Got a B-15 Head only. Advice please

Volume4 · #1 07-24-2011, 11:39 PM

I know there is plenty of this covered in the search option...but i hope nobody minds if I start a new thread asking for advice.

I'm picking up a 60's B-15NC at some point this week ( I never should have sold my SB-12 I know

)

And this will be strictly a stay at home amp. I'm in no rush, it will be a slight project and I can hook it up to my Micro-VR cab in the meantime.

Since I'll never actually flip it, I was considering just sitting it on top of a PF-115 and turning the horn off (I dislike horns). Its also the wallet friendly option.

Or do I really want a double baffle?

Vintage Blue would be cool, doesn't look like he is taking new orders at the moment though.

Fliptops repro cab and if so...thoughts on double baffle or not and what speaker would be appreciated.

Thats it really...other ideas welcome.

JimmyM · #2 07-24-2011, 11:57 PM

If you can get a VB cab, by all means, get it. Mark is who Ampeg went to when designing the cab for the Heritage B-15. I have a Fliptops cab and it sounds great and is built well, but Mark is a real artist and his cabs are way more solid and roadworthy and easier to use. For an NC, no way I would consider getting any other B-15 cab but the double baffle.

Got to say, though, that a B-15 head through one of those little SVT 210AV's is awfully sweet. You will need to boost the bass knob a bit to get the low end up to scratch, but it sounds pretty awesome.

Drucocu · #3 07-25-2011, 12:54 AM

got a Heritage B-15, with Marks Cabinet, its a piece of Art, and sounds unbelievable. cannot judge for the Fliptops, but Vintage Blue gets my vote.

TimmyP · #4 07-25-2011, 01:00 AM

We have several B15 at work. The best sounding one has a JBL - either a D140F or K140 (I forget which) in the original cab (which I think has no port - never paid much attention).

Volume4 · #5 07-25-2011, 01:08 AM

Thanks everybody!

Okay, I love the SVT201AV and the Micro VR (I'm definitely keeping both).... and it will hold me over fine for awhile but I would like the classic 15" tone also.

Jimmy. I trust (and appreciate very much) your opinion on the double baffle. Thats what I need to go with.

So I guess I have to factor the cost difference and lead time ...and the fact that that it will rarely if ever leave home or have its head flipped very often if ever.

So I may lean towards the Fliptops....and get it fully wired/assembled/speaker installed already from Bruce.

So if I go with a double baffle from Fliptops....which speaker of the choices in this drop down?

Fliptops

If I could swing one from VB..I would consider a reconed vintage JBL like TimmyP mentioned or try to get whatever Eminence is in the Heritage.

JimmyM · #6 07-25-2011, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimmyP

We have several B15 at work. The best sounding one has a JBL - either a D140F or K140 (I forget which) in the original cab (which I think has no port - never paid much attention).

The only B-15's that aren't ported are the B-15R's. All others are ported...from 60-65 and in the Heritage, they used double baffle porting, where the inner port had slots cut into it that sent the lows along a second baffle and out the speaker hole. Then the single baffle cab had spacers that held the baffle a certain distance from the front of the cab, and that acted as a port. The Thiele cabs have a shelf port, and even though they're covered by the grillcloth, you can see them easily enough. So no doubt that one is either a double baffle or a single baffle.

JimmyM · #7 07-25-2011, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volume4

Thanks everybody!

Okay, I love the SVT201AV and the Micro VR (I'm definitely keeping both).... and it will hold me over fine for awhile but I would like the classic 15" tone also.

Jimmy. I trust (and appreciate very much) your opinion on the double baffle. Thats what I need to go with.

So I guess I have to factor the cost difference and lead time ...and the fact that that it will rarely if ever leave home or have its head flipped very often if ever.

So I may lean towards the Fliptops....and get it fully wired/assembled/speaker installed already from Bruce.

So if I go with a double baffle from Fliptops....which speaker of the choices in this drop down?

Fliptops

If I could swing one from VB..I would consider a reconed vintage JBL like TimmyP mentioned or try to get whatever Eminence is in the Heritage.

You can't get the Eminence in the Heritage. They only made enough for the Heritage and for warranty issues. Even Mark couldn't get one for the Heritage extension cab he made for someone a couple months ago.

And the difference in quality with the Vintage Blue cab is astounding, but if Mark's not taking orders right now, the Fliptops cab is a good way to go, especially if you don't plan on taking it anywhere, which you should reconsider

the blast · #8 07-25-2011, 02:56 AM

Hey Jimmy, as you know I'm considering picking up one of the Fliptops cabs. It will DEFINITELY be touring. I get the vibe that you don't necessarily think that they are road worthy from a few comments you've made in this thread. Is that the case?

