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Adding grit to Ampeg B18

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by bassCanadabass, Jun 22, 2020.

  1. Jun 22, 2020 #1
    bassCanadabass

    bassCanadabass Supporting Member

    Jan 25, 2009
    Hey Talkbass,

    I have a vintage B18 that I love, but it doesn't break up at all.
    What would be the best way to get some vintage Ampeg like grit out of it?
    I could try swapping tubes/modding the amp, or try a pedal like the sft or vt. I have an HX Stomp, but it feels wrong to use a digital pedal with a vintage Ampeg for grit.
    What would you suggest? Thanks!
     
  2. Jun 22, 2020 #2
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    I suggest getting over the silliness of it feeling "wrong" and use the HX Stomp :D
     
    bassCanadabass likes this.
  3. Jun 23, 2020 #3
    Raw N Low

    Raw N Low If I can't hear it, hopefully I'll feel it Supporting Member

    Jul 16, 2009
    Denver, Colorado
    Keep in mind that the flip tops were designed to stay clean at moderate levels. That's not to say that you can't get any dirt from them. You will need to hit the input a little harder, and this can be achieved with a boost pedal.

    I wouldn't mod or mess with the internals of a classic tube amp for the sake of distortion. Some times it's best to use a hammer as a hammer and a saw as a saw...if you catch my drift.
     
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  4. Jun 23, 2020 #4
    BassmanPaul

    BassmanPaul Inactive

    Aug 25, 2007
    Scarborough Ontario Canada
    When this amp was designed, bass players were searching desperately for a way to get their instruments to sound like a bass and not a fuzzed out low strung guitar.. This amp and it's B15 sisters were a triumph for players! :D
     
    mrm56, Bassdirty, JimmyM and 2 others like this.
  5. Jun 23, 2020 #5
    bassCanadabass

    bassCanadabass Supporting Member

    Jan 25, 2009
    I can't seem to get any grit from it, I've tried pushing the gain and using a boost pedal. I wonder if one of the previous owners modded it for maximum headroom.
     
  6. Jun 23, 2020 #6
    bassCanadabass

    bassCanadabass Supporting Member

    Jan 25, 2009
    And they knocked it out of the park! The vintage tube clean vibe is incredible, but I wish it would start breaking up slightly when pushed like I've heard from B15's. Maybe I just need a B15?
     
  7. Jun 23, 2020 #7
    bassCanadabass

    bassCanadabass Supporting Member

    Jan 25, 2009
    The voice of reason! I still owe you some Realistic Violin Bass pics, will post later tonight, thanks man.
     
    JimmyM likes this.
  8. Jun 23, 2020 #8
    frankie5string

    frankie5string

    Jun 16, 2008
    Toronto, Ontario Canada
    We have one in one of the studios I record at. It simply does not produce a dirty sound. Even if you crank it, the single 18 doesn't "speak" like the B15 model. It's just low, clean, and relatively "slow" transient-wise.
     
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  9. Jun 23, 2020 #9
    Mvilmany

    Mvilmany

    Mar 13, 2013
    Upstate NY
    Use an analog dirt pedal...

    ... or get a louder drummer.
     
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  10. Jun 23, 2020 #10
    Lovep

    Lovep Supporting Member

    Mar 17, 2011
    Indianapolis, IN
    Roxbororob and bassCanadabass like this.
  11. Jun 24, 2020 #11
    bassCanadabass

    bassCanadabass Supporting Member

    Jan 25, 2009
    I was afraid that might be the case, sounds great in that role luckily. What studio? I'm Toronto based as well.
     
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  12. Jun 24, 2020 #12
    bassCanadabass

    bassCanadabass Supporting Member

    Jan 25, 2009
  13. Jun 24, 2020 #13
    bassCanadabass

    bassCanadabass Supporting Member

    Jan 25, 2009
    What pedal would you suggest for a vintage Ampeg vibe? Also, will it ever do B15 style grit, or will just sound like a pedal?
     
  14. Jun 24, 2020 #14
    Lovep

    Lovep Supporting Member

    Mar 17, 2011
    Indianapolis, IN
    I have one in front of my PF-50T and it’s always on. I feel like this pedal was made specifically with Ampeg tube sound in mind. I also use 2 PF115HE cabs.

    E18252F8-C004-41AA-8328-CADA797C3E8D.jpeg
     
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  15. Jun 24, 2020 #15
    bassCanadabass

    bassCanadabass Supporting Member

    Jan 25, 2009
    Awesome! Sounds like its worth trying, thanks man!
     
    Lovep likes this.
  16. Jun 24, 2020 #16
    spike42

    spike42 Supporting Member

    Oct 21, 2007
    Maiden, NC
    I have the VT DI on my pedalboard, used with my V4BH....really brings things to life!

    AMPEG.jpg
     
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  17. Jun 24, 2020 #17
    bassCanadabass

    bassCanadabass Supporting Member

    Jan 25, 2009
    Killer bass!
     
    spike42 likes this.
  18. Jun 26, 2020 #18
    frankie5string

    frankie5string

    Jun 16, 2008
    Toronto, Ontario Canada
    Sorry for the late reply... but it's River 16 in Oakville...
     
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