Why was the Ampeg 18e discontinued?

The Mouse · #1 10-05-2011, 03:16 PM

I just picked one of these up second hand (of course). I'm planning on using it with my svt4-pro and 4x10. I'll probably bi-amp. I'm not too worried about impedance or anything like that, my svt can handle 8, 4 and 2 ohms. Just curious to know why it has been discontinued. Can't find anything online. I would be greatful for any insight.. Thanks folks!

Buster Brown · #2 10-05-2011, 03:33 PM

Well, the easy answer is probably because they didn't sell enough units to justify keeping them in production...

I can't remember EXACTLY when they were discontinued, but it seems like they stopped in 2005 0r 2006 (I think)

The Mouse · #3 10-05-2011, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buster Brown

Well, the easy answer is probably because they didn't sell enough units to justify keeping them in production...

Sounds about right, thanks bro'

redhed · #4 10-05-2011, 05:01 PM

Because every one wants tiny little amps that weigh 2 lbs. I recently bought a SWR bigben 1x18 cab, and with a 410 the sound is HUGE. It actually sounds good by itself too. I love big cabs and big speakers...... and big amps too!

arthur31686 · #5 10-05-2011, 05:06 PM

Same reason the 215e was discontinued.

Fair Warning · #6 10-05-2011, 05:31 PM

It has been my experience, that to get good "head" distortion ie: "That Ampeg Sound", the 10 inch speakers sound alot better than the larger ones. Every time I try to use a 15 or an 18, it just loses what I am looking for in tone.

redhed · #7 10-05-2011, 06:12 PM

The AMPEG sound is not all about 'distortion'!!!!

**TXLawDawg** · #8 10-05-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buster Brown

Well, the easy answer is probably because they didn't sell enough units to justify keeping them in production...

I can't remember EXACTLY when they were discontinued, but it seems like they stopped in 2005 0r 2006 (I think)

That and...

Of course, IMHO, YMMV, etc...

The Mouse · #9 10-05-2011, 08:33 PM

You'll have to forgive my ignorance. Please enlighten me to what you mean..

**TXLawDawg** · #10 10-05-2011, 08:37 PM

Buster Brown · #11 10-05-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mouse

You'll have to forgive my ignorance. Please enlighten me to what you mean..

My first guess is that he is equating them to "mud".....

Guess a picture is worth a thousand words???

KLEIN · #12 10-05-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXLawDawg

That and...

Of course, IMHO, YMMV, etc...

I think they mean mud?

The Mouse · #13 10-05-2011, 08:43 PM

Perhaps it's the hallucinogens kickin' in, but the mud round these parts don't look like that. I'll be honest with ya. I likes a bit of mud, preferably with a PBass with flats and some Motown/ James Brown grooves..

redhed · #14 10-05-2011, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mouse

Perhaps it's the hallucionogins kickin' in, but the mud round these parts don't look like that. I'll be honest with ya. I likes a bit of mud, preferably paired with a PBass with flats and some Motown/ James Brown grooves..

I hear ya brother!

**TXLawDawg** · #15 10-05-2011, 09:17 PM

Eh, that's good ol' fashioned Google mud. A rare bird indeed.

Aww heck. I's just havin' some fun. I've listened to those cabs (as well as having an Ampeg cab with an 18, not the specific one you're referring to but, an 18 nonetheless) and never cared for them myself. While there's a place for thump I've just never cared for the sound of 18's. Given their discontinued status, I'd think I'm probably not in the minority there but, who knows.

Again, YMMV x 3.14.

The Mouse · #16 10-05-2011, 09:35 PM

I hear ya barkin' big Dog. No harm done eh? We likes what we like and thats fine by me. I intend on using the 18e for reggae/ ska and R&B gigs or any evening the mood strikes me. It may find its way to the back of the van for a nice ol' country gig even. We don't discriminate here. Maiden gig this weekend. I feel like christmas has come early or something..

**TXLawDawg** · #17 10-05-2011, 09:47 PM

Reggae? Oh yeah. I could see that big ol' 18 taking care of business for that. We've got a couple reggae-ish originals I'm sure could benefit from something larger than my 10's (although I was pleasantly surprised at just how much low a Markbass 2x10 combo could put out if you ask it to). But, I'm 95% FOH so I get it close by dialing it in on the bass and let the subs do the work.

JimmyM · #18 10-06-2011, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fair Warning

It has been my experience, that to get good "head" distortion ie: "That Ampeg Sound", the 10 inch speakers sound alot better than the larger ones. Every time I try to use a 15 or an 18, it just loses what I am looking for in tone.

That distortion is just one of many variations of the Ampeg sound. And I have a B-15N from 1964 and a PF115he from a couple months ago that completely disagrees with your assessment.

Sartori · #19 10-06-2011, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhed

The AMPEG sound is not all about 'distortion'!!!!

Indeed. My friend plays an Ampeg SVT. His sound, unlike mine (I use a Mesa), is pretty damn clean.

stiles72 · #20 10-06-2011, 09:55 AM

If anyone really wants an 18" "Ampeg" cab - you can always check out Bob's Custom Amps. Bob used to work for SLM, and still builds custom cabs for Ampeg artists. According to his site, he did the 1x18's for Mike Inez, and the 2x18's for Staind.

BOB'S CUSTOM AMPS - Custom Tube Amps and Amplifier Cabinets for Guitar And Bass