Ampeg B-100r Rocket Aficionados

[AstroSonic]

According to this guy there is no need really...

That B100R sounds great. If mine had sounded that good I probably would not have tried changing drivers. But note that this is not a stock B100R. he replaced the eminence stock driver with a Peavey Black Widow. I also find the B15 to sound warmer, with wonderful harmonic richness, and a responsiveness and sustain that just seem so natural. So, even with the driver change (an upgrade tone-wise IMO), the B15 sounds distinctly different. There is no mistaking one for the other. I prefer the B15 tone, but also liked the B100R/Black Widow. In a perfect world I would have both.

He suggested that the B100R's cab being tuned the same as the B15's was an Ampeg design decision that allows the two amps to sound more or les the same. While I have no idea if Ampeg actually did that, but the notion itself is incorrect. It would be far easier to cop the B15 cabs tone in a substantially smaller cab using a smaller driver (trying to get a similar ratio of compliance equivalent volume to cab volume). I think Ampeg put a 15 inch driver in the B100R because the B15 used one. From there, they did the best they could. It would have been easier and likely more successful with a smaller driver, but it would have been difficult to market (how could a 10 or 12 sound like a 15?).

 

[Bass 45]

Does anybody know where to find a replacement blue pilot light for the B100R?

I called Ampeg - but they no longer stock the part.

Thanks!

 

[mtlbasslad]

Does anybody know where to find a replacement blue pilot light for the B100R?

I called Ampeg - but they no longer stock the part.

Thanks!

They are a 28v grain-of-wheat bulb running off the +40v rail, and we wonder why they burn out? I'm in the process of switching to LED, the process can be found at Music Electronics Forum. Just add a 2.2K 1 ohm resistor in the + lead, you don't have to touch the board.

Just checked Digi-key for you, they seem to have them. Search 28v bulb on their site...

 

[Bass 45]

They are a 28v grain-of-wheat bulb running off the +40v rail, and we wonder why they burn out? I'm in the process of switching to LED, the process can be found at Music Electronics Forum. Just add a 2.2K 1 ohm resistor in the + lead, you don't have to touch the board.

Just checked Digi-key for you, they seem to have them. Search 28v bulb on their site...

Thank you for your help - I can't seem to find it on Digi-key though. Just the search of blue and 28v yields zero results. Changing colors got it to one, but not the right object.

Any suggestions?

Thanks again!

 

[mtlbasslad]

Thank you for your help - I can't seem to find it on Digi-key though. Just the search of blue and 28v yields zero results. Changing colors got it to one, but not the right object.

Any suggestions?

Thanks again!

You don't need a blue bulb, the original is clear - it is stuffed into the blue 'bulbholder'... search 28v bulb.

BTW, mine are still working (yes I have 2) I'm just trying to get rid of the annoying 'pop' at turnoff. Did yours pop before but not now that the bulb is burnt?

 

[Bass 45]

This B100r is new to me. I sold my old one last year after I fixed all the issues on my B200R - I decided I could not justify keeping both. About two weeks ago, I came across this one on the local Craigslist - got it real cheap as a fixer upper. The B100R always comes back to me

They were all easy fixes - in addition to the pilot light - it needed a good cleaning, new feet, wheels and a power plug. Also, it was making a chuffing sound - which turned out to be from the hole that the speaker wire runs through behind the amp chassis (a small fix I had experienced with this model in the past). Also, the port cylinders were loose, the pots were dirty and the input jack was loose. All typical stuff.

There is no pop - but I expect there to be one after I replace the bulb. A small price to pay - the amp has already been left on twice over night because of the missing indicator.

 

[Bass 45]

It sounds great now btw. For some reason it seems to sound better then any other that I've heard - and it seems heavier too:/. I think I mentioned on this thread a while back, my girlfriend has a Chinese made one that is only 52 pounds (it is made from plywood). I think my new one is probably weighs as much as my B200R (about 70lbs).

