Ampeg Portaflex PF-500 Bass Amplifier Head (500 Watts)
Get huge bass tone in a portable package. Built around Ampeg's MOSFET preamp, the solid-state PF500 bass head boasts onboard compression, 3-band EQ and more.
Overall User Ratings (based on 41 ratings)
Submitted April 19, 2014 by Gordon L in Kansas City, MO
"Fat and Punchy"
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Well after subjecting my new PF 500 to three rehearsals at four hours each and its first club gig last night I think I'm finally ready to write a review. I admit I was somewhat hesitant to buy a Class-D amp at first having read a few negative reviews about fragile input jacks and reliability. But those were in the minority, the PF-500 specs and features were just what I needed, and Ampeg quality and tone are legendary. Also, Ampeg authorized service is close by so I went for it. zZounds made the purchase easy. I used the "play as you pay" option. I submitted the purchase with the first payment about 8pm one evening and got an email with the approval confirmation, payment schedule, and shipment information the next day. It arrived on the day predicted in perfect condition being packed in a box in a box like a set of Russian dolls. Quality and finish were first rate as I would expect from Ampeg. I'm playing a 5-string P-Bass with flat wounds through my PF-500 connected to an SWR Triad cab (15x10xhorn). Now sound quality is subjective to some degree but this amp sounded GREAT to me with Bass, Mid, and Treble set flat. That legendary Ampeg tone is there in spades! So starting there, tweaking these controls has been merely a curiosity so far, but I think you could find a sound for any style of music. I play mostly classic rock, blues, and Motown. By the second set last night I had settled on the following: Compressor at 12 o'clock, input gain at 1 o'clock, Ultra Lo and Hi both disengaged, Bass at 1 o'clock, Mid flat at 12 o'clock, and Treble at 1 o'clock. It was the most sonically satisfying gig I've ever played. I had thundering lows, clear punchy mids, and transparent highs all at the same time. The venue was not huge but I was loud with the output volume set at 1 o'clock. This amp should have plenty of power for any venue size unless it's so large the whole band is mixed through the PA. Now I need a Ampeg log'd T-shirt that says "FAT and PUNCHY"
Musical Background:
bassist since 1965. I work a day job to support my music habit.
Musical Style:
classic rock, blues, southern rock, Motown, classic R&B, funk
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Submitted May 15, 2011 by a customer from ERIKERIKERIK.COM
"Great Features, but a slight let-down"
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I'll be saving my pennies. Nothing beats the real deal. I'll probably replace this unit in the next two years, maybe sooner.
Sound
It's got ampeg traits, but not what I was anticipating based on the hype surrounding it. Sometimes, I think I found the tone (sans-effects), and next time, it's not... quite... right. I've had it a month and still tinkering. Admittedly, I ran a Hartke head for about 3 years after playing through a vintage Ampeg regularly. I liked it, but when I started playing more often decided I needed something with decent wattage and reminisced about the ampeg tone but didn't have a grand to drop on a tube head right now.
I have plenty of room for being louder - I run it through a 8x10 and it's a force. I'm pretty sure that I'll have no issues in most places, and DI for the others.
Features
fantastic set of features - I love the tuner out, the effects loop and the fact that I can blend it with my dry signal - awesome. using the foot switch (got a 9 dollar ibanez and it works fine) is cool too.
Ease of Use
I'm still not happy with my settings and how consistently I can dial them in, but everything else is great.
Quality
Pretty rock-solid enclosure, however I can see how some may gripe about it not being rack-mountable. I like that it fits in an old 17" laptop backpack perfectly. The thing is loud as hell so far, but rumor has it that there's a few here and there that croak either at arrival or a bit after use based on my research. Time will tell.
Value
Pretty good bang for the buck so far.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to deal with it yet.
The Wow Factor
I'm going to say that my eyes bulged and mouth watered when I heard "solid-state" (lightweight), "ampeg" (mmm, tone), and 500W (loud), but after playing on it some, I kind of shrug when I'm asked about it like "eh - it's alright).
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted August 3, 2011 by a customer from cox.net
"AMPEG LISTENS TO AND CARES ABOUT PLAYERS"
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I am extremely happy with this amp. I would still most likely record with a tube amp but for live playing this is the real deal. That being said I will definitely give this a shot in the studio.
