Bass Gear Review

Reviewer	CD Williams
Manufacturer	Ampeg
Model	B3-158
Price	$565 - $600 new

Dimensions	(about) 21" wide, 35" high, 15" deep
Wattage	100 watt low end 50 watts high end;
	150 watts bi-amped
Speaker(s)	one 15" Ampeg Custom for low end, and one
	8" Polypropylene for high end
EQ	Three rotary (Bass, Ultra-Mid, and Treble), and a
	9-band graphic EQ (Graphic is footswitchable)
Effects	Gain and Drive controls for overdrive, effects loop
	send and return, limiters.
Controls	Gain, Drive, Bass, Ultra-Mid, Treble, 9-Band Graphic
	Master (Volume), and Balance (Between the 2 speakers)
Other	Pre/Post EQ XLR line out with -20dB pad switch

Okay, I haven't had this amp very long but I can tell you it rocks. Right off the bat let me tell you it sounds great. When i first got it (a few months back) I tried it out with all sorts of setting and even with it set flat this brick (its kinda heavy) can sing. With the three rotary knobs, and the 9-band graphic EQ, I promise you you'll find some awesome tones to make you happy. There really is something in there for everyone. And to top it off this thing is LOUD like most Ampeg products its got power to spare, but it surprised me. It can definitly do a medium sized gig (maybe more), and some out door gigs without breaking a sweat. I mean i can blow my drummer away! Now that cool from a combo amp this size. Now size is where we come to the one problem with this amp. Now most amps have some weight behind thim. But this one has a bit more. Now the Ampeg web page (www.ampeg.com) said it was 75 lbs. my manual says 84 lbs. so i figure its about 80 lbs. Now here's the part that show that the people at Ampeg have heads on there shoulders. Not only does this big boy have side deep dish handles. It also has a tilt back handle, with dolly style casters on the rear bottom corner. The wheels are level with the rest of the bottom when its standing up, but then when you need to move it you just kick it back and wheel it away. this saved my back at a few gigs, and saved itself when a big fight / small riot broke out at a little whole in the wall (shitty dive). I just held onto my bass kicked back the amp and went staight to the car threw it in and went back to the show to get our cash (all nine dollars of it) or beak something cool. (Sorry about the PA board) Anyway, I'm not to scared of this thing breaking, its built like a tank and the only thing i have to worry about is something going through the front mesh, and putting a whole in a speaker. I bought this thing used, and through the mail (for $350) so i was worried about its condition and let me tell you this thing looked brand-spanking-new when I got it. and it still does dispite the fact i've run it into some doorways. Now this B3-158 is different from the B3 in that it has an additional 8" driver to the 15" one the B3 amp has. The B3-158 also has a Balance knob so you can adjust how much 15" vs. 8" sound you want Now the manual says it has two internal amplifiers, one for the high frequencies, and one for the low. the 150 watt ratting is Bi-amped. It is also because of these two amplifiers, that the B3-158 has two limiter, and LED limiter lights one for highs, and one for lows. Also, I read another review on the ampeg B3 where the person mentioned they'd like a line out / speaker out jack. Well since the effects loop send is post EQ, and doesn't break the connection with the power amp, it can be used as a line out. Well thats all i have to say about the amp. I think its great and really believe you should check out any Ampeg product if your in the market for a bass amp....i'm not to fond of there guitar amps. And I really believe the that even at new prices (about $565 to $600) that the B3-158 is worth every penny. Eventhough there is a slight hiss comming from my 8" speaker, but who knows what the last guy did to it. Also note that Ampeg bass amps come with a 5 year warranty that is transferable between owners. It just goes from the original purchase date.

I'll probably post another review here after i've had this thing longer, or if i suddenly find out something sucks (very VERY doubtful).

Construction	100%
(one VERY MINOR flaw which is probably the previous owners fault)
Loudness	100%
(for a combo amp this thing is loud, it'll shake your lower intestines)
Clarity	100%
(the limiters really help to keep your tone at high volumes)
Tone	95%
(for a solid state combo this thing has a WIDE range of tones)
Size/Bulkiness	90%
(the wheels and handles make it ALOT easier)
Value	110%
(even at new prices it rocks)
Overall	100%
(At the price i got it and the condition I got it in, there isn't
another amp out there that can compair)