I used to play music with a guy who had a B-15N. Best sounding amp I've ever played. It actually inspired me to get a PF-50T. It's not quite the same, but it's pretty close and it was a lot cheaper. I still would love to own a vintage fliptop though.
Hello stephensepan291-Maybe you can help me. I have a B15N that has a date of 1-66 on the schematics, does that mean that it was actually built in 65? Thank you!
This one got a thumbs up before iI started the video. Phillip a great over view of the B-15. If your recording with a B-15 don’t just use it for bass, guitars and keyboard can sound really good though it to. Also trying the amp with a different speaker cabinet is good, be warned the early B-15 used a 4 pin Cannon connection for the amplified signal so an adapter may be needed. A video on the Ampeg SVT is a must, how about videos on the Acoustic bass amps or the Kustom Bass amps, tube vs. solid state Bass amplification.
I've loved almost every flip top I've ever tried. Absolutely a required studio tool. My back hates all ampegs for live though. Don't get me started on trying to play after man-handling a svt and a fridge.
I hear ya about a "fridge." I'm an olde bass player that toted rigs since '70. At one time I had an svt and an 18" folded horn named "The Fridge." Homemade from 3/4 plywood with galvanized hardware store handles. If I faced it forward behind me I couldn't really hear it and it would bleed ears at about 30ft on. I ended up pointing it backwards, until I got a PV 18/2x10 and a PV 1x18. The front loaded 18" Black Widows were surprisingly bright, and moved fast enough for me at that time. The tens were a good match for the 18's. They were cheap and had replaceable baskets. Sounded excellent. I finally traded them in for the 8x10. No regrets!
Always enjoyed when you showed up on Rhett's channel. Can't believe I'm just now learning about your channel. Love the editing style. I would call myself more of a guitar player but I have been dabbling in bass for a few years. Like two years ago almost I swapped my little fender practice amp for a 100 watt rumble due to playing live and I was blown away by how much better it sounded!
They did make a newer line of Portaflex (PF-300, PF-500, PF-800) amps that are solid state, and then later they added a couple new tube amps (PF-20T, PF-50T) that kinda recall the original. As far as I know, both the solid state and tube amps fit into the same fliptop cabs.
Philip, your explanation and reasoning for recording a DI signal dry + the amp w/break up is the most direct yet elegant way that iver ever heard it explained. Great job. Keep up the awesome inspiring & informative videos. PS. The RNDI has a switch for using the DI with a speaker out jack and it still sounds like a Neve colored in. Cheers
Used a flip top a lot back in the 70's. Tough to drag to gigs and not loud enough . In 2000 I bought a David Eden WT400 (The Traveler) and paired it with a Nemesis 115 cab. Found the B15 sounds as well as alot of more modern sounds. But I do miss that old B15.
Absolute pure tube bliss. In my opinion, this is THE bass sound. Ive heard the portaflex series of tube amps sound really similar. You can also use them with a power amp for the same sound but as much volume as you want, without it breaking up at high volume like an SVT or other big tube head. Great video, subbed
I'm pleased to see someone else channel jumping from Ch1 for bass tone( ultra lo on/ultra hi off) to Ch2 for treble tone( ultra lo off/ultra hi on). I'm surprised that you didn't mention the EXT AMP jack in the back. Send that to a DI and you get the tube pre-amp sounds without needing to mic the cabinet!!!!! To get the best of all worlds, I like to use a DI on the instrument, a DI on the EXT AMP jack, a condenser mic on the cabinet ( AKG C3000B or C4000B or C535B all seem to work nicely) and a Red-box( or any DI that can do a -30 to -50 db pad ) between the EXT speaker jack and a 8ohm speaker cabinet to get the power tubes tones. The recorded DI signal from the instrument can also be sent to the amp later for "re-amping". I got my '69 B-15N with a 15" EV SRO in it back in 1970 from the High School Chorus Director for $200. It sounds really sweet with a Voice of the Theater for the ext. cabinet!!!! If you've got the 4 channels available for mixing/recording the flexibility in post production is worth it.
Tracked down my fathers original 61' B-15n a few years back after he sold it 35 years prior. Still had Ampeg tubes and fired right up. Wish I could find his original 62' p-bass, but had to settle for a replication Fender AVRI. Threw some flat wounds on it.... instant Motown sound. Great video!
Great video. I like where your series is headed. Can I request that you turn the drums down in the mix when you add them in to support your baselines? I think that would better highlight your demonstrations. Can’t wait for more videos!
I've got a Hotone Xtomp. This pedal have some very nice amps emulations and among them this Ampeg B-15. That's how I discovered that amp. It's super cool, I plug directly the pedal into the PA. I also love the Ampeg SVT bass amp. And it's probably much lighter and cheaper.
Great video, great legendary amp I've owned 3 during the last 5 decades. My newer ampeg PF-50T and 15" revsound cab sounds exactly the same but way louder and easier to schlep.
