Bass Technology at its peak

Freuds_Cat · May 14, 2009, 08:12:13 PM

Meet the Oliver Powerflex 500

Blazer · May 14, 2009, 08:37:49 PM

Okay, so how does it sound, are there any clips where they demonstrate what kind of sound it produces?

Freuds_Cat · May 14, 2009, 08:41:34 PM

Does it really matter?

Dave W · May 14, 2009, 09:55:15 PM

That was made by Jess Oliver, the man who designed the Ampeg Portaflex. IIRC the Powerflex 500 was a guitar amp, but I could be wrong. I think Jess Oliver is still around.

gweimer · May 15, 2009, 05:47:58 AM

Quote from: Dave W on May 14, 2009, 09:55:15 PM
That was made by Jess Oliver, the man who designed the Ampeg Portaflex. IIRC the Powerflex 500 was a guitar amp, but I could be wrong. I think Jess Oliver is still around.

I believe you're correct. Someone on the FDP recently picked up an old Ampeg that Jess has personally restored.

Basvarken · May 15, 2009, 07:40:07 AM

What are the speakers lurking behind the cloth: 20 inch or so? I mean Geez, they look huge!

Dave W · May 15, 2009, 10:05:37 AM

I found this: http://www.vintageguitar.com/features/brands/details.asp?AID=1112

rahock · May 15, 2009, 03:50:12 PM

Everything I've ever read about Jess Oliver has left me thinking what a class act he is. The end of that article mentions how he paid off all his creditors after the company was dissolved. There are so precious few people in the world today who would do such a thing. Again I'm thinking," What a class act ".

Rick

copacetic · May 15, 2009, 06:03:12 PM

Jess is still around.However I believe for all 'practical' purposes he's not doing anymore restorations from what he told me about 2 years ago after he worked on my B-15. I think he would be a great subject for a book with graphic details of all he created and the business side.(not sure how many copies would sell which is the caveat)But as a historical document/tribute to him it would be there for posterity.
One of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Humble and into bass.

Highlander · May 16, 2009, 04:24:39 PM

OMG...

Anyone ever heard of a (fictional) band called "Disaster Area" and their sound system...?

I always used to look at pics of the Greatful Dead's sound dydtem with awe... but that's another point of view...

Dave W · May 16, 2009, 05:07:12 PM

Disaster Area? The band that was so loud the audience had to be put on an adjacent planet? The band whose leader Hotblack Desiato spent a year dead for tax purposes?

Nope, never heard of 'em.

Highlander · May 16, 2009, 07:14:30 PM

Their fans recommended listening to them from within concrete bunkers... yep, that's not them...

... and Hotblack didn't get his name from a group of estate agents in North London, honest...

http://www.hotblackdesiato.co.uk/

I err... lied...

Oh yeah and what about that spaceship that didn't crash into the sun as a finale to the show...?

Dave W · May 16, 2009, 10:39:55 PM

IIRC the real Mr. Hotblack started getting calls claiming he named himself and his firm after the character.

Bass Technology at its peak

Blazer