Maybe a year and a half ago I bought a B200R dirt cheap when they were blowing out the final stock of these. I'm pretty sure mine is a re-furb, as it looks brand new but the screws holding the amp chassis in have clearly been tightened up extra good to prevent the well-documented "buzzing" problem that apparently killed the production of these.
So I practice on it at home, took it to a low volume jazz gig once, that's about it. I've got a nice big rig for most of the larger rooms and outdoor gigs I get, and a Markbass 12" combo for smaller things I do so the 'peg doesn't see a lot of action outside the house. I've been waiting for the right situation to put this amp to the test, and this weekend it came.
I play with an 11-piece funk band that does TOP, EWF, some motown and soul stuff. We were booked into a smaller venue that seats about 150 people on the main level. I've gigged there before doing jazz with the Markbass but the funk band is a louder situation so I wanted to go with something I knew would have enough sound but not be overpowering for the room.
I was pleasantly suprised the amp offered up a smooth, creamy tone that was warm and powerful. I ran the output about halfway up and the gain at about 1/4. We were packed tight on the little stage, and as I stood in front of it I could feel the air blowing my pants legs. I'm usually a 12 or 10guy, so I was curious how it would be to gig with a 15. It had all the focus and punch I get with my other rigs, but most notable was this creamy midrange that I really liked. For some reason I didn't really expect that from a 15". I did use with the tweeter plugged in, but it never sounded really harsh. The suprising thing to me is at home I like to play it with the boost buttons engaged for a more modern sound, but at the gig it sounded a lot better to me without them on. I pushed it pretty good when I did my solo and kicked in my octaver- no farting (or buzzing for that matter.) The sound guy said it sounded great too, he took a line from the di and added a bit of lows through some subs they have in the house system.
Overall, the amp served it up and then some for me and I am really happy with it. I can't wait to use it again. Next time we play a venue of this size, the Ampeg is definitley going to be my go-to amp. Pretty sure I'll bring the Markbass too (just in case) but really digging the Ampeg tone right now and can't justify buying the new stuff (yet)