Sound
Wasn't sure what to expect and I was in a bind. I had a gig the same night I got the PF-500 so it was truly a trial by fire. Medium sized venue at a full 250 capacity playing through an Ashdown ABM Compact 1x15 I play A homemade Jazz Bass with Aero pickups and P-Bass with LaBella Flats. I do play mainly 60's and 70's R&B, Soul and Country music.
This amp kills! Does a very good classic SVT type of sound with ease and with some tweaking of the EQ can get into B-15N territory as well. Probably not the most versatile in terms of covering the entire tone spectrum. Ultra HiFi modern tone seekers should look elsewhere, this amp has that very defining AMPEG tone all the way. This is the best product Ampeg has put out in a long time.
Features
DI out with a pad, Pre and Post EQ, Speakon connector and 1/4" jacks, tuner out, power amp in, pre amp out, 5 selectable mid Q, FX loop and a mute switch, and 500 watts!!! What else do you really need in a portable head???
BONUS -headphone jack with 1/8" stereo in so you can practice or jam along to you iPod
Ease of Use
I give it a 9 for being in to get a very good approximation of most historic Ampeg sounds, it will take the right cab selection and some time spent tweaking. If you're looking for that crystal clear and clean HiFi sound you shouldn't be looking at Ampeg's anyways because you aren't ever going to get it.
Quality
I'll give it an 8 only because I've only had it a week. Seems to be built like a tank and don;t anticipate any problems.
Value
This is the best value going in bass amps right now. The power and features Ampeg packed into this thing at this price is AMAZING. I would have to say the consumer finally wins on this deal.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't had to deal with this but I will give it a 10 beacuse i don;t expect I will have to.
The Wow Factor
This thing is pretty much perfect.
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
county, soul. r&b. funk
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Submitted September 20, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"Value, tone, and WOW factor."
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I love this amp, my band loves this amp, and people that have borrowed it for shows love it. Again, my only knock is that the standard combo isn't pushing enough power or air at 8ohms and 2x10's.
Sound
The famous Ampeg tone with unmatched portability. The only knock is volume. I went from a Fender Rumble 2x10 to the PF 500 and PF210 and there's a noticeable volume boost; just not as noticeable as I was expecting. I still have to push it to compete with the rest of the band, but I'm hoping another 2x10 cab will get me there.
Features
The PF500 will allow you to find your tone and coupled with a PF cab, it's unbelievable to gig with, the ease of transport and self contained storage are insanely awesome.
Ease of Use
Not a lot of things to figure out here, plug in, adjust your levels and play away.
Quality
The cab solid and looks ready for battle. Double checked screws and wire connections, all seem good to go. Casters, which I heard were in issue during release, seem fine.
Value
PF 500 and PF210 ~$800, unmatched value.
Manufacturer Support
NA
The Wow Factor
Thing is gorgeous, many compliments from other musicians who have seen or borrowed it. Storing your wires, pedals, tuner, etc right in the cab and flip top for the head will make you smile for sure.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist, gigging band member
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted December 9, 2014 by Zachary H in Charleston, WV
"Perfection"
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I upgraded from a cheap Behringer head/cab to the PF500 along with the Ampeg PF410 bass cab & I am absolutely blown away. For the price range, I'm positive that there is no better sounding bass head. I highly recommend this amp to anyone who wants that classic Ampeg sound. You simply cannot do better for the price as well.
Musical Background:
I've been playing in small venues for local bands for about 10 years.
Musical Style:
Pop/Rock
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Submitted June 15, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"i love ampeg amps....please make them in the U.S.A. from now on....."
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this is all i'll need for the rest of my life...
Sound
i've been using ampeg bass amps for 30 years.....had the B-15 porta-flex, had the V4 with the V4 refridgerator bottom, the SVT with the 4 10" cab and the 1 15" cab...every sound man had made a comment on how nice a it sounded, and i toured the us with that rig.....next was the B200R 220 watts into 15" tube pre-amp sound awesome motown baby rockabilly......had 2 of these babys...had to fix the problem with the gasket of speaker on wrong side..causing bass cabinet rattling..easy fix tho.....and now i got the new pori-flex PF-500, with the PF-210 bottom, and the PF-115 bottom, unbelivable sound, it is full, round, punchy....this is the amp i'll take to the grave.........i only hope i can take it with me to rock and roll heaven so i can jam with Keith Moon...
