Blackstar BASSU120 Unity 120-Watt Bass Amplifier vs Phil Jones BE-17
The Blackstar BASSU120 Unity 120-Watt Bass Amplifier and the Phil Jones BE-17 are both amplifiers sharing transparent, full. The Blackstar BASSU120 Unity 120-Watt Bass Amplifier leans harmonically rich and bright. Current prices: $499.99 vs $441.60.
cited
Blended from circuit-archetype lineage, dynamic feel, tone-signal overlap and tone-vector distance — the tone vector itself is derived from editorial description text, not a measured acoustic signal, so this reflects how similarly the catalog copy describes the two, not a lab measurement. Shown only within a gear class, and only where there's enough evidence to be meaningful.50% — moderately similar
cited
Derived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.- transparent
- full
Phil Jones BE-17
Phil Jones · amplifier
cited
Citation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.$499.99via Reverb
$441.60via Reverb
The Blackstar Unity Bass U120 is a 120-watt 1x12 solid-state bass combo amplifier built for stage-ready performance. A custom-designed Eminence Opus 12-inch speaker in a closed-back cabinet delivers tight, responsive low-end with punchy midrange. Three preamp voices — Classic for vintage warmth, Modern for high-headroom clarity with extended low end, and Overdrive for harmonically rich grind — are complemented by a three-band EQ with semi-parametric mid control and a Response control selecting between Classic, Modern, and Overdrive power amp behavior. Built-in compressor and chorus effects round out a fully self-contained gigging bass amplifier platform.
The Phil Jones BE-17, short for Bass Engine 17, is a 70-watt bass combo built around a single 7-inch speaker, part of Phil Jones Bass's signature approach to compact bass amplification that punches well above its small size. Phil Jones built his reputation on proprietary small-driver speaker designs that deliver surprisingly full, articulate low end from cabinets far smaller than traditional bass rigs, aimed at players who need serious tone without the bulk of a standard 1x12 or 1x15 combo. The BE-17 continues that philosophy in an especially compact, portable format suited to practice, small gigs, or as a lightweight backup amp.
cited
Genres this gear is documented as being used in.- alternative
- acoustic
- rock
- Metal
- Rock
- Jazz
- harmonically rich
- bright
cited
Occasions this gear suits — judged per model, or derived from its wattage, connectivity and category.- Live
- Practice
- Busking
- Practice
- Live