Description

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

Up for sale, a 1962 Ampeg B-15N Portaflex, dated October 1962, a rare transitional example that pairs the same gold pattern grille cloth found on the earlier Navy Flair units with the then new Diamond Blue check 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, and quite simply the CLEANEST ONE we have ever seen. We have handled many B-15s over the years, and none has come close to this one.

The amp is all original and period correct, including its transitional look with the Diamond Blue tolex all across the amp and the gold pattern grille cloth, its original handle, its original tilt leg and its complete original dolly cart. It even comes with its original brown tolex cover. It retains its original Jensen C15N speaker in incredible shape, never reconed, with 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.

The amp has just been professionally serviced, with exactly the maintenance you should expect for an amp of this caliber and nothing more. Service includes retubing while preserving all of the original tubes except the two 6L6 power tubes, a recap, and a 1/4″ TS speaker connection replacing the original Amphenol plug, which Ampeg itself moved away from simply because it wasn’t reliable. Finally, a three prong power cord was added for safety, a must on any vintage amp. We have kept the original replaced capacitors along with the work order, and both are included with the amp. It remains a highly original example.

Anyone who knows these amps knows it’s almost impossible to get away from at least a minimal rattle, usually from the dolly cart, the sealing gasket or the shockmount pieces on the head. This one is the exception to the rule. It is totally quiet, without any rattle at all. And it sounds so clean and so good, exactly as you’d expect from one of these sought after early ’60s B-15Ns.

Aesthetically, it is inarguably the cleanest example you’ll ever see, all original and beautifully preserved, and it looks absolutely stunning. It has been serviced, loved and well cared for its entire life. We challenge you to find a cleaner one. This is a true Collectors Grade piece, the kind serious collectors wait years for, but it’s also a perfect fit for the player or producer who wants the real deal.

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.