Quality
it is beautiful....i was surprised at how nice it looks...
Musical Background:
active musican/ ring leader
Musical Style:
rockabilly, blues, old school rock and roll
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Submitted April 18, 2012 by chris cook in ottawa, ON
"Great amp, great value"
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I picked this amp up for my wife (although I also play it) and so far it's been great. We were replacing her old Ampeg BA115 which was lacking a little bit in power (at 100 watts) and also we wanted a head/cab setup for convenience purposes. Paired with a lightweight 2x10 cab it's super loud and really portable for her (she couldn't really lift the old amp for more than a couple feet) and still has that great ampeg thump. Also worth noting that we bought a blemished model (because who cares with amps) at 284$ and have no idea where the blemish is! This is the second time I've bought something repackaged from zzounds with great results. If you want to save a couple bucks just check the site each day for a week or so and you're sure to come across a resealed or blemish model for an easy discount.
Musical Background:
regular gigging
Musical Style:
rock, punk, pop
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Submitted November 10, 2015 by Dano F in Columbus, IN
"Class D size - big sound!"
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I love the Ampeg tone and this delivers. For a couple of years, I've been using the PF350 and I've been very happy with the results, the only problem was that I was having to drive it pretty hard to keep up on stage; I play 70's and 80's glam and hair metal mostly. While the 350 did the job night in and night out, I was concerned about it holding up due to the amount of abuse I was dishing out, so I stepped up to the 500 and I've been quite happy with it. The tone is exactly what I'm after, I get the power I need without having to drive it quite as hard, the features are incredible and the size and price are just what I needed. At my age (52) I'm just not into dragging around huge bass gear anymore - so I drive 2 Eden EX115 cabs with the Ampeg PF500 and it sounds like I've got a big behemoth behind me! If you are looking for power, portability, quality, simplicity and tone, you can't go wrong with Ampeg!
Musical Background:
Working weekend profesional.
Musical Style:
Rock, Metal, Glam.
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Submitted March 21, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"Ampeg hit this one outta the park!"
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I was using my stage rig (Avatar 2x10 NEO) but set up in the living room so things might be different on stage, but I doubt I will be dissapointed.
I should report back after a gig or two but I doubt I will change anything.
Sound
Just got mine today and it has the pure Ampeg tone! I dialed in the compression at about 10 o'clock and it evened it out nicely and I really didn't hear a tone change at all.
I boosted the gain until it started to break up, then backed off a hair and found that sweet spot. I also found that I didn't need to crank the bass knob at all - it has plenty of low end with the bass knob at 12 o'clock.
I was using my stage rig (Avatar 2x10 NEO) but set up in the living room so things might be different on stage, but I doubt I will be disappointed.
Features
The 5 way mid frequency switch makes it super flexible, and all of the other controls typically found on the SVTs (bass boost, high boost, etc) are very nice and useful. Ampeg doesn't waste time on fancy features that do nothing - this amp has stuff you can use.
Ease of Use
Piece of cake. It's truly plug and play.
Quality
Seems to be very solid and well made.
Value
I paid $399. Unreal, it sounds like a $1000 amp.
Manufacturer Support
NA so far
The Wow Factor
Gotta have one if you like light weight and Ampeg tone.
Musical Background:
part-time pro, 40 years
Musical Style:
pick one - i play and enjoy most everything
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Submitted June 24, 2012 by David G in Cincinnati, OH
"Ampeg Portaflex"
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Awesome Amp and Company! I only own Ampeg amps because I want the best! I have a SVT4Pro with the SVT810 cabinet. Best amp ever. I have a BA115 (100 watts) that is also an awesome sounding amp and is much more powerful than you would expect and can handle most small to medium gigs, but some of the gigs we play didn't warrant dragging the refridgerator in and the 100 watter was just not enough, so I can almost sell the other 2 because the PF500 paired with 2 15s can handle any of them AND serve as a practice amp...on wheels!! Love it!
Musical Background:
I have been playing bass for over 30 years, sometimes professionally, but mostly because I love to play.
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Submitted November 22, 2012 by a customer from yahoo.com
"light and powerful and great tone"
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my old head blew up and I ordered this through zzounds and it arrived before my next gig the following week. this head has a lot of tonal possibility and is very universal as I play all genres of music. It gets a good spank as well as a good motown sound. typical ampeg tone. I used it with an 8 x 10 as well as a 4 x 10 and a 15 and it sounded great especially when driving it into 4 ohms. i pushed it all night and it doesn't even get warm (temperature). Its worth every penny and at 400 bucks it cant be beat.
