The Ampeg B 15 Bass Amp: A Short History

[@JoeBouchardRockStar]

On the first four Blue Öyster Cult studio albums (including Don't Fear the Reaper) I recorded the bass with a B15. During my days at Ithaca College I played a B15. I really enjoyed your video. It really brought me back to the 70s!

[@dooleykeith]

Joe - I really enjoy your work with B.O.C. Thanks for all the great music - I love how you guys defied classification. Never sure of what you might get on a Blue Oyster Cult record, but you knew it would be good. Cheers, my man!

[@JoeBouchardRockStar]

@@dooleykeith

[@andymelendez9757]

Awesome, nice work!

[@Groovegandalf]

You had a really big influence on my sense of melody and rhythm as a young bass player. The bass lines on Sole Survivor still stick with me.

[@stevephilbrick1237]

Joe, of the hundreds of bands that I've been fortunate enough to see live, Blue Öyster Cult is still the one that I've seen the most (6 times, if memory serves). Thanks for being there, laying the groove, every single time. (Steve up in Orono, Maine)

[@christopherweise438]

My high school had one as our jazz ensemble bass amp. Too bad none of us knew at the time what we were really playing through. It was "just an amp" to us.

[@davidgagnon2849]

I was just about to make a similar comment. Since it was in 1979 through 1981, I don't remember exactly which model it was; meaning which year. I was not the bass player; I played guitar one year and trumpet the next, but was involved with loading and unloading it. We also had a Sunburst Precision that very well could have been from the mid to late 60s. I would dearly love to have that rig today.

[@nathanielbrice8725]

I’m sure there’s plenty of similar stories. If only you could go back in time and buy them all now!

[@christopherweise438]

@@nathanielbrice8725 - Yea......at a 1986 price instead of now.

[@michaellorenz7177]

School instruments can be bought cheap. I got my mid 70's Precision for 50 bucks from my high school. Had to put 150 into it to get back in playing shape.

[@annunacky4463]

Let’s break in and nab it! I’ll be the lookout. We can leave a cheap digital amp for the kids.

[@julesborges7396]

Back in 2005 I decided I needed a B-15 for my home studio. I spotted a clean one on ebay and won the auction. When the buyer contacted me it was none other than Jess' Oliver! He told be he'd been buying them used, reconditioning them to his specs (he'd made a new plexi Ampeg plate) and selling them. He autographed the top of one of the transformer covers for me with the date. Needless to say it's one of my prize possessions.

[@fivewattworld]

Such a great story!

[@hatdrummer]

I was in Jess Oliver's home.. I brought him my Ampeg Reverb Rocket for a speaker issue. As it turns out Ampeg produced those back in the day w a dangerous ground issue.. very unsafe. He did the speaker repair and he fixed the ground issue for free and replaced the nearly broken handle w a new old stock grey/blue Ampeg handle which cost very little.. Jess is a legend.. but here he is a local legend as well and we have a huge quality music scene here and have for a long time.. and Jess Oliver was/is part of that great community..

[@hatdrummer]

@@fivewattworld I was in Jess Oliver's home.. I brought him my Ampeg Reverb Rocket for a speaker issue. As it turns out Ampeg produced those back in the day w a dangerous ground issue.. very unsafe. He did the speaker repair and he fixed the ground issue for free and replaced the nearly broken handle w a new old stock grey/blue Ampeg handle which cost very little.. Jess is a legend.. but here he is a local legend as well and we have a huge quality music scene here and have for a long time.. and Jess Oliver was/is part of that great community..

[@MrFinikyfrank]

That's fantastic!

[@swenhanson4125]

I have a 1962 B15n, any idea on how to repair the ground issue? It’s in really good condition, needs 1 capacitor and one knob.

[@henryrodriguez2054]

I'm 72 years old and in 1969 I was an aspiring rock bass player. To me, the only bass amp that was a bass amp was the B 15. No other amp got me that deep smooth bass sound, deep, clear, and heavy.

