Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,266
High-end/Boutique
$200
$801+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ampeg Portaflex PF-50T". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Ampeg Portaflex PF-50T: Vintage Vibes in a Compact Package
Introducing the Ampeg Portaflex PF-50T, a classic tube bass amplifier head that encapsulates the vintage Ampeg tone in a compact and portable model. Designed for all musicians, from beginners to professionals, this amp is perfect for small gigs, studio recording, or rehearsal studios.
The PF-50T is powered by 12AU7 and 6L6 tubes in the power section, and a pair of 12AX7 tubes in the preamp section. These tubes produce the warm, harmonically rich tone associated with vintage Ampeg models. Whether you're aiming for a Motown thump or a punchy front-end punch, the PF-50T has you covered.
Another standout feature of this bass amplifier head is its ability to run without a speaker load. This allows you to capture those warm tube tones on your recorded tracks without needing a cab connected. The PF-50T also has a straightforward front panel for easy tone adjustments and XLR outputs for preamp out and transformer-balanced line-out.
Key Features:
- 50-watt all-tube bass amplifier head, ideal for small performances and recording
- Classic Ampeg tone powered by 6L6, 12AU7, and dual 12AX7 tubes
- Compact design for easy transportation and compatibility with current Ampeg flip-top cabinets
- Direct recording features, including preamp out with pre/post EQ switch and transformer-balanced line-out
- User-adjustable bias control and classic Ampeg front panel controls
- Can run without a speaker load for direct recording of warm tube tones
- Versatile EQ offers Bass, Mid, Treble with five different frequencies for the mid boost/cut: 200, 400, 800, 1.6 kHz, 3 kHz.
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Total Power | 50 Watts |
| EQ | 3-band, Mid Selector, Ultra Hi/Lo Boosts |
| Preamp Tubes | 2 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 2 x 6L6, 1 x 12AU7 |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (speaker), 2 x XLR (preamp, line) |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 7.3" |
| Width | 13.9" |
| Depth | 10.4" |
| Weight | 19.4 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of power tubes does the Ampeg PF-50T use?
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The Ampeg PF-50T uses 2 x 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its warm, tube-driven sound that bass players appreciate for its rich tonal characteristics.
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Is the Ampeg PF-50T suitable for live performances?
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With 50 watts of power, the Ampeg PF-50T is ideal for small to medium-sized venues. It provides ample volume and clarity for most live settings, especially when paired with an efficient speaker cabinet.
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Does the Ampeg PF-50T have any built-in EQ controls?
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Yes, the Ampeg PF-50T features a 3-band EQ with a mid selector and ultra hi/lo boosts, allowing for versatile tone shaping to suit different musical styles and preferences.
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Can the Ampeg PF-50T be used for recording?
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The Ampeg PF-50T is well-suited for recording, offering two XLR outputs (preamp and line) that make it easy to connect directly to recording equipment, delivering a classic tube tone.
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What is the weight of the Ampeg PF-50T?
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The Ampeg PF-50T weighs 19.4 lbs, making it relatively portable and easy to transport for gigs or studio sessions.
Videos
Marcin Pendowski
AMPEG PF 50 T & PF 112 HLF SOUNDTEST
AMPEG PF 50 T & PF 112 HLF SOUNDTEST
Marcin Pendowski
Ampeg PF-50T All-Tube Bass Head - Sound Clips (Fingerstyle)
Ampeg
NAMM 2016 Ampeg Portaflex PF 20T and PF 50T Amp Heads
Kraft Music
Ampeg PF-50T All-Tube Bass Head - Sound Clips (Slap Style)
Ampeg
Review: Ampeg PF-50T
Primrose Productions Music
Lightweight, affordable Ampeg SVT? Tube bass amp shootout: SVT-CL vs. PF-50T with 8x10 vs. IR
Dr. Danny Mann
Reviews
PROS
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All-tube design delivers vintage to modern sounds
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Transformer balanced XLR direct out captures full amp tone
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Can be used without a speaker load, ideal for home studios
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Features both Pre/Post eq DI for versatile recording options
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Lightweight compared to similar valve bass amps
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High-quality sound with flexibility in speaker and DI options
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Equipped with a 5-position shape knob for tonal versatility
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Auto-adjustable bias feature for easy maintenance
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Pedal friendly for effects integration
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Warm, punchy sound with plenty of power
CONS
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Prone to rattle at deep bass frequencies
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Changing some tubes can be tricky due to socket locations
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Some users report a noticeable hum at idle
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Internal vibration noise at certain frequencies reported
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Noise floor may be higher than other modern tube amps
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg Portaflex PF-50T.