Musical Background:
professional, 3-4 nights a week, playing professionally for 30+ years
Musical Style:
rock, funk, country, pop music or any other style that pays me
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Submitted January 8, 2012 by a customer from comcast.net
"Ampeg sound/Great Value!"
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I had one, wound up trading it (pF500/PF115)for a American Jazz bass. When I saved up enough money, I bought another one!
Sound
The PF series amps put out the that Ampeg sound! Many tonal possibilities too with the EQ selector
Features
5 position mid- EQ selector, On-board Compressor, and sturdy construction
Ease of Use
It's really easy to dial in your sound, not too complicated. There are some good examples of different tonal settings in the owners manual
Quality
Solid construction
Value
Great amp for this price! Plenty of power
Manufacturer Support
I dealt with LOUD/Ampeg on a previous purchase. Communication was decent and while it took a little longer than i hoped, they came through and made things right.
The Wow Factor
Love that Ampeg sound!
Musical Background:
25 years on bass
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted April 1, 2011 by a customer from clear.net
"Awesome little amp!"
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I may buy another one as these will sell fast
Sound
I purchased this amp as a back up when my SVT CL was being repaired. Honestly, this is an awesome little amp! The tones are great and it's loud! I use a Fender American Standard Jazz 5 string with an Ampeg Heritage Series SVT-410HLF. I tried the SVT 7 Pro and I prefer the tone of the Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex. Absolutely recommended!
Features
Compression and Ampeg tone!
Ease of Use
Good layout - simple!
Quality
Well built!
Value
For $400 - WTF!
Manufacturer Support
On the 2 occasions I have called them, they were very helpful
The Wow Factor
Looks retro - I like it!
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted April 4, 2012 by Carl Henson in Royse City , TX
"Great Amp Head"
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This Ampeg Rocks. I had a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 and was never satisfied with the sound. I play funk and r and b and I could never get that sound I was looking for. I went to the music store and tried the Ampeg. For 30 years, I've finally found the sound I've been searching for. Wow. It's got that warm, funk tone that I've searched for a life time. Ampeg is the only amp I will ever use again.
Musical Background:
I've been playing bass for 40 years.
Musical Style:
R&B, Funk and Jazz
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Submitted April 17, 2017 by Jeffery T in Greeneville, TN
"Big Ampeg sound !"
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Straight outta the box and on to the stage. Set my tone at sound check. Couldn't be easier. 4 hour show and I have never been more impressed. Classic Ampeg tone, punch and drive. Built in compression makes this a true power house of an amp. Highly recommended.
Musical Background:
45 yrs exp. Active Musician. Weekend Warrior. Gigging EVERY weekend
Musical Style:
Classic Rock, Old and New Country
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Submitted October 16, 2020 by Todd Crush
"Completed MY sound!"
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I play in jazz trios, with a fretless fender jazz. This amp absolutely blew me away!! It hits all the sweet spots on all of the strings at the same time. I can't hit a bum note with this! I was really surprised at how the amp was big, full, and solid without being boomy or overly round. It had a distinct, clarified tone for everything from low E to high G. I paired it with an Ampeg PF 115 LF cabinet. That's the ported one if anyone wasn't sure....it fills the room with that warm tubelike tone without being noisy or clumsy. One thing is for sure, it is going to make me a better player, as every little nuance of my playing comes through clear as a bell!!
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Submitted December 10, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Great product for the money and nice and light."
I would just get another one if lost or stolen or just fatigued.
Sound
This amp for the money has a great sound to it. With modest settings and the selectable mids this is a classic sounding Ampeg head. I run a 410 cab on it and has plenty of headroom. The tone is great and needs little adjustments to achieve.
Features
Most useful is the selectable mid frequency to cut or boost and also the compression adjustment to get incredible sustain out of unit.
Ease of Use
No problem getting tone out of this champ. This is classic Ampeg tone.
Quality
Looks great with the retro style knobs and chrome plate on front.
Value
Well worth the price compared to similar products.
Manufacturer Support
No need.
