Ampeg BA115 - how to tell the wattage?

the art guy · #1 07-26-2011, 12:58 PM

This is slightly embarrassing, but I bought a used BA115 combo a while back, and the seller told me it was the 220 watt version. I should have done my homework, because now I think it's actually the 100 watt version.

I know on the current models (this is easy to find), there are visual differences between the two. Is it possible that on these models a few years ago, they looked identical? Or can you always tell the difference by whether or not it has handles on the side?

(Or can I look up the serial number of a recent Chinese-made Ampeg anywhere? I didn't see any obvious links for this either.)

guroove · #2 07-26-2011, 01:00 PM

The 220 watt version is called a BA115hp. The BA115 is a kickback combo, meaning you can tilt it back. The HP has handles on the sides, casters, and weighs 80 lbs.

the art guy · #3 07-26-2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guroove

The 220 watt version is called a BA115hp. The BA115 is a kickback combo, meaning you can tilt it back. The HP has handles on the sides, casters, and weighs 80 lbs.

Yeah, I can find all that online for the current ones. Has there always been those same visual differences between the two? Thanks for the help.

guroove · #4 07-26-2011, 01:12 PM

I think the BA115hp is new(er). The BA115 has always been 100 watts, AFAIK.

drummer5359 · #5 07-26-2011, 01:22 PM

Yes, the "kickback" version has always been 100 watts.

the art guy · #6 07-26-2011, 01:23 PM

OK - thanks, guys. Unfortunately that's what I suspected. Oh well - win some and lose some with craigslist. Although that makes me a lot more impressed with how loud this thing is....

beelzelboss · #7 07-26-2011, 01:54 PM

They are great amps, but I have a question. Does your almost "burp" when you play it loud and it the string too hard? I realized if I have mine at 12 o clock on both volumes and hit a low D hard, it burps almost. Does yours do that?

guroove · #8 07-26-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beelzelboss

They are great amps, but I have a question. Does your almost "burp" when you play it loud and it the string too hard? I realized if I have mine at 12 o clock on both volumes and hit a low D hard, it burps almost. Does yours do that?

Yes. I think it's the speakers. My BA112 does it so much that people ask me what I'm using for overdrive when I play my P bass through it. I consider it one of its features. It reminds me of a B-15n.

beelzelboss · #9 07-26-2011, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guroove

Yes. I think it's the speakers. My BA112 does it so much that people ask me what I'm using for overdrive when I play my P bass through it. I consider it one of its features. It reminds me of a B-15n.

Isn't it bad for the speaker? Also, is this amp loud enough for a band rehearsal with full drums and maybe two guitars, or shouldni sell this off and pick up a 200w 2x12?

the art guy · #10 07-26-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beelzelboss

Isn't it bad for the speaker? Also, is this amp loud enough for a band rehearsal with full drums and maybe two guitars, or shouldni sell this off and pick up a 200w 2x12?

I personally haven't had that problem with the BA115, although I play a 4-string in standard tuning.

I have used it in rehearsals (and smaller gigs) with a full-on 4 piece band (drums and 2 guitars). There wasn't much room left to get louder, but it kept up.

beelzelboss · #11 07-26-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the art guy

I personally haven't had that problem with the BA115, although I play a 4-string in standard tuning.

I have used it in rehearsals (and smaller gigs) with a full-on 4 piece band (drums and 2 guitars). There wasn't much room left to get louder, but it kept up.

Its only really happens a lot when I play my five string and slam on the open low b, and its turned up a good way. How much do you guys thing guitar center would give me for this combo?

the art guy · #12 07-26-2011, 03:49 PM

Well, any place you "trade in" is going to give you 50 to 60% of what they'd sell it for. And I just sold mine for 200. So that's a rough estimate if you do the math.

beelzelboss · #13 07-26-2011, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the art guy

Well, any place you "trade in" is going to give you 50 to 60% of what they'd sell it for. And I just sold mine for 200. So that's a rough estimate if you do the math.

Ya. So not much. I guess I'm just going to wait until I'm definitely in a band to pick up a new amp.