What did people play bass through in the early 60's?

[FFTT]

I'm pretty sure the Fender Dual Showman with a pair of 15's was one of the early
semi-concert ready bass rigs as far as USA built.

The Ampeg B-15 introduced 1960 was probably the best sounding set-up, but
somewhat under powered for larger venues before large PA systems
came into play.

"Ampeg introduces the B-15 Portaflex, flip-top bass amp in 1960. Tuned and front-ported, with a closed back, the 25 watt 1 x 15" Portaflex sets a new standard for tone, cabinet and speaker efficiency, and convenience in bass amplification. The 25 watt 1 x 12" B-12 follows shortly and by 1963, Ampeg offers the stage-shaking 50 watt 1 x 18" B-18 Portaflex amp."

Just found this Ampeg history link.
Ampeg : History - Milestones
In 1949, the Ampeg Bassamp Company is founded by Everett Hull in New York, after the Michael-Hull company break-up. The first Ampeg Bassamp is the 18 watt 1 x 12" Super 800 model with a rear ventilation port that led to later experiments with sound porting-but then Ampeg breaks new ground in 1951, using a larger speaker, with its 20 watt 1 x 15" Model 815. Throughout the '50s, Ampeg refines its 1 x 15" Bassamp line, upping wattage and control features and offering briefly, the 50 watt 2 x 15" Model 950-C in 1959 and 1960.

Vox Super Beatles had the power but were very unreliable.

Hiwatt 200 - don't know when they were first released.

My first bass amp was a used Sunn 200S around 1969 with a home made
2X15 cab.

You didn't really need so much power for recording, so the real power push
only came after bands needed more power to cover larger venues live.

So really, it looks like you already own the first ultimate bass rig with your
B-18

[Digitar]

Here's a rare one. A Versatone Pan-O-Flex. A 1x12 combo that was the king of the LA studio scene in the 60s. It was used on countless sessions by all the great session cats of the time. It was a sealed combo with internal baffles.

[Harvey Gerst]

The Fender Dual Showman with JBL D140F's was very popular. The rest of the popular studio bass amps were: Benson, Polytone, and Jordan, followed later by Acoustic Control, then Sunn.

[Evanskyler]

Magnatone custom M12 (Highly underrated company)
Ampeg B-15 Of Course
Fender bassman
Marshall Major
Fender Dual Showman
Coffin
Hofner
Hiwatt custom 200
Marshall Super Bass

[allphourus]

Originally Posted by monkeyt

Wait...
The bass player got his own amp???
I thought back then everyone played (and sang) through the same amp!!!



its not Motorhead, but it does its job and fits well within the context of the period.

Motorhead been around since the early 60's? Wow I didn't know.

And yes we all used the same amp, Hi z mic's and all. LOL1

Bur seriously that B-15 Portaflex Ampeg was the best and still is. especially with the JBL in it, unbeatable back than.

[Evanskyler]

Originally Posted by chetatkinsdiet

I almost forgot, but wasn't that famous little Supro amp that Hendrix and Page us originally a bass amp? I forget the model number. Come to think of it, I've been forgetting a lot of details lately that used to just roll off.....I'm getting old me thinks.....

m

Supro Thundercheif?

[softwareguy]

Supro Thunderbolt. Goes for a bloody fortune now because of the legendary Page connection. I love little Supro amps, and if you want that sound, I really don't think you have to be limited to the Thunderbolt.

[Evanskyler]

Of course the Thunderbolt. A friend of mine has one and he wont let it go. But you can get a Magnatone custom M12 and get pretty close.

Magnatones never get any credit.