Musical Background:
30 yrs. Play professionally, bass guitar
Musical Style:
Country and rock
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Submitted September 15, 2014 by Al S
"Ampeg PortaFlex 500 watt Bass Amp Sounds Great"
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Amp Sounds Great, first ran it into a PortaFlex 1x15 cab with horn, and then added a 4x10 cab along with it. Does what Ampeg is known for and does it well.
Musical Background:
Jam At Home - Electronic Technician
Musical Style:
Rock, some old country.
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Submitted June 10, 2014 by Turk H in indpls, IN
"Ampeg portaflex PF500 bass amp"
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WOW,what a head! got the demo model for $269.00 had in 2 days, no cosmetic damage at all,plugged it up to my cab.what a sound..you can get all the bottom you want,and get the high end out too.planning on buying 1X15 & 4x10 Peavey cabs from ZZounds.bought my 5 string P bass from them also..Great to deal with
Ease of Use
plug in set some sounds and go
Quality
built solid,, no cosmetic flaws anywhere
Value
worth every dollar
Manufacturer Support
I haven't had to call support
Musical Background:
Playing bass for 30 yrs..play professional
Musical Style:
Rock , blues , motown
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Submitted February 9, 2016 by Tony P
"Ampeg Tone!!"
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Great, lightweight and great sound. At 11 lbs., this is a great amp for the working musician. All the tone controls have a significant effect on your sound. Just dial it in and go.
Musical Background:
25 years
Musical Style:
Rock, classic rock, country, oldies.
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Submitted March 6, 2019 by Joseph Z in Effingham, NH
"PF-500"
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zZounds was great to do business with! Best price, prompt delivery and easy to communicate with. The Portaflex 500 is awesome, I'm loving it. Thank you zZounds!
Musical Background:
Been playing bass guitar since the 1960's Have owned Ampeg SVT's in past.
Musical Style:
Rock, southern rock and some country
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Submitted July 13, 2014 by Dan H in Pembroke, MA
"Fantastic amp at a great price!"
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I bought a "B" stock PF500, and it is an absolutely amazing amp at a fantastic price! It sounds great, it's easy to use, and it has a wide range of tones. This is my new "go-to" amp. I've been using it more than my B15-N. It's that good!
Musical Background:
I've been playing for 6 years, and I play the bass, guitar, mandolin and hammer dulcimer. I mostly jam at home.
Musical Style:
I play bluegrass at music fests, classic rock with friends, grunge and indie at home.
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Submitted August 19, 2013 by Rod G in Phoenix, AZ
"Excellet Amp"
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I bought this little guy to plug into my Fender Rumble 4x10. I've been playing for almost 25 years and I think this my be the best setup I've had. Nothing too fancy, just a solid, fantastic sounding amp with enough versatility to cover indoor, outdoor, big theater to small club with just a few tweaks. My only complaint is that it's not rackable.
Musical Background:
28 years of playing professionally on and off.
Musical Style:
Mostly traditional country.
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Submitted June 25, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com
"WOW !!!!! AWESOME !!!"
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Sound
This is my 1st ampeg..This is an awesome little amp..Sounds great,and plenty loud,rattled everything in the house on half volume(scared the crap out of my dog)Now he runs for the hills everytime I pick up my Bass.
Ease of Use
Very easy to use...If you cant figure it out...well...
Quality
Seems to be very well made..small..aesy to transport
Value
You wont find anything better at this price
Manufacturer Support
So far no support needed
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
blues & southern rock
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Submitted August 31, 2017 by Dan S in Clermont, FL
"LOVE IT"
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Awesome tone and plenty of headroom. I play it thru a 4X10 cab and it sounds great! Dial in your preferred tone and boom. I would buy again!
Musical Background:
Bass player with plenty of years experience
Musical Style:
Hard rock, metal and classic rock covers
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Submitted August 15, 2013 by Louis Oronoz in Chicago, IL
"Great Ampeg tone, even though its not Ampeg anymore"
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Great amp for the price. I wish I could afford a more expensive but American made amp. Since I cant this one is a great option. Love the extra big and low, the mute button is essential..
