Saw an Ampeg B-12

[FenderP]

I owned the SB-12 for a few years before I got the '63 B-15 I sold recently and owned for almost 30 years. The SB-12 is IMO slightly different but just as good as the B-15.

 

[blastoff]

I'll have to disagree. The SB-12 is a very clear and clean amp in its linear range, and actually quite transparent.

Driven hard it distorts very pleasantly for guitar, and ata useable vol

I've had mine since 1995, replaced power tubes once and had one repair that cost $40 and was a single resistor taken out by a failing tube.

It's been my bass practice amp, special amp for live on air performances etc and guitar recording amp. It was my main guitar stage amp for a few years, toe to toe with a jcm900.

So bought for $250 and say $150 in maintenance

30 years at $15 a year….

And sounds sweet!

totally. these things were designed by electronics geniuses and hand assembled one at a time. particularly in Ampegs case the design ethos was for the clearest, cleanest tone for bass. as for the durability, remember tube equipment was designed for use in bombers and submarines, and meant to be field serviceable. the only reason they're finicky now is that they're 60 years old. certainly pound for pound, modern equipment wins -i do love my class d- but we'll see how long they last after the replaceable pcbs aren't available.

 

[biobass]

As others have pointed out, that is an SB-12. I've had mine since I bought it new in 1967 with paper route, car washing, lawn mowing, babysitting money. I still use it for at home practice. Over the years I've had to replace the speaker, it now has the speaker recommended by Fliptops, an Eminence Beta 8ohm 12. Also, I've replaced a tube or two, and the latches which act as the speaker connectors. It is a fine low powered bass and guitar amp, that I never see myself parting with. It will be bequeathed to my younger brother, also a bass player, along with my '65 Jazz.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

I'd smash that!
Wondering if the junk store priced it as junk, or pulled out a $*&% price guide.

I don't consider $1200 a junk price. Sounds close to market price. $200 on the other hand,,,

 

[Pdaddy1978]

I don't consider $1200 a junk price. Sounds close to market price. $200 on the other hand,,,

Ok...just as I thought. Price guide.
Junk shops ain't what they used to be.
If it were $200 bucks, I'd break my arm getting my wallet out!

 

[Iristone]

Comparing vintage gear to 21st century bass gear, is more of an exercise in nostalgia than analysis of sound quality, IMHO.

It depends on the specific sound you're looking for. Even though today's gear can be made to be more full-range, I've yet to find something analogue that sounds like, say, a Marshall Super Bass (I've always got a soft spot for its tone).