Still Deciding Which Ampeg B-15N To Keep!

PolkaHero · #1 07-29-2011, 12:48 PM

I know, such a terrible problem to have! Just got the '66 model back from the shop today and have been doing A-B comparisons with my '82 Fender P-bass Special. I don't own these yet, I'll probably have to give one back to the owner so he has an amp to play through. I don't really want to keep both anyway, too many amps in stock plus I can't afford both! Below is a picture again for reference:

1977 vs. 1966: The '77 has more bottom but that's not only due to the larger cabinet. I hooked it up to the '66 cabinet and the amp is definitely putting out more bottom end. It has a darker sound than the '66 amp as I hooked the '66 amp to the '77 cabinet as well. The '66 has a bit more highs and sounds a little "tighter".

One thing I definitely prefer on the '66 is the better taper of the volume controls. It has a more gradual taper and doesn't start breaking up until about the 2 o'clock position whereas with the '77 controls, the volume comes on suddenly and starts breaking up already around 11 o'clock. Not as much control over the volume there.

Cosmetically, the '66 head is in pretty rough shape whereas the '77 looks almost new. The '66 cabinet is in pretty good shape compared to the '77 because someone spilled drinks over the grill cover. Tolex is decent on the '77, though.

It's really a tossup for me, but I'll probably keep the '66 if I can. I can probably clean up some of the oxidation on the top of the chassis and touch up the power transformers with a Sharpie or something. I also plan on changing the light bulb inside to a neon blue, now that should look killer in the dark!

Both of these amps sound fantastic, BTW!

JimmyM · #2 07-29-2011, 12:53 PM

Um, keep the one you like best?

BagelBruin · #3 07-29-2011, 12:55 PM

I always thought the 60s models looked SO COOL. Doesn't that glass Ampeg plate light up when the amp is on?

PolkaHero · #4 07-29-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BagelBruin

I always thought the 60s models looked SO COOL. Doesn't that glass Ampeg plate light up when the amp is on?

Yeah, dude!

Jimmy, that wasn't very helpful! Just curious, what do you prefer and why? I know you've owned both styles.

JimmyM · #5 07-29-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolkaHero

Jimmy, that wasn't very helpful! Just curious, what do you prefer and why? I know you've owned both styles.

Not quite...your 66 is a B-15NF with a single baffle cab and 30w fixed bias circuit. Mine is a 64 B-15NC with the double baffle cab and a 25w cathode bias circuit. But I did have a 77, and while I loved it, everyone I worked with preferred the 64 because it was more full range and even across the spectrum, whereas the 77 was all about the midbass and low mids. So that's why I kept the 64.

But actually I thought my answer was VERY helpful. The guy I sold my 77 to loves the midbass. I also know a lot of folks who prefer the 70's B-15's for the same reason. I'm not you...I can't pick out your favorite.

stingraysvt · #6 07-29-2011, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolkaHero

but I'll probably keep the '66 if I can.

I think you answered your own question,

the 70's I played through when I started learning was awesome, I loved the deep midrange tone it had. Very characteristic of the way I think bass should sound anyways I guess...

In the long run the 66 would be worth more...

What's up with the box the heads are sitting in? Custom road cases? Did they not prefer the flip top option?

**ddbassGA** · #7 07-29-2011, 04:55 PM

I own one of each too and have recently spent $ for cap jobs and tubes on both. I have about exactly the same observations on the vol taper. I like the '66 best as a total package and it will be my keeper B-15. Though the 70's one sounds great.

Must say I do love the 70's Thiele cab with my V4, to the point where I may break up the 70's set and sell the head. Or sell the set if I can find a cab by itself.

PolkaHero · #8 07-29-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stingraysvt

I think you answered your own question,

the 70's I played through when I started learning was awesome, I loved the deep midrange tone it had. Very characteristic of the way I think bass should sound anyways I guess...

In the long run the 66 would be worth more...

What's up with the box the heads are sitting in? Custom road cases? Did they not prefer the flip top option?

Yes, the previous owner made those cabinets to make it easier to transport. They're still heavy, though, as he must of used some dense wood. I'll probably add side handles to the top covers although I doubt I'll be gigging with these. These are made for the studio, baby!

PolkaHero · #9 07-29-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddbassGA

I own one of each too and have recently spent $ for cap jobs and tubes on both. I have about exactly the same observations on the vol taper. I like the '66 best as a total package and it will be my keeper B-15. Though the 70's one sounds great.

Must say I do love the 70's Thiele cab with my V4, to the point where I may break up the 70's set and sell the head. Or sell the set if I can find a cab by itself.

The speaker in that cabinet can handle the 200 watts the V4 throws out? Hmmm, wonder what my SVT-VR would sound like through these. . .

JimmyM · #10 07-29-2011, 05:20 PM

The V4 only does 100w RMS, not 200, though it could easily peak out at 200w or higher. Your VR will sound great through B-15 cabs, but if you plan on applying any serious volume knob action, the speakers will blow pretty easily. Pretty sure they're rated for no more than 100w.

And using B-15's only in the studio is a personal choice, but as someone who has gigged them many times, if you're not a real loud band, they are absolutely heaven on a gig.

redhed · #11 07-29-2011, 05:20 PM

Keep the 66!!

redhed · #12 07-29-2011, 05:24 PM

Is there a jumper cable on the 66?

PolkaHero · #13 07-29-2011, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhed

Is there a jumper cable on the 66?

What do you mean by that?

PolkaHero · #14 07-29-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

The V4 only does 100w RMS, not 200, though it could easily peak out at 200w or higher. Your VR will sound great through B-15 cabs, but if you plan on applying any serious volume knob action, the speakers will blow pretty easily. Pretty sure they're rated for no more than 100w.

And using B-15's only in the studio is a personal choice, but as someone who has gigged them many times, if you're not a real loud band, they are absolutely heaven on a gig.

Unfortunately, my drummer only has one volume level and that is forte especially with his kick drum. I took the '77 to a gig last month and it couldn't compete. For gigs in my other groups with more restrained drummers I usually bring my B-100R which is another great amp though solid-state.

redhed · #15 07-29-2011, 05:30 PM

Jumper cable to blend the two channels together

PolkaHero · #16 07-29-2011, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhed

Jumper cable to blend the two channels together

How would I know, where would I find it? I'm actually opening the chassis tonight to inspect the light bulb.

redhed · #17 07-29-2011, 05:44 PM

Just plug a short cable in to the bass input and one into the instrument input and you plug into the guitar input.

PolkaHero · #18 07-29-2011, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhed

Just plug a short cable in to the bass input and one into the instrument input and you plug into the guitar input.

Got it, I've done that already with my SVT. Does it improve the tone of these B-15s? All it did for my SVT was make it louder which I didn't want.

Yikes, didn't realize these had two light bulbs inside for the lucite logo! I was just about to place an order for a neon blue one, guess I need two!

redhed · #19 07-29-2011, 08:46 PM

Some people like the tone when you combine the channels, I 'm not sure sometimes I do lt on my 64 but not always...

**ddbassGA** · #20 07-29-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolkaHero

The speaker in that cabinet can handle the 200 watts the V4 throws out? Hmmm, wonder what my SVT-VR would sound like through these. . .

I've got a 400 watt EV in my 70's Thiele cab. I'd be wary of putting 100 watts from the V4 through the stock B-15 CTS.