B15ish pedal

[Ricky Caboverde]

The Runoffgroove Ginger is a wonderful sounding pedal that was modeled off of an Ampeg SB12 fliptop (not B15, but close, especially in a pedal format). You should definitely put it on the list for consideration. They're fairly easy to come by, and since it's an open design, it's relatively affordable when you do come across one: GINGER VFE Pedals is the only company I know of that most recently used to build this circuit. I had one that was built by @Dominic DeCosa, and used it for many years--highly recommend it.

 

[DirkP]

Did you ever use or own or play a real B15? The reason I ask is that I think for example many think that the B15 is a major part of the Jamerson sound. But I'm pretty convinced that the majority of his tracks were recorded directly without using a B15. And no one ever complained that Jamerson doesn't sound like Jamerson on Track 1, 45 and 277, 'cause he didn't use a B15 on these tracks. What makes you want a pedal that sounds like a B15 and why are you obsessed with the sound of a B15?

 

[mattbass6945]

I like the Ginger demos I'm seeing. That's what I had in mind. I don't need it, but I don't need any of this. Haha! That's on my list now.

 

[mattbass6945]

Did you ever use or own or play a real B15? The reason I ask is that I think for example many think that the B15 is a major part of the Jamerson sound. But I'm pretty convinced that the majority of his tracks were recorded directly without using a B15. And no one ever complained that Jamerson doesn't sound like Jamerson on Track 1, 45 and 277, 'cause he didn't use a B15 on these tracks. What makes you want a pedal that sounds like a B15 and why are you obsessed with the sound of a B15?

Valid point. I haven't played the b15. I do think a lot of what I consider that classic sound is actually several components. It had occurred to me that Jamerson had probably gone direct. Plus, the "hook", that studio, that bass, those flats, etc.

I'm not looking for anything in particular and I should have given more context in the original post. I just got to thinking about all the "SVT in a box" type pedals and it made me wonder where all the b15 pedals were. That being said, I can understand the marketing and group pedals appeal to and could understand why I don't come across many.

Now I'm rambling. It was just a random thread, not a tonal goal or objective. I should have given some context.

 

[allenhumble]

I agree that the Noble is more fenderish than ampeg. Jules Monique is probably closer to ampeg

Nothing B-15 about the Noble IMHO. It's more Fender than Ampeg.

But for the B-15 sound, I dig the REDDI, the VT, the SCR-DI, the P15, just off the top of my head.

 

[allenhumble]

The Monique is definitely not a pedal but I believe Jules has a preamp pedal in the works. Probably going to be in price range of Noble.

 

[SactoBass]

I've been out of the loop for a few years. We always hear about SVT type drive pedals, but is there a B15 in a box? Is this a dumb idea? Should I have had more coffee first?

Welcome back to the loop, Matt!

You might want to look into an Ampeg SCR-DI. I have one, and it provides me with a very good Ampeg tone. Plus, it can be used for silent practice (which is what I use it for). Good luck in your search!

 

[mattbass6945]

Welcome back to the loop, Matt!

You might want to look into an Ampeg SCR-DI. I have one, and it provides me with a very good Ampeg tone. Plus, it can be used for silent practice (which is what I use it for). Good luck in your search!

Thanks! Coming back to bass, having a couple of days off and talkbass is a dangerous mix!

For context, I can't play in bands anymore because work, kids, etc doesn't currently allow it. So, I don't need a specific sound. That allows me to go crazy internally thinking about options to goals I don't have. Haha

 

[DirkP]

Valid point. I haven't played the b15. I do think a lot of what I consider that classic sound is actually several components. It had occurred to me that Jamerson had probably gone direct. Plus, the "hook", that studio, that bass, those flats, etc.

I'm not looking for anything in particular and I should have given more context in the original post. I just got to thinking about all the "SVT in a box" type pedals and it made me wonder where all the b15 pedals were. That being said, I can understand the marketing and group pedals appeal to and could understand why I don't come across many.

Now I'm rambling. It was just a random thread, not a tonal goal or objective. I should have given some context.

Some of the SansAmp pedals have as many settings for the B15 as for the SVT, the B15 is just called "FlipTop".

Take a look at page 4 of the VT Bass DI manual:
Invalid Link Removed

 

[mattbass6945]

I had the VT a few years ago. I remember thinking it was good, but not perfect for the scenario then. I should try it again. I'll keep my eyes open!

 

[Kro]

I had the VT a few years ago. I remember thinking it was good, but not perfect for the scenario then. I should try it again. I'll keep my eyes open!

VT would also get my humble vote. I haven't tested out as many of the alternatives for that type of sound, but for me at least I like the tone I get from the VT so much that I have little interest in looking elsewhere.

FWIW, my personal character/drive settings just from trial and error closely resemble the suggested flip-top setting (with drive nudged up just a hair higher). I run the EQ nooned, and handle any additional post SansAmp EQ from my amp, but the drive and character knobs are where most of the magic is on those anyways.

 

[mattbass6945]

I was definitely going for the SVT sound then. While I still love it, I don't need the volume or the weight now, so I've since sold it.

I need to give the VT another go. I was really impressed with the Ginger pedal too. May have to snag that one.

 

[jj4001]

I have no idea what it's supposed to sound like, but I think the SolidGoldFX Beta sounds pretty similar to any B-15 I've played if you're open to a conventional OD pedal as opposed to a dedicated preamp. The other day I cranked the gain way up on the Beta and it was pretty much the same sound as the B-15 I used at a rehearsal recently that was really struggling to keep up with the band. I felt so guilty pushing that amp so hard. It was screaming bloody murder.

 

[tedsalt]

and there's the Ampeg Classic Analog Preamp Pedal for $79 new. No overdrive, just clean Ampeg ...

 

[birminghambass]

Own the Ampeg pre pedal, VT, and Sansamp. None of them sound as good as the Catalinbread SFT for ooooold school Ampeg.

 

[devnulljp]

There was a Broughton P15 in the classifieds a day or two ago. Bit spendy, but worth it.
Other than than, the Tech 21 VT Bass can do a nice B15-ish tone.

 

[Jonny5bass]

Another Broughton creation in the B15 type stuff is his PowerStage pedal. There’s only a few out there but they do come up here every once in a while. Definitely more affordable than the P15, REDDI, etc.

 

[allenhumble]

I have no experience with this but have read good things.

 

[Mosfed]

P-15

I gig with mine and a Class D power section and it sounds amazing.

 

[pudgychef]

Thanks! Coming back to bass, having a couple of days off and talkbass is a dangerous mix!

For context, I can't play in bands anymore because work, kids, etc doesn't currently allow it. So, I don't need a specific sound. That allows me to go crazy internally thinking about options to goals I don't have. Haha

Then a Zoom B1ON might be a fun and useful tool and is only $50...definitely get B15 (and others) enough for home use, has a rhythm tool, headphones, bunch of effects.