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Ampeg B-18 "Sort of"

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by main_sale, Jun 27, 2008.

  1. Jun 27, 2008 #1
    main_sale

    main_sale

    Apr 26, 2004
    Cape Cod
    I've been looking for an Ampeg B-18 to keep my B-15-N company without success. I've been thinking of getting a B-18cabinet from Fliptops and picking up an older V-4B and running them together. I know the V-4B is not a B-15 amp but I'm hoping they would be close, maybe even running through a Fliptop pedal like the Tech21 VT or Barber Linden. Do any of you Portaflex fans out there have any experience that you could share with me?
     
  2. Jun 27, 2008 #2
    anderbass

    anderbass

    Dec 20, 2005
    Phoenix. Az.
    Sounds like a very cool rig.
    If your picturing that amp placed on your cab, keep in mind the V4/V4B's are nearly 27" wide...
     
  3. Jun 27, 2008 #3
    coreyfyfe

    coreyfyfe Supporting Member

    Nov 19, 2007
    boston, ma
    Owning both a V4 and a B15, I don't think the V4 in a 1x18 cab would sound anything like a B15/18, with the caveat being that I haven't ever tried my V4 with a 1x15 or 1x18 cab.
     
  4. Jun 27, 2008 #4
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    I think it would be fairly close. The B-18N came with a 50w head that uses 7027A's. And the V4 used them, too. And really, all tube amps Ampeg made have all been trying to emulate the B-15 at higher volumes, so there's a certain similarity to all of them.
     
  5. Jun 27, 2008 #5
    Jim Carr

    Jim Carr Dr. Jim

    Jan 21, 2006
    Denton, TX or Kailua, HI
    fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
    I am not exactly a B-15 fan, though I appreciate their tone in small rooms or studios.
    That said, I did use a B-18 on gigs a few times, and while it was a bit more
    capable than the 2 B-15s I had used a lot up to that point, the B-18 was
    still pretty "underwhelming" for the work I was doing.

    The musical application was what you might call "fairly soft Art College
    blues band music of the late 60's/early 70s." The bands were not loud,
    and the amp was certainly not enough. When it farted, it really FFFFFAARRTTED!!! :spit: :spit: :spit:

    All IMHO, YMMV. :D

    Have you considered finding an Acoustic 301? Now I realize you need a
    larger vehicle and a fair amount of determination to schlep one, even
    with the tilt back wheels and recessed built-in handles--but THAT was
    an 18, IMHO.

    It bet it would love a V-4B! :hyper:
     
  6. Jun 27, 2008 #6
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    Nobody would ever accuse the B-15/18 of being capable enough to handle gigs where a lot of stage volume is needed. And I never bring mine to a gig where that's the case. But I rarely play gigs where a B-15 couldn't cut it. And slap a mic on one and crank it in the PA and the audience will experience multiple orgasms over your killer tone ;)