Trace Elliot GSM7 Combo help

[sbrag]

I recently bought a job lot of stuff with a Trace GSM 7 Combo as I had a hankering to try some Trace Gear and it was good value, I'm just after some insight on these combos as it has a wood front with a slot rather than a grill which all the others I've seen have. I'm just wondering if anyone knows why Trace did this, other than to make it weigh the same as the moon, or if anyone knows any more about these combos?

The bloke I got it from had owned it for 12 years after buying it 2nd hand, I assume its a 1x10 and I also got a 1x15 cab with it. Pics are https://www.dropbox....hfJCAgUujjyc3oa

Any insight gratefully received.

Thanks

[VTypeV4]

It sounds like you've got a BLX series model from the '90s.

They did a number of models starting in around '89 with the Series 6 seven-band pre-amp and an 80 watt power stage (BLX 80 or 'The BLX') through to the SMC models coupled to the 150 watt board usually badged as BLX SMC. Some came with a high frequency component and some had their XLR DI omitted but the box and speaker were pretty much the same which ever model you have.

The enclosure is a band-pass type box for an extended bass response but some criticised it's limited upper midrange and HF response. IMO it's low end isn't bad given the compact design and limited displacement drive unit. More modern drivers are capable of much more than the OE Celestion driver although I always thought it sounded ok and never really complained too much. The location of the driver at the back of the cube made the weight distribution difficult too although once you learn it's going to tip,you'llbe ok.

I was lent a BLX130SM with HF unit when my old 712 went for repair many years back. It was a heavy little beast but offered a decent sound with plenty of authority and definition. The problem was it was only just loud enough against a drummer let alone guitars, keys etc. I appreciate 130w (90 - 100w @ 8 ohm internal speaker) will only go so far but it wasn't quite far enough. With an extention speaker it would probably have been much more comfortable without the need to thrash it so much. On reflection, I'm not so sure my 712 ever sounded quite as 'tight' as the BLX although it was perceivably louder..

Hope that helps a little and you're happy with the amp.

[sbrag]

Thanks. I'd seen some pictures of the blx range that looked similar but as this didn't have the blx badge but only gsm7 on the amp section it confused me a bit.

[sbrag]

Your thoughts of the blx led me to find this thread from a few years ago.http://basschat.co.uk/topic/87687-trace-elliot-bass-gear/page__fromsearch__1

This looks the same combo as was for sale here. So it looks like I've got a late blx combo bit with the gsm7 head in it.

Thanks for the help.