[@mattofbass]

I’ve had both. The B15 was the best low volume amp ever but the old SVTs that were point to point wiring were great. Back in the day I was playing with a loud band and I used 2 SVTs side by side. That explains why I can’t walk anymore

[@paullawson8610]

The B-15 and a Fender precision bass there's just something magic

[@Candlepinman]

I've had a 1966 B-15NF around my whole life. It was my dad's and when I started playing guitar I'd play my Squier Strat through it. I switched to bass in my teen years and after awhile the B-15 fell into disrepair. A few months ago I finally spent the money to have it serviced. I'm 35 and now doing a bit of session work... somewhat due to having one! It always sounds amazing and I'm so lucky to have it. My dad passed away 8 years ago I think he's Looking down SOO happy it's working and being used again :)

[@MBBerard1]

Mr Oliver lived near me (Massapequa Park) and serviced all my amps until his passing. A wonderful kind person! His workplace- his basement- was a sight to see! Wall to wall floor to ceiling amps, components, electronics!!! He is missed!

[@hatdrummer]

I was in Jess Oliver's home.. I brought him my Ampeg Reverb Rocket for a speaker issue. As it turns out Ampeg produced those back in the day w a dangerous ground issue.. very unsafe. He did the speaker repair and he fixed the ground issue for free and replaced the nearly broken handle w a new old stock grey/blue Ampeg handle which cost very little.. Jess is a legend.. but here he is a local legend as well and we have a huge quality music scene here and have for a long time.. and Jess Oliver was/is part of that great community..

[@Funkybassuk]

RIP. I remember he was active on ebay fixing up and selling on old B15s. Sadly I was a bit too young at the time to have the income to try to pick one up back then.

[@rkharper]

I own a 2010 limited Edition run of 50. My holy grail amp! There's even a signed photograph from Jess Oliver with it!

[@davidgagnon2849]

Wow. That's something you don't ever want to sell!

[@soulman4292]

In the history of popular music there are many well known names. Like Hendrix for guitar, and Jamerson on bass, but for every single one of those cats, behind them stand men like Leo Fender, and Jess Oliver who had the vision to create something so simple yet profound and they ended up changing music forever. Their names should be in the rock n roll hall of fame, their names should be placed in the same regard as the names of those who made use of their inventions. This is one of the reasons I love this channel, it’s peeling back the history and shining light on things not known to the average enthusiast. Top tier historical content!

[@lamech006]

YES!! You did this amp!!! The. Amp. Thank you, from The Bass Players!

[@grahamholden9627]

Now time for the SVT to get the same 5 Watt treatment!

[@ethanlancaster76]

I’ve been playing bass for about 35 years and have always wanted a 1975-76 B15-N. You might be surprised at the tones that you can get with a guitar as well. Just incredible valve amps that have been the benchmark of tone for bass in the studio since its inception. Thank you for this great video, Keith! You never disappoint my man.

[@BigFatTiddies]

Ive gotten some great tones from a guitar with this amp. Especially if you add an EQ pedal.

[@jamesberlo4298]

I'm a Drummer (Ludwig freak) and I love this Show, I am obsessed withe Vintage Gear , I love the detail you go into and the History and the Legends who created this stuff.

[@kennethday9747]

I watched an old live video of Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott was using the preamp out of B-15 into high wattage solid state amp.

[@moctzal]

This has to be the best bass amplifier video on all of KZbin! Phil's playing sounded great!

[@KarlKarsnark]

EPIC! I had an old B-15N that I used to play my Strat through along with a little combo. Sounded great and the "Flip-Top" always gets you extra cool points.

[@charlespiper9291]

Amazing amp! Bought my first B15N used in 1968 a new one in 1970. Over the years had a SB 12 for home rehearsal and numerous B15s and a B18. Wonderful in the studio. Since UA Audio introduced the B15 plug in my last B15 was sold.

