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Official Ampeg Portaflex Club

#13,741
The cab may older than '66. My head is a 66 though. I haven't tried dating the cab. I did piece together this combo, so I know they are most likely different years.
 
#13,742
JimmyM said:
I thought the tilt peg was dropped by then, but I recently discovered my 64 has a hole for one. www.fliptops.net sells replacements if you want to put one in, but I would take off the dolly because I can easily see it slipping and falling over if you don't.
Click to expand...


+1 I tried that once, and you definitely cannot leave the dolly on when you use the "peg". The tilt back leg works, but it's a little to easy to knock over the amp, when all it's weight is supported on that
single aluminum rod. It needs a rubber foot to help stabilize it, and even then it's something that I didn't use.

Ric
 
#13,743
beans-on-toast said:
I want to add a speaker section to the wiki but am way over my head when it comes to the details. I have some basic information but there are a lot of holes that need to be filled in. Hopefully when the speaker models have been identified, some images and maybe even specs can be found.

Does the Ampeg book have any of this info in it?

Here's what I've sketched out. If anyone has the details, the info needs to be confirmed and any additional info supplied.

B-15
8 ohm speakers
B-15 Jensen 1960 alnico model?
B-15N same speaker as above?, Jensen Concert ceramic EM1500 in 1963
CTS 1964-till when?, optional JBL (D130F?) in B-15NL
early 70's 15" speaker, 2" aluminum voice coil, 54 oz ceramic magnet moel?, optional Altec Lansing 418B or 421A was available

recommender substitute speakers: Eminence Delta 15A good CTS replacement, JBL D130F , Jensen C15N, others?

Heritage B-15, Eminence/Loud OEM model number ? was this version based on the JBLD130F
Heritage B15N EminenceLoud OEM model number?

B15S 15" speaker, 2" aluminum voice coil, 54 oz ceramic magnet, optional Altec Lansing 418B or 421A -- seems to be the same as the 70's B-15N

B-12N alnico initially?, 62/63 ceramic 12" model?

SB-12 12" speaker Jensen C12N, optional Altec Lansing 417B
recommended replacement speakers: Eminence Delta 12 or Beta 12A, Jensen C12N, EV ?, JBL D123
reference: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/ampeg-sb-12-replacement-speaker-options.874866/

B-18N 18" speaker: C18N Cleveland 8 ohm, Fane 16 ohm, Goodman 4,8, or 16 ohm
Click to expand...

The ampeg book (page 70-71 for anyone following along) says Jensen alnico P15N for the B15 and early B15N amps, then replaced with a ceramic Jensen C15N but doesn't have the date. It lists the B15NB and early B15NCs as having a C15N with the CTS 15 being the main speaker used from 1965 on. The JBL D130F was a factory upgrade starting in 63. In the section on the B15N-C and B15N-D column/dual cab models the altec speakers were the upgrade option so those probably started at least in 67. In 73 they went to an eminence speaker close in spec to the CTS and the Altec 421A was the factory upgrade. There isn't much more than that in that section. Doesn't add much but confirms your timelines at least.
 
#13,744
coreyfyfe said:
The ampeg book (page 70-71 for anyone following along) says Jensen alnico P15N for the B15 and early B15N amps, then replaced with a ceramic Jensen C15N but doesn't have the date. It lists the B15NB and early B15NCs as having a C15N with the CTS 15 being the main speaker used from 1965 on. The JBL D130F was a factory upgrade starting in 63. In the section on the B15N-C and B15N-D column/dual cab models the altec speakers were the upgrade option so those probably started at least in 67. In 73 they went to an eminence speaker close in spec to the CTS and the Altec 421A was the factory upgrade. There isn't much more than that in that section. Doesn't add much but confirms your timelines at least.
Click to expand...

Thanks Corey. Very helpful. I find that available documentation of the speakers used in these amps to be a weak link.

I think it would help if we could do a roll call to identify what speaker is in what Portaflex model amp. This would include any options or upgrades. The list can be updated as reports come in. No doubt there are errors and discrepancies but it is a good start.

