I Have the Ampeg Itch!

[lilcrate]

My PF500 sounds good...real good. Is it all the tube goodness that my V-4B is? No. But, it definitely has the Ampeg sound without spending the coin to go all tube.

Edit: Having also come from the TH500, what I found was that I could get the TH500 close to the Ampeg tone (especially with a VT Bass pedal) but that I can absolutely nail the tone of the TH500 with the PF500 with the press of a switch and turning a few knobs. To me, the TH500 had something in the mids going on that I could never dial out. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the TH500 is mid-forward (though there have been some comments as to such and a thread floating around here about it) but I think what sets them apart, for me, is the ultra high and low switches on the Ampeg. The TH500 is absolutely relaxed in the highs where the Ampeg can get more "glassy" up top - especially with the ultra high engaged (I don't use this, just a little too much high for my tastes - no complaints with the amount of highs from TH500 either). I do use the ultra low switch though and, for me, this is where Ampeg can get a big, fat tone that the TH500 couldn't quite copy. Don't get me wrong, the TH500 sounds good but I think that overall the Ampeg can achieve an overall "fatter" sound that was what I was shooting for. Of course, just IMO and YMMV. Hope this helps.

Very interesting. I find the TH500 to be lacking a bit in the highs for my taste. I don't feel like it's missing much in the low, at least with my cabs and basses, but definitely a bit mid heavy to my ear, which isn't necessarily an issue for me. But you definitely have my attention. I am anxious to A/B the two brands.

B.S.
OP, if you want to try Ampeg on a budget, buy a PF-350. I bought mine new with full warranty over two years ago and have had ZERO issues with it. Cost < $250.00 at Musician't Friend.

This I would agree with. If you somehow find yourself short on power you can use the effects send/pre amp out and the "Ampeg sound" from the preamp is there for a second poweramp.

Great guys. Thanks. I might shoot for the PF350 or more likely the PF500 then and if I like it go from there.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

...Great guys. Thanks. I might shoot for the PF350 or more likely the PF500 then and if I like it go from there.

To get the best price on a PF-350, or anything else for that matter, contact the seller directly and make an offer. I used email and they responded almost immediately. I got better than 20% discount on my PF-350 and my PF-115. Both were purchased from Musician's Friend. They also threw in a few goodies. Good luck. FWIW, I have no affiliation with MF, other than being a satisfied customer.

 

[KaseOfBass]

Great guys. Thanks. I might shoot for the PF350 or more likely the PF500 then and if I like it go from there.

FWIW, the preamp section of the PF350 differs from that of the PF500 and PF800. My understanding is the pre of the PF350 is that of the mini-VR amp. So, while I'm sure it's slight, I've read that the tone is different from 350 to the others. The 350 is also lacking the ultra high and low, compression, midrange frequency selector and fx mix.

 

[f.c.geil]

All true. The PF-500 is more like an SVT, and the PF-350 is more like a B15. The 500 has so many more features that it's worth (to me) the extra, especially since it can be had in your price range.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

FWIW, the preamp section of the PF350 differs from that of the PF500 and PF800. My understanding is the pre of the PF350 is that of the mini-VR amp. So, while I'm sure it's slight, I've read that the tone is different from 350 to the others. The 350 is also lacking the ultra high and low, compression, midrange frequency selector and fx mix.

All true, which is what I like about it. Just five knobs, it's simple to operate, and it gets that Ampeg sound. It has a very similar vibe to my SB-12.

Edit: Tekdiver posted while I was typing. I would not argue with anything he said. It all boils down to needs and wants.

 

[B-string]

So the question of "Ampeg tone"? You can or can't get "Ampeg tone" from the PF-350 (likened to the B15) or do you have to get the PF-500 (more like the "SVT" with added bells and whistles)?

 

[Stealth Fighter]

So the question of "Ampeg tone"? You can or can't get "Ampeg tone" from the PF-350 (likened to the B15) or do you have to get the PF-500 (more like the "SVT" with added bells and whistles)?

Yes!

 

[f.c.geil]

They both have Ampeg tone, just two different varieties. Both sound great, I prefer the 500 for SVT sound and additional features.