My signal chain is: tuner - dsm humboldt bass simplifier (in the preamp fx loop there is an Aguilar DB599 comp - in the parallel fx loop there is my catalinbread sft set to light overdrive). Usually i play at 50-50 preamp to parallel, sometimes change it depending on my mood. Also, the cab sim is at 15” mode with vintage emulation. You should definiately try out the DSM, it’s a swiss army knife. The really neat part is that i have 2 DI outs, 1 for the compressed SVT signal with the speaker emulation, and 1 for the near-brake-up SFT. Talk about multi layer saturation 😅
I bought one in junk condition from a sound company warehouse, and did a thorough restoration, including new blue tolex and speaker reconing. Over a few years I gathered a stash of the industry standard speakers that were used in this amp, a JBLd140, Altec 421, and the original CTS. Still looking for a D130. Great sounding amp, but it's all about the cabinet. The amp itself is the very simplest circuitry and a bit underpowered. If Fender had built a more seriously designed cabinet like this for its Bassmans, the world would be a bassier place. Im aware there's a 'tone ring' 1x15 fender cab, but I think that was for Showmans.
@@philipconradmusic Bass sounded pretty good through it. I leave my current bass amp in my rehearsal space and play my bass through my old Fender Twin. Got that tip from John Stiratt of Wilco.
The Musicmaster Bass Amp is a fun one. Basically a Champ with a 12 speaker voiced for bass. Sounds great with guitar too! Would love to see you do something interesting with that if you could get your hands on it.
Been following and enjoying your channel. After seeing the video you and Rhett made about guitarist learning bass I took your advice. I got your bass course and it is a perfect starting point for me. What bass amp do you use for live performance in big venues?
Hi Jay! Thanks for the kind words. So glad you are enjoying the course! Currently I am playing a Thunderfunk with Aguilar cabs. Very clean and lots of headroom.
Owned one in 1968,,,,,,,,,,,Sold it when getting married. After many a Wedding , New Years Eve , Outdoor Summer parties etc. Now to know what they are getting for them in good condition.........Should of kept mine..lol Sounded great with the Hofner bass.
Great video. It has an amazing sound. Question, when you recorded the bass track, were you hearing the Flip-Top the entire time or were you switching the audio between the direct and the flip-top while you were playing? To me, it sounds like I could hear the Flip-Top in the way you were playing on the direct only examples. It always amazes me how an inspiring sound informs the way you play.
Great question! The music between sections where I am jamming I have the amp BLASTING. So was definitely being inspired! I agree; what you hear and feel informs your ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Hi! I am bridging the two channels together, which you can do on some amps. It give a bit more eq control/variation. Not something you have to do, but something fun to experiment with!
My first bass amp was a B-15 flip top I believe from 1966 and a Gibson EB-0 from 1969. Great set up and gigging for small rooms. What are you doing with the patch cord in front? I don’t recall mine having 2 channels. But… that was 1972!
Great question. Bridging the two channels can give you some more control over the EQ and blending. Can give you some cool results with a little dialing in!
Very cool! I am a big fan of stereo rigs, and own multiple guitar and bass amps, and I never fking realized that I could use di outs to a "slave" amp, and use the "host" amp at the same time until now! duh. My practice amp is an Ampeg BA-210 i bought new for $500+ in 2020, and it's ended up being WAY more than that. It's solid state, and has 2 heavy duty ported 10's and a wedge shaped cabinet. It has 350hp by itself and 450 with an extension cabinet, but it gets WAY loud on it's own. I could/will put it in front of me as a monitor and xlr back to a solid state monster amp, or to the house (if i have the op to play out) for the low end! Most of all the ba210 sounds GOOD. They still sell them on amazoid for 680, and they have a new "square" model "Rocket 210" (500hp/vintage) for 624, and I'd be willing to bet it sounds as good or better. (but it's square) The down side is it's 50lbs with a cover, but hey, that's a pretty good curl, and it's better than moving a 751db/mesa 8x10 (no shit) around. That cab is easy to move around cuz it has recessed rubber tires and handles. That MONSTER sounds SO goood. Tight, deeeep, and LOUD. I thought about selling it a bunch, and getting a mess 2x12/TT-800 (future?) Now I'm rambling... 🙏🏼
Duuude Philip, you have a knack for popping up on my feed everytime I have some specific bass thing I 'm learning about. Very cool and inspiring videos man! As a sidenote I wanted to ask: Why do all P Basses if not most have this distinct buzz( like a part of every hit, not a backgroundcable hiss) when recorded DI or into a software? Is there a way to get rid of this?
Thanks for showing this amp and it's qualities. It is a real cool sound and never really thought about where it came from on the old recordings I still hear today. I use a Fender rumble with a Fender Jazz bass. I can get a similar sound with the modeling and gain. Not exactly like this Ampeg though.
