New Amp Day! Ampeg B2-48

[MegaSwing]

FWIW, I have had an Ampeg 4x8 cabinet for a couple of months now, and it's pretty dang peachy.

I bought it from a guy who used it as an extension cab with a B2 1x15 combo, and together they sounded just killer. I nearly bought the whole rig, even though I didn't need it.

 

[Hnz]

I bought it from a guy who used it as an extension cab with a B2 1x15 combo, and together they sounded just killer. I nearly bought the whole rig, even though I didn't need it.

Ha, ha, just the other way round; I'd like to add a 15" extension cab to my 4x8 combo…

 

[klejst]

Great pickup on that cool little combo. It's always great hearing when someone gets a piece of gear they have always wanted and it's even better when there is a good story to go along with it.

 

[gtrandbass]

Got my B2-408 yesterday, sounds great! Two questions: Have you guys noticed if the relay clicks and turns sound on fairly long time after the power is switched on? It's like a minute when powering up for the first time in the day, the seller informed. Is that normal? And, does the fan in your amp work when power is on? I didn't notice that happening when I played the amp last night for couple of hours at a reasonably high volume.

 

[JimmyM]

If it has a tube, it's perfectly normal, as amps with tubes will have a delay because it kills tubes quickly to play through them before they're warmed up.

 

[gtrandbass]

Thanks but it has no tubes, it's an all solid state amp.

 

[JimmyM]

Hmmm...that's an amp I don't know much about. Well maybe it's a little ka-flooey but not ka-flooey enough to do anything but cause a delay on warmup.

 

[gtrandbass]

Yeah, I hope some B2 408 owner will chime in to let me know if his is doing the same.

 

[bray101]

Got my B2-408 yesterday, sounds great! Two questions: Have you guys noticed if the relay clicks and turns sound on fairly long time after the power is switched on? It's like a minute when powering up for the first time in the day, the seller informed. Is that normal? And, does the fan in your amp work when power is on? I didn't notice that happening when I played the amp last night for couple of hours at a reasonably high volume.

Mine does it all the time. I've never really been concerned bc it never fails to turn on eventually. Haha

As for the fan, I'm not sure. I believe it is variable speed, so it may just be barely on and you don't hear it. Maybe would kick up after a long time playing.

 

[Hnz]

I am not sure; I never start playing immediately after I turn my B2 4x8 on. But I know my BA115T does not give a sound immediately though.
Isn't that just normal? I remember even my Markbass amp used to need a little time to start-up; As does my GK combo...

 

[gtrandbass]

Bray101, nice to know I'm not alone with the delayed power up, tks for the info. I'll follow how the fan behaves.

Hnz, next time pls check how long it takes in your case and report back. To me the power up delay feels unusually long and I'm not sure if it should be like that. The long delay happens after the amp has been shut down for a longer time (such as overnight) only.

 

[Blissful_Bass]

I just picked up a B2 without the amp section. Gonna see about putting some mounting rails in there, toss a good power amp in and just use my preamp rack with it.

When I initially test drove it . . . I was really impressed! Still have as yet to put it through its paces, but I have to pick up the right power amp for it.... which I will hopefully be picking up tomorrow afternoon!

 

[bray101]

If anyone is within a reasonable distance of Cleveland, there is one up on the local craigslist for a pretty good price.

 

[jeff7bass]

This is the older Ampeg combo I wanted. JimmyM, you play one of these ever?

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/ampeg-b3-158-killer-combo-dc-metro-area.426459/#post-16694401

 

[JimmyM]

I have not, Jeff.

 

[Hnz]

...Hnz, next time pls check how long it takes in your case and report back...

First time back in the practice room. Sorry it took me so long Gtrandbass, but we've been practicing in my garage for a while.
Well, it took ages for the amp to fire up, cause it broke down! That is, the fuse did. Luckily I had a spare one but after a short while this also blew.
What I noticed was that the start-up time after I put in the new fuse did take about 15 seconds.
I got in touch with an amp tech and he recognized the problem with this particular type of Ampeg head. It will cost me ± €120 to fix it and fix it good.
I'm now negotiating for a deal on a used PF350 to replace the B2. Imho the PF350 sounds way better.

 

[TonH]

A few years ago the band I play in had to go/move to another practice room. A room with equipment/amps.
For the bassplayer there was (is) a Ampeg b2 4x8. I never had seen one before. So I tried it and started to "love" the amp, especially the sound. No matter what kind of bass I play (Precision, Jazz, Rick), I can always hear myself very well even with two loud guitarists.

So I would like to have such an amp at home.

This week I was able to purchase an used B2 4x8. Yesterday I picked it up and the sound is what I expected.
Unfortunately one knob is missing.
Does anybody know where I can buy such knob?
Is it this knob? Invalid Link Removed