Ampeg B-100R Rocket Bass Amp

Solid state 100w 1x15 bass combo, 3 band EQ and balanced out. About average features for a combo.

This is a great rig for small gigs and classic rock. I have used it direct into the PA without any noise problems. Without running it into a PA it may not be loud enough for you (I use it as a monitor during shows). It is NOT a "hifi slap & pop" fusion machine.

It's sturdy. I recplaed the back panel with a fan for use at gigs and it stays a lot cooler at gigs. I expect the blue tolex is easily damaged.

Nice folks but parts are spendy.

It's a great rig for specific purposes. If you want a vintage sound, loud enough for gigs, not too bad to carry, this is a nice one. If you play modern stuff, you might not be happy with the dark tone.

This amp is a basic solid state, single channel combo with a 15" speaker, 100W power rating, 4-band equalizing (bass, low-mid, high-mid, treble), gain and master volume contol, switching for ultra low, mid and high, headphone output, and line out. It weighs 65 lbs. It also has the cool looking vintage covering of the early '60s Ampegs.
If I were to add some features to it, they would be 1) an external speaker capability (needed) 2) possibly an effects loop.

I currently play two Fender Basses through this amp. An MIM Jazz and an AmSTd Jazz-V. I play C&W, Original R&R, and Blues. I have absolutely no complaints about the sound of this amp in any of these genres of music. In fact, I get a lot of compliments from other musicians about the sound. The amp is very quiet under all conditions so far. I've never had the volume above 7 on the 0-10 dial and I have always been able to play loud enough to support the band. As for playing this amp in large venues or even medium ones with bad acoustics, I think it would be a little short in the power department. For all others, it has proven to be totally up to the job.
I prefer the punch, thump, and softer sound of bass styles from back in the '50s and '60s (which is the era of my early years) and this amp delivers very well.

I've had this amp since February '99. I have played a couple of gigs each month (std 4-5 hr gigs), approximately 3 practice sessions each month (6-8 hrs each), and practice at home about 10-12 a week. I have had no problems of any kind. I depend on it without any reservations. In fact, it is currently the only bass amp that I own. I amp going to purcase another amp in the near future, but not to replace this one. I am looking for more power and flexibility. This amp will remain with me.

The warranty on this amp is 5 years. I haven't delt with the company on this amp, but I have on my Ampeg guitar amp. They were very friendly and helpful. My problem is my dealer, not the company. I can't seem to get him to either repair the amp locally, under warranty, or to ship it back to Ampeg. Ampeg requires that you deal through an authorized dealer, not direct with them. If your dealer is not up to par, then you have a problem.

I've been playing bass since 1962 (with a some breaks along the way) and guitar (a little off and on) since 1959. I'm primarily a bass player. In electric guitars and basses, I use only Fender. In acoustic and acoustic/electric guitars, I own a Yairi, a Taylor, and a Takemine. As for amps, I use either Ampeg or Fender.
Before purchasing this amp I looked at Crate, Peavey, and Fender. The Crate was harsh and thin; the Peavey better, much better, but still too harsh and thin without the thump/punch I wanted; the Fender was, well, typical Fender bass amp - mushy and muddled. The Ampeg stood out for me. It has the "velvet hammer" type of sound that I like. Yes you can get to be harsh and thin as well. But, it was much more versatile than the others and its price was well in line for what you get.
I guess I'm supposed to find something wrong as well as something right. Well, 1) Check the features section above; 2) It is too blasted heavy, even at 65 lbs. The dream bass amp is a 1000W, 2-15/4-10 amp with great sound that weighs no more than 40 lbs. Yeah! Right. This Ampeg B-100R is an excellent amp and I can't do anything but highly recommend it.