Ampeg BA-115 Bass Amp Review & Demo
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- A review and demo of the great first decent bass amp the Ampeg BA-115. Great tone for the money. A very good first bass amp and wont break the bank.
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Please watch: "Guitar Neck Shootout: Fender vs Squier vs Mighty Mite"
• Guitar Neck Shootout: ...
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This bad boy helped me establish dominance in the condo building I live in, the punk rockers next door learnt the hard way.
I recently got a BA115 and was skeptical of the 100watt output. I am used to playing 300+ watts thorough various 410's and 115 cabs. But I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, it doesn't have the earth shaking boom of a higher wattage, but it's a perfect volume and tone for when I do coffee shops and music stores. Right tool for the job and all that. It's a wonderful little amp and every bass player should have one. They aren't that expensive either.
I have same amp. Bought it second hand about 6 years ago. Two weeks ago, I was playing my Warwick streamer, with the amp set at around 12 o’clock gain and 1 o’clock master, the three preamp dials set around 1 o’clock and the five way selector switch set at two. All of a sudden I hear a pop and the amp goes silent. I see that it was really hot. I let it cool off, and turn it on. Nothing happens. I unplug it wait a while and take out the amp from the cab which was difficult to pull out. I see that the fuse is blown. The next day I purchase several fuses of this type. It blew up three fuses. Next step: check the speaker. After considerable effort, I managed to remove the grill and check the speaker and the tweeter. I check them out with a multimeter and they are both fine. So, I take it to a technician to have it checked out. Both output transistors were shorted. According to the technician, it was never opened or touched. It was exactly as it came out of the factory. So all in all, it has giving good service for, I figure,15 years. The technician told me that he’s had several BA amps including two BA 108 with the same problem: blown MOSFETS. These amps heat up real quickly and I don’t understand why Ampeg doesn’t put a cooling fan. The technician also removed a lot of glue which is exaggeratedly applied all over the circuit board. This is another reason why it heats up so much, so he told me he removed quite a bit of it. I am picking up the amp tomorrow. Note aside, it’s a great sounding amp. Although it’s a 100 watt amp, I have a Laney RB3 65 watt amp with a 12 inch speaker that’s way louder. Go figure.
That was really good, thank you for the demo... now I'm ready to go out and buy one.
I have just bought one of these. And it is PERFECT for recording in my little, comfy, home studio. I have an early 70's VT-40 as well and I just love AMPEG amplifiers!
Very helpful review Kennis. I like the sound of the thing, especially the vintage-esque tone at the beginning of your demo. A few years ago I tested the Ampeg, GK, and Fender combos at a music store and walked away feeling the GK won the contest, but maybe the other two have gained ground recently. Right now I'm playing through the brand of amp you're sitting on and grown tired of it since my style has changed quite a bit. Thanks again for a great demo!
I just picked up a made in USA BA-115 that was built in 2006. It’s a solid amp with enough power and versatility to keep me entertained for some time. Liking it so far.
Great overview, man. I recently acquired the BA155HP (220W). Quite a versatile piece of gear. It has a tweeter with a high frequency level control on the back. As you mentioned in a comment, they're pretty much the same. Good 'slap' tones can be achieved by experimenting with EQ, and it sounds real good (I'm not a good slap bass player though). EQ preferences depend on musical style, light or aggressive playing technique, the type of bass (I use a 4-string Fender Jazz, passive), etc. This amp can dial in just about anything anyone would need at this level. It would be a nice touch if the 155HP leaned back like your demo model. Oh well, can't have everything - where would you put it? lol! Thanks, Kennis.
Very good Demo and Explanation. Just Got one yesterday for my Charvel Jackson. I have also run my Kronos through it along with my Pro-Reverb and together they sound great. Thanks for doing the video.
Thanks so much for this demo. This is actually the best demo of the BA115 I can find here on RUclips. My initial decision was to purchase the Fender Rumber 350 (only because I've played it many times and know its sound) but haven't had the chance to try out the Ampeg. But now, thanks to your demo, I'm reconsidering my options. I'm definitely considering this one. thx.
I'm in the same boat. I think I am going to go with the 350 for two reasons. One being power and pretty good reviews as well and two I can utilize the 2-10 speakers and like the BA-115 can output to the pa system that is equipped with 15's if I choose to do so. I am a guitar player not a bass player so bass tones are rather new to me but because the guys I jam with play like they do I have chosen to take the Bass challenge and give it a try we are a 5 piece 2 guitars, bass, keyboards and drums. My instinct says the BA-115 with it's 15 inch cone will probably separate me from the two marshall amps i'll be playing next to and perhaps "fill" the sound better than the 2 10"s in the Fender 350 but like I said power and versatility is more than likely the best option for the price range and given we will only be playing in small bars and garages.
I ended up purchasing the Fender 350. took it to the jam and never had to turn it up past 30% Very responsive and loved the tone especially the overdrive when I wanted that dirty sound.
