The Ampeg B 15 Bass Amp: A Short History

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Years ago, when I thought I needed "one of everything" I built myself a single channel B-15 clone that Dan Lurie from FYD Amps designed for me. In the end I built three of them actually and the prototype went to Rick Beato's studio...and never came back. So this Short History has long been on my list to make. Bass content is never big out of the gate but this is a great and important amp so I hope you enjoy it.
Keith

[@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)

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@paullawson8610]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@moctzal]

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

[@timothylawrence707]

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

[@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. ;-)

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@alexschlessman5355]

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

[@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.

[@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.)

[@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 ❤

[@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.

[@stevehuffman1495]

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

[@off711]

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

[@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.

[@tomp538]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@flyingrat492]

I was waiting for this, really interesting amp and history. Have you considered doing a video about all the less common fender amps (pros, Quads, vibroluxes and the like)

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.😮‍💨

[@stevemyers2092]

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

[@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.

[@chrischandler7650]

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

[@dooleykeith]

Another great video, Keith. I'm a fan of Ampeg's Reverberocket amps, but didn't know much about the venerable B-15 bass amp. Thanks for another lesson in amp history disguised as a fun video. You have a great channel, love it. Keep up the professional work!

[@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!!!

[@Amp497]

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

[@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 🤘😎🎸

[@NLBassist]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@rockoutmichigan]

Always loved Ampeg bass amps.

[@nathanielnicholson559]

I'm currently getting to know/'restoring' a G-15, my fist tube amp. It was found at an auction with a shredded cone. Dutch at VinTone reconed it for me and now I'm learning whatever I can to bring this thing back to full function. Thanks for sharing this! Now I'm off to see if you've yet covered the guitar version of this sonic beauty ;)

[@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.

[@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..

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

Thanks for producing another brilliant video... such great channel!

[@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!

[@grene1955]

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

[@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

[@HexxHenderson]

There’s a lot of confusion on this, so I always like to set everyone straight on it. Bass legend, Carol Kaye is an old friend of mine going back 40 years. One of the first questions I ask her was about the B-15 and she told me that she never ever used one in the studio. She used an old Fender Concert amp either a 60 or 61 to her recollection. Kind of funny isn’t it?

[@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.

[@MarkFromHawaii]

Outstanding Keith. I'm not a bass player but I love the "flip top soul" model on my little Ampero Hotone pedal. It's the perfect bass tone for recording with a Jazz or Precision IMHO. Almost forgot that Jimi played "Hear My Train A Comin'" through a B15 on the Dick Cavett show.

[@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.

[@WhatJeanWants]

Great video and info on these awesome amps, Keith! I would watch you do a long mini-series deep dive on these amps and Mr. Oliver. Thank you!!

[@chrisquinn9104]

I think there are quite a few 60s Ampegs are overlooked. Especially The Gemini 1. Most probably need some renovation done properly to sound their best, but boy they sound good when they are dialed

[@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.

[@REKlaus]

Just scrolled through your youtube channel. I didn't see anything on the original tuck and roll Kustom amps. They had quite a following in the late 1970's.

[@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.

[@jaedev6]

I made a comment on one of your videos a little while ago, and said I would love for you to do a video on Ampeg. Don't know if I was the inspiration to do this video, but thank you thank you thank you! Awesome as always!

[@guitfidle]

Nice video! I absolutely love these amps!!! The guitar shop I went to a lot in my early days had one of these with the lucite panel set up for their demo amp. I played a bunch of different guitars and basses through it. That's something you don't hear much about, but they work extremely well as a guitar amp, like the Fender Bassman. The closest I have come to owning one is my Silvertone 1483, similar circuit with the same Jensen 15" speaker, although the cab sucks. (the shop closed down a year or 2 after Guitar Center went in a couple miles down the road)

[@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!

[@WAMilyFamily]

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

[@junbu8958]

Great video glad to have the story now when I see one thank you

[@beno3481]

Great Video! Can't wait for the for the short history on the mighty Ampeg SVT series

[@jeffgerndt2813]

Another excellent job!

[@orryfishburne5326]

I remember when i was about 20 years old (im 31 now) my friend brought me to meet a friend of his who recently at the time bought a house to set up as a studio. The guy (Paul) had a decent sized analog mixing console and a bunch of gear. It was definitely impressive for someone in their early 20's to be able to acquire on their own. One of the bedrooms had a B15 with an Ampeg 8x10 cab set up. Paul asked me if i knew what amp that was and at the time i had no clue. His response was "well your not a bass player i guess. Haha" When we were starting to work on a song i asked if he could just plug my bass direct into the console and Paul looked at me like i was crazy. Looking back on that experience i really wish i got to plug into that amp. To this day its the only time ive seen a B15 in person and i kick myself for not giving it a try.

[@ae3898]

Another great 5WW gear video that, instead of making me want to buy more gear, just made me want to make some music. Thanks, KW.

