Hi im new to this forum and im not sure if this is the proper section for this but here we go. I have an ampeg B-40 head from 1973. I know is solid state and i know it is basically the same thing as the b410 and the b115 but other than that i know nothing. Does anyone have any info on this paticular head, mainly if its collectible or rare and if so how collectible. Also what is the average market price for something like this as im thinking of selling it. Thanks for any information you may have.
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1973 ampeg b-40 info?
- Thread starter chip_gilkey
- Start date
The B40 is the "head only" version of the B115 or B410 combo, it was produced between 1975 and 1980.(Combos are from 73 to 80)
Magnavox period.
I purchased one recently for 250 euros, which is in France the lowest price i've ever seen for any Ampeg head in any condition.
It's not really a collectible item, it wasn't a big commercial success.
Ampeg + SS was not a good marketing association.
That's the explanation for the lack of information on it.
Don't expect to sell it for a big amount of money, however it really has that 70's classic Ampeg sound (Think a mini V4B without the tube grint) and it's plenty loud for its 120W.
Much much better IMHO than the modern SS or hybrid Ampeg amps (B115, B100R, even SVT3 )
I use it with a Markbass 112Std and I never missed any power.
It's a nice guitar amp too, for clean sounds only ...
Maybe selling it is not the best option ...
Magnavox period.
I purchased one recently for 250 euros, which is in France the lowest price i've ever seen for any Ampeg head in any condition.
It's not really a collectible item, it wasn't a big commercial success.
Ampeg + SS was not a good marketing association.
That's the explanation for the lack of information on it.
Don't expect to sell it for a big amount of money, however it really has that 70's classic Ampeg sound (Think a mini V4B without the tube grint) and it's plenty loud for its 120W.
Much much better IMHO than the modern SS or hybrid Ampeg amps (B115, B100R, even SVT3 )
I use it with a Markbass 112Std and I never missed any power.
It's a nice guitar amp too, for clean sounds only ...
Maybe selling it is not the best option ...
Some would say it still isn't. Ever play through a B2RE?
But I do like their hybrids OK...had a 3 Pro that I liked pretty well, but not near as much as their tube heads.Either of you got a pic? I'm an Ampeg nut and I don't believe I've seen one of them yet.
I had the combo version of that amp in 1975. Served me well 'til i started playing out at big clubs: went for an Acoustic 360 and then a SVT. Sold it to a guitar player who got a lot of use out of it.
I don't know...I think Magnavox dropped the ground lift on all their amps by that time, but I could be wrong...might have been a year later. But anyway, thanks for the pic. Looks like a cross between an Ampeg and an Acoustic
I had a b-40 cab once; it was the only Ampeg cab I've ever been disappointed with. So maybe it wasn't just bad marketing.
I don't know...I think Magnavox dropped the ground lift on all their amps by that time, but I could be wrong...might have been a year later. But anyway, thanks for the pic. Looks like a cross between an Ampeg and an Acoustic
Cosmetically you're right, yet sonically it is an Ampeg.
I saw once a picture of a B-410 with 2 switches on the right side, if not a ground lift what was the second one ??
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/images/smilies/colors/confused.gif
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/images/smilies/colors/confused.gif
Had to be either a ground lift or a standby. But since it's a SS amp, there's no need for a standby, so I guess we can rule that out. Eh, I probably was wrong.
If you know the V6b, the B-40 is close sonically, same power transistors (4 instead of 8) half the power, same settings, same knobs, two channels on the B-40, really heavy for a SS amp, the power transformer is bigger than the one in my Fender Bassman 100 silverface, long power cord too :2 meters.
Hi, im from holland (fot people who notice the bad writing 
)
Im using a b410 for 4 years now. And im very happy with it. The sound combined with a Fender jazz bass special and (for some who like it) a DOD FX50-B overdrive or proco rat distortion. This setup give's a very dirty bass sound. The amp is old (1979). But its very VERY loud for 120watts. Its now for maintanance at the repair shop. Like early said in this tread, the information on the net is very bad to get. So i mailed with Ampeg about any information they can get to me. I was suprized how fast i got response from Ampeg. Within 2 days i had the service manual in a pdf file on my computer. So if anyone wants it you can send me a PM or Mail. This info incluede's the b40 b410 and the b115 wich r practicly all the same amps but using different speaker setups.
o/
)Im using a b410 for 4 years now. And im very happy with it. The sound combined with a Fender jazz bass special and (for some who like it) a DOD FX50-B overdrive or proco rat distortion. This setup give's a very dirty bass sound. The amp is old (1979). But its very VERY loud for 120watts. Its now for maintanance at the repair shop. Like early said in this tread, the information on the net is very bad to get. So i mailed with Ampeg about any information they can get to me. I was suprized how fast i got response from Ampeg. Within 2 days i had the service manual in a pdf file on my computer. So if anyone wants it you can send me a PM or Mail. This info incluede's the b40 b410 and the b115 wich r practicly all the same amps but using different speaker setups.
o/
If only a B15N will scratch your itch the choice comes down to do you want the absolute assurance of knowing you have an original or the peace of mind from knowing every last part is new in a clone.