@@philipconradmusic I love the amp. Not tube but it has a 15 inch speaker and I don't break my back moving it. It can be very loud when turned up to 11. It is a modeling amp as well. Lot's of different sounds can be made depending on the type music you are playing.
@@philipconradmusic I’ve been trying to track down a replacement head but they are crazy pricey. I’m mainly a guitar player so I’ve been using the cab to run my guitar amp through and it sounds killer on guitar too
Have you ever played a Fender Rumble? I picked up a Rumble 75 and to me it sounds great, I do not gig....yet...lol....by the bye what type of strings would you recommend for a J-Bass....I know it's up to the player, but would like your expert opinion on it as I have to get a set for my kit build. Loved your video with Rhett last night....gained so much knowledge...should make that a monthly thing
I tried flat wounds for the first time recently, it changed everything about playing bass for me they’re amazing. You can get so many tones from just slightly changing picking techniques, super versatile .
Hey Heart of Oak! Thanks for the kind words. I haven’t played the Rumble but have heard a lot of people like them. I have a video on four of the main types of strings where I go more in depth. I love the way both rounds and flats sound on a J; rounds will be a lot brighter, flats will feel smoother. I tend to stick to medium or medium light gauge strings. Hope this helps!
Hey Philip, what do you think about the UA Ampeg B15N plug in? Another question for ya, I am a bass and guitar player. I’m getting into producing, but don’t play drums or have any drummer friends. Where can I find acoustic drum grooves for making my own music? Not much of a fan of the electronic beat making stuff. Thanks, great vid!
Hi Cannon! I haven’t played with the plug-in enough to have an enforced opinion. Hoping to give it a try soon. If you have logic, that’s a great source for practice tracks! Hope this helps ⚡️
Question: I'm a (treble) guitar player who's heavily considering getting a bass guitar to play around with. Could I get away with using my guitar amp with the bass guitar? I have a cheap Monoprice Stage Right 15w tube amp with a 12" celestion Seventy80 speaker. I'm considering a either a Mustang or some other short scale P bass style like the Ibanez. Cost to tone ratio is my biggest concern. Thanks! 👍 Your channel has been a big inspiration for me to explore new frequencies.
Hi there! Thanks for your comment. I wouldn’t recommend using your guitar amp for bass. It’s not designed to create those frequencies, and if you push it too hard you may damage your amp. Especially if you try and play it at volume to hang with a band. A little bit may be ok, but my advice would be to get a bass amp or go direct and use headphones to be safe. Hope this helps!
@@philipconradmusic I saw that video, which is why I'm now considering the Mustang. I appreciate you replying. I don't gig or anything quite yet. Just a bedroom player for now. But that's good to know so I'll be looking for a proper bass amp when I purchase the guitar. Cheers!
I came across this video because I am thinking about the Pf50T... how close is that to this sound? Also I'd like to mention I had for quite a while (not mine, temporarily long term loan) a B25b that sounded awesome, but it barely kept up with the band with the cab I was using, but was great for recording. Sounded excellent.
Hey Philip, Love the videos. Keep it up! A friend of mine has a B-15 and I love, love, love it. But... I don't have $3k to spend on an amp. Is there anything that comes close? Have you tried the Aunt Peg by Ceriatone? Anything modern that comes close? Thanks so much.
Hi Mo! I bought this amp for around $500 used and had it rebuilt and serviced for about $500. All in it was less than $1000. If you can wait for the right used amp and have a good tech, you may be surprised what you can get.
anyone know the main tone difference between the late 60s models through mid 70s? looking at a few b15ns right now a 67 (we think based on sn) and what seems to be a 75 (by the face plate) and yeah, curious about the tone. the 69 sounds amazing. was there a best year? how would this 67 or 75 compare? thanks guys.
There is, on TH-cam, a video of Jim’s Hendrix, performing on the Dick Cavett show. Mr Hendrix is not using a Marshall, but rather a flip top. Do you think that guy knows something about tone?
What genre would one call the music demo? I could listen to drum and bass jams like that all day. Also, Phillip, do you have published music that I can check out?
I have played a good bit on other peoples records, but if you want to check out something I made, check out Kudzu Hill. Sci-fi short story I wrote and scored with original music ⚡️
A direct box converts a high impedance signal into a low impedance signal. It can be placed between the instrument and the amp or between the amp head and the speaker cabinet. It allows you to send a signal to a mixer or recording device. (While many mixers/recording devices can accept a high impedance signal, those signals are not good for long cable runs, so a DI is still needed in that case.) A "thru" output allows the unaffected signal to continue on to the next device (either the front of an amp or to the cab, depending on where the DI is placed). Just remember that almost all amp heads will be damaged or destroyed if you run them without a load/speaker connected.
Yes you are right, in particular about Motown. Earlier on it was more live and less studio. Now a days more studio and less live. Amps have gotten bigger and louder and the flip top isn’t as practical live as it used to be. But I still sometimes gig with mine because I love the sound!
