• 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 ba300 2x10

R

remainthesame

Sep 24, 2008
818
48
#1
Hey guys, I was thinking about looking into the Ampeg ba300 2x10. I did a search to see if i could find some opinions on it. I see that some like it, and some don't. Which is what I expected. However, I couldn't really find anybody saying WHY they do or don't like it.

So who has used this amp? Which side are you on and why? The "why" is the most important part. What aspects of the amp do you like/dislike?










Now I know I say this next part every time I create a thread, but it needs to be said: Guys, please no fighting. I want a nice clean debate about the pros/cons of this amp.
 
#2
Are they still making these? I've always heard they sounded great but had some failure issues. I know the most recent ba series are doing well though, I think anything from 2012 and on. Curious if they're making the ba600 anymore as we'll?
 
#7
My main gigging amp these days is an older model BA210 (220 watt non-effects model), and it may or may not have the same features as the 300, but I'll share my likes/dislikes of mine for what it's worth since it's similar.

What I like:

1. The tone. I set the "style" to 2, bass knob to 5, mid knob to 7, high knob varies depending on how new my strings are, gain around 4, master volume varies on venue, and I can get a nice, somewhat edgy SVT tone.

2. The size. It's physically small, takes up little stage space (important) and packing space (really important).

3. The speakers placement. While not truly vertical, are at least caddy-cornered, so it's closer to the optimum vertical configuration than many other 210s.

4. Built in tuner. I know not all BA series combos have this, but I really like having a gigging rig that only needs 1 cable.

5. DI. It's got one, and it works well.

6. Side handles. Having a buddy grabbing one side really helps.

7. Casters. It's got 'em, and they help.

8. It's robust. Although I take care of my equipment, this amp has not been babied. It's seen sweltering outdoor gigs, dusty questionable party gigs, chilly windblown gigs, rowdy wedding gigs, and has never missed a beat or failed to deliver.


What I don't like:

1. Weight. It's not the lightest combo out there, but I think because the combo is so small that it just seems it shouldn't weigh that much. But at least it's got nice side handles and casters to make transport as easy as possible.

2. DI doesn't have a ground lift, or separate volume control. Don't misunderstand, it's a great sounding DI and I haven't had any trouble with it, but I do think those features are missing.

3. No external speaker. I hesitate putting this under "don't like", because I have no problem with it, and actually prefer having full power in one package, BUT you don't see a single review of these amps without mentioning this as a drawback. So if you want your combo to transform into your "full stack", then you'd better shop for a different combo. ;)

Anyway, hope some of this is helpful. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: denekawa
#8
The BA 210 300 - I used it for 40 minutes as the backline for a show. I had it tilted up and only heard it when I stood in front of it. I rolled off the low end on the combo and just cranked the mids and volume too. With my drummer, this combo did not hold up too well. I think the sensitivity was just too low. As for the tone, it sounded similar to the B2RE - maybe a little warmer.
 
#9
My buddy has one. Its dead at the moment and he cannot be bothered to fix it. It had some issues for a while, so he decided to run it into the ground then phone me and ask him to fix it.

I played through it a few times. Those 300 watts are some of the quietest watts I've heard. I think Ampeg were telling porkies with that amp. Also slightly surprised that such a big cab was only a 210. The knobs looked and felt cheap as well.
 
#11
I bought a BA600 210 from thomann.de, it looked ok, weight was nice enough, sound was good, except when it suddenly stopped responding, and I had to turn it on and off to (maybe) get it working again.

I sold mine. I really wanted to like it, and I did when it was working, but it was nowhere near reliable enough.
 
#12
I just tried an older Ampeg BA210, the 300 watt model and I must say I was very impressed with the tone and punch this thing has, as I am a long time fan of the Ampeg sound. The owner wants to sell it but I have no idea how much it is worth as I know the amp is now discontinued but I do not know for how long it has been. Can anyone help telling me how much this amp might be worth and when they were discontinued? I know the most recent model is 450 watts and has a tilt monitor design. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
#14
Busting this thread back open ...I just got one of these on FB marketplace for 150 $ ... it needed a new tube ...so I swapped the12au7 out for a Tungsol 12ax7 .... man did this thing come to life !! Now its thick , beefy , articulate, lots of mids and just the perfect amount of wooly ( in spades too)

I have one with the rear mounted silver amp and silver grill ( 2009-2010 model) I love it! Gunna add speaker + Amp jacks to make it more versatile
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gearhead17

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back