• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Ampeg BA-110 smoking deal!

Dustykatt

Guest
Jun 14, 2013
9
3
Just had to brag a bit. I stopped by Guitar Showcase here in San Jose, Ca. for my monthly walk around to look at things I can't afford. All of a sudden I see this little BA-110 in the corner with a price tag of 39.00.

(I've been using a crappy little Fender since I got my first bass over a year ago.)

Thats right 39 bucks! not 139 bucks! I asked whats wrong with it. Oh it has a rattle they can't fix. Oh really?

I play a bit through it with a cheap Fender bass and we can't replicate the rattle. Asking the general manager whats up and he says he put a new speaker in it and it still rattled. So he just wants to get rid of it. I couldn't pull out my cash fast enough!

Now it's home, and playing my S.U.B. 4 (fixed SUB 4 BTW) the tone is off the hook for a small amp. I love this thing! I may open it up just double check all the things suggested here on the site, like gluing the joints and checking the foam to see if it's broken loose.

Is there anyway to tell the year it was made from the serial number? See if it was an early one?
 
You can but with LOUD-made Ampeg gear, the actual digit location changes depending on the product's serial number code. On my BA108, it's the 9th digit from the left. Should be similar for the BA110. Anyway, the code is:

2008 = A
2009 = B
2010 = C

Etc. My BA108 has a D in the 9th digit, and it was, indeed, made in 2011.

Before 2008, it's the same basic code, only the digit is always the 5th from the left, and it starts at 1988:

1988 = A
1989 = B

Etc.

Replacing the foam inside with a piece or two of 1" thick Nu-Foam is the move to fix that rattle. The stuff it comes with is stapled on, but you can tape the NuFoam on with double stick carpet tape. Just make sure it doesn't flap anywhere. You may need to add a little more across the bottom of the back, too.