new ampeg ba115 problem

[spaz21387]

So this time its not hissing. I tryed disconnecting the tweeter last week to get rid of the hiss but it sounded bad so I re connected it. About 20 minutes ago I was just practicing like I always do when I have some free time And the tweeter just started screeching. I turned it off right away and now im scared to turn the amp back on. Has anyone else had this problem? So how long are ampegs covered by warranty? I remember reading somewhere that its 5 years and if thats the case I think I can return it. I havent had it more then 3 to 4 years. And what will they do I doubt they will give me a refund so ill probably be stuck with another crappy ampeg ba115 combo.

 

[98mtd]

Check their website for your local service center. Get a hold of your receipt and contact them to explain your situation. Get it repaired. Here's the link.

http://www.loudtechinc.com/corecgi/forms/SLMServiceCenters.aspx

It's only crappy if they cannot repair it and you can't use it anymore. I believe it is a five year warranty. I'm enjoying mine for personal practice and just turned it off.

 

[lonote]

This won't be a big deal or an expensive repair; but you have to have the horn replaced. It will be cheap even if you pay for it yourself...less than $50 would be my guess.

 

[CraigG]

Ahhh, the Ampeg snake crate strikes again!

 

[98mtd]

What are everyone's experience with this combo? Likes? Dislikes?

 

[bobba66]

I got one last year. Disconnected the tweeter and it's been fine. Not a great amp. Not bad, though.

 

[heinpete]

I#ve got mine 2 months ago, used, in vg condition for 220Euros. The hiss is barable and the volume great for small gigs.
Your tweeter could have been killed by wrong poling?

 

[CraigG]

What are everyone's experience with this combo? Likes? Dislikes?

This has been discussed fairly extensively on the forums. Here are my answers...

Likes:

1. Tone
2. Tiltback design
3. Tone presets are pretty nice

Dislikes:

1. Hissssssss (having to disconnect the tweeter on a new amplifier is not an acceptable solution).
2. A bit heavy/bulky for only 100 watts
3. Volume doesn't get any louder past mid-way (and really isn't loud enough when playing with a strong drummer)

BTW, I very much wanted to like the BA115 when I owned one. But the experience was not up to par with what I felt it should have been with a name like Ampeg. I expected better than what I got.

 

[gmstudio99]

I've had one for about 5+ years now...It's my only amp and I use it for everything I do: pit orchestra gigs and lots of singer/songwriter gigs, over 1,000 gigs in all that time. Never had a lick of a problem.

 

[98mtd]

Has anyone installed a higher end tweeter for this combo? And, how do you disconnect the tweeter?

 

[whitespike]

I used to work for a music store, and warranties can be tricky. 5 year warranties usually only cover specific items, usually only parts relating to the amp itself. Speakers and horns usually only get 6 months to a year max. Read the fine print!

 

[whitespike]

I'd like to add that these combos really don't sound like Ampeg to me. The Diamond Blue series is the only Ampeg combos that I have tried that I like. The BA series sound hollow and lifeless to me ... not that full, round punchy Ampeg signature tone we're used to.

 

[98mtd]

bump!

 

[MusicMan810]

I was thinking about picking one of these up but I have read all the bad stuff on it though. I need a combo amp and want to get something with enough balls for a gig if I didnt want to haul the big rig around. This would fit the bill but I dont like all the hiss with this amp. I played one at guitar center and it had the same problem. Would hooking up a different preamp to this elimate the buzz?

 

[big stubby]

I bought one over a year ago. Played it for 2 minutes when I got it home(new) and it shut down. Brought it back and got another new one it went into the shop 3 other times to get repaired. It is gone now and I own a Fender bassman 250/210. I love my new amp and will never buy an ampeg ever again.

 

[Shawn Luckman]

Got mine for Christmas disconnected the tweeter,and it's been fine better than the Ashdown EB 180 combo i had before it.

 

[RickenBoogie]

I don't care for any of the Ampeg solid state amps, except the little BA112. For some reason, the 112 sounds like a real bass amp, maybe because it has no horn. Otherwise, love the all tube V4BH, and the hybrid SVT 6Pro to death.

 

[xtorrak]

I've had one for about 5+ years now...It's my only amp and I use it for everything I do: pit orchestra gigs and lots of singer/songwriter gigs, over 1,000 gigs in all that time. Never had a lick of a problem.

Uh...you're gigging every 1.85 days for 5 years straight?


I hated my BA115, the tweeter would hiss, it was way too quiet, too heavy, and the tone was mediocre.

 

[JayAmel]

What are everyone's experience with this combo? Likes? Dislikes?

I have a new one (built 2008). Curiously I have no hiss at all.

Really a good amp for me.

 

[HomeBrewTJ]

I picked a used one up for $150 last week. It doesn't hiss at all- think it's about 7 years old; great shape. I play a p-bass with flats and this gives me the tone I need. We always use either our p.a. or a club's, so volume isn't an issue. I like how it has the tilt back, so I can use it as a monitor on stage.