Its a one trick pony for recording. You would never use it live unless for upright bass. And even that is a stretch. Its an antique at this point. In its day it was top of the line, but now its just a collectable. Same with Acoustic 360. Guys go on and on about the history. Modern-day amps are a 1000% more efficient. You can get any sound you wish now with a good preamp. The sound of those old recordings came more from those players hands than anything. Jaco could have played a broom and you would have known it was him. Amps were just tool of the day.
I need one
Let’s profile mine
Dude, you have such good instincts about making videos. One would think you'd been doing it for years. Kudos.
Thanks so much! Learning a lot about it and really enjoying it. So glad to have you here ⚡️
I used to play music with a guy who had a B-15N. Best sounding amp I've ever played. It actually inspired me to get a PF-50T. It's not quite the same, but it's pretty close and it was a lot cheaper. I still would love to own a vintage fliptop though.
I should add that the B-15N I played was significantly cleaner sounding than this. Maybe I just wasn't pushing it as hard.
I really dig how the distortion almost has a fuzz quality on this bad boy! Really enjoyed learning about this amp.
Well put! Thanks for sharing Shayne ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic Thank you Phil, for being the coolest bass player I don’t know 🏆
I worked for Ampeg (1967-1969) lots of stories...THANK YOU. Mr Hull would of loved your story.
Hello stephensepan291-Maybe you can help me. I have a B15N that has a date of 1-66 on the schematics, does that mean that it was actually built in 65? Thank you!
@@bobbycastaneda9091 from what I remember, the date on the schematics determened what parts were used(version) amps weren't dated.
@@stephensepan291 Thank you for your quick response. BTW, I also have an earlier model B15N with the double baffle which I prefer over the newer one.
Love my Heritage B-15,one of the first 50 handbuilt ones, even with an autographed photo of Jess Oliver, the Inventor of the B-15.
So cool! Thanks for sharing ⚡️
This one got a thumbs up before iI started the video. Phillip a great over view of the B-15.
If your recording with a B-15 don’t just use it for bass, guitars and keyboard can sound really good though it to. Also trying the amp with a different speaker cabinet is good, be warned the early B-15 used a 4 pin Cannon connection for the amplified signal so an adapter may be needed.
A video on the Ampeg SVT is a must, how about videos on the Acoustic bass amps or the Kustom Bass amps, tube vs. solid state Bass amplification.
Alex great insights! I’m so glad you shared these points. And great ideas too. More videos on the way ⚡️
I've loved almost every flip top I've ever tried. Absolutely a required studio tool. My back hates all ampegs for live though. Don't get me started on trying to play after man-handling a svt and a fridge.
Carrying an svt up the stairs is something I never want to do again 😂 Thanks for sharing; glad to have you here ⚡️
I hear ya about a "fridge." I'm an olde bass player that toted rigs since '70. At one time I had an svt and an 18" folded horn named "The Fridge." Homemade from 3/4 plywood with galvanized hardware store handles. If I faced it forward behind me I couldn't really hear it and it would bleed ears at about 30ft on. I ended up pointing it backwards, until I got a PV 18/2x10 and a PV 1x18. The front loaded 18" Black Widows were surprisingly bright, and moved fast enough for me at that time. The tens were a good match for the 18's. They were cheap and had replaceable baskets. Sounded excellent. I finally traded them in for the 8x10. No regrets!
Always enjoyed when you showed up on Rhett's channel. Can't believe I'm just now learning about your channel. Love the editing style.
I would call myself more of a guitar player but I have been dabbling in bass for a few years. Like two years ago almost I swapped my little fender practice amp for a 100 watt rumble due to playing live and I was blown away by how much better it sounded!
Hi Jacob! Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, headroom on a bass amp makes a huge difference. Glad to have you here!
That was interesting to hear about. I was under the impression that these were newer Ampeg product. Thanks for sharing!
They did make a newer line of Portaflex (PF-300, PF-500, PF-800) amps that are solid state, and then later they added a couple new tube amps (PF-20T, PF-50T) that kinda recall the original. As far as I know, both the solid state and tube amps fit into the same fliptop cabs.
Yep, they have some newer ones. I haven’t tried the modern ones. Thanks Clint! And thanks for sharing AMP ⚡️
Philip, your explanation and reasoning for recording a DI signal dry + the amp w/break up is the most direct yet elegant way that iver ever heard it explained. Great job. Keep up the awesome inspiring & informative videos. PS. The RNDI has a switch for using the DI with a speaker out jack and it still sounds like a Neve colored in. Cheers
Awesome! Thanks for sharing Travis ⚡️
Used a flip top a lot back in the 70's. Tough to drag to gigs and not loud enough . In 2000 I bought a David Eden WT400 (The Traveler) and paired it with a Nemesis 115 cab. Found the B15 sounds as well as alot of more modern sounds. But I do miss that old B15.
Thanks for sharing!
a couple years ago, i saw a guy playing a a fliptop going into a fryette powerstation. sounded super cool.