Thomas Pope Hmmm...my only concern with the Rumble 350 is that its dual 10's just don't have enough bottoms and projections when playing in a loud rock band, in which I play in one. I borrowed a friends to jam with my band and found it struggling to keep up with my drummer and guitarist. I love the quality and sound of the amp, though. But I'm hoping the Ampeg will give me a little more bottom and volume than the Rumble. The Ampeg I'm really after is the BA115hp (220Watts). I'm hoping someone can give me some thoughts on this amp since GC don't carry much these days to try out. These days they have more Line6 and used gears.
Man, you all are mean. Let the man refer to the speaker any way he wants to. It's kind of the culture to either name or refer to inanimate objects with pronouns. Haven't you heard a mechanic refer to a car as a "she"? Or someone naming their guitar "Lucille"?
Kennis, thanks for the demonstration and an honest look at this amp. I hope you do not allow any of these people to take away from your self-esteem. Their negative opinions are not worth it. I am new to the Bass (coming from lead/rhythm) and it is much more difficult to find review videos showcasing bass specific items than lead. So, this video was really helpful.
@@kennisrussell Your reaction is a really mature.
Btw, criticism is an uncountable. So criticism is both singular and plural. Like you wouldn't say "a money", "a water", or "an advice", an english speaker would probably say something like "a piece of criticism about..." or "criticism about..." without the "A" in front. But seeing you are still learning the language I would give you a rest about this error.
Keep learning!
Cheers.
Great review Sir .. I am in the market for a new bass amp for garage / practice settings . You covered this product very well thank you for being thorough and to the point . I am sold
I can't believe he used a Trace Elliot as a seat ! ! !
Great review. I've owned an Ampeg BA 115 HP model for the last 14 years. It's been very reliable. I've also used it as a keyboard amp as well.
how does it work with a drummer?
@@pablocacaster very well, as long as you can keep the guitar player's volume in check. :)
I wold like to hear the passive jazz bass!
Thank you so much for this demo and review, I'm definitely going out and picking this amp!
i got the BA115T (tube) It sounds very nice. I owned the non tube before, and i really liked the sound, but it had not enough power for rehearsal.
So i sold it. Years later i saw someone sell this tube version for dirt cheap, and like new condition. They are very hard to find too. It even sounds better.
The master knob crackled, so i pull off the knob, and sprayed WD-40 on it, and turned the knob for 20 times, the crackle was gone.
really well done and informative review and demo, thanks!
Excellent review! Thanks a lot, it's very helpfull for me. How about the BA-112 for practicing with a band or recording with hole band at same time in an small studio?
***** Thanks very much! :D
Sounds like toejam and earl at the tail end. Sounds pretty versatile. Too bad youtube compresses sound too much to actually represent tone
Great review. Thanks Kennis!
nice review. I'm just about to buy this amp for the second time!
fantastic review. I love this amp!
Bro great job thank you very much ... Very clear demo . What do you think about Roland cued 60 bass amp?
Ampeg has always had good combos but my only gripe is I have only run into the 100w one's! I believe there are some 300w combos running around the world somewhere but I've never seen one in person or else I would probably have one, i stay away from low wattage bass amps because back in the mid 90's i played in a punk band and used a 140w Hatke head and a 1x15 cab and it struggled to be heard next to my guitarist JCM900 half stack and my brothers booming Tama Rockstar. I now have a 500w Hartke LH head running through a 6x10 cab, my 19 yr old son, my younger brother (who was in my old band) and myself have a little garage punk band and if you want to check it out just got to my uploads, we are a pop punk band so nothing trashy sounding. My son is also the lead worship guitarist for the church youth band which is his main band.
The price is relatively the same. Orange is 385 Euro and Ampeg is 399. So, the difference is not that big.
Hello Russell, awesome tutorials and reviews! Sorry to bother you, today I bought an Ampeg Ba-115 just like the one on your video, sounds great but when I play certain tones/notes with my bass it seems that one side of the amp's box starts to vibrate making grinding noises. It's not an static or electronic noise, I'm playing at an aceptable volume with standard affination (E-A-D-G). This is common or could be an assembly or factory problem? I'm thinking to return it and trying another same model at the store. Thanks for your time!
Sounds great! I have an Acoustic 115 and was thinking of getting the Ampeg amp since it sounds so good! Can I slave out, somehow, the Acoustic and get more power?
Ampeg Ba115 or Ampeg micro cl ?
Sehr informatives Video, hatt mir bei der Auswahl eines neuen Bass Amps gut geholfen
Is this advisable for a Rehearsal Studio? What is much better, the Laney RB8 or that Ampeg B115?
Because im planning to build a rentable Rehearsal studio. Thank you for this review. A big help for us.
Have you compared the BA115 to the BA115hp ? The hp is 225 watts vs. 100 watts for the one you tested in this video. Thanks.
kennis, why does this amp have -15 db pad and the gk-mb410 has a 10 db pad for active basses ofcourse? is 15 better than the 10?
