I record with my svt-vr, sounds really good. Unfortunatly I'm having trouble with ampeg right now so I'm looking for vintage. I really really really enjoy playing a svt through a 810 but I saw a b15-n for sell that I think I could get for 1000$ but I can't find a reasonable price for a svt in my area....
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Double Bass Ampeg B15
- Thread starter Dave Martin
- Start date
What about the B-15-S? It's similar in some ways to the SVT and McIntosh hi-fi amps. Anyone using one of these? I've owned and used EVERY version of the flip tops except this one. Some great, others not so. I did use one in a big band situation a few times, and this model kicks butt.
My B15N will get pretty darned nasty - make that REALLY nasty when turned all the way up.
I own the B15s. Absolutely wonderful amp. I could be wrong but I think its one of the more powerful of the b15 models but at 60-70 watts still not a lot by todays standards. I personally feel I can gig with it under the right circumstances.
Not very - I seem to remember that it's only about a 35 watt amp, and when you're dealing with low frequencies, that's not enough to play with a drummer that hits as hard as most contemporary drummers hit.
I've been using it recently, though, on a live gig that I do. (I mentioned it earlier) Upright bass and no drums in a theatrical setting. It sounds wonderful - the one completely blows away either my SWR or my Eden.
Ampeg did build a B-15N in the late sixties that was twice the power of the standard model. It used the power section of the B-18. It evidently came with an extension cabinet so you could get the full effect of its thundering 50 watts. Here's a picture and least we forget, the Matchless Thunderbass version of the B 15. Here's a couple of shots of this amplifier. Pretty expensive as I recall.
Ric
Ric
We think mine's about a 1973 (I know the original owner), but I have no idea of its worth - besides the fact that I've owned it for 8 or 9 years, I don't keep track of used amp prices.
I had the same problem with mine as recently as 2 weeks ago. Long story short, I bought a B15s off Ebay (from a reputable music store in Santa Cruz) several years ago. I didn't like its sound, it was heavy, cumbersome... I kept it all these years thinking one day I'd take it to a shop. In the meantime (past 6 years) it's been my TV stand.
Was going to sell it. Plugged it in, same disappointing sound and it farted out the internal speakers at "just" moderate volume. I disconnected the internal CTS, plugged in a 200w Bag End 15. Same problem. Put it on Craigslist. Was about to sell it last Tuesday. Pulled it out again and threw in a spare set of 7027A power tubes. Problem solved. No more "pop"! I'm such a putz for not seeing things through, giving my gear a chance, etc..
Now? Having once been furniture, she's my frickin' baby doll, specially for electric bass.
Someone asked does it get loud. I think so. In the apartment it shakes the walls. I've got a doubling gig in a couple weeks. If I bring her out I'll report back.
I LUV's MY B15s
My fliptop experience starts with a B-15N that I bought new in 1973 at the insistence of my bass teacher. Logged over 500 show band/dance band/disco gigs and recorded at Curtis Mayfield studios with it...fond memories for sure. Between 1978-1984 we packed dance floors so I never pined for a 300watt 2x15 rig. I borrowed an Acoustic rig for outdoor work or louder rock bands.
In college I A/B'd my B-15N with the school's B-15S and preferred the tone of the N. The S was bulkier with not a lot more power (my perception THEN; I might feel differently today). Here is my stable...they all have slight differences and different revision dates on the schematics.
In college I A/B'd my B-15N with the school's B-15S and preferred the tone of the N. The S was bulkier with not a lot more power (my perception THEN; I might feel differently today). Here is my stable...they all have slight differences and different revision dates on the schematics.