Ampeg is definitely my go to brand for bass amplification!!! Great video as always...
Ampeg has been doing some great work for a LONG time. I’m a big fan. Thanks Benjamin!
Absolute pure tube bliss. In my opinion, this is THE bass sound. Ive heard the portaflex series of tube amps sound really similar. You can also use them with a power amp for the same sound but as much volume as you want, without it breaking up at high volume like an SVT or other big tube head. Great video, subbed
Thanks for sharing Honey Badger 🦡 . So glad to have you here!
I'm pleased to see someone else channel jumping from Ch1 for bass tone( ultra lo on/ultra hi off) to Ch2 for treble tone( ultra lo off/ultra hi on). I'm surprised that you didn't mention the EXT AMP jack in the back. Send that to a DI and you get the tube pre-amp sounds without needing to mic the cabinet!!!!! To get the best of all worlds, I like to use a DI on the instrument, a DI on the EXT AMP jack, a condenser mic on the cabinet ( AKG C3000B or C4000B or C535B all seem to work nicely) and a Red-box( or any DI that can do a -30 to -50 db pad ) between the EXT speaker jack and a 8ohm speaker cabinet to get the power tubes tones. The recorded DI signal from the instrument can also be sent to the amp later for "re-amping". I got my '69 B-15N with a 15" EV SRO in it back in 1970 from the High School Chorus Director for $200. It sounds really sweet with a Voice of the Theater for the ext. cabinet!!!! If you've got the 4 channels available for mixing/recording the flexibility in post production is worth it.
Well said! Skip to the end of the video; I share the ext amp trick as a bonus fact :) Thanks for sharing, and glad to have you here! ⚡️
Hey Phil, just want to say how great a video this is. I keep coming back, just trying to get a bass tone like yours!
That’s so kind! Thanks for being a part of the channel; so glad to have you here.
The Orange AD200 (or terror bass too) is another awesome-sounding tube amp
Ohh yeah that’s a great one! Love that amp…
Tracked down my fathers original 61' B-15n a few years back after he sold it 35 years prior. Still had Ampeg tubes and fired right up. Wish I could find his original 62' p-bass, but had to settle for a replication Fender AVRI. Threw some flat wounds on it.... instant Motown sound. Great video!
Awesome! So cool you found it. Thanks for watching! ⚡️
Yes yes YESSS MY FAVORITE AMO EVAHHH!
Btw love the stream with you and rhett, really inspired me to go out of my comfort zone in terms of sound🙏🏻
Awesome!! Thanks so much for sharing. Glad to have you here ⚡️
Flip flop goes the flip top!
Love the Video Philip!
Thanks Caleb! ⚡️
Great video. I like where your series is headed. Can I request that you turn the drums down in the mix when you add them in to support your baselines? I think that would better highlight your demonstrations. Can’t wait for more videos!
Thanks for sharing! More videos on the way ⚡️
I got a flip top two channels in stereo recording absolutely love❤a new t15
I've got a Hotone Xtomp. This pedal have some very nice amps emulations and among them this Ampeg B-15. That's how I discovered that amp. It's super cool, I plug directly the pedal into the PA.
I also love the Ampeg SVT bass amp. And it's probably much lighter and cheaper.
Thanks for sharing ⚡️
Great video, great legendary amp I've owned 3 during the last 5 decades. My newer ampeg PF-50T and 15" revsound cab sounds exactly the same but way louder and easier to schlep.
can you gig that gear?
yes and I do often. It's plenty loud for anything other than heavy metal. I've used it in blues/rick/jazz...incredible warm sound. @@zeralita0
I love that old ampeg sound!!!
Me too!! ⚡️
My signal chain is: tuner - dsm humboldt bass simplifier (in the preamp fx loop there is an Aguilar DB599 comp - in the parallel fx loop there is my catalinbread sft set to light overdrive). Usually i play at 50-50 preamp to parallel, sometimes change it depending on my mood. Also, the cab sim is at 15” mode with vintage emulation. You should definiately try out the DSM, it’s a swiss army knife. The really neat part is that i have 2 DI outs, 1 for the compressed SVT signal with the speaker emulation, and 1 for the near-brake-up SFT. Talk about multi layer saturation 😅
Great vid...You are right. My 69 is still all original. Tubes, caps,power cord. etc...but the best sounding amp ever. I have a 6146b 69 svt as well.
Killer tip on the amp out!! I can’t wait to try that, I never noticed this feature on our B15!
I bought one in junk condition from a sound company warehouse, and did a thorough restoration, including new blue tolex and speaker reconing. Over a few years I gathered a stash of the industry standard speakers that were used in this amp, a JBLd140, Altec 421, and the original CTS. Still looking for a D130. Great sounding amp, but it's all about the cabinet. The amp itself is the very simplest circuitry and a bit underpowered. If Fender had built a more seriously designed cabinet like this for its Bassmans, the world would be a bassier place. Im aware there's a 'tone ring' 1x15 fender cab, but I think that was for Showmans.
