Ampeg B-15N Large Tube Bass Amplifier (1966)
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Ampeg B-15N Model Large Tube Bass Amplifier (1966), made in Linden NJ, serial # 040083, blue checked Tolex finish.
Overall this is a very nicely preserved example of the all-time classic recording bass amp, Ampeg's B-15N. Conceived by Jess Oliver in 1958, the iconic 'flip-top' design has been the preferred in-house bass amplifier for the great majority of professional studios, and was a lower-volume gig standard from its early days as a union-provided amp on the Manhattan club scene.
The 'flip-top' design was partly inspired by contemporary sewing machines, allowing the amp to effectively be stored inside of itself, making it highly practical for transport. Another innovation was the double-baffle cabinet design, which places the speaker between two baffles, one outer and one inner that was fixed to the cabinet to which the speaker would be mounted. The inner baffle featured a number of ports, effectively allowing the rear and the front waves of the speaker to meet perfectly in-phase.
The B-15 saw a number of revisions through the first half of the 60s. This particular amp is the "NF" version, where Ampeg decided to go back to a single baffle design that was further recessed from the front. The power section was redesigned for fixed bias, offering an increase in efficiency and headroom, now putting out ~30 watts of power over its 25 watt predecessors. The amp otherwise has the same features as earlier revisions; two channels, each with its own volume, treble and bass controls, guitar and bass inputs for channel one and an instrument input for channel two. The push-pull 6L6-driven power section puts out roughly 30 watts into a single 15" speaker.
From James Jamerson to John Paul Jones, to even Jimi Hendrix, who was known for plugging into a pair on occasion, these amps have arguably reproduced the low notes of some of the most influential musicians in modern times.
Height is 29 in. (73.7 cm.), 21 in. (53.3 cm.) width, and 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm.) deep.
Externally, this amp is very well-preserved. The signature "blue check" Tolex is in great shape with only minor wear mostly around corners and edges. There is some light scuffing to the tops of the transformers and tube cage from decades of the amp being flipped and stowed in the cabinet. The grille cloth is equally in great shape, with no notable signs of tears or fraying. The original Ampeg logo from the upper front of the cabinet is present as well. The chassis is nicely clean overall with only minor signs of corrosion and overall wear, with the stenciled graphics virtually all intact. The handle is a correct modern repro; this part is quite often replaced by now.
Internally, this amp remains nicely original. The serial number dates the chassis to 1966. The speaker is the original or at least a period 15" Altec 421A, commonly seen as an option around this time. The speaker bears the serial number 04860 and still retains its original cone and sounds great. The amp has seen our typical servicing and maintenance, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, adding a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec.
This is a lovely example overall; a true classic amp and perennial studio staple. Any studio doing "vintage sounds" absolutely needs one of these! Overall Very Good + Condition.
Overall this is a very nicely preserved example of the all-time classic recording bass amp, Ampeg's B-15N. Conceived by Jess Oliver in 1958, the iconic 'flip-top' design has been the preferred in-house bass amplifier for the great majority of professional studios, and was a lower-volume gig standard from its early days as a union-provided amp on the Manhattan club scene.
The 'flip-top' design was partly inspired by contemporary sewing machines, allowing the amp to effectively be stored inside of itself, making it highly practical for transport. Another innovation was the double-baffle cabinet design, which places the speaker between two baffles, one outer and one inner that was fixed to the cabinet to which the speaker would be mounted. The inner baffle featured a number of ports, effectively allowing the rear and the front waves of the speaker to meet perfectly in-phase.
The B-15 saw a number of revisions through the first half of the 60s. This particular amp is the "NF" version, where Ampeg decided to go back to a single baffle design that was further recessed from the front. The power section was redesigned for fixed bias, offering an increase in efficiency and headroom, now putting out ~30 watts of power over its 25 watt predecessors. The amp otherwise has the same features as earlier revisions; two channels, each with its own volume, treble and bass controls, guitar and bass inputs for channel one and an instrument input for channel two. The push-pull 6L6-driven power section puts out roughly 30 watts into a single 15" speaker.
From James Jamerson to John Paul Jones, to even Jimi Hendrix, who was known for plugging into a pair on occasion, these amps have arguably reproduced the low notes of some of the most influential musicians in modern times.
Height is 29 in. (73.7 cm.), 21 in. (53.3 cm.) width, and 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm.) deep.
Externally, this amp is very well-preserved. The signature "blue check" Tolex is in great shape with only minor wear mostly around corners and edges. There is some light scuffing to the tops of the transformers and tube cage from decades of the amp being flipped and stowed in the cabinet. The grille cloth is equally in great shape, with no notable signs of tears or fraying. The original Ampeg logo from the upper front of the cabinet is present as well. The chassis is nicely clean overall with only minor signs of corrosion and overall wear, with the stenciled graphics virtually all intact. The handle is a correct modern repro; this part is quite often replaced by now.
Internally, this amp remains nicely original. The serial number dates the chassis to 1966. The speaker is the original or at least a period 15" Altec 421A, commonly seen as an option around this time. The speaker bears the serial number 04860 and still retains its original cone and sounds great. The amp has seen our typical servicing and maintenance, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, adding a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec.
This is a lovely example overall; a true classic amp and perennial studio staple. Any studio doing "vintage sounds" absolutely needs one of these! Overall Very Good + Condition.