[@40WattPodcast]

I recently stumbled across a '74 B-15N that was owned by a Jazz guy down in Mobile, AL. The guy bought it brand new in '74 and put it in his studio where his buddies would rehearse and record - and it never left that space until he passed earlier this year. He also had a bunch of old tube hi-fi gear and the family wanted to keep that gear to remember him by so they had a local hi-fi repairperson and amp tech repair the hi-fi gear and gave the amp to him as at least partial payment for his work. He sold me that amp after he had serviced it and made sure it was in working order. It's the cleanest B-15N I've ever seen - looks near mint - and I got it for a price I'm embarrassed to mention. I didn't even try bargaining with the guy - just gave him what he was asking. I'm so happy to have it as part of my space. Thanks for the video Keith!

[@bflathead]

I have a B-15N, a B-12 and a mid 70’s SVT. I live in metro NYC area and had all of the amps serviced by the late great Dennis Kager ..an AMPEG employee and historian. He worked in Nj at Central Jersey Music. He was a kind man and I always enjoyed my visits. He was so knowledgeable and as mentioned in the comments about Jesse Oliver’s basement.. Dennis Kager’s shop was similar.. vintage parts and amps all over. During one of my visits there was a group of guys there interviewing Dennis for THE HISTORY OF AMPEG book. Great video..thanks for posting.

[@paulorr7471]

My goodness are you ever a fountain of knowledge. My guitar teacher in the mid sixties had a little ensemble that included his wife on bass. She had a B-15 and it was just thunderous.

[@mannybernardez9556]

I have a 2000’s B-15R and love it. It really came to life when I switched the power tubes from 6L6 to EL34. Completelly opened up the mids in a great way and made the amp blossom. This is by far the coolest feature of this version of the B-15. Well… that and the fact that it can run at 4ohms and produce 100 watts.

[@calimark7448]

I love my B-15n. It was the sound on all of the records that I grew up with. I'll never let go of it. And my P Bass. ;-)

[@timothylawrence707]

Oh, wow! This is a great Short History topic - this amp is iconic!!

[@aluminati9918]

Great video, Keith! Having had an Ampeg V4 for many years I can just agree on the Ampeg EQ section to being in a class of its own. Compared to other amps it actually does something.. Keep the great vids coming!

[@kaydenandrade3138]

This person is so good at talking that he memorizes the lines and speaks it so confidently, without stuttering

[@fivewattworld]

Well, thank you, but I’m actually reading the script I wrote from a small teleprompter. It works but it’s taken me a long time to be relaxed about it.

[@kaydenandrade3138]

@@fivewattworld o ok, that’s smart

[@GregDrona]

😊 ❤❤ Many thanks. My school also had a vintage B-15. I met Dino 12 years ago, great guy. I’ve since built a clone of the B-15NC. You nailed it again Kieth. Bass players need love too

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

This is another fantastic profile of a precious piece of vintage gear! Thanks Keith! In the mid 60s I had an early flip top Ampeg B15, don't remember which version; it sounded fantastic in the studio with my '63 Precision, but was always underpowered at gigs. Unfortunately it seemed to require fairly regular tweaking to keep it running, so eventually I traded it in for a 70s solid state Acoustic 370 head, which I used onstage for years through a pair of EV TL 15" ported cabinets. It was a handy rig because I could use either one or both of the cabs depending on the band or size of room I was playing... I missed that Ampeg for years; guess I still do. Later, when I was getting into playing more guitar, I got a 60s Ampeg Reverberocket, which was a true gem as well, but likewise eventually got replaced with something (a 60s Fender Deluxe?) that required less maintenance. That seemed to be my experience with those vintage Ampeg amps; they were of the highest quality tone-wise, but as they were constantly being jostled around for shows, they required too much maintenance. (Road cases really weren't that common back then; even if they were they would have been too bulky to be very practical.) I had to ultimately find more robust amps that would handle the stresses of gigging, even if they weren't quite up to snuff tonally...

[@BobHolland1949]

You missed the B15R & the B100R/B200R. Great Amps & I enjoyed the video. I also owned a B15N back in the 70's Long gone now.