Great video Philip
kudos for an excellent bass tone on this video
Thanks so much! ⚡️
I used to own an Ampeg V2, a 60 Watt guitar amplifier. Kind of wish I hadn't sold it now that I see the prices on Reverb. Thing was built like a tank.
Bet that thing was rad. Never played a V2…
@@philipconradmusic Bass sounded pretty good through it. I leave my current bass amp in my rehearsal space and play my bass through my old Fender Twin. Got that tip from John Stiratt of Wilco.
More stuff like this, please!
Copy that! On the way ⚡️
Great Video Phil 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanx and greetings from Germany >Lutz
=> keep up 😉
Thanks Lutz! Glad to have you hear. Greetings from Atlanta ⚡️
To me the best basshead is in my opinion the ampeg v4bh same as the Svt CL but smaller wattage. Ahh I love it!
I love that one too!
Man, that thing sounds great!
Thanks Conor! Great job to the Ampeg techs in 1969 🤣
Great sounding amp. Great video.
Thanks John! ⚡️
The Musicmaster Bass Amp is a fun one. Basically a Champ with a 12 speaker voiced for bass. Sounds great with guitar too! Would love to see you do something interesting with that if you could get your hands on it.
Never played one. Would love to someday!
Love the Ampeg V4B. All the juiciness of the SVT without the accompanying hernia lol
Great idea! That would be a great one. Used that on Backstage Live and LOVED it ⚡️
DON’T MESS WITH THIS MAN AND HIS JANSEN TRANSFORMER.
Exactly
Sweet Moog Prodigy in the corner!!
Been following and enjoying your channel. After seeing the video you and Rhett made about guitarist learning bass I took your advice. I got your bass course and it is a perfect starting point for me. What bass amp do you use for live performance in big venues?
Hi Jay! Thanks for the kind words. So glad you are enjoying the course! Currently I am playing a Thunderfunk with Aguilar cabs. Very clean and lots of headroom.
The bassist from Deacon Knight posts; I watch.
🙏🏻
Good video
Thanks Janice! ⚡️
Great playing!
Thank you! ⚡️
Owned one in 1968,,,,,,,,,,,Sold it when getting married. After many a Wedding , New Years Eve , Outdoor Summer parties etc. Now to know what they are getting for them in good condition.........Should of kept mine..lol Sounded great with the Hofner bass.
Maybe one will turn up for you once again! Thanks for sharing and glad to have you here ⚡️
Yeah, You are correct, it's not loud but, The tone is there.
The 1968 to 1974 SVT is ;oud and better. Jess had it right.
Great video. It has an amazing sound. Question, when you recorded the bass track, were you hearing the Flip-Top the entire time or were you switching the audio between the direct and the flip-top while you were playing? To me, it sounds like I could hear the Flip-Top in the way you were playing on the direct only examples. It always amazes me how an inspiring sound informs the way you play.
Great question! The music between sections where I am jamming I have the amp BLASTING. So was definitely being inspired! I agree; what you hear and feel informs your ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Phil. I had a question. Can you please explain why the B-15 behind you has the input cable running diagonal from input 1 to 2?
Hi! I am bridging the two channels together, which you can do on some amps. It give a bit more eq control/variation. Not something you have to do, but something fun to experiment with!
My first bass amp was a B-15 flip top I believe from 1966 and a Gibson EB-0 from 1969. Great set up and gigging for small rooms. What are you doing with the patch cord in front? I don’t recall mine having 2 channels. But… that was 1972!
Great question. Bridging the two channels can give you some more control over the EQ and blending. Can give you some cool results with a little dialing in!
Bonus points for using a P Bass. 👍
They go together nicely ⚡️
Man, I love this video!
Very cool! I am a big fan of stereo rigs, and own multiple guitar and bass amps, and I never fking realized that I could use di outs to a "slave" amp, and use the "host" amp at the same time until now! duh. My practice amp is an Ampeg BA-210 i bought new for $500+ in 2020, and it's ended up being WAY more than that. It's solid state, and has 2 heavy duty ported 10's and a wedge shaped cabinet. It has 350hp by itself and 450 with an extension cabinet, but it gets WAY loud on it's own. I could/will put it in front of me as a monitor and xlr back to a solid state monster amp, or to the house (if i have the op to play out) for the low end! Most of all the ba210 sounds GOOD. They still sell them on amazoid for 680, and they have a new "square" model "Rocket 210" (500hp/vintage) for 624, and I'd be willing to bet it sounds as good or better. (but it's square) The down side is it's 50lbs with a cover, but hey, that's a pretty good curl, and it's better than moving a 751db/mesa 8x10 (no shit) around. That cab is easy to move around cuz it has recessed rubber tires and handles. That MONSTER sounds SO goood. Tight, deeeep, and LOUD. I thought about selling it a bunch, and getting a mess 2x12/TT-800 (future?) Now I'm rambling... 🙏🏼
Awesome! Thanks for sharing ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic Sorry, got a little gabby this am. 🤓
So glad to have you here! ⚡️
I own a 1967 SB15 Portaflex the Solid State Version
Cool! Never tried one of those. Thanks for sharing!
amazing dude! thanks!.
