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

Ampeg BA115

S

subopposite

Jul 23, 2008
135
0
Vermont
#1
Hey all!

I have the Ampeg BA115 100 watt amplifier. After using it a bit, I am not happy with the results. The sound is fine, but if I play along with a drummer and a guitar player that does not have his instrument turned up very loud at all, I am barely heard. Even practicing with a cd playing, I cannot turn up the stereo very much to be heard. I end up having to turn the amp and controls up on my bass so much that I practically have no tonal controls just to be heard.

I heard someones crate 100 watt amp and it was twice as loud and clear.

Since I had read many reviews about how people like this model and can practice with it, to me it seems like it has very little power at all. If I put it on the style selector #1, forget about it. It sounds like it is whispering back to me.

I have a decent bass. It's an ESP LTD bass and bought new, so that is not the issue.

Those that have used this amp. Am I right that this amp can barely be heard while a drummer plays and 1 guitar player is playing at a moderate level at best.

Just wondering if I should pay to have it checked out or just accept that it really wasn't worth the money to me and sell it and buy something stronger.

I figured a 100 watt rms amp would be sufficient to at least practice with, but not this one, unless something is up with it. The speaker farts before any real noise starts coming from it.
 
#2
You may be expecting a little much of a small amp. Those BA115's are popular, but not many people actually use them with a band. Unless the volume is kept at a very low level, you'd be much better off with 300 watts, and a 4x10 cab. It has as much to do with having enough speakers as it does having enough power. Imo, that amp has neither.
 
#4
I own the BA115 and it is just a music room practice amp for me. I couldn't use it at any gigs I do, not even church! Actually, I just gave mine away to a kid in need of an amp. Don't know if I am doing him any favors though. :D
 
#5
Yes, I unfortunately believed that would be the story. Amazing how you can spend almost 400 bucks on something that you can't even practice with.

That being said, any suggestions for a 300 watt head and a 4 x 10 speakers to match.

Now, will 300 watts be enough to have a jam session! I will probably be moving quickly on this as I am getting started with some people.

Name brands and models of decent heads and/or cabinets would be appreciated. I have already been looking around but haven't ever done research on heads yet and how to match the amp power to the speaker power and functions and so forth.

Thanks again people of the music making world.:bassist:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back