Ampeg B18N Question

[Groover]

Not really finding much information on these... Considering a purchase of supposedly an all original B18N with Original Jensen speaker (and tubes?). It's a 1965, and the seller says it's 50W (It's not clear to me how many watts these should have)

My question is.... That I may plan on using this head with an HT115 Berg cab, which is 8 ohms... will this head work with that?

Also, from what I understand, these B18N are a little louder and lower sounding than a B15N... is that because of the speaker size, or does the B18N amp actually put out more lowes than the B15N (stupid question I know, just now sure how these are actually rated).

Thanks!

[stiles72]

I've not played one myself, but the B18 is 50 watts vs. the 25/30 watts of a B15, and use different tubes - 7027s vs 6L6s. My unerstanding is that the tone stack is pretty much the same - the amp just has a beefed up power amp section. As long as your other cab is 8 ohms, you should have no problem running either just the head on it, or using it as an extension cab with the B18.

[Groover]

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like maybe I am better off going with the B18 head if I plan in using the HT115 cab.

I think the B18N cab is not ported, whereas the B15N is?

[coreyfyfe]

Nope, still ported.

[aborgman]

Originally Posted by stiles72

I've not played one myself, but the B18 is 50 watts vs. the 25/30 watts of a B15, and use different tubes - 7027s vs 6L6s. My unerstanding is that the tone stack is pretty much the same - the amp just has a beefed up power amp section. As long as your other cab is 8 ohms, you should have no problem running either just the head on it, or using it as an extension cab with the B18.

B18 is 50W.

6L6/7027 are basically the same tube. My B18 is currently running 6L6s.

Tone stack is the same... depending on what you mean by "same" as the B15N/B18N changed preamp topology several times.

[anderbass]

I've never even played a B15 to compare, but I can assure you my 66 B18N sounds truly incredible.
Besides having more power than a B15N, the B18 cab is also quite bit larger.

I'm in the middle of restoring mine now. My amp tech is almost done with the head and I'm impatiently waiting for my new tolex to arrive



One of the previous owners installed this 15' Altec 421 speaker mounted with a plywood adaptor in mine:

[Groover]

Thanks again for the replies. Do you guys think $800 be a good price for supposedly an all original one in fair conditions?

[stingray56funk]

$800 would be a great price! I sold my B-18N 4 years ago for $1600. Mine had the Cleveland speaker (needed a recone) with a Ruby Tubes replacement 18" speaker. The extra wattage made a huge difference to me and I loved the tone of the B-18N. I'd go for it at $800!

[77PBass]

Bear in mind the speaker connection on the B-18N is not 1/4" or speakon...they used an xlr type connector that actually included a circuit that prevented the amp from switching from standby mode when not connected to the speaker cab. This switch was belt and suspenders safety feature to protect the amp from blowing up.

You will need to create a DIY adapter to use with your HT115.

[craig.p]

I bought one new in the sixties and was underwhelmed, but looking back on it I think it was because it just didn't meet my minimum volume requirements. Tone-wise it was okay -- a bit muddy and undefined -- but you could hear it if the band was "polite." It could keep up with a Deluxe or a Pro Reverb, maybe with a Super Reverb, but definitely not with a Twin. Apologies in advance for the objectivity, but it's just a fifty-watter through a single eighteen.



I'd expect you'd get far more joy running the head through a pair of fifteens in a vented cab, IF you could match the impedance. I could see it on top of a B25B for example. (I believe the B18 output transformer has a sixteen-ohm tap.)

[christw]

This is so about the one on Columbus craigslist! If I had $800, I'd buy it and drop it off with Randy (Vintage Amp Repair) half an hour later.

[Groover]

Lol, yes that is the one.. I don't have $800 to blow, so I'm trying to figure out if it's something that I "must have"

[christw]

I would say yes. At the current price you can have a full workup done on that amp by someone who knows these suckers in an out and then flip it on eBay or TB if you don't like it.

[anderbass]

Originally Posted by stingray56funk

$800 would be a great price! I sold my B-18N 4 years ago for $1600.

Oh cool, that's good to know. I figure I'll have about $850 invested in my B18n after doing a complete restoration including a new dolly cart. I'm not planning on ever selling mine but its always cool to know I'm not investing more into a project than its potential re-sell value...

Originally Posted by craig.p

I bought one new in the sixties and was underwhelmed, but looking back on it I think it was because it just didn't meet my minimum volume requirements.

Hey Groover,
Craig.p has a really good point here, none of these older Fliptop models will be super loud. If your buying an amp for use with a loud band, you will be very disappointed unless you always use a P/A to get a louder volume level.

Buying any of these older fliptops should be done because you appreciate the tone, feel, general vibe and looks.
Not because you need an amp that's loud enough to cover any situation without P/A support.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by 77PBass

Bear in mind the speaker connection on the B-18N is not 1/4" or speakon...they used an xlr type connector that actually included a circuit that prevented the amp from switching from standby mode when not connected to the speaker cab. This switch was belt and suspenders safety feature to protect the amp from blowing up.

You will need to create a DIY adapter to use with your HT115.

you can buy those adapter cables at Welcome to Fliptops -- Parts for Ampeg and other Vintage Amp Lovers if you need them.