Why The Big Deal Over Ampeg B-15 Heritage?

[OldFenderPlayer]

What are your thoughts on the big deal Ampeg and Bass Player magazine are making over the new B-15 Heritage? I'm certain it's a fantastic sounding amp (I've got one from the 1970s and its my favorite) but with only 50 available and at a cost of $4,000, why promote it because even if you could afford one, you can't find it for sale?

[JGR]

They are handbuilt by George from Metroamp right here in the good old USA, using a high percentage of high quality domestic parts. I think Ampeg's position was to put them out and see how they do, and then go from there. So if they do well, perhaps they will build another run.

[C.Linton]

I think the big deal is that Ampeg is trying to overcome the stigma that they've sort of let the quality level of their gear slip in the last few years. I guess the idea they want to get across is that they are going back to "the good old days" and putting out quality product like they used to, and the B-15 RI is meant to convey that. Even though only 50 people will get one, there's no denying all the buzz this has casued, whch can only mean good things for Ampeg, as long as they can live up to the hype. I think the telling factor will be more how the well new Portaflex line performs, both functionally, and saleswise. The B-15 is meant primarily to get people's attention. They're not expecting the thing to make them a lot of money. That's not the point of it.

[tdub0199]

Waiting for JimmyM to reply.... lol

[C.Linton]

Originally Posted by JGR

They are handbuilt by George from Metroamp right here in the good old USA, using a high percentage of high quality domestic parts. I think Ampeg's position was to put them out and see how they do, and then go from there. So if they do well, perhaps they will build another run.

That, and they may end up doing a less expensive mass produced version, perhaps made overseas, if they feel there's enough demand. I still think it's more of a PR move than anything else.

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by OldFenderPlayer

What are your thoughts on the big deal Ampeg and Bass Player magazine are making over the new B-15 Heritage? I'm certain it's a fantastic sounding amp (I've got one from the 1970s and its my favorite) but with only 50 available and at a cost of $4,000, why promote it because even if you could afford one, you can't find it for sale?

OFP,
Well IMHO it's a way for Loud Technologies to tip their hat to the quality that's been associated with all the vintage B-15's that are still in service and retaining their value. This limited run is a way of generating press for the company. I think that if they sell out, which they most likely will then, it's quite possible that we'll see a second limited run. What there also doing is releasing the B-15 with two new Class D portaflexes that there trying to re capture a part of the combo market with. SLM Ampeg didn't have a whole lot of success doing that with The Portabass Series.

Ric

[garmenteros]

If I could afford one, no doubt I'd own one. No doubt this is more of a marketing type of move, to hype up the ampeg name and I believe its done so.

[KramerBassFan]

It's a publicity stunt.


It gets people talking about new products, and creates interest in a name.

I'd say.... it's working very well.

[thumpbass1]

Originally Posted by OldFenderPlayer

What are your thoughts on the big deal Ampeg and Bass Player magazine are making over the new B-15 Heritage? I'm certain it's a fantastic sounding amp (I've got one from the 1970s and its my favorite) but with only 50 available and at a cost of $4,000, why promote it because even if you could afford one, you can't find it for sale?

The new limited run boutique version is going to excite the lucky few who want one, and have the money to spend, and actually get one; while us mere mortals who would love to have this amp, know we won't be one of the lucky few.

If they sell all of the initial run, maybe the new and improved management at LOUD might consider a more standard production version. However I'd imagine it would still be on the pricey side as most decent tube amps are. You do have to admit that they got Ampeg geeks and we fans of the brand talking.

[Jazz Ad]

It's a symbol, the proof that AMpeg can still make a 100 % 'merican amp.

[main_sale]

I think it is a big deal and it took Ampeg some brass balls to commit to building a modern version of what just might be the Holy Grail of bass amplification tone. If it was not for the Great Recession I'd be after one to go with my '67 B-15-N. I hope they turn out to be a great success for Ampeg but I'll bet they are only breaking even on the first run of 50. With the need for massive power being replaced by house PA systems there may well be a growing market out there for a high quality bass amp with Holy Grail tone. I wish them well.

[seanm]

It's like the new Volkswagen beetle. Volkswagen did not expect to sell a lot of beetles, they hoped to attract people to the dealerships to look at the beetle, then sell them a more practical jetta/golf/passat etc.

[Coolhandjjl]

It just looks cool.

[maevinj]

Almost 4 hours and JimmyM hasn't posted on this thread yet?????

[stingray56funk]

Originally Posted by maevinj

Almost 4 hours and JimmyM hasn't posted on this thread yet?????

Hahaha! +1

[tdub0199]

Where is JimmyM?

[seamonkey]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

It's a symbol, the proof that AMpeg can still make a 100 % 'merican amp.

And if you want that old kind of technology built in the USA - here's what it costs.

I don't think they're making much profit at all on these.

It's just for the principle, and to keep their name in the news.

[DanNowhere]

Originally Posted by tdub0199

Where is JimmyM?

Probably posting in one of the other twelve threads about this amp.

[ed khalimba]

Am I the only one who thinks $4000 is ridiculous? In fact it is not only ridiculous, but it's outrageous, egregious, preposterous.
They'd sell boatloads of these if they were priced reasonably.

[DanNowhere]

not when you consider how labor-intensive these things are. if you want a special product, you have to pay a special price.