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.
Ampeg B100R Rocket Bass Vs Micro VR
- Thread starter buggy
- Start date
How did I know someone was gonna say that haha. It's an older pic. I'll have to retake another one to do it justice.
I do agree with you there jimmy. Not part of my better collection of stomps but they get the job done
I'm a little late to this party but thought that I would chime in with some useful info in case someone else comes across this thread later.
I have several B-15's, an early 70's SVT, and an SVT-VR with Heritage 810 cabs to compare my baby Ampegs to.
I have a B-100R, had a B-200R (sold it 2 weeks ago), and a Micro-VR stack that JimmyM's comments convinced me to buy.
All in the same room providing a level playing field.
I preferred the tightness and the overall tone of the B-100R to the volume capabilities of the B-200R and found the 100R to sound the most like a 60's B-15. The 200R (which really is excellent) was its own sound altogether.
The Micro-VR really does sound like a 1/4 slice of a full-size vintage SVT rig. I was astounded at what that little guy can do (just like I was by the 100R when I first got that).
I can't imagine not having them both but if I had to pick only one, I would go for the Micro-VR as I play classic rock and that favors the SVT sound. For blues and funk, the B-100R all the way. The both FLATTEN any of the other more compact options out there and even some of the less compact (read far more expensive) options.
They are cheap enough to justify owning both a B-100R ($300 used) and a Micro-VR ($450-600 depending on new or used) for two distinctly different sounds with the ultimate winner being based on playing style and preference.
Here is a useful video if you are shooting for B-15 tone from your B-100R:
Enjoy your new B-100R!
I have several B-15's, an early 70's SVT, and an SVT-VR with Heritage 810 cabs to compare my baby Ampegs to.
I have a B-100R, had a B-200R (sold it 2 weeks ago), and a Micro-VR stack that JimmyM's comments convinced me to buy.
All in the same room providing a level playing field.
I preferred the tightness and the overall tone of the B-100R to the volume capabilities of the B-200R and found the 100R to sound the most like a 60's B-15. The 200R (which really is excellent) was its own sound altogether.
The Micro-VR really does sound like a 1/4 slice of a full-size vintage SVT rig. I was astounded at what that little guy can do (just like I was by the 100R when I first got that).
I can't imagine not having them both but if I had to pick only one, I would go for the Micro-VR as I play classic rock and that favors the SVT sound. For blues and funk, the B-100R all the way. The both FLATTEN any of the other more compact options out there and even some of the less compact (read far more expensive) options.
They are cheap enough to justify owning both a B-100R ($300 used) and a Micro-VR ($450-600 depending on new or used) for two distinctly different sounds with the ultimate winner being based on playing style and preference.
Here is a useful video if you are shooting for B-15 tone from your B-100R:
Enjoy your new B-100R!
My customary .02 regarding the B100R:
I would prefer it over the Micro VR for a couple of reasons. First, the Micro doesn't put out its full 200 watts unless it sees a 4-ohm load. That means buying a second cab - an extra $300 on top of the $600 for the head and 1 cab. Second, you can't get the sound up near your ears unless you stack the cabs vertically - which for that rig, just looks dopey (sorry JimmyM
). It's like playing in front of a totem pole. I gig with two B100Rs stacked and running together. In addition to having that second speaker raised up, I have the added benefit of a second amp should one go down during the gig. I can also EQ the amps independently, which is nice, because most of the gigs I play are small - without any PA support for the bass. I can bias the bottom amp for bigger lows to give the overall sound of the band some girth, without being too loud.
I would prefer it over the Micro VR for a couple of reasons. First, the Micro doesn't put out its full 200 watts unless it sees a 4-ohm load. That means buying a second cab - an extra $300 on top of the $600 for the head and 1 cab. Second, you can't get the sound up near your ears unless you stack the cabs vertically - which for that rig, just looks dopey (sorry JimmyM
). It's like playing in front of a totem pole. I gig with two B100Rs stacked and running together. In addition to having that second speaker raised up, I have the added benefit of a second amp should one go down during the gig. I can also EQ the amps independently, which is nice, because most of the gigs I play are small - without any PA support for the bass. I can bias the bottom amp for bigger lows to give the overall sound of the band some girth, without being too loud.
Thanks Turock,
In a few days I'll recieve my Rocket. Yesterday a friend of mine offered me a Ba115HP but I'd said that I'd bougth a B100R
...well, I like pedals too! I got my own collection and I'll use it on my new B100R
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Hi Apex_speed,
Thanks for your brief review.
Tips are always welcome!
I'm thinking in this proposal, buy both...
They both sound like a sansamp to me, so id get a bddi or vtbass and a clean amp so you have other tone options.
To fully appreciate the awesomeness of the B100R, allow someone else to play while you check it out from the audience's perspective.
Played my B100R at a small gig last night... beautiful.
Played my B100R at a small gig last night... beautiful.
