TC Electronic BQ250.....

[Dennis Detweiler]

I'm liking the FET tube sound coming from it. Also, 250watts Class D. The tone stack is friendly for steel.
Bass: 80hz
Low Mid: 400hz
High Mid: 800hz
High: 10k

The 10k is a little rich, but workable. Low Mid is best full left (off). Bass and High MId are perfect.
Plenty of power.
I have several different speakers, but it sounds best using a bass speaker. I'm using two Eminence BP122 (12 inch) speakers and they are a perfect match for this little amp head.

[Roger Crawford]

What does the thrust control?

[Dennis Detweiler]

Thrust is the built-in compression. Set it where you like it with the knob and switch it in and out with the toggle switch.

[Dennis Detweiler]

The 10k treble control is perfect when using a bass speaker, but a little bright with a guitar speaker. The Peavey 1502 would also be a good match.

[Larry Dering]

Dennis, intriguing setup. I see the TC Electronics 500 for less than the 250. Any reason you chose the 250? I wanna try that with a cabinet i put a Celestion BN 12 300 bass speaker. I was comparing this cabinet to a TT equipped cab using Quilters 202 tone block. I don't have the block dock cabinet just regular guitar cabs. The TT is brighter and the Celestion much darker. I can get a much better tone with the Tonex driving the Quilter in either cabinet.

[Dennis Detweiler]

Larry, I bought the BQ250 used. I have 4 different amp setups that I experiment with along with 4 different speaker brands/models to choose from. I've found speaker choice matched to each amp to be a major factor in finding the tone that I like. Using the BQ250 and its 10k treble control with a guitar speaker required that I turn the treble completely off which left me no control for treble. When I used the BQ250 with a bass speaker I had to set the 10k treble control around 2:00. A bass speaker is more compatible with the BQ250. The most impressive sound from the TC BQ250/500 is the FET tube duplication. But also, the compatibility tone stack for steel. The 400hz low mid just muddies up the bottom end and best to leave it off. Basically. The control knobs, Low (80hz), High Mid (800hz) and High (10K) and a bass speaker is all that is needed. The added Thrush (compression) is a good quality compression.

[Larry Dering]

Dennis, thanks for the information. I fully agree on matching speakers with the amp. I put a bass speaker in a guitar cabinet for the Quilter 202 and it completely changed my eq. The 202 eq controls are not enough to cut the low mids. I have to use a boss GE7 in combination to drop the lows and mids.

[Tim Toberer]

The most impressive sound from the TC BQ250/500 is the FET tube duplication.

I think a well designed circuit using JFETs or MOSFETs can compete with any tube amp. MOSFETS for pedal steel make sense because they are known for higher headroom. For old school tube sounding breakup JFETS work perfectly.

[Larry Dering]

These things must be popular because they are on backorder from all the dealers. Used prices are above new price.

[Dennis Detweiler]

Seems like everything pre-owned has gone up in price about a year ago. For sure, vehicles, steel guitars and amps. I sold my U-12 Zum a few years ago for the going price of $2800. They are at least $1000 more now. I think the TC BQ250 and 500 are underrated. Add a pair of Eminence BP122 12 inch neo bass speakers in separate cabinets with a delay and reverb pedal and you have a light weight rig with plenty of tube sounding power. I have experimented with several delay and reverb pedals. My favorite match with this amp rig is the Ibanez Analog Mini and Nux Damp Reverb Mini. Everything small. To counter, I'm playing MSA Classic birdseye maple U-12 ship anchor weight guitar, but in a case with wheels.

[Larry Dering]

Dennis, I will get one when they get stock. Sweetwater projects July. I have struggled with the Quilter stuff for too long. 101 mini head, Micropro Mach II combo and the 202 tone block. No matter what speaker or cabinets I tried and endless outboard EQ and modeling pedals the tones are harsh and bass boomy. I have a Telonics TCA500 combo with a 15 inch speaker that's much better and then the Peavey combos plus a couple Twin Reverbs that I can't carry. I bought the Tonemaster Twin and it's not bad but fails to inspire me. My Revelation with a power amp effects unit and speakers is awesome but not Convenient.

[Dennis Detweiler]

Larry, you sound like me with different amp rigs to choose from. My old faithful 1974 Session 400 is my go to amp, but it has gained weight in my old age. I upgraded the components and molex connectors and it still sounds great and dead quiet. It has the flat magnet 1501. Lots of road miles and used it throughout my time in Springfield and Branson. But, like you, I'm trying to lighten my load and still have the sound dialed in. Lots of experimenting, but think I have it narrowed down. I bought my MSA U-12 new in 1976 and it's been faithful. I've tried several pickups in it over the years and finally got the satisfactory sound that I want from it. I think I'll just sit back and play now!

[Larry Dering]

Yes the weight factor and ease of setup. I have a Session 400 Limited and a Nashville 400 and 1000. All good amps but the old back can't handle them anymore. Of the Telonics pickups which is your favorite?

[Dennis Detweiler]

I like both, the 427 and X-12. If I had to pick one, I would choose the X-12. The high end is equal. The mids and lows a little crisper with the X-12. The MSA's have a little darker tone than other guitars. Then, it depends on which amp I use. How you set the poles on both pickups makes some difference also. The pickups that I've tried, Super Sustain, Super Sustain 2, GeorgeL, Truetone wound to 17.5k, BL712 and then the Telonics.

[Larry Dering]

I've considered the Telonics then went with 705s. Now I'm seeking more clarity in the low and mids. Seems the 705s in 3 different guitars are strong lows but muddy mids that the amps can't clean up. My Telonics TCA500 is seriously boomy with these pickups. I use a Lexicon MPX 1 for effects unit because it fits in the slot below the amp.

[Dennis Detweiler]

I tried this amp rig along with the Ibanez analog mini and Nux Damp reverb on a job tonight. I'm very happy with the result. I was also using the JHS Orange Slicer (Orange Squeezer circuitry) and dialed in a little hair and compression. Icing on the cake.

[Larry Dering]

Sounds great Dennis. That's the acid test.