Musical Background:
Guitar and Bass
Musical Style:
Hard Rock
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Submitted June 30, 2013 by Anthony Martinez in Hammond , IN
"Good at Beginning, then not so much"
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Initially, it was great. Sound, tone, power etc. Then it would start to cut out at times. I had to turn the compression all the way off to alleviate the problem. Then, in the middle of show, it was gone completely. The fault light came on and that was it. Read the manual on what to do and that did not help. Ampeg's website directed me to their local authorized service center which is a garage and basement in the middle of a residential subdivision in the suburbs of Chicago. Not very impressive . After about 10 days, when originally I was told 5-7 days I was told Ampeg would just replace it and it was on its way. Another week, nothing. Called service center, I was told Ampeg was out of stock and would send Bstock. Waited. No Bstock. Then I was told Astock was available. Received the Astock and dead on arrival. Extremely disappointed. .
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Submitted May 13, 2011 by a customer from rocketmail.com
"11 Pounds of JOY!"
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Sound
500 watts of Ampeg tone in an 11 lb. package.. what else needs to be said.. i use this head with an Eden 4x10XLT 4ohm 700wt cab. It pushes it plenty hard and the tone i get through my yamaha bass and this set up is simply awesome.. no other pedals of any kind needed
Features
it has everything you need in a head.
Value
worth every penny.. purchased it mothers day weekend at local guitar center for 349.. extatic!!!
Musical Background:
Its my living..
Musical Style:
Country - Rock
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Submitted September 20, 2012 by Carr lll Cicero in Auburndale, FL
"Ampeg PF500"
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Awesome piece. Make sure you place it in a rack. The functionality of the P F 500 are great, but like most class D product the jacks are suspect to loosen inside, even the speakon jack
Musical Background:
38 year playing, bass is my main instrument, I play professionally
Musical Style:
I play all styles
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Submitted February 28, 2013 by David Bennett in Memphis, TN
"Great little unit!"
Depending on the venue, I use the PF500 with a variety of cabinets.....Ampeg 4-10, twin Mojo Sonic single 10"s, Carvin 4-10, Peavey 1-15....and thanks to the tonal flexibility offered by the PF500....they all sound good! Sufficient power and great features wrapped up in one nice compact unit!
Musical Background:
45+ plus years; Professional bass player
Musical Style:
Blues, soul & classic R&B......
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Submitted June 26, 2014 by Jim D in Clinton Township, MI
"disappointing, troublesome"
Heard great things about ampeg, so I was excited to get one. I am very disappointed with the output of this amp. My 2 guitar players blow me away. Every show we play people tell me they can't hear me. It craps out on me quite often for no reason that I, or anyone else can determine. I've tried every setting on it and it still does it. The people where I bought it are at a loss. I've tried contacting ampeg for assistance, but they keep telling me I must be doing something wrong. I've been playing bass for over 30 years and have owned several different heads. I've never had this problem before and based on this, I will never buy another ampeg product.
Musical Background:
Bass player with 30 plus years of experience
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted September 2, 2011 by a customer from fcgeil.com
"Tone monster in a small, sexy package."
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There is a good chance I'll never need another amp.
Sound
While it isn't quite as "tube-y" as I had hoped, this thing is a tone monster, and sounds amazing for an all-state head. You can get amazingly B-15 tones from it, and still get SVT sizzle with just the twist of a knob. Don't be afraid to spin knobs on this, either, you really can't get a bad sound from it.
Features
I'd like to see a variable line-out control, rather than a simple full/-40 pad, and I would prefer that you could play the line in through the speaker cab instead of just through headphones. Other than that, it really has everything I need.
Ease of Use
There are only a few knobs, so it's pretty simple to use, the owner's manual is complete and clear.
Quality
It's an Ampeg. Need I say more?
Value
Somewhere between a good value and downright inexpensive.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't had to use it, but I hear from friends that there customer service is excellent.
The Wow Factor
It's much better in person than in photos.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Motown, Classic Rock, Blues
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Submitted September 21, 2011 by a customer from fcgeil.com
"Pure Ampeg thump at a discount price."
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Sound
The sound is pure Ampeg. Which one? It depends on how you set it. I've been able to get a really excellent B-15 emulation and an outstanding SVT emulation from it with a simple tweak of the EQ settings (and gain). It isn't as "tubey" as the 7-Pro or other models with tubes, obviously, but it is an exceptional resemblance. The DI is pretty hot, but run the -40dB pad, post EQ, and set the mixer for microphone, and it works fine. This thing is LOUD, too (pun intended).
