Jess Oliver's legacy - AMPEG PORTAFLEX CLUB part 10

[JimmyM]

#334 Apex speed

[johnnyt]

Originally Posted by christw

I like the CTS more in the B-15. It's voicing is smoother and it compresses a bit more naturally as the amp begins to overdrive. I really like the low mid/midrange character of the CTS. The JBL (D130 reconed as an E130) is brighter, cleaner, and doesn't compress even when the amp is well into overdrive. The JBL moves more air (especially through the "port") but doesn't seem to be all that much louder. I think a steel player or jazz guitarist would absolutely love that particular combination. As a bass player in a band, I'd take the CTS all day long.

Interesting... I'm gonna be doing some experimenting. I like the efficiency of the eminence in my '63 (thanks Jimmy) I was gonna go for a different vibe in this '66. I'll let you know what I think works best! Thanks!

[beans-on-toast]

I noticed a B-15 being used in a movie called Eddie and the Crusiers that's running on AMC. Any movie with a B-15 in it has got to be a bit of alright.

[spacebassed]

Originally Posted by beans-on-toast

I noticed a B-15 being used in a movie called Eddie and the Crusiers that's running on AMC. Any movie with a B-15 in it has got to be a bit of alright.

A B15 with a replaced power tranny, even!

[spacebassed]

...and in honor of our 10th installment of the Portaflex club, here's honorary member James Jamerson playing through his B15 with Smokey Robinson and The Miracles at the Apollo Theater in April of '63.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xia...c#.UQFM_PJSp1E

notice that Jamerson is not only playing through a B15N, but also an extension cabinet (mentioned in the "History Detectives" segment) sitting in front of/under the piano.

[stiles72]

I'm sure there will be more pics and info to come... but here's a first look at the new B15N

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guita...-series-570043

[spacebassed]

Is it just me or do the preamp/phase inverter tubes look too small to be 6sl7's?

[christw]

They definitely aren't 6SL7's. I'm thinking 12AX7's. I'd still go for a B-15R personally.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by christw

They definitely aren't 6SL7's. I'm thinking 12AX7's. I'd still go for a B-15R personally.

They do look like 12AX7s with shields. The B-15R ran 12AX7s as well.

I was hoping to see this be more of a production model B15 instead of part of the Heritage series, but either way, good to see they're sticking with the design. Maybe even as a production model they'd only sell about 250 units a year anyways, so they're sticking with the Heritage tag. Keeping it US made is a plus. Still waiting to hear on that V4...

[Drucocu]

Originally Posted by christw

They definitely aren't 6SL7's. I'm thinking 12AX7's. I'd still go for a B-15R personally.

Yeah, I hoped for a B-15r too, love my heritage to death, but Id like to useit on stage too..

[christw]

The fact that it's limited production Heritage disappoints me. To me that means it will probably still be too expensive for the everyman. I wanted to see a cheaper overseas B-15 honestly.

[christw]

On a different note about a V4...

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

As far as the 6550 swap, I doubt you'll be disappointed, but I'm not sure how much you'll notice. I preferred the sound of my V4 with 6550s over my friend's nearly identical V4 with 7027s, it seemed to be fuller, and distort in a more gradual slope and overall more pleasing way than the 7027 amp, but it was also mine, if you know what I mean.

That was pretty much my exact impression using the B-12XTC with 6550. That's why I wanted to do it to the VT-22.

[spacebassed]

Originally Posted by christw

The fact that it's limited production Heritage disappoints me. To me that means it will probably still be too expensive for the everyman. I wanted to see a cheaper overseas B-15 honestly.

This is my thinking too, how much cheaper can it be in this format than the Heritage B15 (and isn't it kind of confusing to have two Heritage B15's?). That being said, I'm glad its a USA amp, an import B15 just seems wrong to me.

[beans-on-toast]

They have it on the Ampeg web site with pics.

The new model is called the Heritage B-15N. Same features as the Heritage B-15 but with a black chassis, printed circuit board, and 12AX7 tubes instead of the 6SL7's. Sigh.

[Bass 45]

No dolly either.

[spacebassed]

The 12ax7's are a bummer, the 6sl7's are one of the things that make a B15 unique. Anyone want to wager a guess as to the price? I'm going to guess around $3500.

Edit: If anyone is considering picking up a Vintage B15, now is the time to do it. I have a feeling the introduction of this new B15n will cause another jump in prices.

[beans-on-toast]

Yes the prices will probably increase again. The new HB-15N will have to be affordable but at the same time will still cost a premium. After all it is a Heritage amp. I'm guessing $1K less than the HB-15.

If the tubes sockets aren't soldered directly to the PCB, it wouldn't be too difficult to punch out a 1" hole and install octal preamp tubes. But they've probably already thought of that. Otherwise it might take a little more finagling. There are 12AX7 male to 6SL7 female socket adapters available. They could call it the Heritage B-15NB (for Better). I understand why they went with 12AX7's: to distinguish it from the HB-15 (marketing) and to use a more readily available tube. But this amp is known for its tone and the octal tubes add a rich component to the sound that makes it different than the 12AX7 based amps.

The circuit board will probably be built off shore and the amp assembled and quality tested in the US. Like the Heritage CL.

[christw]

Originally Posted by spacebassed

The 12ax7's are a bummer, the 6sl7's are one of the things that make a B15 unique. Anyone want to wager a guess as to the price? I'm going to guess around $3500.

I'm thinking $2800. Anything seems more reasonable than $4k.

Edit: If anyone is considering picking up a Vintage B15, now is the time to do it. I have a feeling the introduction of this new B15n will cause another jump in prices.

That might work out well for me if this DB728 trade falls through.

[Bass 45]

The 2012 Heritage B15 was actually $5k

[spacebassed]

Originally Posted by christw

I'm thinking $2800. Anything seems more reasonable than $4k.

They jumped up to $5k the second year(with a $7k list!!).

Edit: Bass45 beat me to it!