That Ampeg Heritage B15 - beautiful but $

[christw]

Originally Posted by Joelc73

Thanks all. Besides CL and eBay, are there any specific sources I should check out when trying to find a good vintage B-15?

I use Craigslist meta searches and see B-15 and other PF amps for sale in your region a lot more than I do here. Give it a month or two and you'll probably be able to see and demo several amps from SB-12 to B-18.

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by Joelc73

I know I'm resurrecting an old thread but... I'm thinking seriously about getting a B15. I noticed the Heritage ones are $5K now though. Would I be nuts to spend that much on one? Or do a grab one of the vintage ones I see on line for $1500?

When these gems were first produced I thought the price was pretty steep, but then I did a little research,

and low and behold here's what I came up with. In 1964 a B-15N(C) equipped with the JBL D 130F cost

@$459.00. Adjusted for inflation the same amp would cost $3,426.32


When you add the additional circuitry, that allows you to use either fixed, or cathode bias, with the 1964 or

66 circuitry, a Baltic Birch void free cabinet, stronger, Dolly, better head latching system, 3 prong grounded

plug, 1/4 " speaker connection, ect., we're at least close to $4,0000.00 which is exactly what the mint

condition B-15N(C) went for last year on eBay, without the JBL D130F upgrade and all the added features of

the Heritage B-15. So for what it's worth, they aren't that far off. Granted, I am speaking from the enviable

position of owning a 1964 B-15N(C) but the older ones often need some servicing and maintainence. Just

my take, I certainly can't afford one.

Ric

[Joelc73]

Originally Posted by Ric Vice

When these gems were first produced I thought the price was pretty steep, but then I did a little research,

and low and behold here's what I came up with. In 1964 a B-15N(C) equipped with the JBL D 130F cost

@$459.00. Adjusted for inflation the same amp would cost $3,426.32


When you add the additional circuitry, that allows you to use either fixed, or cathode bias, with the 1964 or

66 circuitry, a Baltic Birch void free cabinet, stronger, Dolly, better head latching system, 3 prong grounded

plug, 1/4 " speaker connection, ect., we're at least close to $4,0000.00 which is exactly what the mint

condition B-15N(C) went for last year on eBay, without the JBL D130F upgrade and all the added features of

the Heritage B-15. So for what it's worth, they aren't that far off. Granted, I am speaking from the enviable

position of owning a 1964 B-15N(C) but the older ones often need some servicing and maintainence. Just

my take, I certainly can't afford one.

Ric

This is exactly the argument I will use on my wife. I will let you know if it works. ;-)

Anyone have a 20% off coupon for MF they don't need?

[NorCal Dog]

just played the Heritage for about 20min at a local shop,, INCREDIBLE Tone

I WANT,, i know i can't have it,, but I WANT

[mcm]

Ampeg seems to have had its head up its ass for a few years now.

[Mojo-Man]

Originally Posted by Ric Vice

Ampeg ( Loud Technologies) isn't actually building this amp. They have outsourced the construction to a custom amp builder in Michigan. So in effect, you are paying a custom amp builder (and Loud Technologies) to build you one. Matchless did try their hand at it a while back and I'll bet they weren't cheap either. That said this amplifier is way out of my price league and since I have a B-15NC so I'm good.

Ric

These were made from 1997-1999.
They sold for around $2000.00 back then.
Amazing amp. 45 watts, hand wired, gold plated.
They also made a limited number of 200-watt heads the"Thunderchief"

[Mojo-Man]

As for the Hertage B15.
They are wonderful. TONE for days.
The two channels capture both old style B15's.
The ultimate recording amp.
The limited run is why this amp costs 4K.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by mcm

Ampeg seems to have had its head up its ass for a few years now.

Hardly. They've actually righted themselves pretty well.

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Hardly. They've actually righted themselves pretty well.

+1 Agreed.

[Joelc73]

I checked with MF and Sweetwater and none of the discount codes apply to the Heritage stuff.... :-(

At $4k I can almost justify it... At $5k, I'm having trouble pulling the trigger.