[@jackpine70]

Way to go Keith. What a great "short history". As a fifty year long bass player, I have had b15's flow through my universe, but never owned one. There's still time!

[@sons.moon.leather]

Fantastic history lesson, comprehensive and with a cool delivery. Now I’m very intrigued by the PF-50T

[@briggsmech7038]

I have a 1978 B-25B. It was given to me beacuse it was not working at the time. The fix was simple. A new 5u4 rectifier tube. The original 1978 maganavox tube made in Great Britan had lost its vacuum. I never thought much about it untill I was watching U2's rooftop concert where I saw another one in all its glory belting out one of the all-time greatest songs. In a time where base amps "must" be at least 200 watts and solid state this amp has a warmth and feel that is like putting on a worn pair of jeans and jamming with friends I'v never felt the need to get anything else. Great video Keith. Keep up the great work and keep reminding me that these old amps still have the mojo we are looking for.

[@johnjoyce]

Wow. Well done. Bravo. I’ve followed the series since the beginning and you look 110% comfortable and at home now. This one was smooth and supremely perfect. Too perfect? Looking forward to the SVT episode and a Reverberocket episode and maybe a SUNN or Acoustic episode.

[@RocknRollkat]

YIKES ! The whole point of the plexiglass plate was to have the dealer engrave your name under the "Ampeg" logo and have it glow along with the logo ! (That's why there's a 'blank' area on the plate !) I remember seeing this as a youngster in the early 1960s. Bill P.

[@REKlaus]

Having used the B-15S (and repaired a few at Little Roy Wiggins Music City in Nashville which started life as The Ampeg showroom in Nashville) back in the mid 1970, I Think the new version sounds better, with a more balanced tone and firmer(?) low end. What you didn't mention was the short lived transistor version of the B-15. Thanks for one for us bass players (retired.)

[@alexschlessman5355]

Been playing bass for like 15 years. Love ampeg amps. Have a bunch they sound amazing won't ever change

[@f.duranleau4416]

Thanks Keith for this video. The most recorded Ampeg B 15 bass amp is probably the one owned and used by the great James Jamerson. In the late '70's a friend of mine played bass in a hard rock band and he was using the mighty Ampeg 300 watts SVT head and 2, yes 2 Ampeg 8x10" cabinets...The tone he was getting with his P bass was awesome! Those were the years!

[@stevehuffman1495]

A sailor gave me a B-18N in Iceland. I used it for years, primarily as a guitar amp. I loved that thing.

[@MrGixxer1300r]

Very awesome content!! I never thought I'd be intesestred in bass amps but you caught my interest quickly. Take care Keith, and may god bless you.

[@rotaxtwin]

Can't say how much I enjoy hearing about retired designers/engineers/whatever that light up when they get a chance to be involved in a design. It's fantastic, without that (I don't want to use the word 'passion' 'cause it's been abused) but instead I will say drive or interest we would be nowhere. No, Keith - no way do I watch your videos on a phone. They get the big screen, full audio treatment. It's the least I can so when presented with such a well documented history, and accompanied with the soundtracks that you create. Keep on doing what you do man 'cause it really hits the nail on the head and I know I'm not alone here.

[@guitrr]

Keith, it is beyond cool that you were able to correspond with Jess Oliver! I’m with you on the light-up logo, that’s a James Bond level of cool.

[@pascalgalipeau1796]

I own a 1964 B-15 and an early 2000 B-15R. Love both. The B-15R has a different circuit (similar to a V4BH). It sounds good, but different from my 64. The downside of the B-15R is its weight. It’s a back breaker. The 64 however…is one of the best amp I own. Keeping this one until I die. The tone ❤

[@producerman10030]

Great video. I did a lot of sessions in NYC in the 70s and there was always a B-15 in the studio. Also Ampeg Gemini amps for guitar as well. But you left something out. The Oliver bass amps, which came after he left Ampeg. They were portaflex as well, BUT the head rose out of the cabinet on MOTORS!!!! You hit a switch and the amp rose up, with a lighted plexiglass logo, on standby and ready to rock. Check them out.

