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Cab suggestion for Ampeg B15R head?

Y

yaryaryaryar

Mar 27, 2016
165
353
#1
I have an opportunity to buy just the head portion of an Ampeg B15R. I was wondering if anyone has any cab suggestions. I'm looking for the vintage B15 sound (if that's possible with the B15R) but something that can handle the 100 watts of the head.

I know one route would be to track down a B15R extension cab, but they're tough to come by. Also I know many purists aren't crazy about that cab anyway. Another option is to get a B15 (maybe even double baffle) cab from Fliptops.net. I also saw JimmyM say in another thread that the PF210HE does a pretty good impression of the old B15 sound. Any other cabs I should consider?
 
#2
yaryaryaryar said:
I have an opportunity to buy just the head portion of an Ampeg B15R. I was wondering if anyone has any cab suggestions. I'm looking for the vintage B15 sound (if that's possible with the B15R) but something that can handle the 100 watts of the head.

I know one route would be to track down a B15R extension cab, but they're tough to come by. Also I know many purists aren't crazy about that cab anyway. Another option is to get a B15 (maybe even double baffle) cab from Fliptops.net. I also saw JimmyM say in another thread that the PF210HE does a pretty good impression of the old B15 sound. Any other cabs I should consider?
Click to expand...

Ampeg: Classic Series - SVT-15E

I had a B15R, wish I kept it. The head was in effect, a V4BH which I also owned. You might see a trend in my Ampeg love-
Also had a 3PRO, an SVT48HE, and a Portabass.

The B15R employed a special-designed driver for that rig, inc. a tweeter.
I think:
1) You should absolutely consider nothing other than matching that head with an Ampeg cab; and
2) The SVT-15E will more than likely make you happy and fer sher sound awesome.
My.02
 
#3
If you are talking about the same B15R that I saw for sale today - you'd better grab it before some else does. That one that I saw was a great deal - I would have bought it myself if shipping was an option.

I have used mine with many different cabs - it is a great sounding tube head and it is hard to go wrong.

Considering value, sound, cosmetics and availability - I would grab a PF115HE or a PF115LF to go with it.
 
#6
yaryaryaryar said:
Another option is to get a B15 (maybe even double baffle) cab from Fliptops.net. I also saw JimmyM say in another thread that the PF210HE does a pretty good impression of the old B15 sound. Any other cabs I should consider?
Click to expand...
The PF210he goes a tad bit lower than a typical B-15 cab, but it's not too low IMHO. Nice cab. But really, any good sounding cab will work with it. An 810e would be the bomb with it :D If you want a double baffle, Fliptops is cool, but for that particular cab, Mark at www.vintage-blue.com makes the best ones and they're totally worth the extra scratch. He doesn't make the B-15R cab, I don't think, but if you're interested in that, Fliptops makes them.
 
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#7
Bass 45 said:
It is - and it sounds great with the B15R - but you can run two PF cabs at four ohms (at the same price) with the B15R - in case things good real (loud) ;)

*Also - if it is the same one I saw go up for sale today - it comes with a Blue Check headbox
Click to expand...

You have to wonder how a B15R head and cabinet gets separated. You'd loose money parting it out. I saw one that was used on tour and the cab was a writeoff. It was badly cracked, the tolex was in rough shape, had a missing latch.
 
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#8
beans-on-toast said:
You have to wonder how a B15R head and cabinet gets separated. You'd loose money parting it out. I saw one that was used on tour and the cab was a writeoff. It was badly cracked, the tolex was in rough shape, had a missing latch.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Taking a B15 apart should actually be illegal IMO.
Where are the Ampeg Police when you need them?:roflmao:
 
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#9
Thanks for all the input. Bass45 - I do believe it's the same one you saw for sale. Sorry, but I did snatch it up... I'll let you know how it goes! It's encased in a blue-checkered head box, I'm assuming the one from Fliptops.net. So even though it's an orphaned B15 head, it's pretty neat, and I'm looking forward to experimenting with different cabs.

There is an SVT 15E for sale on my local CL for $250, which isn't terrible. Otherwise, I do have a couple cabs at home to try - a 2x12 and a 4x10. I was just looking to see if there are any others out there to get that vintage B15 sound. I just might end up going crazy and getting one of the Fliptops or Vintage Blue double baffle cabs. All excellent suggestions. Thanks!
 
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#11
yaryaryaryar said:
Thanks for all the input. Bass45 - I do believe it's the same one you saw for sale. Sorry, but I did snatch it up... I'll let you know how it goes! It's encased in a blue-checkered head box, I'm assuming the one from Fliptops.net. So even though it's an orphaned B15 head, it's pretty neat, and I'm looking forward to experimenting with different cabs.

There is an SVT 15E for sale on my local CL for $250, which isn't terrible. Otherwise, I do have a couple cabs at home to try - a 2x12 and a 4x10. I was just looking to see if there are any others out there to get that vintage B15 sound. I just might end up going crazy and getting one of the Fliptops or Vintage Blue double baffle cabs. All excellent suggestions. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Congrats! I am glad you got it - I don't need it - I have one already (and a V4B reissue).
 
#12
I've bought a used B15R, it sounded like poopie. Replaced the power tubes and got rid of the noises but the original Ampeg speaker was somehow damaged or just sucked. Low E, F and G sounded like trash, just pure mud. Now i got me a Eminence Legend CB158 (8Ohm 600W [300RMS]) and oh boy this amp be cookin' now!!! Silky smooth bass tones, can't wait to check this baby out in a band setting. Just to let fellow owners know, you will need slightly longer screws to fix this speaker to the wood because it's thicker than the original one. This update made this amp so much better, really can recommend it very much.
 

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