Bose L1 Compact System

[C-C]

Does anyone use the Bose L1 Compact.
Can it handle a Stratocaster, Echo unit and Backing tracks ok.
I have all pedals require to play through a pa system'
All my heavy stuff is domiciled in my studio these days.
Is it ok for Home and Small gatherings.
Being in my 70s I need something lighter.
I would be playing guitar instrumentals.
Carl.

[JimTidmarsh]

YES!!

I bought mine about 3 years ago & have never looked back - it's a brilliant piece of kit. I use it for my solo gigs (instros only) and use an Amazon Fire tablet for the backing tracks and my pedal board for my guitar. The board contains Zoom G2, Behringer Sustain/Compressor & Caline 10 band EQ.
If your backing track source doesn't have an output volume control you will need a small mixer to balance the signals, that's why I use a tablet.

The output is sufficient to fill an average size hall & I've never had to turn it up beyond about three-quarters. It comes in two carry bags and the weight is minimal. With my guitar case & flight case for the rack, all I carry is four items!

You won't regret getting one.

[dave robinson]

Recommended !

I used the L1 Mk2 for almost 12 years from when they were first introduced and back then everybody laughed at me - until they heard it.
I only sold mine last year because I'm struggling to get back to full fitness with the voice and I got my money back after ten years of use.
I have various RCF active speakers at my disposal should I finally get back 'at it' as a soloist, but yes, I can fully recommend the Bose L1.

[C-C]

Thanks a lot,
When I look at the videos and reviews they are all with electro acoustic.
Its good to know it will do for my requirements.
I have amp simulator pedals, and boss ge10 and use a lp16 for backing tracks.
Once again thanks for your response
Carl.

[dave robinson]

I do a lot of Shads stuff and used my Vox Tonelab LE with my Strat at that time. Great HBM sound !

[C-C]

With Bose being a light weight pa system, I am looking forward to using Charlies new EF86 pedal and
my HCSE through it.
Should be interesting combination, May not need much external EQ ing.
I think I am ready to take the plunge.
Cheers.

[dave robinson]

I'm waiting for that EF86 pedal too Charles, the sound files I have heard so far are very impressive, though I'm not doing too badly with my Gemini III pedal.

[C-C]

I missed a couple of those Gemini 3 pedals in the past I ended up
making one of charlies edge filters, but I still keep looking just in case one turns up.
If you can get a flat tone response with your katana head for the ef86 pedal I bet that will take some beating.

[MeBHank]

Carl, I think you'll be very glad with the results. I decided to go down the line-array column PA route a long time ago, but was only able to afford it a few months ago. I had more than two years to do my research to work out the best option for me (in terms of speedy set-up and sound quality). There is now a vast range of companies who have developed column PA systems.

I opted for LD Systems' Maui 28 G2. The Maui range is, in my opinion, better sounding than the Bose, which I would describe as overly 'spiky' up top and lacking in the mid range. The Maui has an excellent overall sound, and has more warmth in the mids, which I consider important when playing Shads lead guitar (which requires plenty of middle).

By the sound of it you'll not be needing something as powerful as the Maui 28 which has more power than I've needed to use. It's been my system of choice in care homes, theatres of 150 people, and even a large outdoor fundraising fete in front of at least 300. LD Systems do produce smaller models: the Maui 11 and Maui 5.

It is considerably cheaper than the Bose, too.

Not wanting to throw a spanner in the works, but just thought I'd share my experience and preference.

[C-C]

Justin,
Thanks for your view on the LD Systems column pa.
I did look at the Maui 5, but the videos I watched mentioned it has to be charged up working off batteries
in lower column, Maybe I miss understood.
I will go back and have another look.
Are the columns as rigid as the Bose columns.
Thanks again.