[@flyonwall360]

I was just heading out the door, waiting for the woman to put on her makeup, and this video popped up on my feed. Great memories, I had a 1960 B-15 XY. The XY was for Guitar/Accordion. It had a 15" a couple of mids and a horn. It also had a spring reverb. I had it from about 1980 to 1999. When I first got it, I had to repair it. I was able to get ahold of one of the engineers who helped design it. That's when I found out that it was built in 1960, and the XY was experimental. It looked just like the B-15, but wider.

[@DRChevalier]

Great episode! Thanks Keith. Funny for me, I have played through a number of Ampegs, own the outstanding Micro CL and played through the amazing and murderous SVT with 8x10 cabinet, I have never played a B15. Best that I get on fixing that omission.

[@tjsogmc]

I have a 66 B15n and I love it. Full, well rounded sound and that nice tubey grit. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@stevenkasanders5587]

B15!!! Yes Thankyou! SVT next please! Love and appreciate the content and knowledge! Keep ‘em coming!!!

[@thelynngentry]

The funny thing is I was watching the video earlier and had to stop it halfway through. I got the urge to search for B15 vs PF20/50 comparisons as I have a PF20. I'm glad to see you were thinking the same thing. Thanks for adding the side by side comparisons.

[@peterwerner2174]

thanks for that. i have a VT40 that i got in 1974. as a kid i always liked the full bass tone that didnt affect the treble but never understood how it worked!!!.the Ampeg never had the sweetness of other amps but bell like clarity and loud. Heavy? shit yeah!

[@michaelalfonso1070]

I love this amp! As a Architectural and Industrial Designer (43 years), I think this amp is the true definition of Form follows function. From the Lucite Logo, sleek transformer design and the Flip Top! I would like to see a part 2 which covers playing through an double bass. And/or, (not to take away from Bass players) but playing with an electric (6 string) guitar. After all, electric (6 string) guitars have been using Bass Rigs from the beginning of amplification, (Fender Bassman Combo, Bassman head and of course the B-15). Some electric (6 string) guitar players like 15" speakers, (I prefer 12" speakers). I had a chance to buy a termite damaged B-15, (since I also do woodworking). The guitar player/salesman was surprised of the tone coming out of it. But decided not to because (I have enough projects: I design, build and repair guitars), the finished product would never leave my house. I usually perform with a Professional Sound system, so I just play with 8-20 watts, (my favorite amp is a Boutique point to point Modified Champ circuit; 8-12 watts Head, which I helped design). Your channel is the best!

[@stevemyers2092]

Than you - what a great all round in depth video - thanks Keith

[@sirfultonbishop]

Great info packed video on the amp that set the standard for bass tone. I’ve been fortunate enough to play thru a few of these over the years but had no idea about much of the history, specs, etc, and the “double baffle” and removable ports is just fascinating. Keep ‘em coming!

[@22mlet]

Thanks Keith for this portrait of the best recording beast. Too bad you miss one model...The 1997 -2007 B15R 60w /100w " . Bought mine in 1999, sold it and bought it back as soon it came back on craigslist !

[@FXJunky]

Had one of these for a few years recorded my first EP with it. It’s amazing. Paired with a Les Paul and a DOD 250 it rocked HARD.

[@srfgrn]

Bought one of these when I was High School in 1971 -- a used one from the mid to late sixties. Jeez, wish I still had it.😮‍💨

[@E29music]

Thanks Keith. I have 1967 B12 in my studio. Fantastic. Thanks for all the info on it. I wish I had the original B15 from the Bass Player in the band I was in, when I was a kid!!!

[@nashbasscat]

I used one on record dates in NY, with my old Jazz Bass. It was an amazing combination.

