How is Ampeg quality with new ownership?

[pglaser01]

I would assume that the purchase thus far has just been administrative. I.e. I doubt any changes in manufacturing have been implemented yet. I was kind of hoping there would be changes, since I trust Yamaha's electronics so much; I am putting off purchasing a PF-50T until it becomes clear whether or not there will be any.



FYI, the '63 reissue was part of the AV line, not the AVRI line. It ran for a wonderful five years from late 2012 through late 2017 (AVRI was 1998 through late 2012, and before that it was just called the Vintage Series). Glorious period, that was. Best standard production line reissues Fender ever made.

Your assumption is very likely correct.

When thinking of company takeovers such as this, the rollouts of any changes can be slow. The new parent company will have to first spend time incorporating existing policies, adapting between departments, and seeing where redundancy between new and old ownership exists. It could also be likely that a parent company continues to let an OpCo go on as usual, only making subtle shifts to be more in line with the parent comp’s business model system.

Can’t say when it’ll happen that you’ll start seeing Ampeg releases that are truly “Yamaha produced”, if ever. Honestly, most of the differences you’ll probably never really notice until we’ll after changes are made.

 

[coreyfyfe]

• Exacting emulation of the original Ampeg V-4B All Tube Bass Amp, endorsed by Ampeg

Ampeg V-4B

Good for YGG in acceptance and endorsing more modeling options. Hoping YGG keeps on track with modernizing of Ampeg.

The ad copy is wrong as well:

"The original amp came on the market back in 1971 and featured the same preamp as the Ampeg SVT, but introduced a 100 watt power amp, all tube construction and matching 1x12, 2x12, and 8x10 cabinets. To put it simply, the V–4B is an amazing reissue of the well-known 1971 original and delivers a thick tube tone with an uncompromising low end that has made its way into countless bass rigs over the years. It can be heard on countless hits!"

Different preamp designs, the original V4B cabs were 2x15, the modern ones are 1x12 and 2x12.

 

[DanGroove]

Yeah, I remember a few months back GC and Sweetwater had a massive price decrease on PF50T (maybe more) heads. I asked why the price drop (~40-50%) and they said it was done to clear existing inventory to replace with new units with the appropriate parent company name in the back.

OMG I missed this sale?! Well crap... Really would like a PF50T

 

[DanGroove]

I would not expect a decline in quality due to Yamaha take over. I've never had anything with the Yamaha name on it that wasn't well made.

 

[pcake]

i'm 95% sure that my new ampeg svt-210av box had yamaha on it as the manufacturer. the label on the cab doesn't list a manufacturer at all.

 

[GreyBeard]

If Yamaha is going to start making Ampeg amps in their factories, they will be top notch. Yamaha has a much deserved reputation for high quality instruments and a high standard for what comes out of their factories. Even the lowest priced budget instruments are quality. If I were in the market for a new Ampeg, I’d be waiting until the new ones Yamaha is involved with.

I agree. I've been buying YAMAHA band instruments and riding their bikes for years and "they don't make no junk".

 

[groooooove]

Well hell...yeah, I'm a dumb ass.

that actually made me laugh reading the thread to that point

 

[JimmyM]

Your assumption is very likely correct.

When thinking of company takeovers such as this, the rollouts of any changes can be slow. The new parent company will have to first spend time incorporating existing policies, adapting between departments, and seeing where redundancy between new and old ownership exists.

Especially when LOUD botched their rollout when they bought Ampeg, rushed product out in their own facilities, and made a lot of stuff that didn't work.

 

[wolfkeller]

that actually made me laugh reading the thread to that point

All about the good times man.

 

[Somnambulance]

I am also keeping an eye out for Ampeg changes sine Yamaha bought them. I’ve had my eye on a pf50t for a while

 

[Somnambulance]

They’re inviting public input on how they can improve their products so I think it’s safe to assume that some changes may be coming

 

[DuluthDank]

I love the ampeg sound, but I've avoided them since their engineering has fallen behind competitors like GK, Markbass, etc. Here's hoping Yamaha brings them into present. When they come up with a product that can match, for example, the GK MB212 for weight, volume and quality, I'll buy it in a second because I love the Ampeg sound.

