Ampeg Rocket love

birminghambass · #1 10-05-2010, 05:42 PM

For a while I've been looking for a smaller, gigable combo to use at rehearsal and small shows. I've got a GK stack that I love that handles all the big shows so this combo would be 90% for home use. Tried a SWR WM 15, a little too sterile for me and heavy for it's size. Also, it ran out of juice when used in a rock setting. Had a Mesa WA for several months, nice but a bit expensive for a practice amp. I couldn't justify the expense so it had to go. Bought a used Ampeg B100r, loved it! Great tone, nice punch but like the SWR it was underpowered. Tried my friend's Ampeg BA115 and it was, eh...unimpressive. Well, last month I walked in a music store and saw a Ampeg Rocket B200r. Sounded fantastic in the store and was priced right. Took it home last week and tested it thoroughly (some of these units had issues), it seemed fine an all accounts. Took it to practice and couldn't be happier! With a drummer and guitarist using a Mesa 2x12 combo in a hard rock setting it held up like a champ. Nice round tone with just the right amount of punch. Sounds very similar to my friends B-15 but with more volume. I really dig the horn, it adds just enough high end without hiss. I know that some people have had issues with this model but so far I couldn't give it a higher recommendation!

bassvi · #2 10-07-2010, 01:35 PM

I have a refurbed one that I got cheap from Zzzounds ($285), and it still works great. On top of that the thing is just beautiful to look at, IMO. It's definitely a lot more powerful than a B-100R. The speaker/cab buzzing issues are what ultimately did it in on the market, but mine works fine (even though it's not my #1 gigging amp) I think it maybe has a slight buzz when I play Eb on my upright, but there'a a lot of low end coming out of it. My Markbass combo also seems to buzz from the speaker or cab when I play it at home. At a gig, I never hear the buzz. It can belt out some serious punch for a 200W combo.

JimmyM · #3 10-07-2010, 03:05 PM

it's a shame ampeg saw fit to discontinue the b100r and b200r. never played a b200r but the b100r is about as close as you can get to the sound of a b-15 with solid state. at least it was at the time.

EricF · #4 10-07-2010, 04:14 PM

Another +1 for the Ampeg Rockets. I love my B100R for home practice and low-volume gigs.

**JxBass** · #5 10-07-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

the b100r is about as close as you can get to the sound of a b-15 with solid state. at least it was at the time.

+1. I had two B100Rs. A great combo!

ekimfunk · #6 10-19-2010, 03:06 PM

Yea I think Ampeg was on to something when they made the B50, B100, and B200 RocketBass series. The B15 reissue was too much money for not that great tone. Don't know why they discontinued them The SVT Micro is neat, but I played through one and it does not have the fat "almost tube" sound of my B100R.

Mastermold · #7 10-19-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassvi

I have a refurbed one that I got cheap from Zzzounds ($285), and it still works great. On top of that the thing is just beautiful to look at, IMO. It's definitely a lot more powerful than a B-100R. The speaker/cab buzzing issues are what ultimately did it in on the market, but mine works fine (even though it's not my #1 gigging amp) I think it maybe has a slight buzz when I play Eb on my upright, but there'a a lot of low end coming out of it. My Markbass combo also seems to buzz from the speaker or cab when I play it at home. At a gig, I never hear the buzz. It can belt out some serious punch for a 200W combo.

I got the last new B200R from Zzounds when they had that blowout sale, and agree it's a great little combo, wonderful tone. The tube preamp works well and with 220 watts I can gig with it (although I rarely do -- only have once now that I think of it -- its main duty is as my practice amp). I had some of that chassis buzzing too when I first bought it but after tightening up a few loose screws around the chassis it was fine.

dirtdobber113 · #8 05-15-2011, 10:41 AM

I got a sweet deal on my b200r rocketbass, I could never get another one for the price I got mine. I Love the looks, size, mobility (wheels came on it) I have a little buzz on eb but I don't gig or play with anyone anymore so it doesn't bother me. My $.02.