Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass, a unique blend of classic upright bass tones with a modern, electric twist. Designed in the 60s as a direct response to Fender's fretted basses, the BB-4 might not have seen the commercial success Ampeg hoped for, but it sure left an indelible mark in the world of bass guitars.

Its composite body design, reminiscent of Supros of the same era, adds a distinct tone while the innovative piezo-style bridge design strives to replicate the sound of an acoustic bass. This underdog of a bass is not just a musical instrument, but a piece of history, a testament to the evolution of electric basses.

Key Features:

  • Unique piezo-style bridge design for authentic acoustic bass sound replication
  • Composite body design, similar to Supro models from the same era
  • Produced from 1962-72, making it a historical piece in the world of electric bass guitars
  • Designed as a competitor to Fender's fretted basses.

Product specs

Brand Ampeg
Model BB-4 Baby Bass
Finish Sunburst
Year 1960s
Categories Double Bass

FAQs

What are the dimensions of the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass?

The Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass is approximately 60 inches (152.4 cm) in overall length, 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide at the lower bout, and 3.5 inches deep.

Can the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass be played with a bow?

Yes, like traditional double basses, the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass can be played both pizzicato (plucked) and with a bow.

What makes the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass unique compared to acoustic upright basses?

The Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass is known for its distinctive sound that combines the tonal qualities of an upright bass with the convenience of an electric instrument, making it a popular choice for Latin and jazz music.

Is the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass is designed for live performances, offering a consistent amplified sound that is ideal for gigs and stage use.

What type of music is the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass best suited for?

The Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass is particularly favored in Latin music styles due to its punchy and resonant tone, but it is also versatile enough for jazz and other genres.

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass (1960's) | Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass (1960's) | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass (1960's) | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for La Salsa Dura - Spanish Harlem Orchestra (2010) - Ampeg Baby Bass BB4 by BelgaBass

La Salsa Dura - Spanish Harlem Orchestra (2010) - Ampeg Baby Bass BB4

BelgaBass

BelgaBass

Reviews

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tony Levin uses Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass

Tony Levin

Bassist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Photo

Tony Levin is shown playing an Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass in a photo from the late 1960s, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.

See how Chris Squire uses Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass

Chris Squire

Singer, Bassist

Yes

...
Verified via Yesworld

In the Relayer Tour Programme from 1975, Chris Squire lists his instrumentation. "Instruments: ... Ampeg 4 string stand up electric..."

See how Bernard Paganotti uses Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass

Bernard Paganotti

Bassist

Magma

...
Verified via Photo

http://robert.guillerault.free.fr/magma/textes/2010/paga.htm (2010):

[...] une Ampeg Baby Bass rachetée à Laurent Vernerey [...]

See how Ben Bocardo uses Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass

Ben Bocardo

Singer, Bassist

The White Folks

...
Verified via YouTube

in this youtube video at around 1:35 you can see him with a baby bass

S

Shawn Scaggs

Bassist

The Atomic Fireballs

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "The Atomic Fireballs-Man With The Hex-Live At The Double Door-Chicago-1999," Shawn Scaggs is clearly seen using the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass. This video was provided by Shawn Scaggs on YouTube.

See how Renato Pernett uses Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass

Renato Pernett

Bassist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

Renato Pernett is confirmed to use the Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass, as evidenced by his performance in the YouTube video titled "¡Mi Hermano & Yo!" on his official channel.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ampeg BB-4 Baby Bass Electric Upright Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Ampeg Upright Basses

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    rfrs
    rfrs

    Gear IQ 2111