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Ampeg B100R: Worth the Weight?

#21
When I think "old school tone" I certainly don't think GK>Bag End, I think the Ampeg would be a much better choice for the tone you're going for. That amp can get very close to a B15 (much closer than the current "Portaflex" line, IMO) and a P-bass with flats trough a B15 is one of the best bass tones ever. A B100r is pretty darned easy to move around. Plus, you only have one unit to carry and the only things you'll need to plug in is the power and your bass - it doesn't get much easier than that.
 
#22
You know you can just put pop-on casters in the sockets on the bottom of the B100R right? I know you can't roll it everywhere but it helps tremendously for me.

As far as tone, I have a B100R and B15R. I liked my B100R for many, many years prior to getting the B15R. All tube is really nice, but if I had to lose the B15, I'd happily go back to the B100R. They are close enough, at least for most ears out there. I would think closer than the other options floated thus far.
 
#23
I can't say enough good things about the B100R (I have a B15R, B15N, B200R, B100R, Oliver P500, which are all fantastic).

The B100R comes reasonably close to the sound of the 60's B15N at a fraction of the cost and is what I play through at home most of the time as I don't put many hours on the B15N.

They are also sought after enough that you should have no trouble selling it if you buy it and don't like it.
 
#24
Apex_speed said:
I can't say enough good things about the B100R (I have a B15R, B15N, B200R, B100R, Oliver P500, which are all fantastic).

The B100R comes reasonably close to the sound of the 60's B15N at a fraction of the cost and is what I play through at home most of the time as I don't put many hours on the B15N.

They are also sought after enough that you should have no trouble selling it if you buy it and don't like it.
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How does the B200R rate in relation to the B100R & getting the B-15 type thang happening. Much more headroom with it?>? :)
 
#25
rodl2005 said:
How does the B200R rate in relation to the B100R & getting the B-15 type thang happening. Much more headroom with it?>? :)
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I had an Ampeg B200R and it rattled a lot. Also, it really needs to be pushed to get "that" tone, IMO. Yes, it gets loud, but I find that the classic Ampeg tone and excessive volume are not necessarily compatible. The B100R just SOUNDS and FEELS right at 100 watts, whereas the B200R does not sound the same at lower volumes. You can push 100 watts and not blow out the stage volume, which a B200R can do.

The B200R is a great amp. But one of the unexplainable things about the B100R is that it is loud, but not TOO loud.
 
#28
I love my B100R, but I keep it in the bedroom, as a practice amp, so I can't talk about portability.

I re-wired it with a jack to connect the speaker to the amp, so I can connect other (Ampegs, mostly) to the speaker.

I often run my PF500 through it.

I should try the '63 B15 through it sometime, to compare it to the orgiinal B15/JBL D130F cab. (They are kept at separate locations, otherwise I'd try it now).
 
#29
Get the B100R - you wont regret it. It's very compact and fits nicely in the front seat, back seat, trunk, etc.. And the handle can handle it. IMO it's one of the best modern combos Ampeg has made, both for looks and tone. I gig one with my oldies project, and it's earned it's keep right alongside a '63 B15

gretchen-b15.jpg
 
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#30
Every time one of these threads pops up, I say the same things. The B100R is not just a great substitute for a B15. Not just a great modern Ampeg. Not just a great small Ampeg. The B100R is a classic in its own right - right now. It does what almost nothing else will - gives you a portable path to vintage bass tone, and is NOT just a one-trick-pony. Buy it. Love it.
 
#32
Fretless55 said:
Interested in a B100R combo to play with my old Pbass with flats. But at at 65lbs. I'm a bit wary...
Wondering if it might be a better option to look for more transportable 15" cab to pair with an older GK 400RB to get that old school sound. I have seen a Bag End 15 listed here locally. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
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May I suggest using a fold-able dolly cart? "MagnaCart" is one brand that is compact and retractable, which can be found at Costco or BigLots! for about $30, holds 150 lbs. Also get a long bungee cord or two to secure the amp to the cart to prevent spillage, and you can wheel it around.
 
#33
+1 for Magna Cart. And though the B100R is hot, if you're looking to go lighter, adding a cab instead of a combo might be the way to go. The PF115he's are killer old school cabs. They go deeper than the B100R but they sound like a cross between the 70's B-15 cabs and the 60's B-15 cabs. Not familiar with the Bag End, sorry.
 
#34
Fretless55 said:
Thanks again for the responses.

I was hoping also to get some opinions of my "Plan B" option of pairing my existing GK 400RB head with a Bag End s15d cab for a more portable old school sound.
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I have both of these set ups. My gk 400rb an Bag end s15d are both from the 80s. I recently got a B100r and haven't gigged with it yet.

They're both great.

I've had the 400rb Bag end rig for about 8 years, and I love it. The tone that I get from it is not that vintage. The response from the Bag end speaker is pretty quick and surprisingly bright for a 15" speaker. It doesn't have a ton of low end, but it's a great tone and louder than one would predict.

I was looking for a second s15d when I came across the ad for the Ampeg B100r. I have to admit that all of the TalKBass hype ober this amp got to me and I went ahead and bought it.

It's a really nice amp, and it nails a more vintage tone IMHO. It's not as bright or grindy as the gk/Bag end. Pbass with flats sounds great through it. The tone controls are pretty versatile. It's also louder than expected. To my ear, it's darker sounding than the gk/Bag end.

They're about the same in terms of portability for me. The Bag end alone is lighter but I have to juggle the gk somehow. The Ampeg isn't as bad as everyone says. Yeah, the handle isn't the best design, but it's sturdy and thick.

I'd also second the suggestion to get a Magna Cart or similar folding two wheeler. I have one and it's great. I wish I had one years ago.

I'm still interested in another Bag end though. I think 2 s15d cabs and the gk400rb would be a pretty awesome gigging rig.
 

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