____________
B-15
1960-1963? double baffle B-15, B-15N, Jensen Alnico P15N
1963 double baffle B-15NA, Jensen Concert EM1500, JBL-130F optional, Eminence Delta 15A is a good CTS substitute.
1964-19?? double baffle, CTS 15" black bass (Ampeg offered what they called a CTS silver for guitar), optional JBL D-130F model designated B-15NL in 63/64 catalog.
B-15NC column, B-15ND (years?), CTS with optional Altec (model ?)

early 70's (confirm dates) 15" Eminence speaker, 2" aluminum voice coil, 54 oz ceramic magnet, optional Altec Lansing 418B or 421A -- same as B-15S

Heritage models Eminence -- are the Loud part numbers available for the different speaker models?
_____________
B15S 15" Eminence speaker, 2" aluminum voice coil, 54 oz ceramic magnet, optional Altec Lansing 418B or 421A
_____________
SB-12
12" speaker Jensen C12N, optional Altec Lansing 417B
modern replacement: eminence Delta 12 or Beta 12A, Jensen C12N, EV ?,
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/ampeg-sb-12-replacement-speaker-options.874866/
_____________

B-12N alnico in early models, 62/63 ceramic 12" model was offered -- model numbers?

The following 12" speaker were in the Ampeg inventory at one time, no date is available: CTS 12" light (maybe for guitar), Jensen C-12Q, Oxford 12L6-4, Jensen EM1202, Jensen C12N
_____________


B-18N 18" speaker: C18N Cleveland 8 ohm, Fane 16 ohm, Goodman 4, 8, or 16 ohm
_____________
 
#13,745
Ric Vice said:
Gentlemen,
We have a rare bird siting on the interwebs. Although it's no longer for sale, there evidently was a B-15N(D) offered up at one time. Once upon a time, I owned one of these rare beauties. As most of you know, it was powered by 50 watt B-18 head.
Since the head was non functional I gave it to Greg Hopkins, I only used it for the cabinet. Here's a couple of pictures. Disclaimer, this is not a picture of the amp I owned.

Perhaps we should add this to the Ampeg Wiki. It looks to have been recovered with new tolex and the grille cloth isn't from the same period as the cabinet.

Ric
Click to expand...

Thanks Ric.

I added the ND to the wiki models section and updated the NC column entry above it, please let me know if I made any errors or if there should be any additional comments. What sort of porting is in the cab, is it a double baffle? By any chance do you have an image of the interior showing the porting?
 
#13,746
shadven said:
My '66 B-15 has place on the back of the cab for what I think was a peg for tilting back the amp. Was the tilt-peg a stock configuration or a modification a previously have done? Does anyone know how long the peg should be? Would you tilt the amp with the dolly attached? Thanks
Click to expand...

Jess Oliver used to make replacements out of 1/2" aluminum rod that he bought at Home Depot. It came in 36" lengths and he would cut off 10-1/4" pieces.
 
#13,747
First time in public with the PF800...passed with flying colors until I accidentally tripped the -15dB switch

rig_zps8d1941b9.jpg
 
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#13,749
60's SB-12 is the smallest of the bunch. B-12N is small too, but it has the same head as the B-15N, which is a little bigger and heavier. And the 70's SB-12's have a Thiele cab, which is bigger than the little cab on the 60's models. Still not prohibitively expensive, either. They can be found for less than a grand if you wait out a deal or are willing to accept one in less than mint.
 
#13,751
cnltb said:
I think I am very tempted to get an Sb-12 or SB-12N.
that was the smallest of the bunch. No?
Also; how much might one find a REALLY good one for these days?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

You can see in my avatar that I also have an SB-12. I really love it, and definitely go back and forth (was actually just playing through it a few minutes ago). It's a much simpler design, but really I think it's a one channel amp. All the essentials of a good tube amp are there (thanks for the article, David). I couldn't recommend it enough. Also, I use it with upright, but makes me wish I had a Baby Bass :-D
 
#13,752
Off the main topic, I had a peculiar example of the PF-500 cutting out and I was hoping to see if anyone has had something similar. To be a little preemptive, I've been following various threads over the past couple of years discussing the 500's earlier problems like cutting out, dying entirely, etc. so I'm familiar in general. This experience seemed a little different.

I played in a blues festival yesterday, which went great...apart from the 500 cutting out three times on me. The config was running the cab for stage volume, and direct out to PA, which was the first time I've used it with a PA (prior I used either the SVT or PF350). The cut out was literally a complete drop of volume to zero output. I cycled power each time, really just long enough for the panel light to go out, then turn it back on, then start playing and the amp would "cut in". The environment was hot, but with a cool breeze, and on a covered stage. Is there any thoughts about the idea that the PA could be somehow limiting the output, somehow pushing into shutting down? Oh, and the pad was OFF because the sound guy wasn't getting enough signal.