[@fivewattworld]

Glad to hear that!

[@erikvaldur3334]

I'm mainly a guitar player but play some drums and bass. I've owned many Oliver Powerflex amps ,(basically same circuit as per Jess) also had many Ampegs. But my favorite was a little SB12 I found in 2007. I traded a used acoustic guitar(value brand new 100 bucks) and 200 dollars. Amp needed new power tubes and a cap or two. Wow was that a fun amp to play. The natural breakup was beautiful. So many times I sat down to "play for ten minutes " and wound up burning an hour or two before I realized it.

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

That little b12 was sweetheart

[@richclayton5785]

Well done! I’ve been looking for a bass amp project!

[@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.

[@Corporations8MyBaby]

Agreed Keith, the new one sounds good. But ... listen to this video in half a year when you have some distance. The "gronk" is just not there and you need that "envelope" of frequencies to pull off those classic tones in the mix. For the studio, it has to be a real one or a faithful recreation like the one you built. Thanks for a great video... I adore these amps and those tones and ... James Jamerson... and now Jess Oliver...that wonderful amp creator himself. Thank you for telling us about him!!

[@d.i.yerdietricksandtrades7663]

I watch these videos with my pc through studio monitors, That mic sounded fine.

[@galenwolfe9183]

Wonderful! Nice job and very informative.

[@matthewdean5807]

Love your videos Keith!!! Thank you so much! This is a great history of the B15 I used a BA15 solid state amp for a while and love it for guitar as well. Cheers brother :)

[@erichoward5433]

Great video one B-15! I hope there are plans for a video on the SVT 300 Classic? I happen to have a PF-50T combo myself. Great amp, with none of the maintenance issues. Replaced the Ruby tube set with JJ Electronics tube set. Night and day difference. The best part, I bought mine as a used Demo model close out from Guitar Center, and only paid half the price for the head. It’s a keeper!

[@vayabroder729]

My guitar teacher from 43 or 44 years ago had one and that is where I plugged in.

[@the_nondrive_side]

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

[@NuclearFantasies]

B15 Flip Top is certainly one of my dream amps.

[@colinedmunds2238]

I’d love to hear more about Ampegs guitar amps

[@compucorder64]

Great video. These, the V4/V4-b and the newer Portaflex PF-20T & 50T are cool with guitars too. Someone needs to do a video on the history of bass amps used as guitar amps (Bassman, V4, Traynor YBA, etc..). I wouldn't worry about the mic choice. There's plenty of people that choose an SM57 for this kind of amp, especially for it's more driven tones. I tried the modern PF-20T and PF-50T. The 50 is more versatile, but the 20 sounds better (the preamps are different), and is easier to get a hot driven sound from when recording. I actually prefer how these sound with the nice mini SVT-210AV cabs more than the 15s, it's more melodic and amp can sing in the mids more with 210. Overall, I like how it's quite B15-ish sounding, but actually a bit more hi-fi. And a bargain for not much over 500. It's a fantastic studio tool. And also a great pre-DI to use with a solid-state amp. I like using it with the light Micro-VR MOSFET head, when I want power for gigging. Then it approaches the grunt of the V-4B but with some B-15 preamp tone. Btw, there's some nice B-15 based preamps like the Broughton one too, that run about 600 and probably an even better choice for people who just want a DAW front end, not an amp.

[@A.A1995]

I use the PF50T on my desk without speaker load sometimes and XLR signal after the output transformer straight to audio interface, which sounds nice and warm. But I also pair it with a Captor X cabsim and emulate a 15 inch speaker cab. It's amazing how close this sounds to the real deal. In my opinion, the PF50T is best used through a speaker cabinet. It makes the overall warm sound more focused, perfect for a P-bass. I have used it live with 112HLF but 50 watts is barely enough to be hear through a full band. It will go loud enough but it won't be having any headroom left, so no puncy sound, rather lush and overdriven tube tones which I am not really a fan of. But that wasn't the purpose of this amp anyway.

[@MrLucky1967]

Another great Bass video Keith, thank you.

[@wirthwhilemedia]

I love these, and have a great one from the 60s still. Excellent video!

[@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!

[@Dang...]

Great video, like always, thank you.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

I'm not a musician but, as a sound engineer my two favorite bass rigs are the B15 and the SVT 8/10" cab.

[@sallopiccolo7336]

Thank you.

[@jasonscott5798]

Thanks for thinking of us Bass Players. I think its high time to do a History of Acoustic Control Corporation Amps! Think about it. Jaco, John Paul Jones, Larry Graham and his replacement in Sly and the Family Stone, Rustee Allen, Marcus Miller, and countless others used these amps. Not to mention their presence on the stages of Wood Stock and, especially, The WattStax festival of 1972. You got to do it!

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a good weekend keith 😊 also I was a keyboard player when I was in elementary middle school and high school

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

The intro made me want to learn It's Too Late by Carole King. :)