Attachments
Pedro, I gigged with a B-15N at every large ballroom and country club in the Chicago land area, in addition to small club gigs. We were a rocking show band/dance band, not hard rock. I did use a 70's SVT + 810 for a soul revue project that was a lot of fun, but most of our best paying work called for moderate volume. The B-15N was also a very reliable workhorse...no failures in 500+ gigs, and long tube life. An amp that cost me $375 new in 1973 yielded me about $10,000 a year in income from 1978-1984. My transportation was also bulletproof...1977 Toyota Corolla SR5 Liftback that I bought used for $3300. I have less fond memories of my '70 Jazz bass (bought used in 1974 for $275). The neck was pretty flexible when I sold it.
Thanks Jeff. I'm on the fence about it and therefore appreciate your comments. Did you play these shows with or without PA support?
FWIW, I play in a band playing soul music mainly from the 60's - Stax, Motown, etc. I don't consider us very loud and my Ampeg V4b seems to be enough but would like to trott out the B15S from time to time and was wondering.
They are the "shiz" for old school. Got a used one in 1972 and played it for several years (enlisted in the Marines and sold it). Just though I'd pass along that there's a 1967 B-15N selling for $500 at the GC in Fredericksburg, VA. Got all weepy eyed when I saw it today (but I'd just ordered a Mesa V-12 earlier in the morning so....) - someone needs to snap it up and put it back to work. (I know the manager; the 'story' is the owner passed away, his wife was clearing out the basement and was 2 seconds from hauling it to the curb..). It's in playable condition, though I'd immediately retube it.
I think the "N" denotes cabs without a horn. Could be wrong, but my first amplifier was a B-18X, and it had a horn. Never did find a use for the tremelo circuit.
There is a website dedicated to ampeg portaflexes, with all kinds of info. I`ll see if google remembers where it is.
Here it is: http://www.unofficialampeg.com/ampeg.html
I'm getting ferklemt.
I had a late 60s B-15N that I acquired in college in 1974--took the amp in lieu of cash as payment for a 2-night gig. Talk about old-school tube warmth--and surprisingly loud for what it was. Played hundreds of gigs on it, until it got stolen from my car in '79.
Never did replace it, and I doubt I'd play out with it very often if I replaced it today. Too heavy, too one-dimensional, and not powerful enough for what I do now. But I've played on a few in studios, and every time it's like coming home.
I had a late 60s B-15N that I acquired in college in 1974--took the amp in lieu of cash as payment for a 2-night gig. Talk about old-school tube warmth--and surprisingly loud for what it was. Played hundreds of gigs on it, until it got stolen from my car in '79.
Never did replace it, and I doubt I'd play out with it very often if I replaced it today. Too heavy, too one-dimensional, and not powerful enough for what I do now. But I've played on a few in studios, and every time it's like coming home.
Seems to me if the flavor is truly great why the need for others? And as far as volume goes, if it can't be heard then the other band members should turn down.
I've got a couple of B15s at home and have used the heads with my VL-208. They sound nice, with that warm mid push. The tone with an old Precision bass with flatwounds strings is to die for and I love the fact that you can separate the head from the cab
I go hot and cold on using tubes for upright. These days the convenience of acoustic image's focus goes along for the ride more often than not. It's just so easy to deal with and I don't have to worry about accidental damage. Do you guys here that bit of break up with the attack when using tubes for DB? That's a big part of the reason I've been leaving the b15s at home lately. That and the mid push thing; the solid state stuff seems to give more depth and punch with the attack while still having enough mids and high options to cut through.
I go hot and cold on using tubes for upright. These days the convenience of acoustic image's focus goes along for the ride more often than not. It's just so easy to deal with and I don't have to worry about accidental damage. Do you guys here that bit of break up with the attack when using tubes for DB? That's a big part of the reason I've been leaving the b15s at home lately. That and the mid push thing; the solid state stuff seems to give more depth and punch with the attack while still having enough mids and high options to cut through.
sorry to dig up an old thread, but i had no idea that it was possible to use the portaflex head with another speaker. i thought they had to go together. how do these heads generally sound with some more modern speakers?
also, is there a modern head that is similar to this head? (low wattage or high)
also, is there a modern head that is similar to this head? (low wattage or high)
