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Official Ampeg Portaflex Club

#13,761
Ric Vice said:
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.
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You probably aren't. SB-12'ers are enthusiastic, as are B-15'ers. Everyone likes to have an edge that helps them stand out, perhaps the SB-12 helps give them that. There's something special that wins converts over to the SB-12 when it comes to recording double bass in the studio. Double bass tones are so complex relative to a Fender style bass. When you record these tones, something is lost in the translation. Certainly, modern high end pickups and mics make a world of difference in capturing more of those complex tones. After all these years, our ability to do so is still evolving.
 
#13,762
Hello Portaflex Club, I wondered if I could ask for some advice?

I have a Micro VR and a 210AV cab just now which has served me well for low-ish volume gigs and practice at home, but I find myself in need of some more power/volume for gigs with my definitely-not-low-volume band (post hardcore a la ISIS/Russian Circles/Jesu with some doomy blues thrown in). I have been able to borrow amps from friends or arrange shared backlines for gigs thus far, but obviously want my own gear.

Lots of local shows we get booked for will ask bands to bring their amps and hook them up to house cabs, mostly 4ohm ampeg numbers (in recent months I've gone through a 410, a 610 and an 810), so I would like to purchase a head that will allow me to power such cabs fairly comfortably, but that I could run in a smaller set up for the quieter gigs too. I was thinking of selling the Micro VR and replacing with a PF500.

As for cab(s)? I'm not sure. I love the 210AVs for their sound, look and portability - is there anything similarly weighted that will handle a bit more wattage?
 
#13,763
pedrodelawasp said:
I was thinking of selling the Micro VR and replacing with a PF500.

As for cab(s)? I'm not sure. I love the 210AVs for their sound, look and portability - is there anything similarly weighted that will handle a bit more wattage?
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A more serious amp like the PF500 will go a long way in those bigger rooms, and still work great for your "quiet" gigs with your 210AV - meaning changing up the amp, you may not need to change up cabs... especially if you like what you have.

As for cabs, maybe the actual new line of PF cabs... they have a 210 and a 115 I believe. I'm not sure how those compare, but sure someone on here will chime in. Lots of options for small / light weight, but powerful cabs out there these days (most of them not Ampeg, though).

I had a 210AV for a little while, which I sold off. Seemed pretty "light duty", and was a little stuffy sounding for me.
 
#13,764
I was wondering where East Kilbride was, but I figured that it must be next to West Kilbride in the lovely Scotland.

If you can stretch beyond a PF-500, consider a PF-800. Good thump/£ ratio.

You may not need 800 Watts but I find that when it comes to transistor power stages, more is better, even if you run it conservatively.
 
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#13,766
1963 + 1966

DD253FC6-62ED-4ACF-8828-B4D909FA422D_zpsn5ycgwb8.jpg
 
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#13,769
hennessybass said:
A more serious amp like the PF500 will go a long way in those bigger rooms, and still work great for your "quiet" gigs with your 210AV - meaning changing up the amp, you may not need to change up cabs... especially if you like what you have.

As for cabs, maybe the actual new line of PF cabs... they have a 210 and a 115 I believe. I'm not sure how those compare, but sure someone on here will chime in. Lots of options for small / light weight, but powerful cabs out there these days (most of them not Ampeg, though).

I had a 210AV for a little while, which I sold off. Seemed pretty "light duty", and was a little stuffy sounding for me.
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I have used Hartke cabs a lot. I know they are quite divisive in Talkbass land, but the XL and HyDrive series cabs have always sounded great to me. They are amongst the options I'm considering. I think a 210 and a 410 that can be used alone or paired depending on the situation could be a nice way forward for me...
 
#13,772
#425 Woodstockz

Woodstockz, here is your chance to shine! Please feel free to document as much as you'd like in this thread, and the highlights and pertinent info not already there will be added to the Wiki. If anything's not in the Wiki already, it's not because of apathy toward the B-15R but because it just hasn't been put out there yet.
 
#13,773
Woodstockz said:
Flight of the Phoenix....

I know that the main B15 unit is the B15N, but it would be cool if the wiki had info on the B15R. Here is my B15R basket case restoration.

Sounds awesome!
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Thanks for pointing out that the B-15R is underrepresented the wiki and for the pics. I've added some additional B15R images today in the models section. I'll document the B-15R in another section hopefully some time this week and post a note when done so you can comment on it and fill in any missing info. There is a lot to say about this amp and it deserves more attention.

Having a review of the amp would be helpful. Have you had any experience with the half power settings or using 6L6GC vs EL34?
Any insights as to which you like the best? Do you use it with the high frequency horn when playing? Etc.
Anyone know of any high profile players and have pics of them using this model?
I know that there are a few threads where this amp was discussed, do you have any of the links to them?
Do you know what years this amp was in production?



David
 
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#13,774
beans-on-toast said:
Thanks for pointing out that the B-15R is underrepresented the wiki and for the pics. I've added some additional B15R images today in the models section. I'll document the B-15R in another section hopefully some time this week and post a note when done so you can comment on it and fill in any missing info. There is a lot to say about this amp and it deserves more attention.

