Recommend? Ampeg BA115?

HGS · #1 07-03-2010, 12:06 AM

I'm thinking of buying this amp. Reviews on musiciansfriend aren't bad and I want an Ampeg because my favorite bass player uses Ampeg amps. I just want to know if most people on TB who have used a BA115 would recommend it.

The1bassist06 · #2 07-03-2010, 12:15 AM

I own it and I wouldnt recommend it. Its not like its terrible but for the money you can get something alot better.

spaz21387 · #3 07-03-2010, 12:23 AM

I did own it and technically still do... it blew the 15in speaker and i cant figure out how i never cranked it or anything. the ba115 doesnt compare to the higher end ampeg gear. im guessing your favorite bass player uses a svt cl or some other ampeg tube amp, and an 8x10 cab. you would be better off with another combo amp check out ashdown they are solid

JimmyM · #4 07-03-2010, 12:31 AM

again, i'd have to agree to a point. i don't there's anything in its price class that comes close. however, don't expect to get a sound like an svt vr/810 rig out of it. it's a good little budget combo, but that's it.

Bus_Mute · #5 07-26-2010, 08:56 PM

I had one for about a year in high school, but quickly upgraded to a head/cab setup rather than the combo. I was not a fan of the BA115 (nor am I a fan of any of the other combo amps from them that I have played). As others have said, your favorite bassist was likely playing through an 8x10 fridge and a CL or VR, and I don't feel that the BA115 will come anywhere near the sound you're expecting. I don't like the tweeter and I felt that the BA115 got lost in the mix very easily. I think you'd be better off trying to find a used head (maybe a Peavey Firebass, Acoustic B200, or something in a similar price range) and a used cab (there are a ton in the classified section). Whatever you go with, I wish you the best of luck. If you get an opportunity, I recommend going to your local music shop and trying out various amps/cabs or combos and finding something you like, then go from there. Purchasing a combo due to brand loyalty or because your favorite bassist uses gear with the same logo is probably not the best idea.

Infidelity · #6 07-26-2010, 09:18 PM

get a B100R you will love every inches of that thing..

Joe Nerve · #7 07-26-2010, 09:25 PM

I had 2 of them and sold them both. They sound great at low volumes but if you put em up against against a decent drummer they lose everything. Had to push it to the limit and sweetness went right out the window. If you're only playing small clubs and you have a quiet band then it might serve you. Any medium to large clubs and a rock band look somewhere else.

Like here:
FS: Fender Bassman 250 115

Easily puts out 2X the volume of the BA115, is easier to move around, lighter and sounds much better IMO. Yes, it's a shameless plug for my own sales thread, but if you research it here you'll see I speak truth.

Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.

BillyIVbass · #8 07-27-2010, 12:10 AM

Correct there is better stuff out there. More power, I don't get why the BA combos don't have an XLR out.

It'll go boom, it has a usable EQ, but you can do better. What are you using it for? Practicing, gigs?

C.Linton · #9 07-27-2010, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyIVbass

Correct there is better stuff out there. More power, I don't get why the BA combos don't have an XLR out.

It'll go boom, it has a usable EQ, but you can do better. What are you using it for? Practicing, gigs?

Umm... I don't know what BA115's you're playing, but mine (bought new last year) has an XLR out, right next to the headphone jack.

thudfromafar · #10 07-27-2010, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The1bassist06

Its not like its terrible but for the money you can get something alot better.

this

jsolberg · #11 07-27-2010, 09:14 PM

I like the sound of my BA115 a lot, and it has been super reliable. It is not an svt/810 sound wise in any shape or form, and it's only 100 watts in a small cab so yes it will fall flat on it's face trying to keep up with a loud band.