 

[Bass 45]

You don't need a blue bulb, the original is clear - it is stuffed into the blue 'bulbholder'... search 28v bulb.

BTW, mine are still working (yes I have 2) I'm just trying to get rid of the annoying 'pop' at turnoff. Did yours pop before but not now that the bulb is burnt?

Ok, I assumed I was looking for the whole assembly. I will pull it out see what I am dealing with. Maybe I can just grab a bulb at a local store.

 

[mtlbasslad]

Ok, I assumed I was looking for the whole assembly. I will pull it out see what I am dealing with. Maybe I can just grab a bulb at a local store.

OK, 3 things - 'the whole assembly' doubt if it's available (maybe?)

Pulling out the bulb is apparently a hassle, I'm waiting for parts before I cross that bridge...

If you can get a 28v bulb in a local store in Tempe, I should move there LOL

You should check out TB member Astrosonic's advice about changing speakers - I think it's in the thread 'how to get my B100R to sound like a B15'

Keep us posted...

 

[Bass 45]

OK, 3 things - 'the whole assembly' doubt if it's available (maybe?)

Pulling out the bulb is apparently a hassle, I'm waiting for parts before I cross that bridge...

Cool

If you can get a 28v bulb in a local store in Tempe, I should move there LOL

LOL - well I live near Antique Electronics Supply: Invalid Link Removed and a Frys Electronics: Fry's Electronics |

AES specializes in musical instrument amplifier parts - and although Fry's is mostly consumer electronics, they do stock a fairly large cache of electronic components (including a couple of 28v bulbs ) Last time I was in there, they had what looked like an exact replacement for the pilot light on my '65 Ampeg Gemini amp.

You should check out TB member Astrosonic's advice about changing speakers - I think it's in the thread 'how to get my B100R to sound like a B15'

I have read that thread - good stuff. I am happy with my B100R though (and the B15 that sits next to it).

Keep us posted...

OK, 3 things - 'the whole assembly' doubt if it's available (maybe?)

Pulling out the bulb is apparently a hassle, I'm waiting for parts before I cross that bridge...

Cool

If you can get a 28v bulb in a local store in Tempe, I should move there LOL

LOL - well I live near Antique Electronics Supply: Invalid Link Removed and a Frys Electronics: Fry's Electronics |

AES specializes in musical instrument amplifier parts - and although Fry's is mostly consumer electronics, they do stock a fairly large cache of electronic components (including a couple of 28v bulbs ) Last time I was in there, they had what looked like an exact replacement for the pilot light on my '65 Ampeg Gemini amp.

You should check out TB member Astrosonic's advice about changing speakers - I think it's in the thread 'how to get my B100R to sound like a B15'

I have read that thread - good stuff. I am happy with my B100R though (and the B15 that sits next to it).

Keep us posted...



Will do

 

[vistacruiser]

Recording with the B100R, sorry no file to upload at this time but...

My 3 piece group made a first attempt at basement recording using a laptop and single SM57. We recorded our parts individually and I was very impressed, tone wise, with the results of my bass track.

The bass equip. chain consists of:
Orig. 1965 Fender P, strung with GHS Precision flats. < direct to B100R < Shure SM57 <laptop recording interface.

Just checked the amp settings, I don't think any have changed since recording.
0db input
Ultra Low engaged
Gain 3
Bass 7.5
Lo Mid 3.5
Hi Mid 5.5
Treb 3.5
Master 7

Settings on the bass have the Vol and Tone rolled back about 1/4 turn each.

Now I'm considering making my own Zoom H4n recording so I'd have a file to share.
BYW, our subject was "Burning Desire" by Jimi Hendrix.

 

[mtlbasslad]

OK, 3 things - 'the whole assembly' doubt if it's available (maybe?)

Pulling out the bulb is apparently a hassle, I'm waiting for parts before I cross that bridge...

