Ampeg PF-115HE

kimokeo · #1 12-17-2011, 05:20 AM

Been looking at this cabinet for a while now. I like the ability to add the portaflex head and travel basically in an all-in-one unit. I am very concerned about the latches and the lid. Have any of you had trouble with the latches and or cover with these cabinets? Thanks!

tekdiver500ft · #2 12-17-2011, 05:46 AM

I don't have one of these, but have been watching the forums here, and (as best as I can tell) the latches look flimsy, but hold up adequately. I can't say I recall anyone saying that one actually broke, but I do recall several people replacing them to avoid the issue. I haven't heard of anyone breaking a lid.

kimokeo · #3 12-17-2011, 05:57 AM

Thanks for the reply. The only negative comment I have found is in regard to the casters. Several reviews state they are attached with small / inadequate screws.

joemer · #4 12-17-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimokeo

Thanks for the reply. The only negative comment I have found is in regard to the casters. Several reviews state they are attached with small / inadequate screws.

I have the Pf 210 with the Pf 500 and so far the clips for the lid seem solid, the casters snapped right in(not screwed), and seem sturdy.

coreyfyfe · #5 12-17-2011, 06:24 AM

Yeah the casters slide into a clip, I think a few people had issues with repeatedly adding/removing casters causing the holders to come loose. As far as the clips, the clip system on these seems stronger than the original clips on the B-15. They seem pretty sturdy so far, at least.

kimokeo · #6 12-17-2011, 07:22 AM

Thanks for your input on the casters. I appreciate it. Originally thought about possibly getting the GK 115MBE. Think I am going to go with the Ampeg.

tekdiver500ft · #7 12-17-2011, 07:26 AM

You'll love it! I played one with a PF-500, and was blown away by the tone. Really great B-15 vibe, but versatile, too.

kimokeo · #8 12-17-2011, 07:43 AM

Thanks, Tekdiver. Gonna order it today!

christw · #9 12-17-2011, 07:54 AM

Be sure to check the hot deals section of this site for a special TB discount at Musicians Friend. I think you'll get 20% off or more. There's also a 15% off sale going on with MF with a CALLSANTA code and 15% at The Perfect Bass with code "GiveMusic" who had an additional talkbass discount either in Hot Deals or in their subforum.

I paid $640 for my PF500/115HE new and could've paid even less.

The latches are just fine. The foam/weather strip seal used is my biggest concern and that's easy to replace. On my used PF115HE cabinet it's already come a little loose on one corner. I stuck it down and haven't had any issue. I'll just replace it with something a little more tough down the road.

username1 · #10 12-17-2011, 08:13 AM

The latches on mine seem to be easily strong enough. The only thing i changed is the weather stripping that seals the top. I went with slightly wider and thicker weather stripping which seems to cure any buzzing problems i had. I love the tone of these cabs.

kimokeo · #11 12-17-2011, 12:15 PM

Thanks for the info username1 & christw!

roskuski · #12 12-17-2011, 03:44 PM

I had one of the caster mounts fall off of my pf210he the first time I used it at band volume. The screws were too short and the holes had been stripped at the factory. They actually vibrated out while I was playing! The screws were replaced under warranty with longer ones, and they have been fine ever since. I hope they use longer ones now.

To your original question, the latches for the top work really well and seem to be strong enough. I actually think they make a stronger connection then the original B15 latches.

Overall, I've been very happy with the cab.

JimmyM · #13 12-17-2011, 07:27 PM

I don't know for sure that they beefed up the screws, but my casters are doing well so I imagine they did. I roll them with a cab stacked on top of the other, and no problems in the past couple months. And the latches are a million times better than the originals. They're the same latches they use on the Heritage B-15, and they were approved by Mark Gandenberger from Vintage Blue who was a consultant on the Heritage B-15, and if they're good enough for him, they're good enough for us. Before Ampeg started using these latches, Mark once spent an outrageous amount of money customizing latches for use on his B-15 repro cabs, so he knows what he's talking about.

joemer · #14 12-18-2011, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by username1

The latches on mine seem to be easily strong enough. The only thing i changed is the weather stripping that seals the top. I went with slightly wider and thicker weather stripping which seems to cure any buzzing problems i had. I love the tone of these cabs.

I would like to see how you installed the weather stripping- any pics possible? Thanks

username1 · #15 12-18-2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joemer

I would like to see how you installed the weather stripping- any pics possible? Thanks

I have the cabs stored at our rehersal place and wont be able to get there till dec 29 but i will take some pics then for you and post them on this post. All i did was remove the original stripping and just put this new stripping in the same place. I will post pics when i get back from christmas though.

kimokeo · #16 12-18-2011, 09:33 AM

Thanks for all the information. I too would like to see the pics of weather stripping you installed. I have the cabinet on the way. I bought the cabinet for $329. Got a good price match on it. Ampeg has never let me down in the past, so, with their reputation, and your input, I am thinking this will be a great outcome!

Slackerprince · #17 12-18-2011, 09:49 AM

I wonder if there is a revision # of sorts or ship dates of newer cabs with longer caster screws.
I guess I could just pull one out to see how long it is.
Anyone know?

S

stiles72 · #18 12-19-2011, 08:50 AM

The weather stripping I used on my '63 B15 and my '67 BT15C is 3/8ths thick. This works nicely at tightening up the original latches and creating a better seal on the cab and avoiding some rattles. But on the PF115, I wouldn't worry about changing the gasket for something thicker unless you have some major buzzing or rattling going on from the lid- since the new latches have plenty of "spring" in them and should work well for several years to come.

fenderhutz · #19 12-19-2011, 08:53 AM

I gig my PF115HE regularly and have had no issues with casters or the latches. Will they take a direct hit from a 300lb PA rack roadcase and not bend? No. Will they hold up with normal use, looks that way. I actually tripped on load out one night and the one caster hit hard on the ground. It bent the caster a bit but the assembly stayed in place just fine.

kimokeo · #20 12-23-2011, 09:07 AM

So, I bought the cabinet and it arrived this past week. I must admit, I have never been one to marvel in the idea that Ampeg was going to be "Made in China", but this cabinet is great. Classic Ampeg sound and a very well made product. I am very happy with the choice to buy this cabinet and the advice from all of the fellow bassists from the forum. Thanks!