1963 Ampeg B15N Vintage Flip - Top Tube Bass Amplifier In
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:601945 | Brand: Ampeg |
For Sale – 1963 Vintage Ampeg B15N Portaflex Flip-top Tube Bass Amplifier. This is an early example of the famed Ampeg B15N tube bass amp. It has been called the most recorded bass amp in history because of its creamy yet articulate tube sound from the early 60’s. This model amp was used by the likes of Rick Danko (The Band), James Jamerson (Motown), John Paul Jones (Led Zepplin - when recording) and even by Jimi Hendrix as a guitar amp (www.youtub...e.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=9Vqyj77tJfo). This unit was purchased in 1967 as my first bass amp and used in a garage band until 1972. It has been pretty much unused for the past 45+ years, just sitting in various closets as I bought bigger (Peavey F800B with twin 18” downfiring Cerwin Vega speakers) and eventually smaller (Carvin BX MB12 Microbass) bass amps. It is in very good condition with normal wear and tear. All hardware is original and in good condition except the screws holding the amplifier head to the wooden flip-top base came out. These have been replaced by black bolts and washers which blend in nicely with the all-original blue checkered vinyl Tolex cover. All tubes except one appear to be original. Amp is quiet on channel A anda bit of hum on channel B (which I never used). All pots are quiet with just slight crackle on the volume pots. Speaker is what I believe to be the original Ampeg 15 inch with the coveted oversized square magnet. According to internet information, the serial number sticker, XLR speaker jack, and markings on the potentiometers indicate that this is a model B15NB. However, the wiring diagram under the amp head marks it as a B15NA. Whatever the exact model it looks retro cool and sounds amazing! I hope it can go to a good musician that appreciates the history, heritage, and especially sound of this amp/speaker combo. Edit - I have added a YouTube video to this description so people can hear what the amp sounds like (as recorded by my point-and-shoot camera). You will need to listen thru some kind of stereo system to pick up the bass; a cell phone will not cut it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm_4KY1kOb8&t=24s