 

[KaseOfBass]

I've only briefly played on the PF350 in GC but, for me, the PF500 was so much more of that fat, warm Ampeg tone that I was wanting. The PF350 didn't differ that much from the TH500 that I already had to my ears other than the TH500 feeling a touch more mid-forward than the PF350.

 

[Fat Steve]

I've used both for my DB, and for me personally, the the PF 350 won. I'd say it sounds closer to a B-25 than a B-15, but definitely less SVT like then the PF 500.

 

[Vintagefiend]

Which of the all-tube Ampeg heads do you consider to be "affordable", as described by the OP? I love my old SVT, and appreciate the V4B, but those are heads that retail in the high side of $1000.

well, it depends on what your definition of 'affordable' is.

I made up my mind to get an all-tube SVT about a year before I pulled the trigger, so I had saved some $$ specifically for an amp.

Now I love Orange, and Fender...but I knew I wanted Ampeg. So it was down to a V4-B, VR, CL, or II (pro or non). After having played them all in various situations, I had narrowed it down to either the V4 or VR. I tried a few out - even a VR that had been used by Sheryl Crow's bassist (it had a problem in the 2nd channel; I passed) until I found a guy in Bonner Springs KS (I live 4 hrs away) who had listed a VR on cl for $1300. He knocked some $$ off for my drive...and I had what was basically a brand-new VR in a heavy duty roadcase for $1150.

A few weeks later, a buddy sold me his mid-70's V4-B in a live-in roadcase, freshly serviced and re-tubed, for $900 (in order to finance a purchase of a II-non pro).

And now, I'll never need another amp...and I don't spend portions of each gig fighting my tone and wondering why my bass sounds like a dog fart.

So, to me, the reality is, I can't afford to NOT have tubes. Hell, all I need now is a Reddi and I'll never need another amp or preamp ever, far as I can see.

 

[B-string]

So has the search for trying the "Ampeg tone" gotten any easier Dartboard anyone?

 

[divetone]

Lilcrate, In the official tone hammer 500 thread #4 at about page 30 , KJung and Eublet both offer th500 settings that create their interpretations of the grindy Ampeg sound. Eublet's take was especially interesting. I tried it and it sounded like a different amp. Check it out if you can find it. I can't seem to post it from my phone.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

So has the search for trying the "Ampeg tone" gotten any easier Dartboard anyone?

Only because there is not a single Ampeg tone. They are many Ampeg tones, and they are all good. Regardless of the belief of some, Ampeg is not a one-trick-pony.

 

[B-string]

Only because there is not a single Ampeg tone. They are many Ampeg tones, and they are all good. Regardless of the belief of some, Ampeg is not a one-trick-pony.

And we have arrived! There is no one single "Ampeg tone". Now the OP knows you can try out different "flavors" of Ampeg. So start with the cheapest first like the PF-350 and you can get the "general idea" of how Ampeg may differ without spending large amounts of cash.

 

[middy]

And we have arrived! There is no one single "Ampeg tone". Now the OP knows you can try out different "flavors" of Ampeg. So start with the cheapest first like the PF-350 and you can get the "general idea" of how Ampeg may differ without spending large amounts of cash.

Or, rent a SVT. Then get your bank account ready to buy one, because you won't want to give it back.

 

[B-string]

I used to own two and now have none, so it is still a matter of personal taste.

 

[JimmyM]

Or, rent a SVT. Then get your bank account ready to buy one, because you won't want to give it back.

That's true. I sure didn't. I did, however, want to hire someone to move it around for me

 

[husky123]

That's true. I sure didn't. I did, however, want to hire someone to move it around for me

I move my 810 first so that way when I go back to pick up the head it feels light as a feather.

 

[fishinmuzician]

I had a PF-500 for a couple of years. Zero problems, great sound. I've had the 7Pro for a year or so, zero problems, even better sound and more power. I've had the V4-B for a few months now and it too has been trouble free and has the advantage of that all tube feel thing. Depending on what kind of music you're playing and what cabs you're running, one of these could work for you better than the others. But I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of them.

Dan

Sounds like you and I are twins! I have the same amps in my stable, except the 7-Pro is about two years old. I love 'em all and like you, zero issues. Been playing them out with a pair of PF-115HEs until tonight. How about you?