Polytone Minibrute II or Megabrute

**Gabe** · 12-02-2012, 01:45 PM

I'm looking at replacing my ZT Lunchbox with something a little louder that sounds a little better. I liked Mambo amps, but they're quite a pricy and I don't really like how they look (trivial mind, but still bothers me). So I moved my search over to Polytone amps which I've heard great things about.

The Megabrute looks like the direct contender, with the smaller 8 inch speaker and available shoulder bag to carry the amplifier. So what I was wondering is, how do you think a Megabrute would keep up in a big band situation or even does anyone know how they compare volume-wise to the ZT?

If the Megabrute isn't loud enough I'll be turning my attention to a Minibrute II. So I'm curious as to what you guys think the sonic differences are between the Mega and Mini brute models.

**kris** · 12-02-2012, 01:52 PM

I sugest Minibrute II beacuse of 12" speaker.
I 've used Megabrute few years ago but prefer bigger speaker.
Best
Kris

**RyanM** · 12-02-2012, 02:35 PM

Have you considered Henriksen?

**Gabe** · 12-02-2012, 02:51 PM

Well Polytones are going on ebay for around £300, Henriksens are about twice that price.

**woyvel** · 12-02-2012, 03:29 PM

What is it you don't like about the Lunchbox? Have you thought about a ZT Club?

**Gabe** · 12-02-2012, 03:50 PM

It doesn't give me enough volume, I have to run it at it's maximum volume, and the speaker craps out on the lower notes. It's fine at lower volumes but that isn't loud enough for me.

**jorgemg1984** · 12-02-2012, 04:28 PM

The megabrute unmiced is not enough with big bands I think...

**Gabe** · 12-02-2012, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by jorgemg1984

The megabrute unmiced is not enough with big bands I think...

Thanks, I was kind of guessing that would be the case. I think I'm going to go for the Mini Brute II.

**jorgemg1984** · 12-02-2012, 04:52 PM

A big part of perceived volume comes from the cab size... I have a big 2x12 cab and an henriksen head sounds very big trough it. I bet the Mambo will too...

The Mambo cab is actually excellent for dispersion. The head plus 10 two cabs is stilll a very small rig and should be enough - although quite expensive.

**Gabe** · 12-02-2012, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by jorgemg1984

The Mambo cab is actually excellent for dispersion. The head plus 10 two cabs is stilll a very small rig and should be enough - although quite expensive.

I bet that would sound great, Jon sure knows how to make amps! But they're just a little pricy for me.

I think I'm going to go for the Minibrute though thanks guys!

**jorgemg1984** · 12-02-2012, 06:21 PM

I understand Gabe. The Minibrute should be more than enough for your needs and 300£ is a nice a price. I am not a big fan of current production Polytones although I have played one with a replaced speaker that sounded quite good.

**Franz 1997** · 12-03-2012, 05:42 AM

Early 80s MB II -these sound good- on UK feebay now for £225 starting bid...
Good price, assuming it's functional and all there and allowing for a £50 recap..

**Gabe** · 12-03-2012, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by Franz 1997

Early 80s MB II -these sound good- on UK feebay now for £225 starting bid...
Good price, assuming it's functional and all there and allowing for a £50 recap..

I've got my eye on that one, was hoping to keep it quiet on here so no-one else went for it

. Annoyingly the seller won't take a buy it now, so we'll have to see how it goes.

**Franz 1997** · 12-03-2012, 03:25 PM

Don't worry about it..anyone seriously looking for a polytone will already have had it come up on their ebay search, and will be watching it too.

**Gabe** · 12-07-2012, 03:54 PM

So I just bought this! Can't wait for it to come.

**kamlapati** · 12-07-2012, 04:13 PM

Congrats. I hope you like yours as much as I like mine, the Mini Brute II that I just picked up for 300USD! First gig with it last night and it sounded great.

**kris** · 12-07-2012, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by Gabe

So I just bought this! Can't wait for it to come.

Congrats!

**Hajd** · 05-02-2013, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by Franz 1997

Early 80s MB II -these sound good- on UK feebay now for £225 starting bid...
Good price, assuming it's functional and all there and allowing for a £50 recap..

How can I find out that the MB II comes from the early 80s, please?
What are the S/N from these times, please?
Is there any ''Polytone S/N list'' that would help to recognise the time period when was the amp made according to its S/N?

Thanks,
H.

**DC Ron** · 05-02-2013, 07:28 PM

Have not seen a serial number list but the early 80's models had a few unique features that help them stand out:

Red distortion knob
Harlequin (diamond shaped) cabinet cover (some models)
Foam grill cover with sculpted diamond pattern
Polytone badge on upper left corner of grill cover with model number in red rectangle

Here's an example with all these features except harlequin cabinet cover

Polytone Minibrute II or Megabrute-kgrhqz-i4fd-jvu7gfbrdt75pb8q60_12-jpg

Polytone Minibrute II or Megabrute-kgrhqz-i4fd-jvu7gfbrdt75pb8q60_12-jpg

The amp unit will have a date sticker on it, but it is inside the cabinet, on the bottom, and a pain to get to.

Others will no doubt have better info.

Good luck!

**ecj** · 05-02-2013, 10:09 PM

I have a MegaBrute and always wished I'd gone for the Mini II instead. The Mega is just slightly smaller, but it affects the tone. It's a lot harsher than the Mini. Sounds more like a little Crate or a Roland Cube. The Mini, when I've played on other's amps, is just a little warmer.

If the 1-2 lbs difference is noticeable, you probably need to hit the gym not downsize the amp