Cool

If you can get a 28v bulb in a local store in Tempe, I should move there LOL

LOL - well I live near Antique Electronics Supply: Invalid Link Removed and a Frys Electronics: Fry's Electronics |

AES specializes in musical instrument amplifier parts - and although Fry's is mostly consumer electronics, they do stock a fairly large cache of electronic components (including a couple of 28v bulbs ) Last time I was in there, they had what looked like an exact replacement for the pilot light on my '65 Ampeg Gemini amp.

You should check out TB member Astrosonic's advice about changing speakers - I think it's in the thread 'how to get my B100R to sound like a B15'

I have read that thread - good stuff. I am happy with my B100R though (and the B15 that sits next to it).

Keep us posted...



Will do

How cool to live near AES, got some parts for an old Harmony amp some years ago. My parts will arrive Mon from 2000 miles away/24hr delivery for $8... it would cost me $25 in gas & a half day on the road to get to the nearest electronics store. Hey, we chose to live in the woods...

 

[GregT]

Does anybody know where to find a replacement blue pilot light for the B100R?

I called Ampeg - but they no longer stock the part.

Thanks!

I finally found the little bulbs in my....uh.....files..... They are just the bulb. You have to take the pilot light apart and solder the tiny little wires yourself. I had to wear magnifying glasses, but it worked. A couple years ago, I had to buy 10. I still have 9. Anyone needs one, PM me and I will be happy to send it.

 

[Bass 45]

I finally found the little bulbs in my....uh.....files..... They are just the bulb. You have to take the pilot light apart and solder the tiny little wires yourself. I had to wear magnifying glasses, but it worked. A couple years ago, I had to buy 10. I still have 9. Anyone needs one, PM me and I will be happy to send it.View attachment 570614

That is awesome Greg. I will pm you when I get home.

 

[Bass 45]

Thank you @GregT !

 

[Bass 45]

and yes, it makes the popping sound with the bulb installed now.

 

[R&B]

What a great thread! Just read the whole thing. (The War Department has me captive at an event *she* is interested in.)

Some months ago I was simultaneously GASing for a B100R and in need of a cheap combo to leave at our drummer's studio. I cruised CL and ended up buying an older US model in modest cosmetic shape for $150 from a nice couple who were moving Down Under. Steal!! I know, pics required. I got nothin'.

Now I wish I had left another amp there instead! We only rehearse about once a month, so it's like visiting a friend. Should be more like a frequently visited GF!

TB peeps never cease to amaze with warmth, wisdom and fun.

 

[cazclocker]

I just found this thread. I have a B50-R and a B100-R. Both of them are fantastic amps. Others here have covered all the tech details, like the 100 having rear ports. Both of them make getting a bad tone impossible. I have used the 50 on small folk music gigs at bookstores, so it's totally useable. I love the 100 for small blues gigs, but it's not quite enough for a rock club gig. It's enough to make me want to buy a B200-R...it has a tube preamp stage!

 

[Tom Howland]

I agree. The 50 is great for playing folk. or without a drummer. The 100 is the Bar Blues wonder.
I found for some reason the 200 never sounded as good as the 50 or the 100. Maybe it's just me. It was less B15 like. more modern.

I just found this thread. I have a B50-R and a B100-R. Both of them are fantastic amps. Others here have covered all the tech details, like the 100 having rear ports. Both of them make getting a bad tone impossible. I have used the 50 on small folk music gigs at bookstores, so it's totally useable. I love the 100 for small blues gigs, but it's not quite enough for a rock club gig. It's enough to make me want to buy a B200-R...it has a tube preamp stage!

 

[cazclocker]

I agree. The 50 is great for playing folk. or without a drummer. The 100 is the Bar Blues wonder.
I found for some reason the 200 never sounded as good as the 50 or the 100. Maybe it's just me. It was less B15 like. more modern.

Wow, really? That's pretty interesting. I'm going to have to try a 200 out sometime soon, just to get a "feel" for it. Still, it might have a worthwhile place in my arsenal.