JapanAxe Posted November 25, 2017 Posted November 25, 2017 As per the title, has anyone done an A/B comparison between the Ampeg PF-50T (or PF-20T) valve head, and any incarnation of the venerable B15, preferably through the same cab? Failing that, if you are familiar with the sound of a B15 and have tried out a PF-50T (or PF-20T), was it anywhere close? Just curious... Quote
Cat Burrito Posted December 7, 2017 Posted December 7, 2017 Just to kickstart this, you heard my PF-50t when you saw me play. I don't think it is *that* loud so personally I'd avoid a PF-20t for anything other than studio work. I've not done a side by side comparison but it is certainly what Ampeg were aiming to do & although they don't seem to be huge sellers, the reviews all suggested it got you in that ballpark. Quote
JapanAxe Posted December 8, 2017 Author Posted December 8, 2017 9 hours ago, Burrito said: Just to kickstart this, you heard my PF-50t when you saw me play. I don't think it is *that* loud so personally I'd avoid a PF-20t for anything other than studio work. I've not done a side by side comparison but it is certainly what Ampeg were aiming to do & although they don't seem to be huge sellers, the reviews all suggested it got you in that ballpark. Cheers Tim, yes I have heard you playing through it with CCRR and Case Hardin (who get a mention in this month's MU mag article on country and Americana in the UK btw). At 50W I wouldn't expect the PF-50T to be that loud (although yours happily filled a small pub on each occasion), but my BF Super Twin would stand a good chance of maximising its impact! The only dedicated bass valve amp I have tried was a Mesa Bass Prodigy Four:88 and I didn't like that at all - I tried the Demeter alongside it, and paid another £250 to bring that home instead! I also restored a Selmer Treble'n'Bass 50, and sold that on because the sound wasn't for me. I may be chasing the idea of what something should sound like here, but I am curious. Quote
Cat Burrito Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 55 minutes ago, JapanAxe said: Cheers Tim, yes I have heard you playing through it with CCRR and Case Hardin (who get a mention in this month's MU mag article on country and Americana in the UK btw). Cheers Graeme, I did not know that. Very cool. If you are in a position to scan / photograph the page and DM me on Messenger, that'd be really cool.. and worth a pint! My MU membership expired in 1995! Valve amps do sound lovely but yes, I'm getting to a stage where a lighter option would probably be easier. I'm hoping that I can last out a few more years yet though. I think a few of the class D options come close. I'm quite impressed with the Fender Bassman stuff. I had an old 1978 135w head that nearly broke my back but sounded like heaven. Unwisely I flightcased it which must go down in history as my least wise bass decision. Quote
disssa Posted December 10, 2017 Posted December 10, 2017 On 7.12.2017 at 20:21, JapanAxe said: Anyone? Yes, I do. the PF-50T does not sound like a B15. He roughly goes in the same direction. Closer to a B15 is the PF-20T. If you want a good B15 sound, try a EBS T90 or a Ampeg B25B. They are very close... Quote
JapanAxe Posted December 10, 2017 Author Posted December 10, 2017 Just now, disssa said: Yes, I do. the PF-50T does not sound like a B15. He roughly goes in the same direction. Closer to a B15 is the PF-20T. If you want a good B15 sound, try a EBS T90 or a Ampeg B25B. They are very close... Thanks @disssa that's very useful! Quote
Swingong1979 Posted August 25, 2018 Posted August 25, 2018 I own and use a B15N regularly for small gigs and studio stuff. I also own a EBS T90 and Ampeg B25B. They all sound different but the EBS comes close if you have the right cabinet. Its a great amp. Quote
Chimike Posted August 26, 2018 Posted August 26, 2018 (edited) I can feel a blind test trial coming on at the south east bass bash ! I have a '64 B15 , a modern B15 clone, ( used with a 70's SB12 neo'd cab ) and have just bought the PF50t. should I take them along ? Edited August 26, 2018 by Chimike Quote
RedVee Posted August 27, 2018 Posted August 27, 2018 (edited) There is a Guy over on TB who seems to know what he is talking about when it comes to anything that is Ampeg related, and he states that tonally the PF-20 is closer to a B-15 and the PF-50 is closer to a V-4B. Edited August 27, 2018 by RedVee Quote
Chimike Posted August 27, 2018 Posted August 27, 2018 Get's even more interesting ! doubt the PF50t is like the 70's V4b, that's more SVT -like. But maybe similar to the re-issue. I also have a B15r, which is similar to the re-issue V4b, so can compare at some stage. these are all heads, let's not forget that a good part of the B15 Magic is in the cab. Quote
.jpg.2a95db90b70ff3f3317b0f7ee3970acb.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.