1962 Ampeg B-15N Portaflex Transitional Diamond Blue, Original Jensen C15N, Just Serviced!

Up for sale, a 1962 Ampeg B-15N Portaflex, a rare transitional example that pairs the same grille pattern found on the earlier Navy Flair units with the then-new Diamond Blue tolex. This isn’t just a great vintage amp. This is a genuine Holy Grail of bass amplification, the early ’60s B-15N that set the standard for recorded bass tone.

The amp appears to be all original, including its original Jensen C15N speaker, the earlier, warmer voice . Jensen equipped B-15s carry a slightly mellower, rounder character compared to the later CTS square cone units, and players who know, know. It also retains its original Amphenol octal pin speaker cable, its original dolly cart, its tilt stick, and even the original fiberglass panel inside the cab, still intact. The illuminated acrylic logo works great.

The amp has just been professionally serviced and is all original minus the obvious. The tubes have been replaced with NOS RCA and Philco on the 6SL7 preamp tubes, GE on the power tubes and a JJ rectifier. The cover lid gasket has been reglued and resealed, eliminating rattling just like when it was brand new, and for safety a three prong power cord and a newer speaker cable have been added. The amp sounds incredible, exactly as you’d expect from one of these sought after early ’60s B-15Ns.

Aesthetically, the tolex and grille are in impeccable shape for its age, with no major blemishes, just minimal play wear, patina and the honest signs of six decades, and it looks absolutely stunning. This is exactly the kind of piece serious collectors wait years for, original and beautifully preserved.

The B-15 is the most replicated, most modeled, most simulated bass amp in history, and for good reason. Countless iconic recordings were made through one of these. Unlike any amp modeler or digital device, this one will only increase in value over time. It belongs with a serious collector or the bass player who understands what they’re looking at.

We ship professionally, split into two separate insured packages with proper pro packing materials. Shipping available at cost. Local pickup in LA also welcome. Early 1960s B-15Ns in this condition simply do not come up. Don’t let this one pass.