Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,600
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$200
$701+
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Description
The Ampeg B15S is a legendary bass combo amplifier that seamlessly combines vintage warmth with contemporary reliability. Renowned for its solid-state rectifier, this amplifier delivers a smooth, warm tone that appeals to bassists seeking both clarity and depth in their sound. Its classic design is complemented by a tilt-back rod, making it as functional as it is stylish, and perfect for both studio sessions and live performances.
The B15S offers a rich tonal palette, allowing you to explore everything from rich, deep lows to bright, punchy highs. Its intuitive controls make dialing in the perfect sound a breeze, whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist. The robust construction ensures longevity, so you can rely on the B15S to deliver consistent performance gig after gig.
Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or commanding the stage, the Ampeg B15S is sure to impress with its iconic tone and user-friendly features. It's more than just an amplifier; it's a piece of musical heritage that stands the test of time.
Key Features:
- Solid-state rectifier for reliable performance
- Tilt-back rod for optimal sound projection
- Warm and classic Ampeg tone
- Intuitive controls for easy sound customization
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
Product specs
| Brand | Ampeg |
| Model | B-15S Portaflex 25-Watt 1x15" Bass Combo |
| Finish | Black Vinyl |
| Year | 1971 - 1977 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Bass Combo Amps, Guitar Combo Amps |
| Direct Output | No Direct Output |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 4 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 25 |
| Power Tube Type | 6L6 |
| Reverb | None |
| Speaker Configuration | 1x15" |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Ampeg B15S for bass music?
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The Ampeg B15S is known for its warm, vintage tube tone, making it ideal for classic rock, jazz, and Motown-style bass sounds. Its 25-watt output provides rich harmonics and smooth low-end frequencies.
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Is the Ampeg B15S suitable for live performances?
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With a 25-watt output, the Ampeg B15S is best suited for small venues or studio settings. It may not be powerful enough for large gigs without additional amplification support.
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Does the Ampeg B15S have any built-in effects?
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The Ampeg B15S does not feature built-in effects like reverb or distortion. It focuses on delivering a pure, vintage tube sound, so external pedals would be needed for additional effects.
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How portable is the Ampeg B15S for gigging musicians?
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The Ampeg B15S, with its Portaflex design, allows the head to be flipped inside the cabinet, making it relatively portable for a tube combo amp. However, it is still somewhat heavy due to its build and components.
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What type of speaker does the Ampeg B15S use?
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The Ampeg B15S features a single 15-inch speaker, providing a deep and full bass response suitable for various musical styles.
Videos
Mateusz Piotrowski
Ampeg B15S 1971 VS. Ampeg B15N 1963
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg B15S.
Value and pricing
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The cab significantly impacts value; standalone amps often sell for less, around $500, unless it's an early or rare model in excellent condition.
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Setup and maintenance
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Maintenance needs like tube replacement and cap jobs can decrease value; original parts and cosmetic condition are crucial.
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User experience
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Owners note that local sales are often necessary due to the amp's size and weight, affecting its marketability.
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Owners report the amp may sound "farty" at higher volumes, particularly with bass, suggesting potential speaker issues or inherent limitations with the amp's original design.
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Mods and upgrades
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Replacing the original Altec speaker with an Eminence Delta is a common modification that enhances sound quality for both bass and guitar applications.
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The SushiBox Slampegg Bee Pre is highlighted as a tube preamp pedal that closely emulates the B15 tone, receiving positive reviews for its performance and customer service.
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Comparisons
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The B15S shares a power amp design similar to the 60-watt V series amps (V2/VT40) but pairs it with a simplified B series preamp, offering a unique tonal blend.
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The Ampeg PF-20T and 50T are solid alternatives for achieving B15 tone, with the B25B vintage model considered a close match due to its similar power amp design.
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The Ashdown 220Touring combo is suggested as a viable alternative, featuring a tube preamp and a single 12" speaker, though its passive EQ system is noted for its complexity.
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Use cases and applications
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Channel two is frequently praised for its performance with guitar, expanding the amp's versatility beyond its primary use for bass.
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Build quality
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The flip-top cab design is criticized as "janky," suggesting that using a larger or sealed cabinet might improve overall performance.
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Artist usage
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In the "Happy Christmas" article on U2's official website, an Ampeg B15S bass combo amplifier is visible behind the Joshua Christmas tree, indicating its use by Adam Clayton.
“I played my red Hagstrom bass on the entire album — in fact, I use it on 99% of the records I do. Sometimes it’s just DI’d, at other times I use my Ampeg B15S amp, on which I have this weird CAD E200 microphone. It’s similar to a Neumann FET47, but very inexpensive and it sounds good. It goes through a Helios Type 69 and then into an 1176."
Bassist Johan Gustafsson is confirmed to use the Ampeg B-15S, as evidenced by a photograph taken during The Hives' concert at Manchester Academy on April 6, 2024. For the 2025 Hives tour, the amplifier comes with a distinctive light strip around the speaker cabinet, which was incorporated into the tour's lighting design.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ampeg B15S, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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