Official Ampeg Portaflex Club

[JimmyM]

#403 meddings

Mike, that's a mid-to-late 70's B-15N. Used to have one that looked like it from 77. They're what's known as Magnavox B-15N's or Thiele Cab B-15N's. Through the late 60's and 70's, the B-15N wiring was pretty much set in stone, so I'm pretty sure that any schematic done for a 70's B-15N should work.

 

[coreyfyfe]

Here is the schematic for the 1968-1980 amps from the portaflex wiki.

 

[JimmyM]

From a practical point of view, while I think the front panel of the v1's looks cool for not being able to see the amp, when they're tilted the controls are harder to get to and work on the fly.

 

[meddings]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the info. Spent all night cleaning and reglueing tolex. It's turning out pretty good. I will post some more pics tomorrow.

 

[SuperK]

New BA Series:

http://www.ampeg.com/products/bassamp/

Hope they haven't gone up in price. They look great!

Line out on the 115 and 210 only? Unless I'm missing something.

 

[djkool]

Using an SVT-4pro into an810E or 410HLF, depending upon the mood. Can I get a number?

 

[beans-on-toast]

There once was a man named Jess
He designed an amp called a Portaflex;
It would have caused quite a scene, had he dressed it in green,
But it's the tone that made it such a success.






[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
​

 

[meddings]

After a few hours of cleaning and cosmetic work!

 

[beans-on-toast]

Your amp cleaned up very nicely. It certainly looks good for its age.

You asked about the age. If you are lucky, there will be a date stamp on the speaker magnet or frame. Any codes could be helpful. If you look on the metal capacitor can on top of the chassis, there may be a code there. Otherwise, look under the chassis at the stamped pot codes, a number starting with 137. With these codes, you can estimate the date of manufacture.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Many amps use the pot cases or jacks as ground points. If the connections to the chassis are not clean and tight, there can be issues.

One thing that you see on many vintage amps is that the nickel plated nuts and washers are rusted. On older amps made by Ampeg, Fender, and others, they used Switchcraft jacks. Rather than trying to clean the nuts and washers, I replace them.


The Switchcraft part number for the hex nut is Invalid Link Removed. It is available from Mouser. The steel nickel plated flat washer is Invalid Link Removed.

There is also an internal tooth lock washer that is used inside the chassis. These are often covered in oxidation. I buy them from a local hardware. The internal dimension of the one that I use is ⅜", outer dimension is 11/16" but different sizes can be used. The Switchcraft part number is P-1025.

 

[Apex_speed]

LMAO!

There once was a man named Jess
He designed an amp called a Portaflex;
It would have caused quite a scene, had he dressed it in green,
But it's the tone that made it such a success.






[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
​

 

[Apex_speed]

Ok, so who's going to step up and sell me their NRF B-15?!

I would prefer one with a pilot light (The Dialog, Bass45) but will settle for the more pedestrian "standard" model.

Just hit the PM button and lets talk about the appropriate exchange of gold bars.

This is a long shot but the last time I tried this I got a Devil bass so it never hurts to ask!

 

[beans-on-toast]

LMAO!

It's now a yearly St. Paddy's Day tradition.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Ok, so who's going to step up and sell me their NRF B-15?!

$3500 ! http://www.ebay.com/itm/151174517159

 

[Bass 45]

It's now a yearly St. Paddy's Day tradition.

Some of you might remember one of the groups I play in does a lot of Irish music.

I am gearing up right now to play live for about 27 hours between tonight @ 9:00 and late Monday night.

See you Tuesday

 

[beans-on-toast]

Wow, enjoy the gig Rich. That's going to be punishing.

How many songs will be in the set list? I imagine that there are a lot of repeated requests for some favorites. Do you get spending money for those songs or do they send beer?

 

[Apex_speed]

$3500 ! http://www.ebay.com/itm/151174517159

Yes, Justin is dreaming with that one (like the $19,500 Devil bass on ebay) and has been discussing more realistic amounts with me. He however has not committed as he is in CA and the B15 is in MD.

Someone has to have one.

I just found out that I massively overpaid my taxes so I'm on the prowl for something else I don't need...LOL.

Come on Rich, you know you really don't need yours and that it would only to fair to your Devil to reunite the two here in Denver.

 

[Apex_speed]

Some of you might remember one of the groups I play in does a lot of Irish music.

I am gearing up right now to play live for about 27 hours between tonight @ 9:00 and late Monday night.

See you Tuesday

Wow, the last time I stayed up for 27 hours straight, I started hallucinating. There might have been other factors involved though.

 

[Bass 45]

Wow, enjoy the gig Rich. That's going to be punishing.

How many songs will be in the set list? I imagine that there are a lot of repeated requests for some favorites. Do you get spending money for those songs or do they send beer?

It is 9 different gigs - so there will be plenty of loading - as well as playing!

We will probably play around 60 or 70 songs that we know - but we will fake plenty of others for beer or whiskey - or corned beef and cash

 

[Bass 45]

Yes, Justin is dreaming with that one (like the $19,500 Devil bass on ebay) and has been discussing more realistic amounts with me. He however has not committed as he is in CA and the B15 is in MD.

Someone has to have one.

I just found out that I massively overpaid my taxes so I'm on the prowl for something else I don't need...LOL.

Come on Rich, you know you really don't need yours and that it would only to fair to your Devil to reunite the two here in Denver.

The Devil Bass is looking awesome Carl! Thank you for sending photos - sorry I did not reply yet.

Also, I am still pretty attached to my '61 B15N.

I am surprised you have not inquired about about my '60 B15 (which I am equally attached to). I consider that one to be even a bit more of a gem (just a bit).