So I'm in the market for a new rig.I am trying to find an Ampeg amp that will get me close to that 60's vintage tone.I wanna stay in the $400-500 range.Can you guys steer me in the right path?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
affordable Ampeg Bass Amps
- Thread starter Starlightjohn
- Start date
-
- Tags
- affordable ampeg amps
- Apr 15, 2009
- 539
- 260
- Disclosures
- Sales and electronic tech/piano tech: England Music Center - Clinton IA - now closed
The portaflex series is really nice and lightweight as well. My PF800 replaced my SVT. Pretty much the same baked-in tone but not quite the tube warmth. In yoir price range you could get either the PF350 or PF500 new and for more you can get a PF800.
Hopefully @JimmyM will jump in and help out.
Hopefully @JimmyM will jump in and help out.
Used Ampeg B100R.
100 Watt. 15 inch speaker. Not very light.
No longer in production. Some were made in China. Some were made in USA. Both versions the same otherwise.
I bought two of them used from different sellers for $300.00 each, locally on Craig's List.
GC often has them in that price range. (my local GC has one for less than $300.00 right now).
One of the most B15 like solid state amps around.
You could probably buy a used PF500 and PF115, or PF210 for around $500 at Guitar Center, (or on Craig's List), but if you consider that setup, do some research on TB, to find out what revision (letter?) denotes a more recent amp than the first couple years.
Otherwise, for a little more money, you could go with a used PF800 amp, and any one, (or two ) of the PF cabinets.
The PF800 would be my recommendation. Especially, if you need more volume than the B100R can provide, and then you are sure you don't have an early PF 500, (which some people have had problems with).
100 Watt. 15 inch speaker. Not very light.
No longer in production. Some were made in China. Some were made in USA. Both versions the same otherwise.
I bought two of them used from different sellers for $300.00 each, locally on Craig's List.
GC often has them in that price range. (my local GC has one for less than $300.00 right now).
One of the most B15 like solid state amps around.
You could probably buy a used PF500 and PF115, or PF210 for around $500 at Guitar Center, (or on Craig's List), but if you consider that setup, do some research on TB, to find out what revision (letter?) denotes a more recent amp than the first couple years.
Otherwise, for a little more money, you could go with a used PF800 amp, and any one, (or two ) of the PF cabinets.
The PF800 would be my recommendation. Especially, if you need more volume than the B100R can provide, and then you are sure you don't have an early PF 500, (which some people have had problems with).
Last edited:
The B100R is fantastic, and has some serious fire power for 100 watt combo. The only drawback is weight. You can still find them used, usually for cheap because guys don't like moving them with amps that weigh 5 pounds now!
The newer Portaflex series is also very good as others have mentioned. I own a B100R, B50R, and the PF350 head. The PF series stuff is really good, but maybe not as warm as the B100R. If my back could handle it, I would use the B100R exclusively. As it stand though, the PF-350 handles most of my work. All of these options have the "Ampeg sound" IMO.
The newer Portaflex series is also very good as others have mentioned. I own a B100R, B50R, and the PF350 head. The PF series stuff is really good, but maybe not as warm as the B100R. If my back could handle it, I would use the B100R exclusively. As it stand though, the PF-350 handles most of my work. All of these options have the "Ampeg sound" IMO.
sevenyearsdown,
Does the B50R sound just like, (as good as), the B100R, only not as loud?
Anything you don't like about the B50R?
Probably heavy for a 50 Watt combo.
Does the B50R sound just like, (as good as), the B100R, only not as loud?
Anything you don't like about the B50R?
Probably heavy for a 50 Watt combo.
- Aug 3, 2007
- 1,678
- 2,146
- Disclosures
- Current: Blackstar, DR strings, Nady. Previous endorsements with: GK, Rotosound, Ernie Ball, Cleartone, EMG, Dean, Dava Picks, Rebel Straps, Dickies
That price range is easy to hit for many Ampeg heads (b-series, portaflex), and a lot of combos. However, cabs (or speaker amount and size in a combo) are where you will need to research what suits your need. A pf500/350 and svt210av cab is a great sounding rig. However, the volume wouldn't cut it for a loud band.
I wouldn't say it's as good as the B100R. There's no gain, just master volume. Also the EQ options are limited as compared to the B100R. It's a nice little combo, and I have it because I love Ampeg stuff - but I never use it. If you are going to go for that Rocket Series, then the B100R is what you want. It slays the B50R, and didn't have the problems that the B200R did.
You won't ever be disappointed with the tones from a B100R if you're a fan of old school Ampeg. The only problem is the weight.
Thanks, for the opinion on the B50R.
I don't need any more amps, (but that doesn't stop me from buying more anyway).
(I'm currently in the market for an early Jet guitar combo).
I already own two B100R combos, (and actually recently bid on another one on EBay) (I don't know why. Fortunately I was quickly outbid).
