Ampeg B100R: Worth the Weight?

Fretless55 · #1 03-18-2013, 12:37 PM

Interested in a B100R combo to play with my old Pbass with flats. But at at 65lbs. I'm a bit wary...
Wondering if it might be a better option to look for more transportable 15" cab to pair with an older GK 400RB to get that old school sound. I have seen a Bag End 15 listed here locally. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

RCCollins · #2 03-18-2013, 12:39 PM

The B100R is a GREAT amp. It's not light, but it's compact. You can handle it, man!

unbasslichkeit · #3 03-18-2013, 12:43 PM

I've had one for 5 years. Love it. Fits in the trunk of a Chevy Cobalt without much persuading. Mine was one of the last of the SLM Ampegs; guess that's why I kept it so long.

Fretless55 · #4 03-18-2013, 12:55 PM

spacebassed · #5 03-18-2013, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fretless55

SLM?

St. Louis Music - Made in the good 'ol US of A.

Rob Martinez · #6 03-18-2013, 02:10 PM

Get the Ampeg B100R, you won't regret it.

Mastermold · #7 03-18-2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Martinez

Get the Ampeg B100R, you won't regret it.

+1

Nice little combo, great tone.

leemelone · #8 03-18-2013, 02:56 PM

Get the casters for it. It makes a huge difference in moving it around.

6jase5 · #9 03-18-2013, 03:00 PM

I love both of mine. Got them used (both under $200). I was once taking the speaker out of one and went right through the cone with a phillips head screwdriver. I've played 100 shows since without a problem, and pretty loudly as well. Just kind of wondering when it will fart out or split, but it hasn't. Sort of an experiment in durability.

Therefore they get my idiot (me) proof seal of approval.

Heavy shmevvy....my 71 Blueline, now THAT beast is heavy!

tightbidness · #10 03-18-2013, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leemelone

Get the casters for it. It makes a huge difference in moving it around.

^This. The B100R isn't a lightweight, but it's easy enough to lift in and out of a trunk and up and down a few flights of stairs.

Bongolation · #11 03-18-2013, 08:31 PM

Get a cover for it. The textured vinyl covering is very fragile.

I have a Yellville B-100R. It's OK, and certainly as good as Ampeg ever built them in that new factory that lasted about long enough to get dirty before LOUD outsourced Ampeg manufacturing.

I haven't really found any special magic in it, but I rarely use it as after this I don't gig anymore and I record direct...so a whole house full of great amps & cabs haven't been turned on in a couple of years now.

Bongolation · #12 03-18-2013, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tightbidness

The B100R isn't a lightweight, but it's easy enough to lift in and out of a trunk and up and down a few flights of stairs.

That one handle is a real back-twister.

Any combo over 50# should have two side-handles, by federal law.

tightbidness · #13 03-18-2013, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bongolation

That one handle is a real back-twister.

Any combo over 50# should have two side-handles, by federal law.

Agreed. The handle on the B100R is awkward. I pick it up and lift and from the bottom.

Fretless55 · #14 03-19-2013, 07:58 AM

Thanks for the input all.

Yeah, it's that 65lbs with one top handle that has me thinking that, even with its highly regarded tone, it maybe more of studio darlin' rather than a gigging rig...

Rob Martinez · #15 03-19-2013, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fretless55

Thanks for the input all.

Yeah, it's that 65lbs with one top handle that has me thinking that, even with its highly regarded tone, it maybe more of studio darlin' rather than a gigging rig...

Consider getting a Fender Bassman TV Ten, it weighs about 40 lbs and can get that warm, vintage tone.

RCCollins · #16 03-19-2013, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Martinez

Consider getting a Fender Bassman TV Ten, it weighs about 40 lbs and can get that warm, vintage tone.

well, a different "warm, vintage" tone... and probably more expensive than a B100r... also only a 10" speaker, and I doubt it can get as loud... B100r is a LOUD hundred watter!

chaosMK · #17 03-19-2013, 09:10 AM

Yes. Has an awesome tone and gets quite loud for only 100W.

Fretless55 · #18 03-19-2013, 11:40 AM

Thanks again for the responses.

I was hoping also to get some opinions of my "Plan B" option of pairing my existing GK 400RB head with a Bag End s15d cab for a more portable old school sound.

RCCollins · #19 03-19-2013, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fretless55

Thanks again for the responses.

I was hoping also to get some opinions of my "Plan B" option of pairing my existing GK 400RB head with a Bag End s15d cab for a more portable old school sound.

That might be lighter, but I wouldn't call it "more portable" since it involves 2 trips instead of one...

dougjwray · #20 03-19-2013, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fretless55

Thanks again for the responses.

I was hoping also to get some opinions of my "Plan B" option of pairing my existing GK 400RB head with a Bag End s15d cab for a more portable old school sound.

That would give you great tone, too. But really, I don't think the Ampeg is that heavy. I've been gigging with one since 2000, and it's doable, for sure.