Ampeg BA115HP Bass Combo Amplifier (220 Watts, 1 x 15 in.)

Feature:
Let's face it -- in the real world, we gig in small to medium sized venues and outdoor festivals, rarely playing large scale production gigs. If you happen to land a big gig, the XLR out lets you run to the house. No need for the hassel of a big stack when you can run through the PA. :) The built in tuner is a great feature! This amp has a mute button, which is always a welcome addition to any amp in my opinion. The EQ section of the preamp is a simple shelving EQ, which I actually prefer over a graphic EQ. Simplicity is the key to happiness, and turning three knobs is much simpler than adjusting 7-12 sliders! Of course, gain and master volume controls. The only thing that I wish this amp had is a built in compressor/limiter. That's not too big of a deal, but still...

Quality:
From my experience, anything Ampeg makes is high quality stuff. This combo is no exception. Well built cab, good electronics, quality woofers and horns, good hardware.

Value:
Anytime you can buy B-stock, do it!! I have ordered B-stock items from many online vendors, and they all work perfectly. I don't mind small cosmetic flaws because the function of the item is good. B-stock is the way to buy and you do get a great value. As an example, this particular purchase was almost 50% off retail just because the amp was B-stock. Even if you prefer to stick with brand new, the price of the amp in brand new condition is well worth it.

Desirability:
I'm kind of a minimalist, and that's one reason that I like Ampeg combos. Simple controls, classy aesthetics, classic black covering will fit visually with almost any situation that you'll ever play in...

Sound:
I have used this amp on many occasions (I showed up for a gig, and either the house or another band had this amp available for use), and just ordered it as a B-stock item from zZounds. I prefer the sound of 10's over 15's, but this amp was such a great value, it was hard to say no to the order just because of the speaker configuration. This amp is versatile. I have used this model of amp for various gigs, including rock, soul, R&B, jazz, country, and others. You can expect a round bottom ended tone, like with most 15" combos. You also get really good midrange tones, and the tweeter in the cab gives clear highs without being harsh. It is loud enough for most gigging situations. The amp is very responsive you your playing -- in fact, much more responsive than I would have expected from a relatively inexpensive combo amp! As far as expressing my musical style, any amp does that... The way I see it, TECHNIQUE is the primary tool of expression, followed by the bass and the amp. I can plug into any amp and sound good. I record running direct for that reason, but needed a tool to be heard in live performances. After all, not every venue has PA to support much more than vocals and miked drums.

Ease of Use:
So easy -- plug it into the wall, plug in your instrument cable, play. I'm going to have to read the manual to see how to use the built in tuner, but I expect that to be simple. :)

Support:
I've never dealt with Ampeg before, so I'm not going to rate this one.

Overall:
Even with the (apparent) lack of a compressor/limiter, this is an outstanding amp, both in performance and value. If you're able to buy it B-stock like I did, DO NOT HESITATE because you may go back later and the supply will have been diminished. Great sounding amp, fantastically simple controls and appearance, and an all around champ in tone as the amp works well in many styles of music. Buy today!

Feature:
The amp came with a set of removeable casters. Since this thing weigh 80 pounds that was a nice feature. Features on this amp aren't many but the ones you get a re simple. The five way style switch is nice but I only use 1, 2, and 3. I think this amp should have came with an effects loop and it does not have an extention speaker outlet which I think it should have but other than that the amp is great.

Quality:
Excellent Ampeg quality. Built like a tank. Everything fits together very well and nothing looks cheap. It's dependable and very durable. I never bring a back up. Ampeg does not use metal grills so the grill cloth is suspect but they never have and if they did it wouldn't look like an Ampeg anymore so I guess i can live with that.

Value:
Honestly I think these amps are little expensive when they don't give you an effects loop, and extension speaker hook ups but you do get more wattage / power (220 watts) than the products in this price range. I guess it's the price you pay to get the Ampeg tone in a combo amp.

Desirability:
The Ampeg look and sound are classic. It's no technical marvel it just sounds great and there really is no other reason to own one. They have a very simple vintage look to them that I really like.

Sound:
I rate this a 10 because, well, it sounds like an Ampeg... It has that vintage Ampeg tone thnat no other amp has. It fits the type of music very well but can also be versatle enough to cover a lot of different types of music

Support:
I don't know how to rate this because I have never had to use them. I guess no contact with them is a good thing so I will give them a 9.

Overall:
As far as a combo amps go I don't think I will ever need another one. I plan on sticking with this one for a long time. I had an SWR Workingmans 15 before this one and the Ampeg just sounds better hands down. It may be missing a few features that the SWR offered but it's tone blows it away.