Official Ampeg Portaflex Club

[BluesDawg]

Which would you do? I have to either re-cone the original 1965 15" CTS in my B15N or replace it. Both would cost about the same.

CTS recone:
-very near the original sound
-would keep better value

Buying a replacement (Eminence Delta likely)
-kinda near the original sound
-much better power handling, so I could use the cab with my Markbass head or combo without anxiety
-likely less resale value

My suggestion: Replace the CTS with a new Eminence Delta. Keep and store the CTS for future value purposes. You can always recone later if needed.

 

[esoxhntr]

Very sensible - what he said.

 

[dponbass]

Seems like everyone got the B-15s and such here, I got an Ampeg SB-12, from 1965. I had a 1966 B-15N and liked the SB-12 more, not claiming I didn't like the 15, I just thought the SB was more focused. Of course, little less power, but I use it mainly for practicing and recording. Great little amp. I had Ted Weber recone the original speaker since it "spider web'ed" out, but I have a 4 ohm EV in it now that gives it a little more kick.

 

[bebop1]

Thanks Bluesdawg and esox. That sounds like the best plan. I'll be happier using the Delta for gigging and will keep (and eventually re-cone) the CTS for value purposes. Obvious solution and the best one.

 

[SWRGonzo]

Yeah, the Portaflex is a rare beast in Australia. The dealer I am buying it off (who has seen lots of tube amps in his day) says it is the first one he has ever seen. In 1960s Australia (as in Britain), US made gear was too expensive for most of the locals.

 

[fretlessman71]

This is what I put in my SB-12. I think it sounds great. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Thanks BluesDawg. I ordered one today.

If I hate it, you owe me $90.

In all seriousness, I recall looking for a replacement speaker waaay back when, and being directed to the same site and the same speaker. So thanks for also jogging my memory.

 

[JimmyM]

Bebop, I think the sound of the Delta vs. the CTS is pretty much identical. I have both and they're pretty well interchangeable tonally.

But I wouldn't wait too long to recone the CTS. Reconing is already ridiculously expensive. Wait too much longer and it will be prohibitive

#29 DaveProulx

 

[JoanG]

I own a B-15r 100 W reissue.

Needed a "small" tube amp combo for gigging. It has never let me down ever since.

Going for new tubes any time soon, any suggestions ?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[JimmyM]

#30 JoanG

Tubes, huh? I am by no means an expert, but most people are recommending JJ's and Tung Sols these days. I've got JJ 6L6's in my 64 and they work very well so far after a month There's a Chinese brand called Valve Art that is supposed to be really good, too.

 

[WHOMAN]

I have a Ampeg b-15s. I purchased it new in 1971 or 1972.
I also have a Fender p-bass 1970. They both still sound great.
Can anyone help me with the value of them now?

 

[bebop1]

JimmyM thanks for your advice. I will recone my 1965 CTS 15" (fliptops indicated about $60) and will pick up a Delta for general use. Much appreciated!

 

[JimmyM]

I have a Ampeg b-15s. I purchased it new in 1971 or 1972.
I also have a Fender p-bass 1970. They both still sound great.
Can anyone help me with the value of them now?

A lot depends on condition. But most B-15S's I've seen go for around $700-800. And most 70 P's I've seen go for around $3000, give or take.

 

[Loudthud]

I got this 1965 (dated by serial number) B15N at the Houston Guitar Show sometime in the early 90's. It looks all original except the power transformer. I think a paid $300 for it. Better examples were going for $500-$600. It's never given me any trouble and I've never done anyting to it but I play it infrequently. Original CTS speaker code 137 447.

 

[JimmyM]

#31 Loudthud

Hey, if it works, it works. Looks never stopped an amp from working properly.

 

[Loudthud]

I forgot to post the lights off picture.

 

[JimmyM]

LOL Chief! That's hilarious that Ampeg would engrave your name on the plate way back when. "See your name in lights!" I would have been tempted to have them engrave a dirty word instead

 

[esoxhntr]

Round Three of the "Portaflex takes on the world" challenge went off tonight. This evening's contender was prototype of a B15N modern clone amp originally intended to hit the market sometime this summer. Unfortunately, this was also a bit of a letdown. the amp is very close to sounding good, but some how never quite makes it. It seems to have very little headroom, and there is always hint of "overdriven" sound - not so much warmth as edge. Not a sound I could live with for any length of time I'm sad to say.

However, in swapping amps and cabs I continue to be impressed with the sound of the B15N amp into my Berg HS210. Very, very good with my Rob Allen MB2 and Alleva Coppolo RA5, spectacular with my 74 P Bass and Alleva Coppolo KPB5. Also, got chance to mess round with the little wee Markbass head today at a nearby store. I think I can hear why a couple of you like it with the portaflex cab, and I'm going to try to bring it home to try just for a hoot.

 

[mike ranger]

i have a 60s b-15 ( 2 6l6's and 3 preamp tubes only).i bought it 2nd hand 24 yrs ago when i was on the road at a store in endicott ny for $150.. i've used it consistently since then and only recently had some resistors + caps replaced*. it still has the orig cts spkr.i've changed it out a few times but i always put it back in.i change the pwr tubes** now and then but the preamp tubes are still the originals..

*btw,the work was done at speno music in auburn ny.they have a guy who has been repairing tube amps since way back then.

**recently i put in a pr of nos tung-sol 5881's

 

[JimmyM]

#32 Mike Ranger

 

[mike ranger]

ampeg would engrave your nameplate for a small fee (iirc, it was only 50 cents or maybe a buck).a lot of people took them up on that.
a band around here that used all portaflexes had the band name on their amps..