Ampeg PF-50T

[patbass2692]

What are y'alls thoughts on the PF-50T?

Been thinking about buying one of these for playing bar gigs but wanted to hear some user experiences first. I intend to pair it with a PF-210 cab or maybe a 410 if has enough power.

This will be my first venture outside of combo amps and my first time owning a tube bass amp.

 

[Wasnex]

If you want the sound of an Ampeg tube amp in smaller, less powerful package it's great. I own vintage SVTs and the PF50T is really sweeter sounding and probably a bit flatter. SVTs tend to have a small bump in the low mids. So the PF50T is probably closer to a V4B.

IMHO it's very nice for recording and practicing. Some even gig PF50Ts, but I don't consider it loud enough for most situations (YMMV). I think my Ashdown LB30s are louder, but they don't have the Ampeg sound...which is not good or bad (they sound great in there own way).

Some say the PF20T sounds a bit sweeter. The PF50T is more versatile and has more gain. Never played a PF20T but I have seen complaints that it does not have enough gain if you want to crank it into drive territory...The PF50T does. I don't think it's as grindy sounds as an SVT. To my ears the PF50T distortion sound "meh" by itself, but in a mix it sounds pretty good.

Both the PF50T and PF20T have built in dummy loads for silent recording. They also have line level outputs that are derived from the power transformer.

It has plenty of power for any 4 or 8 ohm cab you want to run. The important concern is matching the impedance. Run it into an 810E and it will be fine. Sort of ridiculous IMHO...but fine nonetheless.

Good luck!

 

[Masbutch]

I use one regularly playing with jazz bands and it works great! Definitely gets you that ampeg tube sound in a small package. I pair it with a 210av but I’ve considered pairing it with my 410he but have yet to try it. I don’t know how well it would work with if you play rock music maybe it would shine with a 410 in that situation

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

I own one and will never let it go. That being said, if you’re thinking of playing any room bigger than 40x40 and your instrument is passive, you may be disappointed with the output. I’m running mine in my living room through a Bergantino sealed 212- 4 ohms- and I have a fender jazz with Lane Poor pickups, and I can crank the master without it being overly loud. Using any of my other instruments, it gets plenty loud, but with passive pups, I dunno... I’ll tell you this- for $800 on the used market, you’ll not find a warmer, sweeter sound. I bought mine specifically to go with my Mouse, and possibly could have gotten away with the PF 20T, but I absolutely love this combo.

 

[patbass2692]

Looks like they are backordered right now, and I don't really wanna deal with that, so I haven't placed an order yet. But these responses confirm that this is definitely the head I want.

I appeciate y'alls feed back! Will post again when I pull the trigger.

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Looks like they are backordered right now, and I don't really wanna deal with that, so I haven't placed an order yet. But these responses confirm that this is definitely the head I want.

I appeciate y'alls feed back! Will post again when I pull the trigger.

Got mine right here. They come up mebbe once a month.

 

[ImTheOnlyOne]

I wouldn't take it out to clubs. Great home studio amp however.

 

[Mastermold]

What are y'alls thoughts on the PF-50T?

Been thinking about buying one of these for playing bar gigs but wanted to hear some user experiences first. I intend to pair it with a PF-210 cab or maybe a 410 if has enough power.

This will be my first venture outside of combo amps and my first time owning a tube bass amp.

I've used my PF-50T with a host of cabs for gigs, rehearsal and recording. It's a great amp, you'll enjoy it.

 

[patbass2692]

Got mine right here. They come up mebbe once a month.

Good to know. Will keep an eye out for one.

 

[Mastermold]

 

[Mastermold]

 

[Scotty4string]

My PF50T with my PF115he is my main gigging rig. I play small to medium sized bars and wineries mostly. It's probably loud enough on its own for most places I play. I usually put a mic on it anyway just to keep stage volume lower. Great sounding amp. I'll never get rid of it.

 

[ImTheOnlyOne]

My PF50T with my PF115he is my main gigging rig. I play small to medium sized bars and wineries mostly. It's probably loud enough on its own for most places I play. I usually put a mic on it anyway just to keep stage volume lower. Great sounding amp. I'll never get rid of it.

I'm with you on that. Terrific device with plenty of power - and must sound glorious with the 115he.

My earlier comment about not taking it to a club holds. Lots of lighter, smaller, more convenient options that sound practically as good in a group setting.

They're in short supply, so don't bang 'em all up

 

[Scotty4string]

I'm with you on that. Terrific device with plenty of power - and must sound glorious with the 115he.

My earlier comment about not taking it to a club holds. Lots of lighter, smaller, more convenient options that sound practically as good in a group setting.

They're in short supply, so don't bang 'em all up

Yeah, I can see where you wouldn't want to take it out. Especially with the current cost of replacement tubes. Also, you are correct about there being lighter, more convenient amps that sound nearly as good. I have a couple class D heads that can get a sound I'm more than happy with. I just made the decision that this is the amp I'm going to use if I can't bring my SVT-VR and 212AV. Gigging with a small tube amp is more of a lifestyle choice than an audio choice.

 

[patbass2692]

So... I finally pulled the trigger and bought one! Picked it up from UPS today and I DIG the tone it's putting out.

However, I am periodically getting a substantial clicking/popping sound from the transformer balanced out. It's loud enough to ruin it's ability to record with it.

I have heard other reports of this happening, specifically with both balanced outs. Perhaps it just needs minor adjustment from an amp tech, but I wanted to check if anyone here has also experienced this. If you have, were you able to fix it and how did you do so?

(Haven't purchased a cabinet yet. Intend to pick up a PF210-HE soon.)

 

[Wasnex]

Could this be from some sort of digital device that is to close to the amp, cables, or recording interface?

 

[patbass2692]

Could this be from some sort of digital device that is to close to the amp, cables, or recording interface?

That is always a possibility. A laptop, router, and modem are all nearby. Will re-examine my studio for good measure.

However, I have never heard this specific sound before and this amp is the only new variable. It's also consistent with the conversation in this thread:

Ampeg PF50T popping noise on line out - Music Electronics Forum

 

[Wasnex]

That is always a possibility. A laptop, router, and modem are all nearby. Will re-examine my studio for good measure.

However, I have never heard this specific sound before and this amp is the only new variable. It's also consistent with the conversation in this thread:

Ampeg PF50T popping noise on line out - Music Electronics Forum

Re the thread...AFAIK there is no digital in the Ampeg PF50T. It does use solid state to drive the outputs though.

 

[Jctanner78]