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Topic: What made a Polytone amp have its own vibe answer sound? |
Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 22 Mar 2015 7:39 am |
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Was it the solid state, speaker design small closed back with insulation? There has never been a clone of the Mini Brute.
Any suggestions? |
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Bud Angelotti
From:
Larryville, NJ, USA
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Posted 22 Mar 2015 8:10 am
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Maybe it was like most good working systems, the sum of it's parts.I had a mini brute years ago, it eventually crapped out(happens to the best of us).
Got it fixed but it was just never the same.
_________________
Just 'cause I look stupid, don't mean I'm not. |
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Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2015 8:00 am
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Being a 6-string jazz player, I have owned more than a few Polytones. A big reason for their popularity was the fact that they nail that warm jazz tone AND they are VERY light and compact. One can often make a single trip from the car to the gig with guitar in one hand and the amp in the other.
Many, many greats have used them such as Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, et al. George Benson still uses them exclusively and some would argue he knows a bit about tone. They have plenty of power.
They come with a switchable distortion effect but I have never thought much of it. I think that opinion is shared by others.
The Mini-Brute II's, with a 12" speaker, are really popular with guitarists. The Mini-Brute III's, with a 15" speaker, are also popular with bass players, especially those playing upright. Of course, they are often used outside of the jazz field.
Their downside is that Polytones come stock with 4-ohm speakers and, if the speaker gets blown, you'll often find them with 8-ohm replacements. Some consider the 8-ohm ones to be perfectly satisfactory, though.
If the electronics go bad it's tough to find a repairman who is familiar with them and, historically, Polytone has been notorious for poor customer service. Fortunately, in the Indy area there is a tech who knows how to fix 'em. |
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Jack Hanson
From:
San Luis Valley, USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2015 10:33 am
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I have owned a Mini Brute II for decades that once belonged to Joe Pass. I used it for years on the bandstand in smaller venues with my D-10 push-pull, and it sounded great. Those were the days when nobody mic'd their amps, and the PA was used exclusively for vocals. Great sounding little amp that was much more portable than even my LTD 400, and it never blew up (unlike the D-130 in the PV).
Versatile little amp that is just wonderful for jazz guitar. Agree with Eric that the distortion feature is mostly useless. I generally use it nowadays to amplify a flattop equipped with a Martin Thinline via an outboard Fishman preamp. Very clean, transparent, pleasant sounding little amp that's never required service in the 30-some years that I've had it.
Some years ago a local amp Guru in the Twin Cities told me that nobody knew how to fix 'em if they blew, and that they did not have a great reputation for durability. Guess if mine ever does go South, I'll have to ask Eric who to send it to in Indiana. |
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Jerome Hawkes
From:
Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2015 11:10 am
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i have been a fan of polytone amps for all the reasons listed - never had any issue with either of mine - a MBII and the 15" bass version, i dont know the model....of course times have changed since they ruled the jazz world - i dont know that i would go out and buy one now unless it was in great condition, all working and a good price - cause like mentioned, when they go...thats it.
i think the original 80's (orange & silver) Roland Cube was close and maybe better.
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'65 Sho-Bud D-10 Permanent • '54 Fender Dual-8 • Clinesmith T-8 • '38 Ric Bakelite • '92 Emmons D-10 Legrande II |
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Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 23 Mar 2015 2:43 pm
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The Polytone had a speaker with quite a bit of insulation surrounding it and just a treble and bass control as I remember? Correct me if I'm wrong on the controls but there was no presence, mid or master volume but there was a switch for high & low. The amp was not "chimey" but produced a low/mid timbre vibe.
So where am I going with this? Well, going to use a Tone Tubby 12 inch speaker in a small clased back cab and stuff the speaker cab with insulation and try it with several SS amps to see if I can get a ball park Polytone vibe. Be a few weeks before I get to this project. |
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