Ampeg BA115

[CBNJ]

At this point, I'm getting completely disgusted every time I play through my Acoustic B100, and it's getting pretty discouraging. I went to GC today and played through the BA115, and found a tone right away that I already liked better than my current sound. Would this be an upgrade? Would I be able to play shows with this? Any info would be great!

[mjac28]

It's only 100 watts outside of something acoustic I think gigging would be tough

[doktormerol]

This Ampeg series is amazing, the sound is very clear and strong, I recomend so much, but talking about to play in shows, I think that in small places are gonna be great, but in bigger places maybe you have to use de line out for the PA, but I think it's ok too.

[Joedog]

Not an Acoustic fan. Bought a B200 on a whim (at a very cheap price)....couldn't find a good tone for the life of me....took it back. Not sure the 100W Ampeg is enuff (for MY needs) but between the 2, tonewise, no contest...Ampeg all day long.

[tbirdsp]

I would give the TC BG250 a close look.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/TC-Elect...98-i2378433.gc

[klokker]

If you're serious about gigging I'd pass on the BA115. It's OK, but just not enough IMO.

[Edward G.]

There's a local guy in a very well known act in these parts who I've never seen with anything but a Precision and an Ampeg BA-115. Six-piece band that plays everything from dance venues to weddings and bars. It seems to work for him.

[CBNJ]

Originally Posted by Joedog

Not an Acoustic fan. Bought a B200 on a whim (at a very cheap price)....couldn't find a good tone for the life of me....took it back. Not sure the 100W Ampeg is enuff (for MY needs) but between the 2, tonewise, no contest...Ampeg all day long.

Same with me. I can play with the settings all day long, but I'm not happy with anything. I know some people love them, but not me.

Originally Posted by tbirdsp

I would give the TC BG250 a close look.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/TC-Elect...98-i2378433.gc

Would that be enough to play live?

---

Is an amp something I should look for used, or just spend a little more and buy used? I don't really care about the condition, but about the speakers. Any videos of the amps being used in a live setting?

[AlexanderB]

I find the BA115 to be heavy, low output and noisy (a lot of hiss). Ampeg amps also seem to have their share of quality issues. Just my experience...

[tbirdsp]

Originally Posted by CBNJ

(BG250)
Would that be enough to play live?

I've been playing live with a GK MB200 into an 8 ohm Genz Benz Focus 115 (so it's not even putting out the full 200 watts) and that has been fine. Used the BG250 (which is 250 watts into a 4 ohm speaker) at practice last night (music is blues, but our drummer is LOUD) and it was more than enough by a long shot - certainly capable of getting louder than the MB200+Focus combo. I personally like the tones you can get with the "Tubedrive", and the Toneprint thing is neat too. I plan on using the BG250 at a gig this Sunday (a blues competition, and I don't know if I'll have PA support). I think it will be fine.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Edward G.

There's a local guy in a very well known act in these parts who I've never seen with anything but a Precision and an Ampeg BA-115. Six-piece band that plays everything from dance venues to weddings and bars. It seems to work for him.

And he gets to keep all his money! Wish I were that smart. I used to be. Then I started making some money.

Like your pal, I play in a similar band, though the size of the horn section varies. I have played arenas and large outdoor shows using rigs as small as a 25w B-15 tube head into a 115, or the BA115's little sister, the BA110, with 35w into a 110. Most of them I had PA, of course, but I have done occasional stage volume gigs with them as well, as big as an 800 seat room with the B-15. We're not real loud but we're not quiet. A BA115 would be gross overkill for me. That didn't stop me from bringing an SVT tonight but if the band's primary concern is a balanced stage sound and not drowning each other out and making each other deaf, it can be done easily with a BA115. Some people may not be able to use it, but it's not a quiet amp, and it's a definite step up from the Acoustic.

[TheAnalogKid]

Originally Posted by CBNJ

At this point, I'm getting completely disgusted every time I play through my Acoustic B100, and it's getting pretty discouraging. I went to GC today and played through the BA115, and found a tone right away that I already liked better than my current sound. Would this be an upgrade? Would I be able to play shows with this? Any info would be great!

