dirty amps

thedevilisbad · #1 07-21-2011, 10:23 PM

I'm fortunate enough to play in a band where I can borrow everyone's nice equipment. Our drummer owns an Ampeg B15N and is letting me use it. I love the sound of my bass with this amp. It's so dirty but in a terrific way! I'd love to get one some day if I can ever afford it.

What are some similar amplifiers that might cost a bit less of be not as noteworthy?

JimmyM · #2 07-21-2011, 11:16 PM

Ampeg V4/V4b, Ampeg B25B, old Fender Bassmans, old Sunns...the other brands don't quite have the sound of the B-15, but they do have cool dirt sounds, and the alternative Ampeg stuff nails it pretty well. Generally, tube amps 100w and under are what you're looking for.

B25Expert · #3 07-21-2011, 11:27 PM

+ 1 for the Ampeg v4/v4b and the B25b, these two amps ( especially the b25) have VERY similar circuitry and tones as a b-15.

Plus, the B25b's usually go for around $400-500 on ebay, so they are comparatively cheaper than b-15s.

I would personally opt for a v4 though, because they are louder for a live situation, allowing you to keep your low end at high volumes.

dannybuoy · #4 07-21-2011, 11:40 PM

The (now discontinued) Ampeg B-100R supposedly cops much of the original B-15 tone, even though it's solid state. I happened to snag one on eBay yesterday but can't pick it up for another week or so.

There's a 200W version of this combo also, the B-200R which has a valve pre-amp, but some users have complained of rattling issues with these.

You could also use pedals like the Catalinbread SFT or Tech21 VT Bass to add an overdriven B-15 vibe to any clean sounding amp.

Another alternative is a low power tube amp like the Ashdown Little Bastard.

Alex1984 · #5 07-21-2011, 11:56 PM

I think the B-100R copies more of the classic clean tone of the B-15 rather than its overdriven tone though.

JimmyM · #6 07-22-2011, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex1984

I think the B-100R copies more of the classic clean tone of the B-15 rather than its overdriven tone though.

Ya, I'd say so too.

Duke21 · #7 07-22-2011, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Ampeg V4/V4b, Ampeg B25B, old Fender Bassmans, old Sunns...the other brands don't quite have the sound of the B-15, but they do have cool dirt sounds, and the alternative Ampeg stuff nails it pretty well. Generally, tube amps 100w and under are what you're looking for.

EBS make a 100W alll tube head, it is the T90. My step son have one, sound great, thus warm and dirty when pushed. Here in Norway the EBS T90 costs about half of the SVT CL.

Mr. Foxen · #8 07-22-2011, 04:00 AM

+1 on VT bass, easiest, most convenient, probably cheapest way to do that.