Vintage Ampeg B-10? Combo/Stack tube amp?

Tommygunn · #1 06-10-2010, 05:44 PM

Well I played through a (IIRC) Ampeg B-10 stack tube amp, but it had like a head but you could unhook the head and put inside the cab. I loved it! I will start playing live soon (hopefully by the end of this month) and I need a serious amp. It was 2 band EQ which made me lol cause I couldn't stand not having mids control on the new musicman classics. But it had a normal or bright imput, it kinda sounded like the bright was bypassing the tubes. Am I correct? It also had 2 imputs, and controls for each input, 2 EQ knobs for each imput.

Anyways, they want $750. Sounds low for a vintage Ampeg, but.... thats why I'm starting a thread, whats the price range for these? Worth it? Any info on the amp in general would be cool also.

Thanks

Tommygunn · #2 06-10-2010, 05:49 PM

Crappy phone pic

will33 · #3 06-10-2010, 06:08 PM

That's an old fliptop. Not much power by today's standards but one of the sweetest sounds there is in the world of bass.

The most popular fliptop is the B-15. Plenty of Ampeg guru's here can tell you everything you need to know about it. The bright doesn't bypass any tubes or anything, just a built in eq/treble boost or something. It's a rare find and the price may be in a reasonable range as well, assuming it works.

JimmyM.....this dude needs your experience.

will33 · #4 06-10-2010, 06:09 PM

Check out www.fliptops.net for more info.

coreyfyfe · #5 06-10-2010, 06:15 PM

Looks like it's a B15N, but maybe an SB12? I think the SB12 was only a single channel with three in it's final variation (69-71), so that has me saying B15N. Ton of information out there. That's not a bad price for a 70s B15N in good condition.

Tommygunn · #6 06-10-2010, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

That's an old fliptop. Not much power by today's standards but one of the sweetest sounds there is in the world of bass.

The most popular fliptop is the B-15. Plenty of Ampeg guru's here can tell you everything you need to know about it. The bright doesn't bypass any tubes or anything, just a built in eq/treble boost or something. It's a rare find and the price may be in a reasonable range as well, assuming it works.

JimmyM.....this dude needs your experience.

It works.... well!

Seemed pretty loud for the kinda club I'd be playing. I doubt I'd need anything bigger for a few years, then I could just PA it.

Tommygunn · #7 06-10-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

Looks like it's a B15N, but maybe an SB12? I think the SB12 was only a single channel with three in it's final variation (69-71), so that has me saying B15N. Ton of information out there. That's not a bad price for a 70s B15N in good condition.

Looks pretty ugly but its mojo to me. I knew it had B in the name so it must be a B-15N.

Tommygunn · #8 06-10-2010, 06:29 PM

Wait... Do tubes really cots that much? Damn, how often do you have to replace them?

Caca de Kick · #9 06-10-2010, 06:47 PM

If it had multi channel inputs, then it's a B15.
Yes one of the sweetest amp sounds you'll ever have the pleasure of using. The (grainy) picture looks like it's in great shape. Price seems good to me.

As far as tubes...you replace them when they fail. there's no schedule. Could be tomorrow, could be never. If it works great without crackling I wouldn't worry about it.

will33 · #10 06-10-2010, 06:52 PM

Ya, don't get caught up in the "tubes are high maintenance" thing. If done properly, the thing could outlast you, or at least your Dad.

Tommygunn · #11 06-10-2010, 06:56 PM

That sucks. They seem pretty pricey. Its got some formaldehyde coming off (I mean pinhead size) in spots on the top. But pretty sweet.

I've been talking with my dad about financial aid on it for my graduation present, he's up for it, but I had to make sure that it was a good deal. Do you think I could haggle down to $700?

coreyfyfe · #12 06-10-2010, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommygunn

Wait... Do tubes really cots that much? Damn, how often do you have to replace them?

If you're doing things right, maybe every few years you'll need new power tubes. Both of the two mid 60s B15Ns I've had still had their original pre-amp tubes, and one of them came with the 60s power tubes which were still good.

Tommygunn · #13 06-10-2010, 07:02 PM

Please tell me power tubes are cheaper than pre-amp tubes...

JimmyM · #14 06-10-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommygunn

Please tell me power tubes are cheaper than pre-amp tubes...

they're not, but do you want the finest low wattage amp ever made or not?

Tommygunn · #15 06-10-2010, 07:09 PM

I do, and quite honestly... I agree. And I really don't even like Ampeg, I'm more of a Orange or Eden guy.

will33 · #16 06-10-2010, 07:18 PM

That Ampeg is one of the most recognizable and pleasing sounds in the world of bass. That's what you're hearing on a lot of old recordings. When people say they want that warm, thick, fat sound that gets the butt's shakin', what they really mean to say is, "I want a B15".

750 to 700 isn't much of a haggle but do the best you can and if it turns out it's not your cup-o-tea, call me.

Tommygunn · #17 06-10-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

That Ampeg is one of the most recognizable and pleasing sounds in the world of bass. That's what you're hearing on a lot of old recordings. When people say they want that warm, thick, fat sound that gets the butt's shakin', what they really mean to say is, "I want a B15".

750 to 700 isn't much of a haggle but do the best you can and if it turns out it's not your cup-o-tea, call me.

Hell local delivery won't hurt lol.

I have played SVTs and stuff and I like em ok but they are no where as good as this little thing.

coreyfyfe · #18 06-10-2010, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommygunn

Please tell me power tubes are cheaper than pre-amp tubes...

A set of power tubes for that should run you like $60 bucks. pretty cheap in the scale of things.

Tommygunn · #19 06-10-2010, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

A set of power tubes for that should run you like $60 bucks. pretty cheap in the scale of things.

Oh... I was hoping it wasn't like $200

coreyfyfe · #20 06-10-2010, 08:14 PM

Maybe if you bought an SVT, but a set of power tubes for a B15 (2 6L6GCs) should be around $60 (edit - fliptops has JJ pairs for $35 and winged C pairs for $56), maybe more if you get some higher quality tubes. The preamp tubes are more expensive than your common varieties (12ax7s and the like) but that's because they're a different type of tube and are (probably) in lower demand. There is a ton of information on these amps around talkbass and the internet - search for the "portaflex" club threads - and www.fliptops.net is probably your best resource for replacement parts/components should the amp need any.