Features
I'd like to see an attenuator control on the DI. Wish it had a tube pre-amp, but for the money, I can't complain.
Ease of Use
Great sound is almost guaranteed, as long as you like Ampeg's sound. It really does sound like an Ampeg.
Quality
Seems really well made, feels sturdy enough. I've gigged this a few times in the last month that I've had it, and taken it out to rehearsals twice a week. It is light and easy to transport (hint - get an inexpensive laptop bag, it fits perfectly, and most have pockets for the cables). It has held up well so far, and I have no doubt it will continue to do so.
Value
Great bang for the buck.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had any support issues with this one, but whenever I've dealt with Ampeg, they've been phenomenal.
The Wow Factor
It isn't an SVT or B-15, so it is certainly lacking that sex appeal. However, other than other bass players, who notices what amp you're using? Nobody. They look at your speaker cab, but not the amp.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Classic Rock, Blues
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Submitted August 8, 2014 by a customer from lawlives.com
"A very serious design flaw"
The moment I plugged my '76 Fender P-Bass into the PF-500, the cooling fan wouldn't start, the fault light turned on, and no sound came out.Seller sent me 2 replacements, Ampeg sent me another, all with the same problem.Great service from seller and Ampeg, they were very helpful, but I think the PF-500 has a very serious design flaw.
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Submitted May 23, 2012 by Juan Martinez in Bronx, NY
"So much amp for so little money"
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This is a great little amp. Great low end and crisp mids and highs. I originally purchased the Line 6 HD400 but there was just too much modeling which is good if you like that kind of variety in an amp head. The PF500 is simple in design and function and cuts through all the clutter to deliver fantastic sounds through my GK 410MBX. If you are on a budget, and even if you are not, I would recommend the Ampeg PF500.
Musical Background:
I have been playing piano and singing all my life. I started playing bass about a year ago.
Musical Style:
I like all types of music as that is how I was trained. However, I lean towards jazz, blues, rock from the 60s and 70s and even
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Submitted January 22, 2019 by John Davis in Southaven, MS
"Disappointed"
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I ordered this head to back up my Mesa subway d800. i hooked the PF500 up to my cabinets at home and got a good tone. i took it to a gig and it popped and made weird noises until i hooked up my Mesa and boxed it back up. I thought it was a bad unit. so So I sent it back and got another one. It had the same issues! I sent it back and Ordered a Hartke LH500. very happy with it.
Musical Background:
Rock Bassist for 41 years
Musical Style:
Rock/Blues
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Submitted February 18, 2015 by James Richardson in Edmond, OK
"Ampeg Portaflex 500"
I got this amp delivered by Musicians Friend, and after opening the box and testing it out, I immediately boxed it back up and sent it back. Returned for a full refund.
This amp has no tone, very bland sounding, and the 300 watts into 8 ohms seemed alot less.
Was disappointed in this product by Ampeg. Save yourself the headache and buy a used amp that has some tone and power to it.
Musical Background:
Playing bass for over 30 years/
Musical Style:
Funk and Jazz
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Submitted July 28, 2012 by Jeremy L in Kingman, AZ
"Weak"
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This amp feels solid and has great tone but there is no way this thing pushes the 500 watts it says it does. Prior to owning this amp I used a Hartke LH500 with an ampeg 410hlf and I never turned the volume past 2-3 at shows, at practice, in a 4 piece it did fine. Now with this Ampeg Pf-500 (same cab) and in a 3 piece I find myself at 10 and turning the gain up to be heard through the drums. Very disappointed, I wish they lived up to there reputation.
Musical Background:
Professional musician for 20 years
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted June 5, 2012 by Juan M in Bronx, NY
"PRETTY AWESOME AMPEG!!!"
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For the price you definitely cannot beat the value. There are no extraneous knobs or buttons that clutter other amps. If you like the Ampeg sound, then you are in for a treat. I have not been playing bass for too long but I have been a musician for the better part of my life and I know music. I have tried other amps to include a modeling amp and they were just too cumbersome to operate. Clean lines, crisp tones and excellent pricing make this amp a value you should not pass up! I cannot rate manufacturer support as I have not needed them to date.
Musical Background:
I have been singing and playing the piano for over 35 years. I have been playing the bass for about a year.
Musical Style:
I am in to many different styles and I do not particularly have a favorite. I basically play what I like.
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