• 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 ignorance help

bluespenny

bluespenny

Mar 17, 2009
94
90
#1
Hey - veteran player, Ampeg newbee.

Looking for advice on the best Ampeg combo for small gigs (100 -200 watts). Roots country to old Stax type stuff (in a couple of bands). Flat wound P-bass mainly.

The Ampeg site confuses the hell out of me. What does it all mean?

I can't afford a b15. But I've been playing through a little Ampeg ba-108 for practice and LOVE the tone.

Are all solid-state Ampegs as good? I just want a small one for smaller gigs.

Help?
 
#2
The B100R get a lot of love on here. If I didn't have a B-15, I would probably consider a B50R or B100R myself. The new SS Portaflex amps do a great old school Ampeg vibe from punchy to squishy. You know you can find B-15's from about $600 & up, right? I see a lot of early '70's B-15 selling for $700-$800 on craigslist.
 
#3
I'd skip the combo's and get yourself a PF350 and a pair of the matching 1x15 cabs, if you're gigging. The volume you need will come from having 2 cabs, but you could also skip the 1x15 Ampeg cabs and get some other "larger" cab, like a 2x12 or 4x10. I would never suggest a small single spkr combo for gigging- as the compromise is always in the speaker, which is the most important part of a bass rig.
 
#4
For what you're playing, a new Portaflex head paired with a PF115 would be perfect, or if you are watching your pennies, the BA115 is a great choice also. The BA115 has a 4 ohm speaker so your getting the max wattage out of the head, and even though it's "only" 100 watts, it's a loud 100 watts. I use a B-100R for my oldies/roots rock band and it's 100 watts as well and does just fine.
 
#5
Thanks! I should mention, I have a "big" rig for festival shows and halls. I'm looking for a combo for those small gigs and studio/practice sessions where a big rig is overkill, not to mention a pain to move.
 
#7
DanNowhere said:
Micro VR. Not exactly a combo, but lighter and more portable than just about anything. The sound is huge for the size, as long as you're not trying to play over a loud drummer or anything. There's the Micro CL too, but I haven't played one of those yet.
Click to expand...

+1 on this. Plus they look cool as all get-up. For bigger gigs (or a loud drummer), you can just add another 2x10.
 
#9
I'd probably look into picking up a used B100r - that'll get you close to B15 territory. A micro VR or one of the new portaflex heads with a pf115 cab would be good choices also. BUT... you should look around for a B15, you might be surprised at what you can pick one up for.
 
#10
bluespenny said:
I'm looking for a combo for those small gigs and studio/practice sessions where a big rig is overkill, not to mention a pain to move.
Click to expand...

I'd sugest you shop around for a nice/used Ampeg B100R. This model is discontinued now, but you can find them in the used market priced in the $250-$350 price range.

If you love your BA108, you'll find the B100R sounds much better and has way more volume.

If you type 'B100R' into our talkbass search window, you'll find tons of info about these very cool combos :cool:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back