[@bassworship50]

I'm 63 years old and i first saw one of these at my church in Miami during the early 70's. Our bassist played with a pick but, sounded just like Jamerson, which he studied to a "t". I never thought much of the sound seeing i didn't start playing bass til '77. Now, as much as i appreciate them, i cannot afford one. I do sometimes use my GK 115 cab with a Behringer BX4500H head...

[@mikeymacaque]

I play in a classic rock group with a pretty loud drummer and guitarist, and the new PF-20T and 112 cab is just loud enough to get me thru rehearsals with just the right amount of breakup and warmth. It sounds fantastic when I send my signal to the PA too. I’d love it if you had the time to do more classic bass amps, they hardly get as much love as the guitar counterparts. The SVT, Gallien-Krueger 800RB, and the Acoustic 360/1 amps are almost as iconic in the bass world as some guitar amps.

[@tomp538]

As is always my experience here @ five watt world, another excellent short story. Thanks Keith!

[@tunesmith7437]

This was my first bass amp back in 1966. It aided me in my musical debut at the CAFE WHA? back in December of '66.

[@driftlessgeardemos]

Seeing the b15 with a 62 jazz bass makes my stomach drop every time. It’s what I grew up with and while it was on loan to a family member, they sold it all for bills. The case was super unique on the jazz bass, has this crazy Cruisin’ logo of a yacht flying between 2 palm trees. Anyway, thanks for doing this video, it brings back all sorts of memories.

[@daveymeshell6337]

I still play through the 1972 B15N, which was my first bass amp, bought 40 years ago at Reds Royal Amp shop, in Hollywood, California, in every recording session I do.

[@davidvitagliano3994]

Many years ago I picked up an Oliver B200 head that I sent to Jess for servicing. What a nice man who charged me next to nothing for the work.

[@rome8180]

I played music with a guy who had a B-15N. It's still the best bass amp I've ever heard. I ended up getting a PF-50T, which is the modern equivalent, but for some reason it's just not quite the same. Don't get me wrong, I still love it. But it doesn't have the magic that B-15N did.

[@johnvcougar]

Big fan of the PF50T. Sweet tone, can drive nicely and I’ve had occasion to play it direct with just a bass played straight in … great sound. Love the ability to yank out the speaker cable to get a recording done, also a great tone. I was miffed by the MIC badge, but they did ok and I guess it keeps the costs down. Good show, Keith!

[@hatdrummer]

I was in Jess Oliver's home.. I brought him my Ampeg Reverb Rocket for a speaker issue. As it turns out Ampeg produced those back in the day w a dangerous ground issue.. very unsafe. He did the speaker repair and he fixed the ground issue for free and replaced the nearly broken handle w a new old stock grey/blue Ampeg handle which cost very little.. Jess is a legend.. but here he is a local legend as well and we have a huge quality music scene here and have for a long time.. and Jess Oliver was/is part of that great community..

[@NLBassist]

What a great vid! I met Jess Oliver at the NAMM, just before he died and he signed my Ampeg Book.

[@189pinto]

Love it. All of your short histories are fantastic, but this one in particular resonates with me. I've got a rare "disorder" where I have a hard time figuring out if I'm a guitarist, or if I'm actually a bass player. I've been playing longer as a guitarist but gigged more as a bassist.

[@fivewattworld]

Bassists always work.

[@smop]

I had to update my comment to say I love this one even more now that I saw the PF50T included too, which I’m using now. Great video, Keith!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I was generously given an Ampeg model when I was 17 by a private therapist who also had a (non-functioning) Hofner violin bass. (Because it formed a perfect cube when you packed up the head for transit, I think it was a B12.) I would still own it today, only I wasn’t too thrilled with the sound or the lack of grounding which meant you couldn’t plug in a guitar or bass and touch any other metal surface without getting an electric zap. Furthermore, the speaker cone was damaged, and I didn’t want to scrounge around, trying to get a different plug or a new speaker cone installed.

[@Amp497]

Thanks for filling in the blank spots in my memory about Ampeg.