The only negative for me on the B100R is the weight.
I don't need any more amps, (but that doesn't stop me from buying more anyway).
(I'm currently in the market for an early Jet guitar combo).
I already own two B100R combos, (and actually recently bid on another one on EBay) (I don't know why. Fortunately I was quickly outbid).
The only negative for me on the B100R is the weight.
I've played a pf350 through a pf115he
Nice round tone. A lot depends on how loud you need to play.
Nice round tone. A lot depends on how loud you need to play.
there is alot of used 80s/90s solid state ampegs in that price range which are 200 to 300 watts which have somewhat vintage based preamps. likewise speaker area is what will get you above/or at drummer volume level. so a good old 2x15, 6x10, 810.
anyways B1-RE or B3-H or B2-RE or SVT-400T even some SVT-3 pros can be found for 400 ish. there is always the 90s heads that looked like svts but solid state like SVT350H.
and there is alot of BA115 combos which is 100 watt 15" combo. just get like 2 off them and have a 200 watt 2x15.
likewise if your lucky old tube 50 watters can be found like a B25 in that price range. and with any vintage tuber there is hiddden cost. but to get the actual unit is relatively cheap. again with low wattage amps its not really watts its more speaker area. so using big old cabs can get you where your going. and there is alot of used 810. they work really well and you wont go through the...cabinet shuffle or complain about not getting what you need.
anyways B1-RE or B3-H or B2-RE or SVT-400T even some SVT-3 pros can be found for 400 ish. there is always the 90s heads that looked like svts but solid state like SVT350H.
and there is alot of BA115 combos which is 100 watt 15" combo. just get like 2 off them and have a 200 watt 2x15.
likewise if your lucky old tube 50 watters can be found like a B25 in that price range. and with any vintage tuber there is hiddden cost. but to get the actual unit is relatively cheap. again with low wattage amps its not really watts its more speaker area. so using big old cabs can get you where your going. and there is alot of used 810. they work really well and you wont go through the...cabinet shuffle or complain about not getting what you need.
Last edited:
For around home I think the Ampeg BA115v2 would be good. The fan in them is a little noticeable though. But I've read other threads where people swapped the noisy fan out for a quieter one.
I tried this amp out at a store using one of their Squier P's and it sounded very good for old school tone.
wintremute
mediocrity at its finest
- Oct 16, 2014
- 6,942
- 29,551
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Langstrom Carrot Farms
I have a B100R. Depending on the type of music you play, it may not be loud enough. For rock, you won't be able to keep up with an unmic'd drummer and two guitarists with 25 watt amps.
I regard that amp as more of a church, coffee house, house party type of rig.
I regard that amp as more of a church, coffee house, house party type of rig.
Prices are creeping up on B25's but it's worth looking for one and even stretching the budget a bit if need be. With the original 2-15 cab it'll get pretty loud if you turn it up...not SVT loud of course.
Also, depending your volume needs, the Micro-CL is 100W mini-stack with a 2x10 cab that sounds awesome. I have used it with my band in coffee-shop settings and it was more than enough power and volume; it's louder than the specs might suggest. It also has a nice external input for music players with its own separate volume knob for practice.
I have not had a chance to try a Micro-VR; it looks similar except for the silver trim vs. black and is about the same size and shape, but it's a 200W rig with different features. So maybe it's louder.
I also have a fairly early pf500/pf210he that gets loud enough for anyplace I've played so far and sounds great so I can vouch for it. That's my main gig rig. It does have a fan which is annoying in a quiet living room though.
Michael Schreiber
Commercial User
The only catch with the PortaFlex, IMHO, is the knobs are wobbeling a bit. Appears to work fine, but feels a bit fragile. Yet again, for that price it's top value. Just mentioning, so you don't wonder when you try them 
BA-210, would also be a fine choice; it also has an extension cab output.
When calculating the budget, I'd take into account that multiple cabs might be better to a) be on par with the drums in loudness, and b) get a better sound distribution, if not running through a PA.
A tube amp might sound nicer, but if for the same price you can get a BA or PortaFlex plus an extension cab, I'd say go for it; more speakers would be better for the audience than a bit nicer tone that doesn't reach the audience, IMHO.
Good luck and let us know when you have your amp and cab! \m/
BA-210, would also be a fine choice; it also has an extension cab output.
Good point, IMHO!
When calculating the budget, I'd take into account that multiple cabs might be better to a) be on par with the drums in loudness, and b) get a better sound distribution, if not running through a PA.
A tube amp might sound nicer, but if for the same price you can get a BA or PortaFlex plus an extension cab, I'd say go for it; more speakers would be better for the audience than a bit nicer tone that doesn't reach the audience, IMHO.
Good luck and let us know when you have your amp and cab! \m/
