been busy... just stumbled on this thread... hahaha...
It really was just a matter of time.
But the SoloAmp stand is just fugly.
If Bose wanted to create a version of this that looked better... all they'd have to do is make a really thin extension stand that links the powerstand to the top half of the L1... eliminating the bottom radiator. Viola... clearer, cleaner version of the SoloAmp.
I have tried both and own both the Bose L1 with Tone Match, and the Fishman Solo. For me imho. The Fishman Solo works better for just Nylon guitar playing. I cut the mids and notch out 200 with a Boss Eq the sound on the Fishman to my ears as well as others is a more controlled sound and really lets the guitar shine. I use a mic internal and external and found that the Bose was just not able to handle loud volumes. My guess is is there it may be due to the the bass cab and some other things. Bottom line is Im selling the Bose and like the Fishman Solo for just taking care of the amplification for the Nylon Leter DeVoe guitar.
Great comparison! This reminds me of the Bose L1/Compact versus L1/Model I test I ran. The problem with either $1000 system (the Fishman or the Bose Compact) is that there are fewer drivers to spread the sound down the column, making it harder on the ears to perform right in front of it. Just like the reviewer of the Fishman, I got the same result with the Compact, especially indoors. You can EQ it to your heart's content, but the improvement will be minimal since you're dealing with the physics of sound. After getting accustomed to the warmth of a Model I (or a Model II), there's just no switching to a more concentrated, harsher sound on the ears, no matter how much more attractive the smaller package looks. I don't post this to dissuade anyone from getting a Fishman (or a Compact), but only to confirm that while the smaller packages may be easier on the back and lighter on the wallet, you will feel it in the ears.
Thanks for the input JJ. I still plan on getting one because, in my case, I sometimes do wedding ceremonies or brief guitar performances that it would be perfect for.
Two other reasons for me would be that I can use the non-extended portion for routine practice and I can have the system as an emergency backup.
I finally saw the SoloAmp at a gig last week. I have to say that it's not a very attractive speaker - especially on the same stage with an L1®. It just looks kind of ungainly & top heavy. I didn't get a chance to really hear it though. It was being used as an electric guitar amp that night.
Posts: 3094 | Location: Pueblo West, Colorado | Registered: Wed June 30 2004
I am a solo guitarist/singer with a drummer who plays a cajone (box drum), which I mike through the Bose. I have a model I which I love, but need to use my Digitec Live for reverb in addition to harmonies. When I saw the SoloAmp I was intrigued. Although I know that only one minute of my setup time is the Bose, the idea of having only one piece to carry with reverb, should I decide not to use the Digitec, was enticing. For months I told myself that there was no need to spend $1000 on the SoloAmp since it would be redundant to the Bose. One day I finally got myself to a Sam Ash to try out the SoloAmp, expecting to love it and bite the financial bullet. I won't go into details, but in fifteen minutes I realized this was a different animal. I tend to hammer on the bass strings of my guitar and the SoloAmp produced little bass, maybe even less than the model I without the bass unit. Since that day I have never considered the SoloAmp again. It also made me feel great about my initial investment in the Bose.
After I posted my reply I realized another thing that bugged me about the SoloAmp - I never thought twice about the fact that the wires to the Bose were on the floor, but for the SoloAmp they need to be connected and hang in mid air. Certainly not a dealbreaker but not attractive either.
