Ampeg B100r settings?

[Cygnus X-1]

Hey guys, by now I have bored you with my combo amp situation. Over the past couple of weeks I've been comparing my 4 amps with one another, using both active and passive basses. The only thing I'm having issue with is getting to get B100r to sound the way I would like it.

At first I thought that the Line 6 would get traded off. In time I was able to find the tone and punch that I like hearing. The same and more can be said about the Fender Bassman 250/210 (thunderous little guy), It shapes the sound (for me, anyway) nicely. Out of all my basses, it is my Jazz 24 that shines the brightest on this amp. The Bdec does not count, I use this as stricktly a learning tool (it's pretty cool tough).

After reading various reviews, feedbacks and testimonials on how great sounding the Ampeg b100r is, I just can't seem to dial in a proper tone. Can anyone advise me one some setting examples I can try out? For example, Flat w/ high bass only, mid-boost depressed, treble at 12 o'clock, settings on my bass flat. If I can't find a happy medium, then I regret that I may have to part with the amp. I wouldn't want to ignorantly do that because I was too dumb to figure out such a simple control scheme.

By the way, I have it siting on a low wooden (yet solid) coffee table, approx. 12-16" off the ground . Does that make a difference or should I place it on the concrete floor of my basement for a better bottom end?

 

[Brad Johnson]

Put it on the floor.

So far the basic settings I've used have worked for several basses I've run through mine. The combo is not modern sounding but sounds very good IMO with a variety of basses.

I turn all voicing buttons off. Then I set the tone controls 5-3-3-5. That's it. Turn it up and see what it does for you. If you have an active bass, start off with the bass' controls set flat.

 

[Cygnus X-1]

Put it on the floor.

So far the basic settings I've used have worked for several basses I've run through mine. The combo is not modern sounding but sounds very good IMO with a variety of basses.

I turn all voicing buttons off. Then I set the tone controls 5-3-3-5. That's it. Turn it up and see what it does for you. If you have an active bass, start off with the bass' controls set flat.

Thanks Brad I will try it out. Stupid question coming up, is you first 5 the bass setting or the gain?

Also, is it true that the Ampeg is not good for slapping? I think I read that somewhere, but wasn't sure. If so, then that may be one of the issues I'm having.

 

[Bongolation]

Hey guys, by now I have bored you with my combo amp situation.

Not me, I wasn't listening.

Does that make a difference or should I place it on the concrete floor of my basement for a better bottom end?

If you listen to guys like Steve Rabe, it does.

On the other hand, if it's just you playing around, it's nice to have the speaker up somewhere near on-axis where you can actually hear it.

Funny, I just yesterday moved a bunch of stuff around so I could get my B-100R (Yellville build) and Black Beauty out of storage in the studio amp pile and into the bedroom where I can goof around with them a bit. I don't think I've played either of them twenty minutes since I bought them new, and they're both such lovely combos.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Thanks Brad I will try it out. Stupid question coming up, is you first 5 the bass setting or the gain?

No, you have from left to right: Gain, then four tone controls, then Master. I was talking about the tone controls.

Also, is it true that the Ampeg is not good for slapping? I think I read that somewhere, but wasn't sure. If so, then that may be one of the issues I'm having.

Try it and see what you think.

 

[anderbass]

I used my B-100R for a medium-loud rock band audition last weekend. My knobs ended up at:
(starting w/gain knob) 5-7-6-3-7 and master at 6. All ultra switches off using a 4 string P-bass w/flats.

I think this combo does a pretty nice job of copping the vintage tube amp vibe, but I wouldn't expect someone wanting a bright modern slap tone to be truly satisfied no matter how its set.

 

[Cygnus X-1]

No, you have from left to right: Gain, then four tone controls, then Master. I was talking about the tone controls.




Try it and see what you think.

Brad, thanks again, I tried out the settings with my J24, 08 american J and Geddy. You were pretty much on the money. For the Geddy I punched in the mid boost and it was pretty cool. I messed with the gain a bit and was happier with the tones. Oh, and putting it back on the floor made a huge difference. Now I can understand what makes this amp worth keeping. By the way, slapping sounded nice, smooth and thumpy.

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks Brad I will try it out. Stupid question coming up, is you first 5 the bass setting or the gain?

Also, is it true that the Ampeg is not good for slapping? I think I read that somewhere, but wasn't sure. If so, then that may be one of the issues I'm having.

Anything you can do to stem the tide of overly trebly slappers is greatly appreciated.

 

[Bongolation]

Anything you can do to stem the tide of overly trebly slappers is greatly appreciated.

Future generations will thank you for it.

Another helpful tip: The plastic covering on the B-100R has to be the most fragile and easily-defaced stuff that ever covered an amp. If you plan to ever move it, buy or make a cover -- otherwise it's going to start looking nasty fast.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Brad, thanks again, I tried out the settings with my J24, 08 american J and Geddy. You were pretty much on the money. For the Geddy I punched in the mid boost and it was pretty cool. I messed with the gain a bit and was happier with the tones. Oh, and putting it back on the floor made a huge difference. Now I can understand what makes this amp worth keeping. By the way, slapping sounded nice, smooth and thumpy.

Cool. Glad that helped. I love mine.

 

[barroso]

I used my B-100R for a medium-loud rock band audition last weekend. My knobs ended up at:
(starting w/gain knob) 5-7-6-3-7 and master at 6. All ultra switches off using a 4 string P-bass w/flats.

I think this combo does a pretty nice job of copping the vintage tube amp vibe, but I wouldn't expect someone wanting a bright modern slap tone to be truly satisfied no matter how its set.

words of wisdom

 

[Knobby]

Thread from the dead resurrection!

Just picked up one of these after seeing a local guy play through one. I had always assumed it wouldn't have gigging volume being a 100w amp. Well, he sounds great and fills the room just fine - hence, I sprung for a minty one w/ a cover.

The settings provided by anderbass were a great start. Really digging this combo!

 

[KF2B]

Old thread. However, as we are talking about my baby...

Here goes:

(G7) 6-4-4-6 (M7) with ultras off.

 

[RealJeffJenkins]

Breathing life into this old thread. Great amp! I actually like having all 3 Ultras on and taking passive Basses into the -15 input, cranking the gain to around 7-8, bass dimed, low mids around 7, high mid and treble at noon, Master on 5. Running vintage P bass with flats and rounds, and an old Jazz with this setting and using a Warm Audio FET47jr 4” from cone center, and if you have an SVT Tube DI run it in front with tube sent to the thru, and you get clean but with grunt and a pillowy low end foundation with even volume up and down the neck.