Author |
Message |
mike1762
Intermediate Member Username: mike1762
Post Number: 129 Registered: 1-2008
| Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - 9:06 am: | |
I have an old (circa 1960s) Ampeg Portaflex head that I am currently having re-tubed, biased, etc. I bought it (for next to nothing) >25 years ago out of the back room of the local music store and have never really used it. I don't even know which model it is (the stenciling is pretty much worn off), but I'm pretty sure it's 50 watts. I don't have the cabinet; therefore, I need some recommendations for a 15" speaker/enclosure. The Acoustic B115 bass cabinet has an enticing price... any thoughts? How important is it to match the rating of a cabinet with the output of the amp? |
bkbass
Intermediate Member Username: bkbass
Post Number: 182 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - 12:53 pm: | |
Hey Mike, I have an all original August of 1962 B15N. Most likely your amp is a B15N as this was the most common in the day. If so I believe the amp pushes 28 watts peak! The B18 was close to 40 watts. As far as over or under driving anything blah,blah,blah. I've had a 400 watt Fane 8 ohms in her and I'm currently using a 50 watt Jensen 16 ohms. I've recently acquired a 20 + year old JBL D-140 F at 16 ohms that I will install soon and I have run the amp for about 1 1/2 -2 hours with the aforementioned speakers and no adverse affects. Price wise I agree the acoustic or behringer would be ok or even a used Peavey. Don't expect huge volumes and it will take a dump if you put a low B into it. But the tone is so brown and warm and wonderful it is worth the time and money to fix it. I used to use mine while my kids watched TV, I could wale away and not disturb the bucolic nature of the nabe. If you come across an old cabinet and want to get a more authentic sound, I would recommend US Speaker and look for the old amp style vintage speakers.Eminence and Fane come to mind. Low wattage stuff. Usually under a hundred bucks. Dr Bass could build you a cabinet that would allow you to flip and stow the head. Hope this helps. |
mike1762
Intermediate Member Username: mike1762
Post Number: 130 Registered: 1-2008
| Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - 1:19 pm: | |
Thanks Barry. I Googled the B15N and that looks like my amp (except the plexi-glass thingy is missing on mine). The few times I've used it, I got decent volume out of it, but I guess I'll need something a little more powerful for my upcoming gig at Madison Square Gardens. I bet it will be great for recording (which is about all I do these days anyway). No low Bs for me... I'm strictly old school 4 string. |
kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff
Post Number: 741 Registered: 8-2003
| Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 10:11 am: | |
fliptops.net |
bkbass
Intermediate Member Username: bkbass
Post Number: 184 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 10:05 am: | |
kungfu, excellent fliptop site. Thanks for sharing. |