Just received the elusive Ampeg B1 Combo!

[Bugeyed Earl]

Just picked up an older Hartke 410xl and powered it with the B-1; seems loud enough when cranked up a little, even at 8 ohms. I don’t think it would keep up with my drummer however, unless he played light (which I don’t think he could).

It sounded punchy and thick but lacking in ultra-lows, but it’s not the cab for that either. Engaging the ‘ultra highs’ helped make up for the absence of a HF driver. This cab produces midrange well - not the cab for getting a scooped sound IMO, but punchy mids is what you want in a good live mix anyway. At least that’s what works best for us.

A vertical 410 would be nice but got this cab for a good price and I don’t have a pressing need for a modular setup. What I DO have a pressing need for is a set of removable casters, like the Ernie Ball set, because this cab is a beast to move. Any ideas there?

Raz

I like to use these with any EB-type pop-in sockets (you can get them without the casters,) the larger diameter wheels roll really nicely compared to the ones that come with the set.

 

[RobbieNuke]

Try a 4 ohm cab. The amp should handle it. Experts ??

B1 amp is rated for 150 WRMS at 4 Ohms, drops to about 85 at 8 Ohms... that's why it sounds weak with a drummer.

 

[Razman]

Thanks for the caster link @Bugeyed Earl. If the cab stays I may explore those.

B1 amp is rated for 150 WRMS at 4 Ohms, drops to about 85 at 8 Ohms... that's why it sounds weak with a drummer.

I've A/B'd 8 and 4 ohm cabs before and IMHE the volume difference is marginal - but we're not talking 1000w amps here either. Since it takes 10x the power to double volume, a doubling of power will only net a ~10% increase in volume = barely noticeable. Even into this 8 ohm cab it's got some spank to it, and I won't be able to really judge volume until I use it in a live context.

I did find another 4 ohm 212 cab on CL local to me for cheap so I'm exploring that also, whilst trying not to let GAS-induced flipping syndrome cause me to list the Hartke for trade. Yes, I think I have a problem.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

Admitting it is step one.

 

[Razman]

So the Hartke is being sold to a friend today and I'm going to stick with the 212 for now. And I just realized this thread has been totally hijacked but scarcity precludes starting a B-1 thread of it's own. Anyway, I'll need to bring the 212 up to the practice space to perform some volume tests (it's 4 ohms) so looking forward to that, and it is lighter (and has feet) so casters aren't needed at the present time. Maybe I should pull out my old luggage cart for it, hmmm...

Regardless, until another B1 combo drops in my lap for a decent price I don't plan on looking for one, but post here if you happen to see another in the wild. You never know...

Raz

 

[Keis]

Hi there, I have the chance to buy a B1 combo, excellent condition. Price is €450. Probably a little bit to expensive?
Would this combo be loud enough to play in bars, considering guitar and drums are loud...?
Kind regards,
Keis

 

[Bugeyed Earl]

Hi there, I have the chance to buy a B1 combo, excellent condition. Price is €450. Probably a little bit to expensive?
Would this combo be loud enough to play in bars, considering guitar and drums are loud...?
Kind regards,
Keis

Everybody's definition of "loud" will differ slightly, but I'll err on the side of caution and say no in this case.

I've used my B-1 combo with my 8-piece ska band and it was more than enough for that, but I think it would be underpowered in my punk band. I've also used the head with an 8x10 cabinet and it was very loud, but that's quite different from the combo cab.

 

[Keis]

Ok, thats clear ;-)
So if I pull out the head and use it with a different cab, it would be loud enough?
What if I add a cab to the combo?

Everybody's definition of "loud" will differ slightly, but I'll err on the side of caution and say no in this case.

I've used my B-1 combo with my 8-piece ska band and it was more than enough for that, but I think it would be underpowered in my punk band. I've also used the head with an 8x10 cabinet and it was very loud, but that's quite different from the combo cab.

 

[Jazz Ad]

Hi there, I have the chance to buy a B1 combo, excellent condition. Price is €450. Probably a little bit to expensive?
Would this combo be loud enough to play in bars, considering guitar and drums are loud...?
Kind regards,
Keis

It sold new for 1500, this was last century though. It's not un common to see it go for 600. 450 € is a very fair price for a rare and awesome amp.
The stock speaker is 4 ohms, you can't add one.

