New ampeg speculation - A true B15 Reissue?

[stiles72]

The B-15R was 100 watts, and had some very useful upgrades to it such as the XLR out, half power switch, ability to switch between 6L6 or EL34 tubes, line out/in, and all the boost and mid controls. I still want one! But a lot of folks complain that it wasnt a "true B-15" - and so now we'll have a true low wattage B-15 again. Keep in mind 25-30 watts tube is right on par with 100 watts SS, so it will work in the right application.
In an ideal world, I'd love to see both amps in the Ampeg line up (priced to sell well of course), especially now that the B-100R, 200R, 50R have been discontinued.

 

[JimmyM]

i've seen them go higher as well but yeah, that seems to be the general price vicinity.

 

[JayAmel]

Guys, the B15N I talked about a few pages before, I got it in MINT condition for something like $650.

But that was back in 1980, huh.

 

[Mastermold]

Well, I guess we'll know soon enough how much Ampeg thinks they can sell these for. But based on what I just saw on ebay, if they ask too much, I may just opt for the aftermarket.

 

[JayAmel]

Keep in mind 25-30 watts tube is right on par with 100 watts SS, so it will work in the right application.

+ 1,000,000.

Not to hijack this awesome thread, but practicing and rehearsing at low volume is safer for one's ears, and better for the musical work (unless maybe you play in a RATM ou SOAD tribute band).

Even stage level should be moderate, for better interaction. And there are wedge stage monitors or in-ear monitoring systems that can help self monitoring, still at moderate volumes.

There are mikes or D.I. one can use for FOH, and this is normally the _only_ place where volume should need to be loud.

Just IMO, as usual.

 

[fivestringgecko]

I can't see a hand built classic series re-issue going for less than $2,000.

Sadly, you're right and I came to that realization a couple pages back... Like I said in my post, I understand it's handmade boutiqueness.

The price point has been well hashed by now (which I've contributed to) and I'm looking forward to their announcement at BPL just to put it to rest, no matter what price they announce. I realize that even $1299 is probably out of the realm of possibility, I'm just making the point that if they were come out with price that's a bit lower (like Stiles said, "priced to sell well") they'll probably sell more.

5sg.

 

[JimmyM]

well maybe if the heritage model does well they'll reissue a vietnamese version with green pcb's

 

[Korladis]

I understand that. But I think most people's car stereos are more than 25 watts. I know my Monsoon computer speakers are.

25 Watts equals 14dBW.

A 25Watt amp is plenty for guitar since they like to crank them up. *I* like a bit more headroom than that.

I like to crank it up.

Besides, I can think of a lot of musical situations where 25 watts would be plenty.

Ashdown's Little Bastard is what, 30 watts? For now it's too expensive for me, but I've been thinking about getting one.

A small tube amp for practicing and playing with groups besides my metal bands would be nice to have.

 

[JayAmel]

OK well, if these reach a high price tag, I'll stick with my BA115 + VT Bass, who together have 99% of the B15 job done.

 

[stiles72]

OK well, if these reach a high price tag, I'll stick with my BA115 + VT Bass, who together have 99% of the B15 job done.

Or just hold out for a vintage one at the price that works for ya

 

[BassmanPaul]

aw, you guys... if only being the founder of the talkbass portaflex club, playing with bowzer from sha na na, and using a 1964 b-15n rebuilt by jess oliver on a regular basis in front of crowds of thousands carried the endorsement weight of darryl jones

It actually amazes me that firms like Ampeg, by any other name, actually believe that putting a picture of an amplifier along with one of a well known bass player will cause players to buy that amp. As was said earlier a person being given free equipment or being paid to use his/her name will never influence me to buy that amp in a million years. Now if that artist is an adamant supporter of that piece of equipment and has purchased with his/her own money, THAT I will listen to, THAT will influence my purchase decision.

Do I think you are that kind of guy? Damn right I do and TalkBass proves it in spades!!!!!

 

[johnk_10]

Do you really mean to wish us such bad luck ?

not at all. i'm just going by what most hand made in USA boutique combo amps go for. and if you figure in the value of 60's dollars to today's dollars, it's probably a pretty close estimate. that said, i would hope they'd retail for $1499.00 or less.

 

[stiles72]

regardless of what "portaflex genetics" end up in the new incarnation, I think its great that it's peaking peoples interest!

 

[jackcheez]

The B-15R was 100 watts, and had some very useful upgrades to it such as the XLR out, half power switch, ability to switch between 6L6 or EL34 tubes, line out/in, and all the boost and mid controls. I still want one!

I'm with you. I have no use for a 30 watt bass amp. If I did, it would need to be smaller than that.

 

[JimmyM]

Or just hold out for a vintage one at the price that works for ya

i can't imagine they're easy to get in france though.

 

[JimmyM]

It actually amazes me that firms like Ampeg, by any other name, actually believe that putting a picture of an amplifier along with one of a well known bass player will cause players to buy that amp. As was said earlier a person being given free equipment or being paid to use his/her name will never influence me to buy that amp in a million years. Now if that artist is an adamant supporter of that piece of equipment and has purchased with his/her own money, THAT I will listen to, THAT will influence my purchase decision.

Do I think you are that kind of guy? Damn right I do and TalkBass proves it in spades!!!!!

well you are a real mensch, my friend! thanks a lot!

 

[JimmyM]

I'm with you. I have no use for a 30 watt bass amp. If I did, it would need to be smaller than that.

no need to hide. b-15's aren't for everyone. but trust me...we're not talking about a little $120 practice amp here.

 

[LuvMusic]

I foresee a sharp spike in precision sales as soon as this come out.

Hell yeah...market both together. A partnership...something Mad Men-esque! Something like..."you can't have one without the other, Ampeg and Fender"

Well, 2011 will be the 60th anniversary of the precision bass and Fender will probably release an anniversary edition (like they did for the Jazz this year). How about a special combo package of a B-15 reissue and 60th anniversary P??

Just sayin'

 

[Buster Brown]

On my way over to BPL live as we speak...got to finish up some garbage here then done for the weekend!!

I have no knowledge of the price point, but owning the Heritage series, I can't help but believe that we are "probably" looking at a $2,000 + or -
range...hope I'm wrong, though

We'll see soon....


have a great Weekend everyone!!

 

[SGD Lutherie]

And many people with loud equipments get tinnitus or become deaf before they reach 30.

I mean, my dog is probably way taller than your cat, but what's the point ? If volume and loudness were only a matter of wattage, how more simple things would be.

I'm 53, my hearing is fine. I don't play stupid loud, but I like to have the headroom. I play loud enough to be heard.

I started off commenting that when I had a 60's B-15N I couldn't hear it over a loud drummer. That was my experience with it, and yours may be different. So for me, in a rehearsal situation (no PA to mic the amp) it wasn't very useful. For gigs I had a Peavey "The Bass" with 2X15 cab.

But I had that amp a long time and used it all the time, especially for recording. Wish I still had it.