Looking for a Heritage or Vintage Ampeg B15

[Szorn]

Hi everyone,

 

Been looking for an Ampeg B15 for the studio. Andy Baxter hasn’t had stock for a long while I imagine down to covid so trying my luck here hoping someone might want to part with there’s.

 

Wasn’t sure where to post this or if this kind of post is allowed so feel free to delete or move as applicable.

 

Cheers,

Shaun

[Geek99]

Needs to be in “.items wanted” on marketplace 

[Steve Browning]

Good luck with the hunt. Bass Gallery have one for you to consider.

 

https://thebassgallery.com/collections/combos-1/products/ampeg-portaflex-flip-top-b-15

[Pow_22]

Bass gallery have two.  Ive asked numerous times re: the one linked above as the pics note several areas of concern - a replacement transformer and some weird addition that looks like a solid state rectifier?

[Steve Browning]

4 hours ago, Pow_22 said:

Bass gallery have two.  Ive asked numerous times re: the one linked above as the pics note several areas of concern - a replacement transformer and some weird addition that looks like a solid state rectifier?

It is about a grand less than Andy Baxter charges when he has one in stock. Can't see the other one.

[Pow_22]

https://thebassgallery.com/collections/full-rigs/products/ampeg-b-15-portaflex-1975-8

 

I quite like the 'S' model, bigger than usual and a bit more umph and beef

[beans-on-toast]

Vintage-Blue (http://www.vintage-blue.com) makes a high quality double baffle B-15 cabinet. These DB cabs were used in the earlier revisions. A slightly larger version of the cabinet can be paired with an Ampeg PF-50T if you want to flip it.

 

 

[pbasspecial]

I had this dilemma last year. Used to own a PF50 and was considering either getting another one and pairing it with a bf compact or getting a Ceriatone Aunt Peg or a trinity flip top. I also looked at the Ampeg B100r combos. In the end I
snagged myself an Ampeg B200r which was a much cheaper and more useable alternative. Might well be worth considering if you can find one. 

[Szorn]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

As it happens I own a B100r that's currently in the studio, I was thinking of testing it out against the B15 and selling it if doesn't sound as good or flipping the B15 if it does.

I think the Baxter ones are mainly 60s models which may account for the higher price. There's no info now on the one going for £1,200 on the Bass Gallery, will drop them a message.

Edited October 22, 2021 by Szorn

[RedVee]

Why not try an Ampeg PF-20T, not an exact reproduction of a B-15 or an Heritage but very close.

[joetruscott]

How much are the heritage B15 reissues going for at the moment?

[BassmanPaul]

On 08/10/2021 at 03:41, Pow_22 said:

Bass gallery have two.  Ive asked numerous times re: the one linked above as the pics note several areas of concern - a replacement transformer and some weird addition that looks like a solid state rectifier?

If the "solid state rectifier" is a diode in series with each anode/plate of the tube rectifier it's to increase the PIV of the rectifier system. It helps to avoid flash over in the rectifier tube. My B15 has these, which I installed, to cure such a problem.

 

 

Edited December 18, 2021 by BassmanPaul

[Pow_22]

So i got a response from BG.  Not an awful lot of information other than - yes, its a replacement transformer.  No - we dont know what the mod is.  Fully checked out by a tech and in full working order.  Slightly tempted

[Pow_22]

Thread res…. Still very tempted by the B15 at bass gallery but looking around at replacement transformers (at least the right size to make it LOOK original). Fliptops is circa £300 plus shipping and tax…. does anyone know of any UK based Ampeg specialists at all. Very tempted by it but just look beyond those current mods

[Pow_22]

Update - the amp had sold when i asked more questions.  The search for a small valve combo for home use goes on - options include cheap and cheerful WEM Dominators or the Ashdown Little Bastard…

[BassmanPaul]

6 hours ago, Pow_22 said:

Update - the amp had sold when i asked more questions.  The search for a small valve combo for home use goes on - options include cheap and cheerful WEM Dominators or the Ashdown Little Bastard…

Don't blame the Ashdown for it's parentage! LOL

 

As for the WEM I never liked the thing when it first came out. A bass amp it is not!