Volume4 · #9 07-25-2011, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

especially if you don't plan on taking it anywhere, which you should reconsider

Thats what the Micro-VR is for

Thanks Jimmy

I'll shoot VB an email and if the price/wait is too steep....I'll go Fliptops Double Baffle with a Beta.

I'll let Jimmy answer for himself of course but I didn't get the impression he was saying the Fliptops is a flimsy build at all, just that Mark at Vintage Blue took things to another level.

I've dealt with them many times and I have no worries/concerns if I end up ordering the Fliptops cab.

groovaholic · #10 07-25-2011, 08:07 AM

I checked "You're an idiot for selling your SB-12" because I sold mine, many years ago, and still regret it.

Sliderbass · #11 07-25-2011, 09:02 AM

I've still got my SB-12 but needed a replacement cab for it. To say that Mark is a craftsman is an understatement. Fliptops is good, but Mark it the best!

JimmyM · #12 07-25-2011, 01:49 PM

I'm definitely not saying the Fliptops cabs aren't roadworthy. They're roadworthy. I've been using mine quite a bit for over 3 years now. I'm just saying that Mark made some improvements to the design that make it way less rattle prone, keeps the lid on tighter and sturdier, and even more roadworthy. But the Fliptops cab is definitely roadworthy.

the blast · #13 07-25-2011, 02:33 PM

Ah, I got ya. Thanks for the clarification.

Volume4 · #14 07-27-2011, 07:44 PM

So I don't think its an NC

The serial # according to the Ampeg book make it definitely a 66. I don't see an NC in 66. It could be a B-15NF?

Could this be the same fixed bias 66 B-15NF circuit that they used for one of the circuits in the Heritage B-15?

Also, anyone ever see this? I'm researching tubes and these seem like an interesting choice..not the kit, I know I need 6SL7's but check out these 6l6's. Anyone have experience with these? I've noticed even some of the best NOS sellers like KCA are stocking TAD tubes.

Ampeg B-15R Portaflex Bass Amp - Premium Package

They have powerful deep bass and a clear, airy top end.

This TAD 6L6GC-STR combines the famous reliability of the American made Philips/Sylvania STR series, and the beefed-up black-plate system of the highly regarded vintage RCA 6L6GC tube. The best of both worlds! Silky top end combined with deep bass response and lots of headroom make this 6L6 tube a living classic.

The TAD 6L6GC-STR has an exclusive black-plate design, gold grid wire, double getter construction, no-noise filaments, and a 1.2mm thick heavy duty glass envelope.

**fuzzy beard** · #15 07-27-2011, 07:55 PM

What about a ampeg b115e?If you dont think you will fill it anyway!

Volume4 · #16 07-27-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzy beard

What about a ampeg b115e?If you dont think you will fill it anyway!

Thanks for the suggestion.

After more thought and hearing the opinions on the double baffle. I decided to to go all the way and do this right. After all, besides tone a Portaflex is a thing of beauty.

If I'm right and I've got a 66 B-15NF...I might was well bring it back to its proper glory.

Volume4 · #17 07-28-2011, 05:40 PM

Any thoughts on tubes?

Also, anybody know of any good techs familiar with vintage Fliptops in the NY/NJ area?

I seem to recall a place in NJ where the tech was once an Ampeg Linden employee. I'd much rather bring it somewhere I can drive it to.

Farfetched · #18 07-28-2011, 06:31 PM

I'd definitely try to get some good testing or NOS 6sl7s. There should be lots out there on ebay or wherever for relatively cheap. Generally any of the US made ones are nice (Sylvania, GE, RCA etc). If you can get cheap NOS power tubes that'd be great, but even some of the new made JJs aren't too bad. I think I paid about 10/tube for the 6sl7s and ~40/pair for NOS Sylvania 6L6GCs.

The only caveat is that some of the old tubes have problems with microphonics or loose filaments. Every now and then you'll get a dud, but I figure it comes with the territory with stuff that is 50-60 years old.

Vintage-Blue · #19 07-28-2011, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volume4

I seem to recall a place in NJ where the tech was once an Ampeg Linden employee. I'd much rather bring it somewhere I can drive it to.

Central Jersey Music. That's Dennis Kager's place. He was with Ampeg in the 60's.

Volume4 · #20 07-28-2011, 07:18 PM

Thats the place! Thank you Mark

I've got my eye on some NOS RCA 5691's, which I'm willing to invest in and I'm not going to go crazy over the rectifier. The original one might be fine or a JJ should be good too....its the power tube decision thats making my head spin. The more I google the more difficult it gets.

I'm selling all my pedals except the Lizard Tail boost to fund tubes. I find after going back to playing P-Basses and owning the Micro-VR...I don't use them anymore. I imagine the B-15 will only make them even more obsolete for me.

Sorry for all the questions..and thanks to everyone who posted and voted.

I noticed the "I'm and idiot for selling my SB-12" is the leader in votes