1968 Ampeg B-15s? price??

[ampegfuzz]

Got a call from a friend that their is a vintage ampeg 1968, 4 hole, "hatchback", 18 speaker for sale. I think it may end up being a B-18. How much do these go for price wise if it is a B-18? Thanks


EDIT: Changed title to reflect the amp was identified as a B-15s not a B-18

[will33]

Check ebay for recent sales, make sure to note the condition of the amp that was sold.

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by ampegfuzz

Got a call from a friend that their is a vintage ampeg 1968, 4 hole, "hatchback", 18 speaker for sale. I think it may end up being a B-18. How much do these go for price wise if it is a B-18? Thanks

Ampeg Fuzz,
I'm a little confused here, but I think what you're talking about is buying an 18" speaker that was removed from a B-18N cabinet. If that's the case, I just have to ask, what do you intend to use it for? There really designed to use with the B-18 with it's matching cabinet and head. I'm fairly certain that putting them into a different 18" enclosure would not yield very good results. Now, if it's a complete B-18N that's like having a B-15 on steroids, but if it were mine, I'd eventually put it on top of a B-15N cabinet. The 18's weren't built for as for a good reasons, IMHO. Just my opinion though.

Ric

[ampegfuzz]

just got picks, its a b-18 tube combo, 4 input plastic on off switches the graphics look black but could be blue.

EDIT: black power switches like a "69" svt

[ampegfuzz]

pic of amp

[JimmyM]

Can't really tell what color the lettering is, but it looks like a cool enough amp. I don't know...$600-700 maybe?

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Can't really tell what color the lettering is, but it looks like a cool enough amp. I don't know...$600-700 maybe?

Jimmy,
Because of that low transformer profile that looks like a B15S, but that speaker sure looks like a 18". I hadn't realized that Ampeg built a B-18 with the Theil Box and new design.

[ampegfuzz]

where the power switch is, it looks blue-ish.

[JimmyM]

I think you're right, Ric. I didn't see anything about the B-18 in the Ampeg book past 1967.

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by ampegfuzz

pic of amp

Ampegfuzz,
Jimmy concurs with me so were both pretty sure that amp is a B15S. I used one in a rehearsal room at a local high school here in St. Louis County. It was a replacement from Ampeg for his BT 15 that kept blowing up on the stand. It's a heavy beast with different tubes and a massive cabinet. Nice thing is that it's a 60 watt rms amp.

Ric

[ampegfuzz]

So we're on the page b15s. Still worth 6-7??

[beans-on-toast]

It looks like a B15S to me as well. Here is a pic of one from the 70's. If you can get a clear pic of the front, you will see if it says B15S.

One of the distinguishing features of the B15S is the lower profile transformers and a tube cage which is different than that of a traditional B15. I see both these features in your pic.


David

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by ampegfuzz

So we're on the page b15s. Still worth 6-7??

That seems right to me, as long as you want to lug this rig around. It's looks to have the original dolly, but I'd wanna make sure that it fit into my vehicle. This baby's lots bigger than a B-15N, even the ones of the same period.

Ric

[ampegfuzz]

Originally Posted by Ric Vice

but I'd wanna make sure that it fit into my vehicle.
Ric

It will fit

[ampegfuzz]

looking at that pic beans on toast has thats it. He said it had a switch for guitar. He has it for a good price but not much lower then market. if it is all 100% and working ill prolly pick it up and sit on it for a while.

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by ampegfuzz

looking at that pic beans on toast has thats it. He said it had a switch for guitar. He has it for a good price but not much lower then market. if it is all 100% and working ill prolly pick it up and sit on it for a while.

Before I took the plunge, I want to test drive it and take it to a tech to look at the tubes, transformers, and check the caps.
By the way I just played at the Washington in Burlingtion IA last month, nice town, nice people, great Italian joint down the street.

Ric

[ampegfuzz]

yeah I'm checking it out tomorrow and taking a bass with me. It has been sitting he said. Anything I should listen for? I know what bad speakers and dirty pots sound like, any other tell tale signs or sounds?

[ampegfuzz]

and anyone got a pic of the speaker that should be in it? thanks everyone

[JimmyM]

Microphonic reactions in bad tubes are about all else I can think of.

[JimmyM]

The speaker should either be an Eminence or an Altec 421b.