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BGRA: Ampeg B-50R Rocket COMBO AMP
| Manufacturer |
Ampeg |
Model |
B-50R Rocket COMBO AMP |
| Reviewer |
Jeff Addicott |
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| Experience |
13 |
Item owned |
Less than 1 month |
| Review Date |
2001-10-10 |
Price paid |
$375 |
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Dimensions | 18 x 21 x 13" |
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Weight | 48 lbs |
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Power | 50 W |
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Speakers | 12" |
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Other | Way cool "retro" construction. |
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This thing is a real looker; bandmates and audience members took immediate
notice. Of course, looks aren’t all that critical in an amp for most
people, but I have to admit: the extra attention is fun (and music is,
after all, show business). If one didn’t know better, it would be easy to
mistake the Ampeg B-50R for a classic design from the ‘50s or the ‘60s.
Compared to my ultra-compact Gallien Kreuger 12” combo, the Ampeg seems
bulky, but its comfortable handle and relatively light weight (48 lbs) make
it an easy one-hand load. The fixed cord is a bit of a hassle; it doesn’t
easily stash in the back. A small trough or some cable wrapping posts would
be a big help.
The top control panel on the B-50R is simple and elegant. The large
“chicken head” knobs are easy to tweak, and the controls are few. There’s
no input pads, mid-sweeps, master volumes or other clutter like that; just
Volume, Bass, Lo Mid, Hi Mid, Treble, and of course, the On/Off switch.
It’s intuitive and effective; non-technophiles will love it. For chaining
up additional amps or running a line to a PA, I’m glad to see the Line Out
1/4” jack, tucked away on the back.
So far so good, but this amp’s real forte is the tone. Warm, rich and bold,
it’s just the thing for bass. At realistic playing volumes, the Ampeg has a
much stronger low end than the smaller Gallien Kreuger (apparently size
does matter). The highs are also surprisingly potent, given the lack of a
tweeter. Using my P-bass onstage with brushed drums and an amplified
acoustic guitar, the Ampeg easily held its own. That’s pretty impressive
for 50 solid state watts!
The B-50R is not transparent like many modern bass amps try to be; it has
it’s own distinct sound. While this seems to agree very well with an
electric bass in rock and blues settings, I found that some important
nuances were missing with my upright bass. The Ampeg gets you heard in a
Jazz setting, but not with the gourmet, flavorful character I’m used to
getting from my hi-fi rig. On the other hand, I never did like that rig for
electric bass. So for settings where too much refinement is a liability,
the Ampeg is much more at home.
The Ampeg B-50R doesn’t do everything, but it’s undeniably a very cool box.
For the discriminating beginner, it’s affordable, simple to operate and
provides enough volume for jamming and light gigs. Unlike most budget amps,
this one sounds so good, you might never outgrow it.
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| construction |
 | (95%) |
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| clarity |
| (95%) |
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| volume |
| (100%) |
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| portability |
| (95%) |
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| value |
| (100%) |
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| overall |
| (100%) |
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