker voicing contributes significantly to their characteristic tone.
Headroom & Dynamics
Solid-state means headroom, right? These Phil Jones combos offer a good amount, but the real magic is in their dynamic response. They react well to changes in your playing - from subtle nuances to aggressive slaps - without getting compressed and muddy.
Build Quality & Portability
The build quality is solid, though they're not going to feel as luxurious as some high-end tube amps. The biggest win here is portability - they're surprisingly lightweight, making them gig-friendly even for solo players or those who travel a lot.
Buying guide
Let's be honest, a lot of solid-state bass combos sound sterile and lifeless. But Phil Jones amps? They've carved out a niche for themselves by delivering surprisingly warm, punchy tones, especially considering they're solid-state. If you're tired of fizzy highs and a lack of low-end authority, these combos deserve a serious listen - they're a legit alternative to the usual suspects.
Don't expect a vintage tube amp vibe - these are solid-state, and that's a feature, not a bug. The smaller models are great for practice and smaller gigs, but if you're playing with a loud band, you'll want to step up to something with more power. Watch out for used models that have been abused - the speakers are relatively delicate compared to some others, so listen for any signs of damage.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 12 solid-state bass combos from the Thomann catalogue (of 108 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Phil Jones amps really that different from other solid-state combos?
Absolutely. Many solid-state amps are harsh and sterile, but Phil Jones focuses on warmth and articulation. The speaker technology and ported designs are key to their unique sound.
Can I use these for recording?
Definitely. Their clean, balanced tone makes them ideal for direct recording or miking up in a studio. Just be mindful of headroom if you're running a lot of effects.
What kind of music are these amps best suited for?
They're versatile enough for most genres, but really shine in styles that require a clear, defined bass tone - think funk, soul, R&B, and even modern rock. They're not going to give you that gritty, overdriven tube tone.
Are the speakers replaceable?
Yes, but they're not your standard off-the-shelf drivers. You'll need to find a compatible neodymium speaker, which can be a bit more challenging and potentially expensive.
How do they compare to Gallien-Krueger?
Gallien-Krueger tends to be more aggressive and punchy, sometimes at the expense of warmth. Phil Jones offers a smoother, more refined tone - it's a matter of personal preference.
