Reviewer Adam Mohamed
Manufacturer Ampeg
Model B-3
Price $769 (Canadian)

Dimensions 20"x26"x13.5"
Wattage 150 watts RMS
Speaker(s) 1 15" Ampeg Custom
EQ 3-band parametric, footswitchable 9-band graphic
Effects effects loop, pad, overdrive and limiter
Controls Gain, Drive, Bass, UltraMid, Treble, Master Volume
Other Balanced XLR out w/pad and EQ bypass
Many professionals use Ampeg amps, and, after playing through the B-3, I now know why. The sound was amazing - even more so once the 9-band graphic EQ was on. With it, as well as a separate parametric EQ, many different tones can be achieved. It's loud enough for most gigs (With a speaker cabinet...ouch!) The construction also looks impressive, but I haven't exactly taken a sledge hammer to it to test that.

One drawback is that the B-3 is a rather big boy at 68 lbs; however, at least it has two side handles, which, surprisingly enough, few amps this size seem to have. This makes the weight and bulk a lot easier to handle, but this is not the type of amp you'd carry on the bus.

I think all that needs to be said is that I tried out an SWR and a Trace Elliot of similar size and price at the same time, and the B-3 had a lot more muscle and tonal variety to it.

Construction 95%
(effects loop in front would be nice)
Loudness 100%
Clarity 100%
Tone 100%
Size/Bulkiness 75%
(big but side handles will save your back)
Value 95%
Overall 97%
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