Trying to find an Ampeg B15n for under $900

Tommygunn · #1 01-02-2013, 09:08 PM

I played one of these a couple years ago and to this day I still think it is the best amp I've ever played through. The amp ended up breaking before I even got to buy it. I own 3 solid basses (and a couple others) now and I think its time to look for another amp, the B15n to be exact.

Now there are a couple on eBay, but none near the $750 price of the one I had played before. Are sub-$900 B15ns still out there? Or has the price really gone up that much?

Any vintage guitar stores that have one in stock? I'd like to pick one up locally but if I need to get one shipped, thats a little price I'm willing to pay.

Thanks guys

bigntasty · #2 01-02-2013, 09:15 PM

There's one advertised in the local Portland, OR CL for $900 right now. I have no personal knowledge of the equipment, it's condition or the seller - I just ran across it today while perusing the local ads.

JimmyM · #3 01-02-2013, 09:23 PM

You can still find deals if you're patient and can accept beaters of varying degrees of beat, but on average, the price ain't going down, that's for sure.

Tommygunn · #4 01-02-2013, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigntasty

There's one advertised in the local Portland, OR CL for $900 right now. I have no personal knowledge of the equipment, it's condition or the seller - I just ran across it today while perusing the local ads.

I may have to investigate. The price is still a bit high and a shipping deal over craigslist is just a scam waiting to happen. Thanks for the heads up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

You can still find deals if you're patient and can accept beaters of varying degrees of beat, but on average, the price ain't going down, that's for sure.

Aesthetics mean nothing to me, really. The only problem is that if its beat up on the outside, it has a good chance of being beat up on the inside. I see what you're saying, but are you trying to tell me that $1300+ is the average price now?

JimmyM · #5 01-03-2013, 07:37 AM

There really is no average price...people price them at what they think the market will bear, and that varies wildly with the seller's knowledge of what they have and their level of delusion about market values.

jnewmark · #6 01-03-2013, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

There really is no average price...people price them at what they think the market will bear, and that varies wildly with the seller's knowledge of what they have and their level of delusion about market values.

True dat. Just traded a '98 Fender Jazz for a pristine '71 B15N. There is a kind of beat up '71 on Ebay starting at $1200. Go figure.

gbazinet · #7 01-03-2013, 07:41 AM

One was listed (and I assume sold) on craigslist up here in Maine for $600 not that long ago. I don't know why I didn't call the ad to see it and try it. Guess I knew I would end up spending money!

beans-on-toast · #8 01-03-2013, 07:58 AM

Prices can be all over the place. They vary not only by where you are but also with the time of the year. Being patient and waiting for the right deal can pay off. Remember if you buy a beater you'll probably have to put some money into it if you want it to be reliable and up to spec. Worth considering when you factor in the cost.

After Christmas/Tax time is usually a good time to find a deal because sellers are looking for cash. This is also a time when some really expensive amps are offered.

One thing for sure, the prices just keep going up. There may be a B-15 announcement at the upcoming trade show (NAMM) and that usually sets up a bump in prices because of all the publicity.

Check out GBase to get an idea what they are going for used at retailers.

Tommygunn · #9 01-03-2013, 08:32 AM

I appreciate all the help guys. And thanks for the heads up on Gbase.

N.F.A. · #10 01-03-2013, 08:39 AM

Here is one in my neighborhood. Let me know if I can help you out here.
http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/msg/3508979918.html

JimmyM · #11 01-03-2013, 08:42 AM

There you go...unless the bottom of the cab is cut off in the pic because it's thrashed, that looks like a quite a good deal at $850 IMHO.

christw · #12 01-03-2013, 10:39 AM

I see a lot of '70's B-15 in my area going for $700-$900. There's a B-12 not too far away. Patience is the key my friend. I stocked up on vintage Ampegs at good prices last winter only to sell them off quickly.

spacebassed · #13 01-03-2013, 01:13 PM

I've bought items off of Craigslist that I've had shipped to me without any problems. There are ways to make it safer, like using a service such as Paypal (NEVER wire money) and exchanging driver's license numbers, but nothing is as safe as meeting face to face. Perhaps if you find one on Craigslist that you're interested in you could ask a TBer in the area to help you out. Us B15 guys usually enjoy helping each other out whenever we can.

gbazinet · #14 01-03-2013, 01:32 PM

Here is one is western Mass. This is a bit of a drive from me but i bet someone on here is local to it:

http://worcester.craigslist.org/msg/3449632181.html