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Comprable to an Ampeg B15

J

Just_Some_Guy

Guest
Apr 24, 2012
2
0
#1
Does anyone have any recommendations for an amp that is comprable to an old Ampeg B15?
I need something to be able to tour with that has that sound, but is durable.
Honestly want something that is super simple(bass, treble, gain volume) to play my 78' Pbass through.
Any suggestions would be fantastic!
 
#3
I think SVT's are quite comparable in tone to the B-15. They don't operate the same way, and the controls are more deluxe, but it's got the sound.

But honestly, who says the B-15 isn't durable? Most are absolute tanks. I gig mine all the time. I'd just bring it if you're always going to have PA and it covers your stage volume needs.
 
#5
I gig with my '66 B-18 and 70s B-15 all the time. My B18 is in my truck right now, ready for gig this evening after work. I use a cover on both amps, am very careful moving it (rolling slowly, picking it up over bumps), plus I wrap a strap around the cabinet prior to putting the cover on, to keep the head tight against the speaker cabinet.

Both of my amps spent the 30 years prior to my ownership living in a Ford Econoline Van, without covers, heat, etc. and they still work fine.

If taking a vintage amp on the road won't work, you might consider Ashdown's new all-tube fliptop amp. Its was reviewed in a recent issue of Bass Player magazine.
 
#9
JimmyM said:
I think SVT's are quite comparable in tone to the B-15. They don't operate the same way, and the controls are more deluxe, but it's got the sound.

But honestly, who says the B-15 isn't durable? Most are absolute tanks. I gig mine all the time. I'd just bring it if you're always going to have PA and it covers your stage volume needs.
Click to expand...

+1
They are certainly well built, as is evidenced by the fact that they feel like they are filled with water when you need to dead lift one.
Those dollies weren't just a frilly accessory!

With their overbuilt cabinets and the shock mounted amps, they were built to be schlepped around; I don't hesitate to throw mine in a van and gig it either.
 
#10
Any of these suggestions are quite acceptable, and I've played through all of them and even have a couple of them (I don't care who you are...any Ampeg fan who plugs into a Micro VR and doesn't smile is dead inside ;) ), but I am now a raging tube snob again, and only tubes will do for me, so that's why I suggested an SVT or sticking with your B-15.

Another option you might want to consider is the A-Designs REDDI Tube DI. Not an amp or preamp, just straight up DI, but the sound that comes out of it is dead-on to a clean running B-15. Gets the Ampeg tube snob seal of approval :D
 
#11
edbass said:
+1
They are certainly well built, as is evidenced by the fact that they feel like they are filled with water when you need to dead lift one.
Those dollies weren't just a frilly accessory!
Click to expand...
LOL! True dat! But that's the price you pay for the sound. Well worth it IMHO. And as time goes on, you figure out better deadlifting strategies. Like I always take the head out if I have to deadlift mine. Then it's not so bad.
 
#14
B100R - I use two, stacked - with a Radial Big Shot ABY and a Yamaha NE-1 in front. The NE-1 acts as sort of a master volume for the pair - almost any pedal with a level control would probably do the same thing.
 
#15
JimmyM said:
Any of these suggestions are quite acceptable, and I've played through all of them and even have a couple of them (I don't care who you are...any Ampeg fan who plugs into a Micro VR and doesn't smile is dead inside ;) ).
Click to expand...

Absolutely! The Micro VR is hella cool, and one decent option for the OP. The new Portaflex line should also be at the top of your list. I just wrapped up a review of the PF-500/PF-115HE, and I was able to get it to sound fairly close to my B-15N.

Another option you might want to consider is the A-Designs REDDI Tube DI. Not an amp or preamp, just straight up DI, but the sound that comes out of it is dead-on to a clean running B-15. Gets the Ampeg tube snob seal of approval :D
Click to expand...

In addition to the REDDI, you should also check out the Jule Amps Monique preamp/DI. It ain't cheap, but it IS amazing...
 
#16
+1 to all of that, Tom. If you need preamp/EQ and not just a straight-up DI, the Monique is quite cool and very influenced by the B-15 as well.

But it's conversations like this that make me really happy my band plays at volumes where I can use a B-15 onstage unless supplying backline for someone else ;)
 
#17
JimmyM said:
+1 to all of that, Tom. If you need preamp/EQ and not just a straight-up DI, the Monique is quite cool and very influenced by the B-15 as well.

But it's conversations like this that make me really happy my band plays at volumes where I can use a B-15 onstage unless supplying backline for someone else ;)
Click to expand...

You know, one thing that I seem to come back to almost anytime I review a "new" piece of equipment is just how hard Jess hit the nail on the head with the B-15. It is the true gold standard for amplified bass tone, IME/IMHO.
 
#20
"All I can say is I’m very happy and extremely honored to have had a part in it all." Jess Oliver on the B-15

JimmyM said:
+1 to all of that, Tom. If you need preamp/EQ and not just a straight-up DI, the Monique is quite cool and very influenced by the B-15 as well.

But it's conversations like this that make me really happy my band plays at volumes where I can use a B-15 onstage unless supplying backline for someone else ;)
Click to expand...
 

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