Duuude Philip, you have a knack for popping up on my feed everytime I have some specific bass thing I 'm learning about. Very cool and inspiring videos man! As a sidenote I wanted to ask: Why do all P Basses if not most have this distinct buzz( like a part of every hit, not a backgroundcable hiss) when recorded DI or into a software? Is there a way to get rid of this?
Thanks for showing this amp and it's qualities. It is a real cool sound and never really thought about where it came from on the old recordings I still hear today. I use a Fender rumble with a Fender Jazz bass. I can get a similar sound with the modeling and gain. Not exactly like this Ampeg though.
Thanks Kevin! How do you like the fender rumble? Well said ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic I love the amp. Not tube but it has a 15 inch speaker and I don't break my back moving it. It can be very loud when turned up to 11. It is a modeling amp as well. Lot's of different sounds can be made depending on the type music you are playing.
My granddad used a b18 and I still have his cabinet. He lost the head In the 80’s
Super cool! ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic I’ve been trying to track down a replacement head but they are crazy pricey. I’m mainly a guitar player so I’ve been using the cab to run my guitar amp through and it sounds killer on guitar too
Have you ever played a Fender Rumble? I picked up a Rumble 75 and to me it sounds great, I do not gig....yet...lol....by the bye what type of strings would you recommend for a J-Bass....I know it's up to the player, but would like your expert opinion on it as I have to get a set for my kit build. Loved your video with Rhett last night....gained so much knowledge...should make that a monthly thing
I tried flat wounds for the first time recently, it changed everything about playing bass for me they’re amazing. You can get so many tones from just slightly changing picking techniques, super versatile .
Hey Heart of Oak! Thanks for the kind words. I haven’t played the Rumble but have heard a lot of people like them. I have a video on four of the main types of strings where I go more in depth. I love the way both rounds and flats sound on a J; rounds will be a lot brighter, flats will feel smoother. I tend to stick to medium or medium light gauge strings. Hope this helps!
I had the 18" version and used it for guitar. Oh, dude.
Nice!
great video. Jess oliver who invented this amp is responsible for the greatest bass tones in history he also invented the baby bass.
I just trashpicked a 1967 sb-12, powers on but no signal output, hopefully I can get her making noise again
Good luck! I hope you find the sound you are looking for ⚡️
There's a B-18 at a local shop for $1,200. It's a good one but that's kinda lot since my AMP BH420 kicks.
Great video king! Just curious, what strings are you using in that p bass?
Thanks! Pretty sure those are old La Bella flats ⚡️
Hey Philip, what do you think about the UA Ampeg B15N plug in? Another question for ya, I am a bass and guitar player. I’m getting into producing, but don’t play drums or have any drummer friends. Where can I find acoustic drum grooves for making my own music? Not much of a fan of the electronic beat making stuff. Thanks, great vid!
Hi Cannon! I haven’t played with the plug-in enough to have an enforced opinion. Hoping to give it a try soon. If you have logic, that’s a great source for practice tracks! Hope this helps ⚡️
What strings are you using on that P-bass? Have you tried the dunlop flatwounds? I love those strings!
Pretty sure those are old La Bella flats ⚡️
What do you think about the Tech 21 VT bass? This preamp pedal has a "Flat top" preset which sounds a bit like this amp.
I haven’t tried it before.
Question: I'm a (treble) guitar player who's heavily considering getting a bass guitar to play around with. Could I get away with using my guitar amp with the bass guitar? I have a cheap Monoprice Stage Right 15w tube amp with a 12" celestion Seventy80 speaker. I'm considering a either a Mustang or some other short scale P bass style like the Ibanez. Cost to tone ratio is my biggest concern. Thanks! 👍 Your channel has been a big inspiration for me to explore new frequencies.
Hi there! Thanks for your comment. I wouldn’t recommend using your guitar amp for bass. It’s not designed to create those frequencies, and if you push it too hard you may damage your amp. Especially if you try and play it at volume to hang with a band. A little bit may be ok, but my advice would be to get a bass amp or go direct and use headphones to be safe. Hope this helps!
Also, I have a video all about short scale basses if you want to check that out. Good luck! So glad to have you here ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic I saw that video, which is why I'm now considering the Mustang. I appreciate you replying. I don't gig or anything quite yet. Just a bedroom player for now. But that's good to know so I'll be looking for a proper bass amp when I purchase the guitar. Cheers!
I came across this video because I am thinking about the Pf50T... how close is that to this sound? Also I'd like to mention I had for quite a while (not mine, temporarily long term loan) a B25b that sounded awesome, but it barely kept up with the band with the cab I was using, but was great for recording. Sounded excellent.