 

[Keis]

It sold new for 1500, this was last century though. It's not un common to see it go for 600. 450 € is a very fair price for a rare and awesome amp.
The stock speaker is 4 ohms, you can't add one.

Ok, price is fair.
Just to be sure: or I play the combo as it is, or I pull out the head and add a different cab? 4x10 or so.
I thought the combo had an output to connect an extra cab? If it is connected serial? Or was that parallel? Help me out here, that was long ago

 

[Jazz Ad]

The head has 2 speaker outputs. When in combo form one of them is plugged to the cab.

 

[Razman]

Hi there, I have the chance to buy a B1 combo, excellent condition. Price is €450. Probably a little bit to expensive?
Would this combo be loud enough to play in bars, considering guitar and drums are loud...?
Kind regards,
Keis

Personally I thinks that’s a little high but if it’s what you really want, you have to determine what you are willing to pay for your own satisfaction.

That said, through a couple of older Trace Elliot cabs I felt it got pretty loud, but I wouldn’t depend on that single 12 in that context.

Raz

 

[Keis]

The head has 2 speaker outputs. When in combo form one of them is plugged to the cab.

Sorry, you lost me here... So, it's a combo, and it had 2 extra speaker outputs. Correct? Does this mean I can connect 2 extra cabs? Lets say a 4x10 and a 2x12 ?

 

[Jazz Ad]

 

[Keis]

Lo No

In fact, thats fantastic! This means you have a combo at home and for occasions like live shows or even the rehearsel garage, you can pull out the head and have a 4x10 cab connected.
That is the first time I see this, although I don't have a lot of experience with heads and cabs

 

[Keis]

Yesterday I was looking at some head/cab possibilities and came across the TC electronic BH250 head. Price is around 200€. If I combine that with a 2x10 cab, I'll come around the same price as the Ampeg B1.
The BH250 Is very portable, sounds good also...
What would be the best choice?

 

[66 Fender Jazz]

Hi there, I have the chance to buy a B1 combo, excellent condition. Price is €450. Probably a little bit to expensive?
Would this combo be loud enough to play in bars, considering guitar and drums are loud...?
Kind regards,
Keis

Mine is an original purchased in 1992 and I played it two weekends ago in a big room alongside loud electric guitar, rhythm acoustic guitar through the PA, harp player and a full, acoustic drumkit. Held its own.

 

[66 Fender Jazz]

The head has 2 speaker outputs. When in combo form one of them is plugged to the cab.

DO NOT use an extension speaker when in the 'combo' mode. This from the original Ampeg owner's manual.

 

[mickebas]

Trying to maybe wake this thread up.

I have a chance of buying the B1 combo but having a bit of a problem understanding how connecting an extra speaker cabinet works without damaging the head.
How would I go about connecting an external 8 ohm cabinet and still have the internal 12’ speaker on?
Is this not possible due to the internal speaker being 4 ohm?
Do I have to disconnect the internal speaker to use an 8 ohm extension cab or is it just the fact that the speakers will be very uneven volume vise?
Since the manual seems to say not to use the combo with internal and external speakers at the same time is this a definite no no or is there a way around it.
The seller says he’s been using an 8 ohm extension cab with it together with the internal 12’ 4 ohm speaker all the time with good results for years with no problems.

 

[66 Fender Jazz]

Trying to maybe wake this thread up.

I have a chance of buying the B1 combo but having a bit of a problem understanding how connecting an extra speaker cabinet works without damaging the head.
How would I go about connecting an external 8 ohm cabinet and still have the internal 12’ speaker on?
Is this not possible due to the internal speaker being 4 ohm?
Do I have to disconnect the internal speaker to use an 8 ohm extension cab or is it just the fact that the speakers will be very uneven volume vise?
Since the manual seems to say not to use the combo with internal and external speakers at the same time is this a definite no no or is there a way around it.
The seller says he’s been using an 8 ohm extension cab with it together with the internal 12’ 4 ohm speaker all the time with good results for years with no problems.

Have never connected extension cabinets. Mine has served 90% of needs as a combo. DI'ed it into a PA on the rare occasions playing outdoors or oversized venues. If it is a well-cared-for combo, you will be happy. Amp is entirely original up until its ongoing power transistor and preamp tube refresh. It replaced a then new, unreliable Gallien Krueger combo and I have never looked back after trading it back to the dealer.