Perhaps an Ampeg BA115-HP or a BA 210-SP? Each are 220 watt, as opposed to 100 watt. JimmyM, your thoughts???

I ask this because I see several of the BA-115HPs and 210-SPs for sale and wonder if these are worthwhile amps. Some of which are US made, FWIW. Also curious since I'm looking to upgrade from my anemic 25-watter.

[tbirdsp]

I'm starting to sound like a BG250 fanboy here - but:

TCE BG250 = 250 watts, 35 lbs, $399

BA-115 = 100 watts, 62 lbs, $379

BA-115HP = 220 watts, 80 lbs, $499

No way I'd carry around 62 lbs, much less 80. My early '90's Hartke 1155 Combo (3500 head with a 15" and a 5", 350 watts) weighs 80 lbs. Well it did until I removed the 25 lb head from the cab so I could use it with my Genz Benz Focus 115 cab(s) (46 lbs each). The 55 lb speaker cab from the old Hartke combo stays in place at our practice space (I usually power it with my 2 lb GK MB200 head).
I found that the MB200 with a single Genz Focus 115 was plenty for most of my gigs. After playing through a GK MB210 and MB115 at open jams, I was looking at them. Pricy though. I was almost set to get a used MB115, but then I checked out the BG250. Glad I did.

[JimmyM]

To me the HP Ampegs sound like BA115's and BA210's with more wattage. It'll get you a decent volume and headroom bump to have double the wattage, but it won't be twice as loud. Still, while I wouldn't need the 220w amp to hang, some might appreciate the headroom so they stay cleaner at the higher volumes.

[C.Linton]

Originally Posted by AlexanderB

I find the BA115 to be heavy, low output and noisy (a lot of hiss). Ampeg amps also seem to have their share of quality issues. Just my experience...

The hiss is an easy and reversible fix.

[TheAnalogKid]

Originally Posted by C.Linton

The hiss is an easy and reversible fix.

I saw an advert for an Ampeg 210-SP that the seller stated has a hiss that is static (meaning the hiss is constant no matter the volume) and is asking a redonkulously low price. I'm gassing for an Ampeg 2x10 combo and considering chancing it, but what should I look in to to remedy the hiss?

[JimmyM]

Hard to predict without hearing it. Might be a blown tweeter. That's an easy fix and relatively cheap. Might need the loop jacks cleaned, or maybe the pots need cleaned. Or it might be more serious. Or it might be fine and the tweeter is just too hissy for him, and then all you have to do is disconnect it. Only one way to find out.

[CBNJ]

Originally Posted by tbirdsp

I'm starting to sound like a BG250 fanboy here - but:

TCE BG250 = 250 watts, 35 lbs, $399

BA-115 = 100 watts, 62 lbs, $379

BA-115HP = 220 watts, 80 lbs, $499

.

Would 250 watts be overkill for bedroom playing, or does it sound okay at low volumes?

My ultimate goal is to get a tone 'similar' to this, and I think he used Ampeg. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NItTBfA_BM Would both amps be able to get that sound? The Toneprint is interesting.. Could you dial in an Ampeg sound with it? Also, it mentions being able to use your smart phone - can you store them in and use a footswitch later, or do you always need your phone to switch through them?

[tbirdsp]

I think I could get that tone from it.
The Tubedrive function is separate from the Toneprint - Tubedrive would probably be most useful in trying to get "Ampeg" tone.

Unfortunately only one Toneprint effect can be loaded at a time, and each must be loaded with either your Smartphone or a laptop. Optional 3-way footswitch controls - mute, Tubedrive on/off, Toneprint on/off.

BG250 info
http://www.tcelectronic.com/bg250/

Available Toneprints
http://www.tcelectronic.com/bg250/toneprints/

Talkbass threads
Part 1
TC Electronic BG250 Club

Part 2
TC Electronic BG250 Club (Part 2)

[5 Wire]

Originally Posted by AlexanderB

I find the BA115 to be heavy, low output and noisy (a lot of hiss).

Yup. I said it before - I couldn't get that crapbox out the door fast enough.