I have not played the pf50t so I can’t give you an informed opinion. Glad to have you here ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic Thanks, I dig your sound too. I play a P with flats as well.
Hey Philip, Love the videos. Keep it up! A friend of mine has a B-15 and I love, love, love it. But... I don't have $3k to spend on an amp. Is there anything that comes close? Have you tried the Aunt Peg by Ceriatone? Anything modern that comes close? Thanks so much.
Hi Mo! I bought this amp for around $500 used and had it rebuilt and serviced for about $500. All in it was less than $1000. If you can wait for the right used amp and have a good tech, you may be surprised what you can get.
anyone know the main tone difference between the late 60s models through mid 70s? looking at a few b15ns right now a 67 (we think based on sn) and what seems to be a 75 (by the face plate) and yeah, curious about the tone. the 69 sounds amazing. was there a best year? how would this 67 or 75 compare? thanks guys.
I still don't have one of those. Never found the right deal yet. Been on the list for years though.
It will happen when least expected and most needed. Wishing you good luck on your tone quest! ⚡️
Also, I think I saw an SVT in the background on one of your vids. Could you do a quick video on the SVT? Any other amps we should know about? Thanks
I actually don’t have an svt, but maybe I can borrow one in the future. I love svts and it would be cool to talk about on the channel ⚡️
There is, on TH-cam, a video of Jim’s Hendrix, performing on the Dick Cavett show. Mr Hendrix is not using a Marshall, but rather a flip top. Do you think that guy knows something about tone?
The only thing I like better than a B-15N is my 1967 Ampeg B-18N.
Nice! Love to hear that bad boy. Thanks for sharing ⚡️
Can you shoot one of these out with a new tube Portaflex 20 or 50?
I’d love to! If you pay for it 😭 I can’t buy another portaflex right now. Hopefully I can review a new one at some point ⚡️
What do You think about those fender new bass heads?
I haven’t had the chance to give them a try yet…
What genre would one call the music demo? I could listen to drum and bass jams like that all day.
Also, Phillip, do you have published music that I can check out?
I have played a good bit on other peoples records, but if you want to check out something I made, check out Kudzu Hill. Sci-fi short story I wrote and scored with original music ⚡️
I own one. It's in my HX Stomp, that counts right?
Exactly! 😅
I'm a guitar player; new to bass. What is the direct box for?
A direct box converts a high impedance signal into a low impedance signal. It can be placed between the instrument and the amp or between the amp head and the speaker cabinet. It allows you to send a signal to a mixer or recording device. (While many mixers/recording devices can accept a high impedance signal, those signals are not good for long cable runs, so a DI is still needed in that case.) A "thru" output allows the unaffected signal to continue on to the next device (either the front of an amp or to the cab, depending on where the DI is placed). Just remember that almost all amp heads will be damaged or destroyed if you run them without a load/speaker connected.
Great answer Afterglow. Hoping to do a DI video soon talking about some of their applications…
Tell me you ran the Prodigy through it.
Philip? Did You plug the ext out to di boxes thru?
Into the DI box’s main input.
You had any experience or general advice for the solid state version? I think it’s the BT-15C?
I don’t, but the reason I would buy a flip top is for the tube sound 🤷♂️
Do you have any cheaper recommendations for a studio bass amp on a budget?
I’m hoping to do a video about that soon ⚡️
I thought they used B-15 mainly for live use, while using D.I. mostly in the studios?
Yes you are right, in particular about Motown. Earlier on it was more live and less studio. Now a days more studio and less live. Amps have gotten bigger and louder and the flip top isn’t as practical live as it used to be. But I still sometimes gig with mine because I love the sound!
My old boss at the music store has the 12” version of the flip top. Very odd.
Ohh cool! Yes I’ve heard of those but never tried one. I love the sound of 12” speakers. Thanks for sharing!
a friend of mine has 1 with a D series JBL 15 and it is the shit-snizzle
2:04
porta-flex never flip-top. also studios loved it because it was so quiet.(no backround noise)
Plug into a SansAmp and forget the Ampeg!
Great video and amp though.
I love the Sansamp.
Crap for a live gig, without running through the house system. Heavy and unweildly.. I've owned two over the years.
Agreed that this jewel doesn’t shine on stage.
nah!
Had 2 of them. Overrated.
To each their own. I hope you have found a great amp you love! ⚡️
Its a one trick pony for recording. You would never use it live unless for upright bass. And even that is a stretch. Its an antique at this point. In its day it was top of the line, but now its just a collectable. Same with Acoustic 360. Guys go on and on about the history. Modern-day amps are a 1000% more efficient. You can get any sound you wish now with a good preamp. The sound of those old recordings came more from those players hands than anything. Jaco could have played a broom and you would have known it was him. Amps were just tool of the day.
Thanks for sharing your opinion. I believe there is something inspiring about them, but you don’t have to agree with me. Thanks for watching!