The Ampeg B 15 Bass Amp: A Short History

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Years ago, when I thought I needed "one of everything" I built myself a single channel B-15 clone that Dan Lurie from FYD Amps designed for me. In the end I built three of them actually and the prototype went to Rick Beato's studio...and never came back. So this Short History has long been on my list to make. Bass content is never big out of the gate but this is a great and important amp so I hope you enjoy it.

Keith

[JoeBouchardRockStar]

On the first four Blue Öyster Cult studio albums (including Don't Fear the Reaper) I recorded the bass with a B15. During my days at Ithaca College I played a B15. I really enjoyed your video. It really brought me back to the 70s!

[WilliamWSmith-ybfl]

I played on a B15 at William Carey College in Hattiesburg in the 1980’s. Thanks for the video. It brings back great memories. I didn’t know how great it was until I tied other amos. Miss that sound. The B15 is the best sounding amp I have played through. Miss it. I now play guitar mostly, but the bass player I work with mostly, just ordered a new one. I know it want be exactly the same, but it will be good. Can’t wait to hear that sound again.

[julesborges]

Back in 2005 I decided I needed a B-15 for my home studio. I spotted a clean one on ebay and won the auction. When the buyer contacted me it was none other than Jess' Oliver! He told be he'd been buying them used, reconditioning them to his specs (he'd made a new plexi Ampeg plate) and selling them. He autographed the top of one of the transformer covers for me with the date. Needless to say it's one of my prize possessions.

[MBBerard]

Mr Oliver lived near me (Massapequa Park) and serviced all my amps until his passing. A wonderful kind person! His workplace- his basement- was a sight to see! Wall to wall floor to ceiling amps, components, electronics!!! He is missed!

[paullawson]

The B-15 and a Fender precision bass there's just something magic

[Candlepinman]

I've had a 1966 B-15NF around my whole life. It was my dad's and when I started playing guitar I'd play my Squier Strat through it. I switched to bass in my teen years and after awhile the B-15 fell into disrepair. A few months ago I finally spent the money to have it serviced. I'm 35 and now doing a bit of session work... somewhat due to having one! It always sounds amazing and I'm so lucky to have it. My dad passed away 8 years ago I think he's Looking down SOO happy it's working and being used again :)

[henryrodriguez]

I'm 72 years old and in 1969 I was an aspiring rock bass player. To me, the only bass amp that was a bass amp was the B 15. No other amp got me that deep smooth bass sound, deep, clear, and heavy.

[soulman]

In the history of popular music there are many well known names. Like Hendrix for guitar, and Jamerson on bass, but for every single one of those cats, behind them stand men like Leo Fender, and Jess Oliver who had the vision to create something so simple yet profound and they ended up changing music forever. Their names should be in the rock n roll hall of fame, their names should be placed in the same regard as the names of those who made use of their inventions.
This is one of the reasons I love this channel, it’s peeling back the history and shining light on things not known to the average enthusiast. Top tier historical content!

[ethanster]

I’ve been playing bass for about 35 years and have always wanted a 1975-76 B15-N. You might be surprised at the tones that you can get with a guitar as well. Just incredible valve amps that have been the benchmark of tone for bass in the studio since its inception. Thank you for this great video, Keith! You never disappoint my man.

[lamech]

YES!! You did this amp!!! The. Amp. Thank you, from The Bass Players!

[christopherweise]

My high school had one as our jazz ensemble bass amp. Too bad none of us knew at the time what we were really playing through. It was "just an amp" to us.

[jamesberlo]

I'm a Drummer (Ludwig freak) and I love this Show, I am obsessed withe Vintage Gear, I love the detail you go into and the History and the Legends who created this stuff.

[moctzal]

This has to be the best bass amplifier video on all of YouTube!

Phil's playing sounded great!

[rkharper]

I own a 2010 limited Edition run of 50. My holy grail amp! There's even a signed photograph from Jess Oliver with it!

[KarlKarsnark]

EPIC! I had an old B-15N that I used to play my Strat through along with a little combo. Sounded great and the "Flip-Top" always gets you extra cool points.

[kaydenandrade]

This person is so good at talking that he memorizes the lines and speaks it so confidently, without stuttering

[mannybernardez]

I have a 2000’s B-15R and love it. It really came to life when I switched the power tubes from 6L6 to EL34. Completelly opened up the mids in a great way and made the amp blossom. This is by far the coolest feature of this version of the B-15. Well… that and the fact that it can run at 4ohms and produce 100 watts.

[charlespiper]

Amazing amp! Bought my first B15N used in 1968 a new one in 1970. Over the years had a SB 12 for home rehearsal and numerous B15s and a B18. Wonderful in the studio. Since UA Audio introduced the B15 plug in my last B15 was sold.

[paulorr]

My goodness are you ever a fountain of knowledge. My guitar teacher in the mid sixties had a little ensemble that included his wife on bass. She had a B-15 and it was just thunderous.

[bflathead]

I have a B-15N, a B-12 and a mid 70’s SVT. I live in metro NYC area and had all of the amps serviced by the late great Dennis Kager ..an AMPEG employee and historian. He worked in Nj at Central Jersey Music. He was a kind man and I always enjoyed my visits. He was so knowledgeable and as mentioned in the comments about Jesse Oliver’s basement.. Dennis Kager’s shop was similar.. vintage parts and amps all over. During one of my visits there was a group of guys there interviewing Dennis for THE HISTORY OF AMPEG book. Great video..thanks for posting.