WARNING PF 50t does NOT fit inside all Portaflex cabs!!!

[AgressivePassiv]

I just got off the phone with Ampeg tech support, I called because could not get my PF 50t to fit inside an older PF 115he. I was told that early Portaflex cabs have extra bracing that will not allow a PF 50t to fit. He told me that the product manager realized that the bracing might get in the way of expanding the Portaflex line so they changed the bracing after the first "6 months or so" of production.

I bought the cab used while waiting for my new PF 50t so the tech told me that if I was the original owner and had the original receipt "maybe they might be able to work out some sort of warranty covered retrofit" but since I bought it used I'm on my own. He also said he can't recommend modifying the cabinet but if I were to remove the bracing it would fit.

I'm kind of annoyed that there was no *some early cabs are incompatible* warning. I would have not wasted my time and money on a cab that I have to modify to do what Ampeg said it can do in the PF 50t product video. Plus I scratched up the black powder coating on the transformers trying to use the Fliptop feature.

I shared my opinion about the lack of warning with the tech on the phone, he did not agree that retro compatibility claims were misleading since only a small number of cabs are affected.

What do you guys think?

 

[CL400Peavey]

Your beef isnt with Ampeg. They didnt sell you a cab, and you didnt confirm your amp would fit at the time of cab purchase. Live and learn, build a bridge, and get over it.

 

[AgressivePassiv]

Your beef isnt with Ampeg. They didnt sell you a cab, and you didnt confirm your amp would fit at the time of cab purchase. Live and learn, build a bridge, and get over it.

You don't think they should update their product info to warn for those of us with older cabs?

You don't think I should give you guys a heads up?

 

[CL400Peavey]

You don't think they should update their product info to warn for those of us with older cabs?

You bought something that isnt currently in production, used. It is on you to determine its form and function with other gear you may use with it. No company can predict the future, and they cant change the past.

 

[AgressivePassiv]

You bought something that isnt currently in production, used. It is on you to determine its form and function with other gear you may use with it. No company can predict the future, and they cant change the past.

It is in production, and I would have ordered a new one along with my new head if the warning was out there.

 

[CL400Peavey]

It is in production, and I would have ordered a new one along with my new head if the warning was out there.

But the cab you bought isnt in production in the form that you bought one. This is like buying a tail light for a 2015 model and getting miffed that it doesnt fit in your 2010 used vehicle.

It sucks, but its the unfortunate reality. Ampeg doesnt owe you anything on this one. Sell the used cab, and find something you like better if it doesnt suit your needs.

 

[DWBass]

Well, isn't it a moot point at this time? You already have the cab and if you want it to work, you'll have to modify it. Make a project of it and post the results.

 

[AgressivePassiv]

But the cab you bought isnt in production in the form that you bought one. This is like buying a tail light for a 2015 model and getting miffed that it doesnt fit in your 2010 used vehicle.

It sucks, but its the unfortunate reality. Ampeg doesnt owe you anything on this one. Sell the used cab, and find something you like better if it doesnt suit your needs.



Skip to 8:44 in this official Ampeg product video, "It's also the perfect solution for bass players that love their current Portaflex rigs but want to step up to an all tube head and still retain that convenient flip top design, perfect for that as well". That is my beef. He said current Portaflex rigs, no disclaimer about early cabs.

 

[AgressivePassiv]

Skip to 8:44 in this official Ampeg product video, "It's also the perfect solution for bass players that love their current Portaflex rigs but want to step up to an all tube head and still retain that convenient flip top design, perfect for that as well". That is my beef. He said current Portaflex rigs, no disclaimer about early cabs.

I'm just giving you guys the heads up that I would have liked to have.

 

[CL400Peavey]

Skip to 8:44 in this official Ampeg product video, "It's also the perfect solution for bass players that love their current Portaflex rigs but want to step up to an all tube head and still retain that convenient flip top design, perfect for that as well". That is my beef. He said current Portaflex rigs, no disclaimer about early cabs.

I think you got unlucky, and as unfortunate as that is, it is the reality of it. Sell the cab and find something better.

 

[mbelue]

Well it's good of you to drop a heads up here.

Maybe we could get some pictures of your fliptop cabinet with the lid off so other users can check to identify?

A comparison photo with a compatible cabinet would be good too.

 

[JimmyM]

Personally, I find the fliptop the least attractive feature of fliptops

 

[CL400Peavey]

Personally, I find the fliptop the least attractive feature of fliptops

This...

 

[KickingBass]

Personally, I find the fliptop the least attractive feature of fliptops

I've wondered for a while now, what is that supposed to do? Is it to protect the head? does flipping a head over create awesome TOAN?

 

[irjason]

I've wondered for a while now, what is that supposed to do? Is it to protect the head? does flipping a head over create awesome TOAN?

I would say it's more about protecting the head since it has a pretty odd shape...

Thanks for the heads up. Hate to hear you ran into a problem. For what it's worth, I agree that the video is misleading.

 

[Jay Corwin]

I have to side with the poster here in that Ampeg should at least list compatibility between the revision of their own model lines in a case like this. One has to consider that the cabinets have been out far longer than the new tube heads which are designed specifically for the portaflex line, and advertised as such.

While I wouldn't put Ampeg on the hook to resolve the OP's issue, they should at least make their customers aware that not all portaflex cabinets are flip top compatible with the new heads. That's just smart business, and covering one's butt from bad PR.

 

[gjbassist]

Skip to 8:44 in this official Ampeg product video, "It's also the perfect solution for bass players that love their current Portaflex rigs but want to step up to an all tube head and still retain that convenient flip top design, perfect for that as well". That is my beef. He said current Portaflex rigs, no disclaimer about early cabs.

Yeah I'm gonna have to say Ampeg dropped the ball by not letting people know that it would not be compatible with some Portaflex cabinets!
If having the head fit inside the cabinet is a big issue then sell it and get the newest model. If you are not planning to put it inside then I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[trebbihm]

This was covered at length in the portaflex and pf50/tube threads. Research before you buy.

 

[AgressivePassiv]

This was covered at length in the portaflex and pf50/tube threads. Research before you buy.

Well now the issue has its own thread so people won't have to look as hard from now on.

 

[AgressivePassiv]

Well it's good of you to drop a heads up here.

Maybe we could get some pictures of your fliptop cabinet with the lid off so other users can check to identify?

A comparison photo with a compatible cabinet would be good too.

This is what mine looked like