Ampeg B-50R is a fine machine

lsabina · #1 10-24-2010, 01:41 PM

After finally gigging with an Ampeg B-50R Rocket amp, I've come to the conclusion that it is a very fine amp. I've been looking for a combo for some time, and wasn't happy with what I was able to try (within my budget, under $400). I was looking for something with a 12" speaker, and without a tweeter. In researching the B-50R, I really could not find any negative comments. So, although I rarely buy products sight unseen, or untried, when I found one of these online, and from a reputable dealer, I took a chance. I'm really glad I did.
I received it last Friday and fiddled with it all night. Honestly, I was worried that it was going to be too bright for the type of music I play--jazz standards, mainly, within a piano, bass, drums trio, especially after always reading about its warm sound. But I was amazed with the versatility of the EQ controls.
To make a long story short, I gigged with it last night (Saturday) in a medium sized room for a dance (old-timers) dinner and social. Well, on stage, I found that it wasn't bright at all--in fact I had to dial in some upper-mids, something that I really haven't done in the past with other amps. I got loads of complements on my bass sound. I ran the amp at a volume level of 6, with no one EQ frequency past a 6 (slightly above flat) also. There was plenty of volume to spare.
I urge anyone who is looking for a luggable combo to check out one of these (if you can find one!).
With all the buzz lately of the new, limited edition Ampeg being released, I can't help but to advise players of smaller venues to save their dough and look for a B-50R. I hope this post might help others in their search for the perfect combo.

Tusec · #2 10-24-2010, 02:08 PM

That's great to hear this since I just bought a B50R sight unseen yesterday! Should get here this week. I was looking for the same things you were -- simple (I love the fact that it's only got 5 knobs), luggable, and with oldschool unhyped tone and no horn. I snagged mine for $275 shipped in primo condition. That's a little more than I wanted to pay but I said what the heck.

lsabina · #3 10-24-2010, 03:06 PM

Sounds like you got a good price, Tusec. I paid $299 (+shipping). Not complaining though; works great. Hope yours is cool too.

Rob Martinez · #4 10-24-2010, 03:22 PM

I have two of these B50R combos, and they are excellent for old school, vintage tones! I gig mine regularly, and will NOT give it up!

rayzak · #5 10-24-2010, 03:26 PM

I've never played the 50R, but have owned my B-100R for almost 9 years now and still love it as much as the day I came home with it. Fantastic combo's.

shoot-r · #6 10-24-2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsabina

After finally gigging with an Ampeg B-50R Rocket amp, I've come to the conclusion that it is a very fine amp. I've been looking for a combo for some time, and wasn't happy with what I was able to try (within my budget, under $400). I was looking for something with a 12" speaker, and without a tweeter. In researching the B-50R, I really could not find any negative comments. So, although I rarely buy products sight unseen, or untried, when I found one of these online, and from a reputable dealer, I took a chance. I'm really glad I did.
I received it last Friday and fiddled with it all night. Honestly, I was worried that it was going to be too bright for the type of music I play--jazz standards, mainly, within a piano, bass, drums trio, especially after always reading about its warm sound. But I was amazed with the versatility of the EQ controls.
To make a long story short, I gigged with it last night (Saturday) in a medium sized room for a dance (old-timers) dinner and social. Well, on stage, I found that it wasn't bright at all--in fact I had to dial in some upper-mids, something that I really haven't done in the past with other amps. I got loads of complements on my bass sound. I ran the amp at a volume level of 6, with no one EQ frequency past a 6 (slightly above flat) also. There was plenty of volume to spare.
I urge anyone who is looking for a luggable combo to check out one of these (if you can find one!).
With all the buzz lately of the new, limited edition Ampeg being released, I can't help but to advise players of smaller venues to save their dough and look for a B-50R. I hope this post might help others in their search for the perfect combo.

To my way of hearing the B-50R and B-100 R is Ampeg's better sounding combos...(forgive me JimmyM), I like em' better than fliptops...

Why Ampeg discontinued building these I don't know.

JimmyM · #7 10-24-2010, 03:52 PM

ampeg has a hybrid b-15 combo coming out at namm. maybe that's why. or maybe they didn't sell as well. i know a lot of folks opted for the ba115 because it's cheaper. but i agree...those ss blue diamond combos are great. of course, shoot-r has taken a little bit of leave of his senses

but i can understand his enthusiasm.

Mojo-Man · #8 10-24-2010, 04:03 PM

I own both the B50R, and a B100R.
These are some of the best combo's Ampeg ever made.
I use the B50R for drum-less gigs. (Acoustic instruments)
And the B100R for medium gigs.
Both record well. I prefer the B50R for recording.
Why Ampeg stopped production on the B50R is beyond me.
Great amps.
If you can find one, buy it.

Turock · #9 10-24-2010, 04:03 PM

Never played a B50R, but I own a B100R. and my opinion is that it is the best sounding combo out there.

shoot-r · #10 10-24-2010, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

ampeg has a hybrid b-15 combo coming out at namm. maybe that's why. or maybe they didn't sell as well. i know a lot of folks opted for the ba115 because it's cheaper. but i agree...those ss blue diamond combos are great. of course, shoot-r has taken a little bit of leave of his senses

but i can understand his enthusiasm.

Do you have anymore details on the new hybrid B-15?
Oh...and thanks...your the first person to give me any credit for even having any sense to take leave of...

JimmyM · #11 10-24-2010, 04:13 PM

nope, no details untill namm apparently, but ampeg's facebook page has a pic of the new b-15n reissue and there are two amps covered with blankets behind it, so i have a feeling they're the new hybrid b-15 combos.

Tusec · #12 10-24-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsabina

Sounds like you got a good price, Tusec. I paid $299 (+shipping). Not complaining though; works great. Hope yours is cool too.

I'd say $299 still seems very reasonable for a cool amp.

The other thing about these amps that hasn't really been mentioned is the way they look:

The blue check covering, the chrome faceplate, the stovetop knobs, the leather handle, and just the basic proportions -- very, very sharp, I think.

(photo credit to TB'er jbassbob)

jeff7bass · #13 10-24-2010, 04:45 PM

One of the most recorded amps in history, the B50.

Rob Martinez · #14 10-24-2010, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tusec

I'd say $299 still seems very reasonable for a cool amp.

The other thing about these amps that hasn't really been mentioned is the way they look:

The blue check covering, the chrome faceplate, the stovetop knobs, the leather handle, and just the basic proportions -- very, very sharp, I think.

(photo credit to TB'er jbassbob)

You can't really improve on that! Beautiful!

RickenBoogie · #15 10-24-2010, 05:12 PM

Wish I'd never sold my B100R, but I'll get in line for a B15 of any sort, within reason.

jbassbob · #16 10-24-2010, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Martinez

You can't really improve on that! Beautiful!

Especially when you play one of these through it

I do love this little amp.

JimmyM · #17 10-24-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Martinez

You can't really improve on that! Beautiful!

well, you could give it an all-tube front end

of course it would no longer be available for $250-300.

Rob Martinez · #18 10-24-2010, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

well, you could give it an all-tube front end

of course it would no longer be available for $250-300.

Fer sher! I am playing mine now, and it sounds pretty sweet as is! And I love how light she is!

Low End Lover · #19 10-25-2010, 07:36 PM

+1. I got my B100R back in '99. I have gone through about 5 basses since then, but hung on the the amp as everythig sounds good thru it. Can't wait to get some vintage pickups in my '08 4003FL and see how they match up. Should be nice.

LEL

steamthief · #20 10-25-2010, 07:38 PM

I had both the 50 and 100, sold both to fund other stuff,