Having a review of the amp would be helpful. Have you had any experience with the half power settings or using 6L6GC vs EL34?
Any insights as to which you like the best? Do you use it with the high frequency horn when playing? Etc.
Anyone know of any high profile players and have pics of them using this model?
I know that there are a few threads where this amp was discussed, do you have any of the links to them?
Do you know what years this amp was in production?

David
Click to expand...

First of all, I would like to thank Gregg Hopkins of Vintage-Amp Restoration and Dino Monoxelos of Ampeg for helping me to get this bad boy working.

I have about half dozen - half finished projects in work. I needed to prioritize, so I prioritized by my needs in my band - a jazz trio. I need something for larger venues than my BA110 can handle. I decided to concentrate on restoring the B15R. I have seen a few threads on the amp, but it was hard to find any detailed technical info. Most sources mostly had info on other models. I am not criticizing the wiki here, just making a note.

This is my first tube amp. I bought it as a basket case from one of my mentors. Usually, I figure that great deals are for everyone else. Occasionally, I find one. I have had the amp for a while, but I had to put everything in storage for a while. Recently, I have gotten my workshop going again. Yesterday was my NWAD: New WORKING Amp Day. Zero hum when I turned it on. My playing experience with it is about 1/2 hour in my garage. I was just excited to get it working, so I just posted pics without much write-up.

Deep lows. Highs: In general, I am not a tweeter guy for BG, I prefer mid speakers, but I like it so far. No hiss, buzz or gank. Higher notes on the G-string sound articulate.

Tubes: Preamp - 12AX7. Phase inverter - ECC82JJ . Power - GT-6L6 Groove tubes. I haven't tried EL34s yet.

I can make a review after I get more time playing it. Right now, I will say that it is the best amp that I have played so far. It has a great sound full, punchy, articulate. On some tunes, I sound like the record, (except for my playing mistakes).

Practically, it is big and heavy. The transformers weigh a ton each. The cab doesn't fit in my trunk (3 series Bimmer). I have to strap it down in the passenger seat. I need to trade my car in on an SUV. It sounds great. I will take it to my next band practice, then I will have more info for a review.
 
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#13,775
Finished my first full gig with the PF800 at an outdoor festival Saturday. The phrase "cut out" has often been heard in reference to the new PF series (350, 500, 800), so I kept a watchful eye on the unit. It was subject to direct sunlight for the first two hours, but passed the entire show with flying colors, with pre on 3, post on 8, and tone controls mostly flat.
 
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#13,776
LowEndOperative said:
Finished my first full gig with the PF800 at an outdoor festival Saturday. The phrase "cut out" has often been heard in reference to the new PF series (350, 500, 800), so I kept a watchful eye on the unit. It was subject to direct sunlight for the first two hours, but passed the entire show with flying colors, with pre on 3, post on 8, and tone controls mostly flat.
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So how did you like the sound of the amp? What cab did you get to use?

Direct sunlight is something I worry about because an amp can get really hot in the sun. I find that a desk type fan blowing from the back can help if it's an issue.
 
#13,777
beans-on-toast said:
So how did you like the sound of the amp? What cab did you get to use?

Direct sunlight is something I worry about because an amp can get really hot in the sun. I find that a desk type fan blowing from the back can help if it's an issue.
Click to expand...

I found that, at least on this outdoor gig, that the ultra lo switched on and the bass flat produced just enough "substance" for the 4x10 and 1x18 cabs that were used. The sound of the amp overall has plenty of lows; still experimenting with the highs. I may build myself a makeshift "canopy" to set over the unit to keep it from sunlight.
 
#13,778
LowEndOperative said:
I found that, at least on this outdoor gig, that the ultra lo switched on and the bass flat produced just enough "substance" for the 4x10 and 1x18 cabs that were used. The sound of the amp overall has plenty of lows; still experimenting with the highs. I may build myself a makeshift "canopy" to set over the unit to keep it from sunlight.
Click to expand...


Walter Woods amplifiers, of which I have two, use an all aluminum chassis and vents in the top, to disperse the heat generated by his DSP. This design requires the amp to be out of direct sunlight, when playing outside during the summer in St. Louis.
Most of the time I just put the amp behind my speaker cabinet to place it in the shadow, but it's pretty hard to reach the controls. I thought about the canopy idea as well, but you'd have to be careful, not to just create a heat bubble around the amp.
Like David mentioned, I think a small fan is your best line of defense, with these new "mini amps". Oddly enough I never remember having any issues with a B-15N(C) outside, because of the efficient way that open cage vents heat, rain, now that's another matter.
Walter Woods Ultra Left Large.jpg


The other thing that's interesting about most amplifiers is the use of black exteriors that absorb heat rather than reflect it. It's an tradition that could be easily changed.
 
#13,779
Ric Vice said:
I thought about the canopy idea as well, but you'd have to be careful, not to just create a heat bubble around the amp.
Like David mentioned, I think a small fan is your best line of defense, with these new "mini amps". Oddly enough I never remember having any issues with a B-15N(C) outside, because of the efficient way that open cage vents heat, rain, now that's another matter.
View attachment 460754

The other thing that's interesting about most amplifiers is the use of black exteriors that absorb heat rather than reflect it. It's an tradition that could be easily changed.
Click to expand...

I'm wondering just how much heat that's absorbed by the exterior makes its way to the innards.
 

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