I have one of these, and I love it, but I am having some sort of a problem with mine, and am hoping some of you may help me with this, assuming all B-115's are 100 watt. I am having a problem with the amp getting terribly hot, right there where in white paint it says--in bold print: "HOT!". This just started happening a few weeks ao, and now I am afraid to use it because it gets so hot that a person can't put their hand on it, in the area where there are 3 screws on the back of the amp, near the grill area, where I guess heat is supposed to escape. This isn't normal, and I wondered if anyone can help me with suggestions, so i don't have to take it to the shop and be charged an arm and a leg to get it fix. I'm a drummer, and have little experience with the electronics of amplifiers. I don't have anything lugged into it at all--this happens within minutes of turning the power switch on. Can anyone help me, please? Thanks ever so much.
Ampeg ba115 vs Fender Rumble 200 witch Is better
I have not played the rumble 200, but have had a cheaper rumble 50. Those are great amps. I’d go with the fender.
Hi! Greetings from Germany! Really great overview! However, I have a short question. Did you ever play Orange Crush PiX 100BXT? I am kind of in the middle deciding which one is better, Orange Crush PiX 100BXT or Ampeg BA115. Would you have any advice for me? Thanks in advance! Cheers!
You didn't mic it?
This may seem like I wasn't paying attention, but is this a solid state or tube amp??
Jordan Marino solid state.
No tube preamp?
Is this combo Made in China? Sounds badass.
Pedro Pincheira Domínguez I believe it is. I know it's not made in USA
nice! does fender rumble 150 match to it?
This is probably better
I played them side-by-side and my wife pointed to the Ampeg. It had a natural deep low end that you couldn’t get with the rumble.
can you hook this amp up to a cabinet
Hi, do you teach bass?
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Does it have a fan? I'm looking for a silent running practice amp
it doesn't :)
dose it djent?
Is the ba-210 the same thing? Can I get the same tone as with the 115?
+Abdiel Jaramillo The BA 210 has two 10" speakers and is 450 watts. The BA 115 has one 15" speaker and is 150 watts. The series has been redesigned since this video was made and there are a couple of significant changes. The BA 115 and BA 210 essentially have the same features. The only difference is the speakers and wattage. Search for videos on either model that were made in 2014 or 2015 to see the new design features. There is a video of the new BA 115 on the AmpegTV youtube channel, but I'd still like to see Mr. Russell produce a new video explaining and demonstrating the redesigned features.
Ok thanks.
I see no mic yet I hear no room, thus I understand that it's only the DI out that we hear?
Used to have this bass... this is a nice amp, but this bass is sounding pretty sterile. Jazz / MM would be good to hear with it.
is that guitar ibanez sr505?
hmm yeah. definitely a subscribe.
I wanna try a decent les paul thru this
+haggai samuelson What the fuck...
sir i was comparing this and mark bass but whats there different sir ?
Im looking at the 200 watts or may be 300 whats the difference between this an ampeg special tone? Sir
rais3tong the ampeg has a very caracteristic punchy mid range that you need to like but the markbass has no real caracteristic sound, you can do anything with that
Thank you so much for the clear answer I really appreciate it
Though I think I like ampeg but iread the reviews of the115 people said ampeg need quality control was it true ?
Thank you i just read many reviews to be sure but definitely getting ampeg!
Actually stops talking and plays through amp at 5 min. But thank you for the info.
what wattage was this amp? the 100W or 220W version?
it is 50w at best
What's it like having Chris Pratt as a son?
is it a tube amp?
solid state
ok tks
Omg metronome please...
Get enough amp!
This guy hasn't a clue, if you're playing in a band, you won't need to put your eq all the way up, just the bass more so or even mic it up and send it through pa.
Sorry I know that was rude and you seemed to have replied in the same vain. You just seem more like a guitarist than a bassist.
So I am but I have played bass in a band and you need to make sure the low end is there above all else. Then again it depends on the band, if you have particularly trebly sounding guitars then you can add more mid and high but generally it's good to just boost the lows. This is just my thought anyway. I don't mean to be mean to you, I know you're just doing your job.
It does depend on your playing style though. I tend to be quite harsh. I prefer a "wrong" sound it just suits me. It's nice getting info about this amp cause I was considering it's smaller brother but since I might need it for gigging, it might not suit. I won't be able to get a new bass amp for a while anyway. Any chance you could suggest an amp for me? I know I have been rude but you seem very helpful.
I play in a metal band, which is what lead me to the ampeg. I also considered a hartke. Probably my favourite bass sound is geezer butler's or steve harris's. Any suggestions?
between 150-300 euro or roughly 200-400 dollars
Both are probably pushing my budget, would a smaller version of them amps be any good? To be honest I'm not even sure if I'd be using it for gigging but it would be handy if it could do it, if it had to be plugged through a pa
Commercial add too long.
Good tone, but your pcb is very cheap &bad
Ibanez should please stop making bass guitars , it's an embarrassment to the bass guitar culture . Scrap bass guitars , absolute junk .
5 minutes of bla bla bla before you get to hear it.
Poor sounding bass
Way to much talking not enough playing..
You talk too much, sir. Play more.
"this guy".. Err a guy is male person.. not a object lol. Damn annoying him referring his bass & amp as a "guy". However other than that it's a good review and test and gives a person an idea of what it can do..
***** Just an observation..
Dude...get over yourself.