Ampeg B-15 Neo Fliptop (DIY)

[Bass Jones]

So, I built this thing. What is it? I call it the AggiePeg B-15Neo! Ampuilar B-15 maybe?

Well anyway, it’s my take on a lightweight B-15N clone. Disclaimer: I have no real cab design experience and my carpentry is as sloppy as my playing so this whole exercise was purely for fun. But from a distance it looks pretty cool and damned if it doesn’t sound great!

I don’t own a B-15 and the cabinet internal volume and porting I copied from a B200R Rocket Bass cab I did have. IMO the original Rocket Bass combos did a great job capturing the B-15 sound and mojo. Copying the Rocket Bass cab and making it lighter seemed way more doable than trying to build a complex B-15 double baffle cab I didn’t have access to.



I already had the Celestion BN15-400X from another project and it sounds very similar to the original Ampeg (SLM) speaker in the cab but with a little more bottom end and greater power handling (400W RMS). And only 5.7 lbs.!



I tried a few class D heads with the Rocket Bass cab + Celestion before I built anything. PF-500: obvious choice and sounded good but a little scoopy with this cab, pushing the mids helped. SVT-7Pro: this combo was to die for and pretty much nailed the sound but too big and heavy and overkill at 1000 watts. MarkBass Nano 300: this surprised me with how good it sounded. The prominent mids worked well with this cab. But clean, very clean.

Probably no surprise the Tone Hammer 500 ended up being the head that checked all the boxes: nailed the vintage tone, perfect size and only 4 lbs. The Celestion is just under 6 lbs. This is going to be light!

I salvaged the hardware, logo and grill from the B200R. Here they are side by side:

Ampeg's RB series came out just as I was finishing this up and I have to admit, I got a little competitive. Ampeg RB-115 ... 34 lbs. The AggiePeg B-15Neo ...drumroll... 32 lbs.!!!

And call me superficial but I prefer the picture frame look of the older Ampegs vs. the skinny sides on the newer ones.

 

[Bass Jones]

Build photos:

Test fit the wood.

Assembled.

Quick test with speaker before I wrap it...

Wrapped and ready to swap hardware from the donor...

And finished! Even at 32 pounds the handle is really just for flipping the top. The 1/2 birch just flexes too much to lift it with the top. I originally had a complicated removable hinge plan to give the top more support for lifting but blew it off.

 

[2saddleslab]

Look like lots of work that paid off, well done.

 

[babsobass]

Quick question, is the head attached to the lid?

 

[Bass Jones]

Quick question, is the head attached to the lid?

Yes, it's attached bolts and rubber grommets. Here's a closer view:

 

[Bass Jones]

Look like lots of work that paid off, well done.

Thanks, I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Some of the hardest things were little details like getting the Ampeg logo straight. It's kinda sorta straight.

 

[whitelines]

Nice work!

 

[6thplanet]

Fantastic job! I like how you salvaged all the junk from the old box to bring the new one to life.

 

[MuthaFunk]

Love it!

it’s a shame the handle doesn’t work to move the combo... how do you transport it?

 

[Roxbororob]

Clever plan and nice result!

Adding a third (or even a third and forth) latch on the back edge of the cover would help the flex.

 

[Ender_rpm]

Love it!

it’s a shame the handle doesn’t work to move the combo... how do you transport it?

I'd probably either reinforce the lid with small lateral supports or go a bit thicker to allow for handle use. No point in needing a dolly to move something that light! XD

 

[Bassamatic]

Wow! Great idea and execution. I haven't built a cab since the 70's - too much work!

Something to consider - My B-15 has 4 latches. With the Altec 421 it sure weighs a LOT more than yours!

 

[Bass Jones]

Love it!

it’s a shame the handle doesn’t work to move the combo... how do you transport it?

Thanks! It's so light I just pick it up from the bottom. Forces you to use your legs!

 

[BioWeapon]

I'm surprised you say you have sloppy carpentry skills - the end product really doesn't say that about you!

 

[deepestend]

Awesome!

 

[Bass Jones]

I'm surprised you say you have sloppy carpentry skills - the end product really doesn't say that about you!

Thanks, it's really just up close that you can see a few seams and things. I'm definitely no threat to the guys at Vintage Blue or Fliptops!

 

[Bass Jones]

Something to consider - My B-15 has 4 latches. With the Altec 421 it sure weighs a LOT more than yours!

Clever plan and nice result!

Adding a third (or even a third and forth) latch on the back edge of the cover would help the flex.

I'd probably either reinforce the lid with small lateral supports or go a bit thicker to allow for handle use. No point in needing a dolly to move something that light! XD

Yeah, a thicker top board and/or adding another latch to the back would be the simplest. The front is tricky and would require something like a window latch. But maybe a third latch on the back would be enough.

My original thought was 2 detachable hinges on the front and 2 latches on the back. The problem with that was the sliding motion against the seals every time you put it on and off. And it has to work with the top flipped.

 

[dave hope]

That must be a very rewarding experience.

 

[Super Bass]

Very nice! and a Aguilar TH 500 is better than any Ampeg....

 

[Roxbororob]

The problem with that was the sliding motion against the seals every time you put it on and off. And it has to work with the top flipped.

Yes well thought through.
I'm sure just one extra latch in the back will do it and wont look too heavy or out of whack.

You could do a non destructive test: Apply a large patch of masking tape on the back and top (seperate unconnected patches) with the top closed. These patches will protect your nice tolex. Then use a good size piece of duct tape (where the single back latch would go) to batten down the top. Only apply on the masking tape and really rub it good. Keeping in mind the latches will be more rigid this will give you a good idea. Slowly peel off the duct tape then the masking tape without delay afterwards.

Edits for typos