Features and functionality
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The PF-50T includes a built-in dummy load, allowing it to operate safely without a connected speaker cabinet.
Source -
The PF-50T's loudness is highly dependent on headroom, with drive and volume being very interconnected. Running it clean may not compete with smaller amps like the Rumble 40.
Source -
The PF-50T includes a frequency selector, unlike the PF-20T, offering a wider range of tonal options.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Use cases and applications
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The DI output from the transformer is highly praised, potentially making cabinet use unnecessary for recording.
Source -
Owners confirm that it can handle playing with a drummer and guitarist, but it might struggle with heavier music styles unless equipped with a good PA system.
Source -
The neck pickup on a jazz bass sounds exceptional with the PF-50T, and a precision bass delivers superb tones when muted and played with a pick.
Source
Comparisons
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The PF-50T is likened to a fliptop or SVT amp in sound, but with less touch sensitivity when a compressor is used.
Source -
The PF-50T's saturation is described as softer, more akin to 70s sounds, unlike the edgier 80s-90s drive, making it less suited for modern metal tones like Tool's.
Source -
The PF-50T delivers a fuller bottom end at higher volumes compared to a solid-state head through the same cab, maintaining clarity without distortion.
Source
Value and pricing
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A potential buyer found the PF-50T new for $700 post VAT, considering it for home practice and recording rather than live gigs.
Source
User experience
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Owners note that the transformer DI out offers superb organic, touch-sensitive recording capabilities, functioning effectively without a cab thanks to the built-in dummy load.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
120
The swiss army knife of amplifiers!
I love this amp: it's an old-school Portaflex B-15 in a modern form-factor, with a lot of tricks up its sleeve. Here are my favorite things about it. It's light for a tube amp, and very simple—with only 5 tubes to worry about or replace. It has a DI that taps the sound at the transformer, so you get all of that great amp tone in your recordings or through your PA. It can run without a speaker plugged up to it. Most tube amps have trouble with that. You can bias the tubes yourself with the handy adjustment pot in the back.
I only had one problem with it: the noise floor was a little higher than some other modern tube amps. There's an awesome mod floating around that changes the bias circuitry in a way that lowers the noise to eerie-quiet levels. Newer versions of the amp come with this change stock. So… buy a new one, or get a used one and mod it yourself for a savings.
113
Recording Heaven
I use this as my main recording head and preamp. Great tones from clean to SVT grind. The direct outputs are very good.
Artist usage
Add artist
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Juan Alderete, when he's not using his big SVT rig, often uses Ampeg's Portaflex series amps. For one thing, they are much easier on the loading and unloading aspect of things. But also, they give a very good representation of the big SVT heads. The photo submitted was him demoing some gear with Reverb.com along side his fretless fender jazz bass. I love his approach to bass and using effects pedals. I've grown over the years to adopt a similar approach to finding unique sounds with the same instrument. It's opened up my world.
In the YouTube video "Chris Wyse - Tips & Tricks" by Ampeg, Chris Wyse is seen using an Ampeg Portaflex PF-50T bass amplifier head.
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Mark added an Ampeg PF50-T to his home studio in January 2022. He was also seen using it on a studio session via Instagram on June 5,2022
Recording session setup for today. Old school (66 @fender precision) meets new school (2021 @ampeg PF50-T). #ampeg #fender
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 Portaflex PF-50T, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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