AAD by Phil Jones Super Cub AG-300

The amp was made this year. I play an acoustic guitar and jazz, using both archtops and acoustic instruments. I also plug a microphone into the amp, using it as a PA. The Super Cub has two channels, and is 250 watts. It has built-in effects, but also has an effects loop. It has 2x 3 band EQ, DI out, pre-amp out, and tuner out. I love the Hi-Low-Mute option for each channel. The carrying case merely covers the amp. It doesn't provide any padding. At 26-27 lbs, it is pretty darn light and easy to carry around. I have a Fender Vibro Champ XD that I use as a travel, practice amp. The Super Cub is only slightly bigger in dimensions. Other than a better case, there are two features I wish it had, (1) the ability to separate the effects between channels; and (2) the ability to connect to a speaker cabinet like you can with the Acoustic Image combos. Since I prefer to use my own pedals, I can't use my effects with the guitar and the built-in amp effects with the vocal. Since I only use vocals sparingly, it doesn't matter. This isn't an issue obviously with a second guitar. The second issue is also fairly non-important. I can plug it into a larger PA, but if I wanted to use a speaker with more headroom, it isn't an option. Although, I think I might be able to use a powered cab. Given my requirements as a small venue user and bedroom player, not important.

Acoustically, and without effects, my acoustics sound natural and just as they do without amplification-- only louder. It's really cool to plug them in, one in each channel and A-B them, listening to the intricacies of their tone, the wood, etc. With effects, I like to use my own, although, as I say, the built-ins are quite nice and if I didn't feel like carrying my pedals around, I would be just as happy using what came with the amp. I use a Hermida Reverb, an Analogman Chorus, and an MXR Carbon Copy. The lows are clear. Super clear. It was one of the things that really struck me. The highs are creamy and smooth, never shrill. I set the 3 EQ setting all to noon, and I am quite happy.

Electrically, I use a Collings I-35 and an Eastman El Rey 2. The warm, woody sound of the Eastman comes right through. the Collings has more of a bite to it, but by lowering the high and mid settings, I can get a beautiful jazz tone. Increase them, and the Cub pulls off a decent tube impersonation-- not a replacement however. I will keep my Fender Deluxe Reverb for blues and rock.

I was shocked at how well the little guy filled the room. Perhaps due to the six speakers, two facing upwards. It doesn't get as loud as my DRRI, but it fills all parts of a room without sounding small, or boxy. I love the clearness-- the lack of muddiness in my jazz tone. Very Polytone like, only I feel clearer.

I compared this amp to the Jazzkat, the Henrksen, AER Compact 60, Polytone Megabrute IV, and the Acoustic Image Combo. All sounded great. Different and all great. I don't think I could have gone wrong with any of these. In fact, price wise, they are all within a few hundred dollars of each other. But the Phil Jones was the one that felt substantial in sound.

I believe this amp has two purposes: playing acoustic instruments (and acting as a PA) and playing jazz electrics. I bought the amp for those two purposes only and it is a homerun for that. My strat feel light weight with this amp. No comparison listening to it with the DRRI. For me, the DRRi kills it. But, I knew that going in.

I bought the amp used. It arrived clean and in perfect working order. Can't speak to reliability at this point. But one day in, so far so good. My intuition says I don't need a backup. My upbringing, says I would be foolish under any circumstances not tot have a contingency play.

The amps don't ship with user manuals, yet. They are pretty new. The amp is built intelligently and user friendly enough that even an idiot like me can figure it out. Pretty simple. Anyway, even so, I called for a manual. I was very politely explained the situation. They haven't finished it, yet and will publish it on their website in a few weeks. They answered my questions, were charming, engaged me in conversation, and solved my problem. Nicely done.

I am 38 year old. I studied seriously from the ages of 7-15. I then took pretty much a twenty year break, having just started up again a few years ago. I have the Collings and Eastman mentioned above. My acoustics are a Bougerous Soloist and a Patrick James Eggle Linville. Both use the Baggs under bridge system. I also have a Fender American Deluxe Ash Strat. I mentioned my affects up above as well as my amps.

If lost, I would get another. Although since I got it used, I am sure the much higher prices might give me pause momentarily, and then I would of course, buy another.

In summary, I love the tone, the simplicity, the weight, and let me say one more time the tone.

I mentioned a better cover, the ability to separate the channels from the internal effects-- meaning if on, they are on for both channels and if off, they are off for both channels.

I love this amp. Love it enough for me to spend 20 minutes sitting here writing this review.