B-15 Question Please

The B-15 is probably one of the most recorded amps ever. The tone is amazing. The biggest complaint that you hear is not enough volume. This can be addressed in live situations to some extent by adding a second cab.

You will have to determine if this the best amp in terms of tonal range for the song styles and volume levels that you are playing.

No flub from the Heritage B-15. They have a stiffer power supply design in that model that helps keep it sharp and maintains the lows.

 

I have an old B15, and play my J with it all the time. Love the sound, and never ever though it was flubby. Very tight actually. Like Beans said,,, the only issue is the volume you have on tap with only 30 watts.

If you are interested in hearing some sounds, here is a link to my soundcloud... I have three recordings on there, and they are my early 60s B15 and my J-bass (NOS '64 w/ flats). Two different mics, and a DI signal direct off the bass.

https://soundcloud.com/mother-buffalo


If you think the 30 watts is enough amp, I would go for it, and get a second extension speaker. Use if if you need the extra sound, and don't if you don't.

 

That is a really hard question.

I'm sure some others will chime in on that, but there are so many factors, it's really hard to say. A lot of it has to do with how loud the other guys in the band are -- like if your guitar player plays a blues Jr vs playing a twin,, how hard your drummer hits, etc. Also think about what kind of FOH you get on a regular basis, and how much "clean headroom" you need.

30 watts is a small amp, especially compared to what most guys use these days, but it can be done. Having a second cab can really help volume, but it really sucks when you are on a gig, want more volume, and you have nowhere to go on your amp. Can't speak to the Heritage specifically, but my little B15 puts out some pretty good volume and stays clean past noon. -- I mostly reserve it for smaller places, HH type gigs, playing with acoustic instruments, etc...

 

You should go to this tread and strike up a conversation! Lot's of very very knowledgeable B15 guys there. Also, lots of dudes who gig with B15, and I think there are even a couple Heritage B15 owners.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/jess-olivers-legacy-ampeg-portaflex-club-part-11-a-981538/

 

I've done arenas and huge outdoor shows with a B-15 and either one or two double baffle B-15 cabs like what's in the Heritage. Had PA, though. Biggest gigs I've done using stage volume only are about an 800 seat theater and a 300 seat dance hall. It all depends on your band's stage volume. Some will struggle, no doubt about it. My band isn't super loud but we're not quiet either, and they will make a B-15 get good and warm, but it'll still stay pretty clean. I can't guarantee you will feel the same way but it works for me. And two cabs definitely help with the volume. I love my B-15 and use it fairly often, although less so since I got this Heritage SVT a month and a half ago

Ampeg is also going to be making a new imported V4B 100w tube amp, which might be cool for your thing as well. They haven't announced a release date but they're supposed to have more info about it come early August, or so they've said on here and Facebook. I doubt I'll be able to talk the wife into letting me get one since I got the Heritage, but I really want one!

 

I'm a new B15 owner and though the cab is a 12" (B12) with a jbl, I also bought a Vintage Blue 15" speaker cab and the difference in volume is night and day. Mine has the beta 15 in it. This whole rig has the sweetest sound.

 

I don't find a vintage 60's B15 "flubby" at all. They are harmonically rich and have a very warm and dimensional sound - but have more highs and mids than say a 70's Thiele Box B15.

 

You could also look for a B-15R. Looks just like the B-15N, but is 100W all tube (switchable to 40 or 60). That, with a speaker upgrade would be even better. And with a 15" extension cab, you'd be running 100W into 2 15s. That should be PLENTY for what you're talking about.

 

Both cabs have their own unique sound to them, and both sound tight. I am glad I own both, and the 12" would be all I ever needed to record with, ect; but the bigger cab, and speaker in the 15" setup will allow me to play in a group setting with greater volume. These amps are everything I thought they would be, and more.