[@troz451]

Hi, I bought a B-15 N used in 1973 for $100 bucks from a bass player in Pgh. It has the 15 inch speaker and some cigarette burns on the top. I immediately went to Radio Shack and bought as many Lifetime tubes that I could find. I also lined the cabinet with some baffling. It was my go to amp for years. However, I found that it lacked the volume I desired for live (and loud) gigs. I “heard” that Ampeg’s founder did not like Rock and purposely kept the loudness lower. That may be total BS. At any rate I loved the sound for jamming in small venues. Eventually the top handle broke and I replaced it with a belt. The amp input to cabinet jack also broke so I had to replace that. Fifty years later I’m still using it and never had to replace a tube. Happy playing everybody.

[@giosundance5643]

This is one of my favorite KZbin channels. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@frankierodriguez8661]

Brilliant vid Keith, I didn't know really about Ampeg, I kew they re legendary but thanks to this I REALLY know. All the best as always from West Spain.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great video! Honored to be a small part. Thank you Keith!

[@enidsnarb]

I put a new power transformer and filter caps in an early 60’s B15n that had the chicken head knobs sighs the plexiglass Ampeg light ! I listened to “ Fun With Tubes” a physics professor’s show and “ formed” the new caps by running them at low dc for 20 hours then bring them up 10 vdc every half hour till the were at their normal running voltage , this process is heavily debated but this amp turned out to be super quiet !!! No hum whatsoever , and it sounded phenomenal, over the top bass tone!

[@alexcorona]

Thank you for giving Bass some love.

[@RexCoggins]

Recently picked up a vintage B-15S, and it’s great for guitar 🤙

[@DDPAV]

Had an original 60's era come thru my studio in the 90's and it was absolutely the best bass tone I'd ever heard. Yet another design that can't be topped by modern tech and slick packaging.

[@chrischandler7650]

The short history videos are my favorite! Really enjoyed this one as a bass and guitar player both!

[@cmdrerniepaul]

I bought my first bass in '89. The test amp at the shop was a 60's vintage B15. I don't recall the price, but it was out of my budget at the time. And now, the vintage models are still out of my budget! Still my dream bass amp

[@bmwtravel1100]

great look back at this amp - I had no idea it was so admired. I'll be watching to see if you cover the Acoustic 360 bass amp - it too is legendary and has quite a history.

[@MusicdocMT]

Nicely done sir- as always - my dad gave me his fliptop mid 60s amp in the late 80s unfortunately as a struggling musician in the mid 90s I sold it after restoring it the fame Lucite glow Ampeg sign.. I’m still a working bass player and at the moment I am Ampeg rich unfortunately I can’t find a reason to buy another flip top- I agree with you with Yamaha’s purchase of a Ampeg amp - so far they’ve been great evangelist of the Ampeg legacy with an eye to the future…. keep doing the damn thang - maximum respect Doc 🤘😎🎸

[@off711]

A video on different EQ and gain stages would actually be pretty cool to see

[@jeffreybedrosian4935]

Keith I’ve watched most all your videos .. and I’m not a pro bassist.. but this one touched my heart.. I guess you must be getting better

[@JustPlayingBass]

I've never played through a real B15..I wish I could. SVT through a fridge was an experience I can't forget. Thanks for the video Keith, top stuff man

[@buzzawuzza3743]

Beyond cool! A bass amp has to give out that warm full sound that can make it to the back of the club. I started playing gigs in the days before a soundman would stick a mic in front of the bass amp and mix it in through the main speakers. Used a Fender Super Bassman 100 but it looks like one of these Ampeg models would have done the job just as well. Great video, thank you as always!!!

[@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo]

Wow what a treat. This was my favorite video yet. I just happen to be playing my PF-20T as this came up. Had the 50T but the 20 sounds better in my studio.

[@elducko1951]

Well Done!! This was - as usual - an informative video! I wish I could find a B-15 but my back couldn't handle the weight Keep up the consistent fine work!

