Ampeg B15 volume question

[Remus_Redbone]

If the OP will please forgive me for semi-hijacking this post, I have a similar question, but maybe this post will actually help the OP with a solution I'm proposing.

I have a B-15T (that's "T" as in "transistor") and I'm also trying to get more volume and a "cleaner" tone. The original 100 watt head and the stamped frame speaker are still intact, but but have always sounded a little distorted & the amp specs tell the reason why....

The plan; since the cabinet is super solid, I'm going to replace the speaker AND the amp. Amp will likely be an Ampeg PF500 or perhaps a GK MB500; I haven't made that decision yet.

My question is, what speaker would be a decent match for the B15T cab? I'm going with an 8 ohm in the B15T so I can run the rig on top of another 8 ohm 15" cab as needed.

My suggestion to Kulchinski1993 is to consider a new "top board" and a new & more powerful micro amp of his choice mounted to that board. The original top board and amp can be left in original condition for use when less power is needed and to keep the amp in original condition, however, OP may also have to consider changing the speaker.

 

[Remus_Redbone]

A B15T for reference.

 

[JimmyM]

Not familiar with the B-15T at all, but Delta and Beta 15a's always work in vintage style cabs such as that one.

 

[Remus_Redbone]

Not familiar with the B-15T at all, but Delta and Beta 15a's always work in vintage style cabs such as that one.

Either one better than the other on the receiving end of a PF 500?

 

[JimmyM]

Doubt it, bro. They're both fairly heavy duty speakers. I've lit the Deltas up pretty good with an SVT, PF350, and a Markbass LMII when I had one.

 

[Johntheson]

I was told that the B-15N on stage was just for show, as it possibly belonged to Jamerson. He's actually playing through a different amp, if you take a closer look.

Ric
09-05-2013 06:51 PM

I was not aware of that Ric, so I know to not relay that info any more. What ever he's using sounds darn good though.

 

[Rodrigues]

Hi,

I know that the Ampeg B15 has less power and volume, but I want you to ask if it has much power for me?

About my equipment:
1 Fender p Bass, 1 Fender 55 CS SC p Bass, 1 Jazz Bass
REDDI and really good Inears.

I always play in location with a good PA. Normally I play with my REDDI threw it. Sometimes I like to have an Amp onstage. Not for me, because I have a good sound on my inears. Only to get a better Sound to the FOH.

Before I had the big 810+CL fridge. But I do not need the power anymore.
Sometimes I hit the Bass very hard, but not all the time.

Should I go with Ampeg B15 for Live or should I better take a V4B?
Our drummer is middle - hard hitting drummer.

What do you think? Is the volume enough for my needs?

Thank you

 

[beans-on-toast]

A B-15 does look cool on stage and offers a deep rich tone. With any vintage amp, you do want one that is up to spec and road worthy.

Here is a 1964 B-15NC (TB Portaflex Wiki ref: All Original 1964 B-15N in Detail)

With any amp, it depends on how large the venue is and your style of music. A loud amp in a small venue can be a problem, especially if you want to push the amp and cabinet into distortion. The audience will hear it and it can be a problem mixed in with the PA. One reason why sound people prefer just a DI. If you are mic'ing the cabinet and not using it for monitoring, the power output of a B-15's 25W (or 30W depending on the revision) vs V4B's 100W or anything in between may not be an issue at a larger venue.

 

[mdlewis]

I don't bother even trying to use my '64 B15 with rock drummers outside of a studio. Mine is all original, except for the tubes and a cap or two so I'm speaking with reference to this specific configuration. It's got a great sound but this sound is centered around a sweet spot. Too much deviation from the sweet spot and the sound gets bad. For loud live playing, I like more dynamic range and play at my finger tips, more heavy duty speakers, and non-vintage cabs.

 

[hennessybass]

I have an older B15, and I've done quite a lot of gigs with it... some great results, and some just OK results.

For smaller gigs, it's great. These are gigs in small to medium rooms, with a band that has good volume control. On even slightly larger gigs, if there is PA support, and a guy that will mic your cab, then it can also work... But I have been in that situation (slightly larger room, slightly louder band, with PA support), where I've essentially ended up relying on stage monitors to hear myself. At that point, what's the point.
For larger gigs, I've used it with an extension cab (another 15"), and its OK. But if the band gets loud, it will run out of juice. For a while I had an orphaned B18 head that I used with a 2x15 stack. It didn't have enough headroom to do a rock band in a medium venue when we got loud.

To the OP... "rock band with a drummer that hits hard",,, I'm going to say not enough juice without a seriously larger cab. As always, IMO, IME, and YMMV.