Vintage-style bass amps seem to be harder and harder to find these days, especially affordable ones. For every vintage reissue bass amp, there are probably ten or more vintage guitar model amps available on the market. About ten years ago (or more now), I saw an amazing looking bass amp in a music store. It appeared to be an Ampeg B-15 Portaflex, the legendary bass combo from the 1960s. On closer inspection, I realized it was a new, solid-state remake of that classic old tube amp. It was the Ampeg B-100R Combo.
The amp had the classy blue checkered vinyl and silver cloth grille, just like the original. Of course, I had to play through it at once, so I grabbed the nearest Fender bass, found a cable nearby, and I plugged in. The amp had a warm, pleasant, tube-like tone that immediately impressed and surprised me. It quite simply was the best solid-state combo amp I’d ever heard.
The Ampeg B-100R Combo is not exactly light, coming in at about 65 lbs. Luckily, the amp has caster fittings at the bottom, which I highly recommend using. Wheeling it around is a lot easier than lugging this beast by the leather strap handle. It should be noted, however, that a tube-powered Ampeg B-15 is well over 100 lbs. After only 15 minutes, I went home, grabbed my Ampeg BA-115, and I headed back to the store for a trade-in. The deal was made, and I went home to put the new amp through its paces.
Ampeg B-100R Combo Specs and Sound
I won’t get too technical here, so just the basic info on the B-100R.
It features a 15-inch speaker, 100 watts of power, and six knobs: gain, bass, low-mid, high-mid, treble, and master volume. You also get three ultra switches: low, mid, and high. The main impression I got from this cool combo was warmth and punch. I’ve played other amps that had lots of low-end but lacked that vintage mid-range “honk” that I really love. I felt as though I was playing through an old tube amp when I was playing the Ampeg B-100R.
With a Precision Bass and
Where the B-100R shines
This amp has plenty of power for small to medium size gigs, and it’s perfect for practicing. It has a headphone jack, and I was really impressed with the sound through cans. I heard no hiss, and there was a good, clean tone that sounded pretty faithful to the speaker tone.
The bottom line is that I highly recommend this amp to anyone looking for a vintage bass tone that doesn’t want to deal with a costly and fragile old tube amp. Unfortunately, and unforgivably, Ampeg discontinued this amazing bass model. However, you can still find them used if you’re lucky. They are most definitely worth keeping your eyes open for. If you find one in good shape at a decent price, grab it.
Hi,
I have the B100R and am wondering if anyone knows the sizing for the casters to use in the caster fittings. Otherwise, I also am looking to unload it as I really don’t use it anymore. Almost in perfect condition.
Hey Norm,
If you’re comfortable removing one, I’d start there and take it into a hardware store if you have one conveniently near you. I have heard that you can get replacements for those pretty easily at Home Depot or Lowes.
I have also heard that owners have gotten them straight from Ampeg. Not sure if they still carry them, but might be worth a try.
Definitely Google around a bit. Guitar Center, Musicians Friend, and the like might have just what you need.
Good luck.
Hello!
Is this amplifier currently for sale?
Cheers!
Tony B.
Hey Tony,
We don’t sell this through our site, but you can find them around the internet. You might want to try Guitar Center’s used section. They also sometimes have them on Reverb, but more rarely these days.
Good luck!