[@the_nondrive_side]

the truth is the tone could have been aweful.. that concept was inevitably gonna rock

[@g.s.3074]

Another variant of note that was overlooked is the late 90’s B-15R. This was essentially a V-4B in a flip top design. It produced 100 watts and was switchable to about half that. It also featured a HF horn that was adjustable. The amp sported the blue checkered Tolex finish and an illuminated Ampeg logo. It used a custom designed Eminence 15” driver. The enclosure was larger and the transformer covers stood taller. It sounded rather good, but not as warm as the vintage designs.

[@g.s.3074]

Jess was a proponent of adding a JBL to improve the B-15’s performance. For my B-15R I installed a Ted Weber NeoMag 15. This closely resembles the JBL D140F in tonality if you spec it correctly. I disconnected the HF driver. The results were very favorable, plus it was lighter!

[@glenkepic3208]

Great offering!! Lucky enough to see LZ for my first concert for Houses then EWF for Gratitude. Ampeg V4 was like the American Marshall.....Stones GYYYO and a pal buying a half stack in the mid '70s. Prob a V4 B on this msg gig.

[@bigbass421]

I was raised in Woodside, Queens, N.Y. City. In 1967, I used to rehearse at a former store- converted to a 'boy's club' on 54th. St. and Roosevet Ave. in Woodside. It was right under the #7 IRT 'el. Ampeg, was also in a former storefront, and although it is listed as being on Roosevelt Ave., I believe the storefront was actually on the street just adjacent to it, and not directly under the El. Either way, I actually didn't know it was there. I knew it was in Woodside, but never imagined it to be in an old storefront. Needless to say, we all had Ampeg amps. I've owned quite a few in my 55 years playing the bass. I remember when you could buy used B-15's in the back of most music stores, or from the "Buy Lines" paper- for as low as a hundred or hundred - fifty bucks! I know, because I did! I got a '66 in mint condition up in The Bronx, for 60 bucks, in 1976. It needed an output transformer, I installed one- and put it into service. Great amp- but underpowered for the gigs I was doing. P.S., those Lucite plates could be engraved by the factory, with the purchaser's name. If you ever see one with 'TONY' or 'FRANK' on the plate, now you know why. I was working as a guitar repairman in a Reno music store- and Ampeg dealer in the 90's. An Ampeg rep brought in a new Ampeg reissue B-15- it had two power level settings. Nice amp. I don't know if they actually made a run of those- circa 1997? I believe I've seen a few in service. NICE presentation, thanks!

[@richardinmaryland6197]

I love Ampeg amps, but my collection's B-15 slot is filled, at least for now, by an Oliver B120, from the company that Jess Oliver founded after he left Ampeg. Like the B-15, the B120 drives its 15" speaker with two 6L6GC power tubes. Oliver's "Uniflex" combo amp doesn't have the cachet of a vintage Portaflex or the novelty of Oliver's motorized Powerflex amps, but it represents his experienced redesign of a B-15-like amp, and it sounds great.

[@grene1955]

I love your historical and educational videos...I always feel enriched!

[@victorbeebe8372]

Aloha Keith! Not a bass player but I knew about the B 15 for a long time. Maybe due to Aspen Pittman' s Tube Amp Book.

[@picksalot1]

New Five Watt World: A Short History video = Instant "like." 👍 I didn't know the B15 was so ubiquitous. Great sound!

[@patricklennox9572]

I played one only once while recording in a studio. It was the best sound and feel I ever, ever experienced from an amp.

[@WAMilyFamily]

It's really cool to see some bass content. I love Ampeg amps.

[@barryberman563]

I had a mid-60s B-15N that I played a Farfisa combo organ through. Strangely, what I remember most is how it smelled. The inside was coated in a black tarry-like material which smelled when heated-such as when you flipped it back down for transport. (Sigh) another classic piece of equipment I never should have sold. Like my Minimoog!

[@phasmoid666]

I got my B15 N from Midtown Music in ATL back in ‘94; possibly from your boy Anorato. Still brings it after all those years.