Amp merry-go-round (B-12)

drbassman · October 25, 2013, 06:28:44 AM

Well, gear hound (I know, that's an understatement) that I am, I've been trolling for a B-15 for a couple years and found a pretty nice B-12 (same amp, smaller speaker). Not collector quality, but in good shape for its age. I had a B-15 as a kid, back in 1963-4. It was a great little amp, so I decided it would be fun to have one at home for old time's sake. The 12" speaker will be fine for noodling around. I got a good deal on this one. The amp and cab are original, but the speaker and speaker cable were replaced. No big deal. Can't wait till it gets here.

ack1961 · October 25, 2013, 07:47:13 AM

that's a sexy little beast

drbassman · October 25, 2013, 08:04:22 AM

Quote from: ack1961 on October 25, 2013, 07:47:13 AM
that's a sexy little beast

Thanks, those were the days when Ampeg amps were breaking ground with each new model. I had a B-15 similar to this one for 4 years or so then moved up to an SVT with a 2x15 cab as the band kept getting louder!

Pilgrim · October 25, 2013, 09:46:24 AM

I like it! Those are just dripping with "period coolness".

Another addition to Bill's Warehouse O'Amps.

drbassman · October 25, 2013, 09:49:34 AM

Quote from: Pilgrim on October 25, 2013, 09:46:24 AM
I like it! Those are just dripping with "period coolness".

Another addition to Bill's Warehouse O'Amps.

Yeah, it does take me back to my childhood, when I was definitely cooler than I am now!

It'll be right at home with the Music Man and Prodigy.

rahock · October 25, 2013, 10:02:22 AM

I grew up on Ampeg equipment and I have never seen a B-12. It's cool

.
Rick

Dave W · October 25, 2013, 10:10:06 AM

Nice score! I don't remember seeing a B-12 before either.

drbassman · October 25, 2013, 11:41:50 AM

Quote from: Dave W on October 25, 2013, 10:10:06 AM
Nice score! I don't remember seeing a B-12 before either.

Yeah, I don't remember them, but they were a companion model to the B-15. Same amp, smaller speaker. Since it's just for home, I didn't really care about the speaker size when I saw the condition of the amp and cab. I've been wanting one of these for years and prices are down. Thank you crappy economy. Pics/review when it arrives.

dadagoboi · October 25, 2013, 01:03:28 PM

Congrats, I saw that one on Ebay and passed. Glad someone here got it.

You will find everything you want and need to know about Portaflexes here:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/jess-olivers-legacy-ampeg-portaflex-club-part-11-a-981538/index50.html#post15032872

A bunch of really nice, knowledgeable and helpful guys...especially "Beans on Toast". Yeah, on Talk Bass. There's also a Portaflex Wiki that has just been started there.
http://wiki.talkbass.com/index.php?title=Category:Ampeg_Portaflex_wiki

drbassman · October 25, 2013, 01:08:01 PM

Quote from: dadagoboi on October 25, 2013, 01:03:28 PM
Congrats, I saw that one on Ebay and passed. Glad someone here got it.

You will find everything you want and need to know about Portaflexes here:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/jess-olivers-legacy-ampeg-portaflex-club-part-11-a-981538/index50.html#post15032872

A bunch of really nice, knowledgeable and helpful guys...especially "Beans on Toast". Yeah, on Talk Bass. There's also a Portaflex Wiki that has just been started there.

Hey thanks Carlo, I'll check them out. I'm excited about this little amp. Just trying to recapture my teens!

drbassman · October 25, 2013, 01:11:01 PM

This is a nice site too. Lots of specs and info.

http://unofficialampeg.com/

jumbodbassman · October 25, 2013, 01:24:19 PM

score. great "house" amps. love my 2 b15S's but they are 70's era and 60 watts so definately not the same. More a B25 in a portaflex cab - 7027A tubes (v-4 fame). I had a 72 B15 many years ago but have been yearning a 60's era b15/12 for a while now. Maybe when I finally go back to work.

I only played thru a b12 in a recording studio but I have loved 12's for many years. same head. Played lots of old b 15's in recording studios over the years. used to bring my amp and most of the time wound up on the b15..

Enjoy it in good health my man....

PS the TB site is actually great and Beans on toast and several others really know their stuff. they make those lucite with custom names if you are interested.

drbassman · October 25, 2013, 01:41:51 PM

Very cool Jim. I didn't realize so many folks had experience with or owned Portaflexes. Great amps for sure. I am, BTW, in great health as I hope you are too! All tests normal these days. Whew!!

Pilgrim · October 25, 2013, 04:36:16 PM

So this would be the newer series, right? (BT-15)

http://denver.craigslist.org/msg/4094811344.html

Highlander · October 25, 2013, 05:07:03 PM

Nice...

I've always thought they look somewhat art-deco, or maybe something that Professor Zarkhov might have created...