All of this happened during the first 4-5 songs, and we played another hour without any problems. I didn't adjust anything on the amp because I didn't want to affect the mix.

Thoughts?
 
#13,755
beans-on-toast said:
Outside power can be flakey and cause a fault.

High ambient air temp can sometimes be an issue as well. A fan blowing on the back of the amp can be helpful in circulating the air and cooling the amp.

A lot of upright players love the SB-12. They say that it provides a tighter sound than the B-15.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the thoughts - it may well have been the power there. I've played many longer shows than that with nary a problem.

Yeah - the SB-12 sounds really nice with my upright. I think it was well-designed for that instrument.
 
#13,757
PapaJohnBass said:
I have completed the cabinet build from scratch and a rebuilt 1964 B15N head. I have 108 pictures that I took of the build which is waaay too many to post. It was without a doubt a fun project. I could not be more pleased with the tone that is emanating from the rig. If I had to do it all over again, I would certainly perform some steps differently but I am pleased and glad I did the project.

I really need to thank several people. Beans-On-Toast for guiding me to the lumber supplier and his knowledge, JimmyM for encouragement and his knowledge and certainly Vintage-Blue for all of the encouragement, knowledge, help and parts.

I don't know how Mark can accomplish such a spectacular build with all of the top quality parts and all of his time involved in the build and charge how little he does. I can say this because of all of the time and effort that I put in it. I had to obtain all of the parts and tools and do the assembly process. For me, putting it all together with little knowledge of what I was doing was a challenge but a fun and interesting challenge.

I opted to paint the cabinet interior with Rust-Oleum flat black primer/paint instead of using stain. It was easier and I think it looks great. For the interior I used 1" foam padding from a craft shop and of course the Eminence Delta-15A speaker. I used casters from a RoadReady dolly that I bought new but never used and saved several dollars and have heavy duty casters.

A good friend applied the Black Tolex, at first using the DAP water based product then switching to the non-water based product the next day. The reason being that the non-water based product setup time was much faster and he preferred working with it.

Using my 1978 Jazz Bass with both volume controls wide open, I can crank the amp to 2 O'clock with very little distortion with decent volume for a 25 watt amp. The Ampeg tone controls were set to 12 o'clock Treble and 2 o'clock Bass. I use an older Sandisk e260 MP3 player in channel 2 with the Jazz in channel 1 using the second input and play along.

My neighbor that supplied his woodworking skills with his table saw came over last week and used a Strat in channel 1 input 1 and the sound was amazing. The frequency response of the Delta-15A was more than I was expecting. The tone is great for Guitar as well as Bass.

Overall everyone who has seen and heard the amp, musicians and non-musicians like the appearance and the sound.

Finally, if anyone is looking for an 8 ohm 120 Watt power resistor for amp testing, check out the web site of MPJAdotCOM. They have them available in 1, 2, 4, 8 & 16 ohms for under $7.00+shipping.

Again, thanks to everyone for all of their knowledge and assistance.
View attachment 452386 View attachment 452387 View attachment 452388 View attachment 452389
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Congratulations on finishing such an ambitious project! There are so many problems that can pop up on something like this, particularly when it is your first time. It looks like it turned out great! There's something to be said for being able to look at something and know that you built it.
 
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#13,758
cnltb said:
I think I am very tempted to get an Sb-12 or SB-12N.
that was the smallest of the bunch. No?
Also; how much might one find a REALLY good one for these days?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'm a dyed in the wool B-15N guy. Got my first at age 14 in '66 and currently have 4 various B-15 models. But I LOVE my SB-12 ('66), even more than I thought I would. I bought it about 3 years ago and it is one of 2 amps in my music room (the other is a '66 Reverborocket 2). I use it with upright, Fender P, and G&L 2K. I've done some recording with it, but mostly she's my home squeeze. Just love the tone.
 
#13,760
beans-on-toast said:
A lot of upright players love the SB-12. They say that it provides a tighter sound than the B-15.
Click to expand...

While I'm sure that there are many Double Bassists out their who prefer the SB-12 to the B-15, I'm in the minority. I had access to one when I was in college and I just
preferred the sound of the B-15. However, pickups were so primitive back then, that if I'd had a chance to compare the two amps with one of the newer piezo's, it's likely
that my opinion would be very different. With an Underwood, Realist, or Ehrlund I'm sure the sound of the SB-12 would be very different, than with the Polytone and Toneninges.
pickups I was using at the time.

Ric
 

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