 

[Cave Puppy]

Yeah, I remember a few months back GC and Sweetwater had a massive price decrease on PF50T (maybe more) heads. I asked why the price drop (~40-50%) and they said it was done to clear existing inventory to replace with new units with the appropriate parent company name in the back.

Not anymore. They are still $899 at SW with "LOUD" as the manufacturer as shown on the back of the amp in the pics. Same on GC.

 

[Lovep]

Not anymore. They are still $899 at SW with "LOUD" as the manufacturer as shown on the back of the amp in the pics. Same on GC.

Yeah, strange. Maybe it wasn't true about the labeling...the price decrease was true though...

 

[JimmyM]

I love the ampeg sound, but I've avoided them since their engineering has fallen behind competitors like GK, Markbass, etc. Here's hoping Yamaha brings them into present. When they come up with a product that can match, for example, the GK MB212 for weight, volume and quality, I'll buy it in a second because I love the Ampeg sound.

I don't get that "engineering has fallen behind" thing. They have micros and neos. And their combos aren't the lightest out there, but they're solid.

 

[mapleglo]

I picked up a PF50T at GC when they were blowing them out. Great amp!

I've owned a lot of Ampeg stuff over the years.

The only complaint I have is that many of their amps and cabs are heavy, and those that are not, don't play as loud as I need them to be. The Micro VR head is an exception. I bring that as a backup to pretty much every gig I play. However, as I get older, I find that I need to have lighter cabs, so I've been using the light weight Orange 12's. Still love my Ampegs though!

 

[mbell75]

They’re inviting public input on how they can improve their products so I think it’s safe to assume that some changes may be coming

Id start with charging less than what they do for amps that are made in Vietnam or China. Want to keep those premium price tags? Make them in the US again or at least in Yamaha's factory in Japan. Honestly, I have less interest in an Ampeg amp now that Ive played (and ordered) their SCR-DI pedal with my Rumble 500c. Sounds a ton better than the Ampeg BA-210 I compared it with yesterday and even better than the SVT7 Pro, and it only cost me $130. Im just not a fan of the Ampeg Class D amps, maybe its the speakers because I love the way the pedal sounds thru the Rumble. If I ever get a tube amp, it will be the Super Bassman rather than the overpriced SVT-VR. I am really interested to see what Yamaha does with any changes in the line though.

 

[Somnambulance]

Id start with charging less than what they do for amps that are made in Vietnam or China. Want to keep those premium price tags? Make them in the US again or at least in Yamaha's factory in Japan. Honestly, I have less interest in an Ampeg amp now that Ive played (and ordered) their SCR-DI pedal with my Rumble 500c. Sounds a ton better than the Ampeg BA-210 I compared it with yesterday and even better than the SVT7 Pro, and it only cost me $130. Im just not a fan of the Ampeg Class D amps, maybe its the speakers because I love the way the pedal sounds thru the Rumble. If I ever get a tube amp, it will be the Super Bassman rather than the overpriced SVT-VR. I am really interested to see what Yamaha does with any changes in the line though.

Tell them, not me

 

[DuluthDank]

I don't get that "engineering has fallen behind" thing. They have micros and neos. And their combos aren't the lightest out there, but they're solid.

Their ultra light cabs are not as robust as those offered by other companies, and like you said, the combos are not the lightest out there. I just care about these differences enough to be turned away from them at the moment. I'm running a Tech 21 VT into a GK rig right now, which gets me close to what I want. I'm eagerly waiting to see what they produce next under Yamaha.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

Id start with charging less than what they do for amps that are in China. Want to keep those premium price tags? Make them in the US again or at least in Yamaha's factory in Japan.

I've suggested this on Ampeg's website.