Last night, I picked up this used Ampeg PF-115HE, trading in my old GK 210RBH cabinet. I got less than I'd hoped for, for the GK... But I used Guitar Center instead of eBay because I couldn't see shipping it (heavy) and I'm cautious about buyers coming to my house. And the ratfur was pretty nasty, especially since my cats had been using the cab as a scratching post for awhile before I discovered it. 
Anyway, I'd been using the GK less and less, and for the last few years it had been living at my bandleader's rehearsal space, which isn't very bass-friendly-- a big window (no curtains), high ceiling, no soundproofing and I'm usually positioned in a corner. I think of the 210RBH as a good slapper's cab-- heavy tone, but quite scooped. I couldn't EQ it to "speak" clearly but not obnoxiously in the space. For a couple of rehearsals, I'd brought in my old Ampeg 100R combo, and its boxy midrange sounded better in that room. But I recently sold it because I've gotten away from using combos-- I like having a cabinet plus a couple of heads, for backups. So, in the back of my mind I'd been thinking about an Ampeg 115 cabinet, and when this one showed up, I grabbed it.
For gigs these days, I use mostly a Fender Rumble 115 cabinet. Comparing that and the Ampeg last night at home, I think the Fender has a "wider" sound with more heft. But after gigging with each of them, I'll be able to see whether or not I want to bring out the Ampeg and leave the Fender in the rehearsal space.
But... to get to the point...
I really like the sound of the PF-115HE! It's articulate without being harsh. It has this kind of unique (I think) Ampeg grind in the mids, and no pillowy lows-- and that's just what I was seeking. Last night, I tried it with a Rumble 200 head, an Elf, a GK MB200 and a GK 400RB, and all sounded good. The 400RB was warmed up (a good thing), but with the contour on, it was still middy enough to work in a mix. OK... I'll stop now... 
Here's the evidence:
Anyway, I'd been using the GK less and less, and for the last few years it had been living at my bandleader's rehearsal space, which isn't very bass-friendly-- a big window (no curtains), high ceiling, no soundproofing and I'm usually positioned in a corner. I think of the 210RBH as a good slapper's cab-- heavy tone, but quite scooped. I couldn't EQ it to "speak" clearly but not obnoxiously in the space. For a couple of rehearsals, I'd brought in my old Ampeg 100R combo, and its boxy midrange sounded better in that room. But I recently sold it because I've gotten away from using combos-- I like having a cabinet plus a couple of heads, for backups. So, in the back of my mind I'd been thinking about an Ampeg 115 cabinet, and when this one showed up, I grabbed it.
For gigs these days, I use mostly a Fender Rumble 115 cabinet. Comparing that and the Ampeg last night at home, I think the Fender has a "wider" sound with more heft. But after gigging with each of them, I'll be able to see whether or not I want to bring out the Ampeg and leave the Fender in the rehearsal space.
But... to get to the point...
I really like the sound of the PF-115HE! It's articulate without being harsh. It has this kind of unique (I think) Ampeg grind in the mids, and no pillowy lows-- and that's just what I was seeking. Last night, I tried it with a Rumble 200 head, an Elf, a GK MB200 and a GK 400RB, and all sounded good. The 400RB was warmed up (a good thing), but with the contour on, it was still middy enough to work in a mix. OK... I'll stop now... Here's the evidence:
Last edited:
