Today, we’re going to dive into the world of bass amps and explore the history of one of the most iconic names in the industry: Ampeg. For decades, Ampeg has been the go-to choice for bass players around the world, providing unparalleled sound quality and reliability. But how did this legendary company get its start, and what sets their amps apart from the rest? Join me as we take a deep dive into the history of Ampeg and discover what makes their bass amps so special.
When it comes to bass amps, few names are as synonymous with quality and power as Ampeg. Founded in 1946, Ampeg has been a staple of the music industry for over 75 years. Its bass amps have been used by some of the greatest bass players of all time, including Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce, and Jaco Pastorius, just to name a few.
The story of Ampeg begins with the company’s founder, Everett Hull. Hull was a musician himself, playing the double bass in his high school orchestra. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Hull returned to his hometown of New Jersey and started tinkering with electronics.
In 1946, Hull founded Ampeg, short for Amplified Peg, with the goal of creating a bass amplifier that would reproduce the sound of the double bass without the need for microphones. Hull’s early designs were inspired by the accordion amplifiers of the time, which were often underpowered and lacked the necessary low-end response for bass instruments.
In 1949, Ampeg released the B-15 bass amp, which quickly became a favorite among bass players. The B-15’s compact size and powerful tone made it a hit with musicians who needed a portable, yet powerful amp for gigs and recordings. The B-15’s innovative design featured a 15-inch speaker, which gave it an unmatched low-end response that set it apart from other amps of the time.
Over the years, Ampeg continued to innovate and expand its line of bass amps. In the 1960s, Ampeg released the Portaflex series, which featured a unique flip-top design that allowed the amp head to be stored inside the speaker cabinet when not in use. This made the Portaflex amps even more portable than their predecessors and solidified Ampeg’s reputation as a company that was committed to meeting the needs of working musicians.
In the 1970s, Ampeg introduced the SVT series, which is still considered by many to be the pinnacle of bass amp design. The SVT’s massive power and unparalleled tone made it a favorite among rock and metal bass players. Its distinctive blue and silver design became an icon of the era and can still be seen on stages around the world today.
Throughout its history, Ampeg has continued to attract top bass players who appreciate the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. In addition to the aforementioned McCartney, Bruce, and Pastorius, Ampeg amps have been used by James Jamerson, John Paul Jones, Chris Squire, and many others.
Today, Ampeg continues to produce some of the best bass amps on the market. The company’s Classic Series amps, which feature updated versions of the B-15 and Portaflex designs, are favorites among vintage enthusiasts. The Pro Series amps, which feature modern technology and design, are popular among working musicians who need a reliable and powerful amp for gigs and recordings.
As a bass player who has used Ampeg amps for years, I can attest to the power, tone, and reliability of these amazing amps. My favorite setup for gigs is the classic SVT head and two cabinets with 4×10 each. I don’t know why, but despite the convenience of not taking one cabinet of 8×10, I prefer using two of 4×10 or sometimes one 15-inch speaker cabinet and one of 4×10 on top. I will only use another bass amp system if the artist has another preference or if the gig needs something specific. And for small gigs, unless otherwise requested, I tend to carry one cabinet of 4×10 and a PF 500 head. Ampeg amps have always been my go-to choice for delivering that big, powerful bass sound that fills the room and gets the crowd moving. If you’re in the market for a new bass amp, do yourself a favor and check out what Ampeg has to offer.