1962 Ampeg B-12-X Fliptop Portaflex Vintage 1×12 Tube Amp with Trolley, Satellite
Tuesday, November 17th, 2020
Up for sale, a 1962 Ampeg B-12-X in exceptional condition and in perfect working order. An early, collector-grade example, this rare Ampeg features the Navy Random Flair tolex which preceded the blue diamond covering Ampeg used extensively in later years, complete with the original satellite speaker for the Reverb effect, as well as the original matching trolley and two-button footswitch. One of the physically larger and more complex designs in the Portaflex series, the B-12-X features both vibrato and reverb through a ported cabinet outfitted with the original Jensen 12 ceramic driver. Stocked with a host of vintage preamp tubes as well as a fresh, properly biased pair of Tung Sol small bottle 6L6 power tubes, the B-12-X delivers a tone that has warmth, clarity and the rich overdrive characteristics commonly associated with Ampeg’s best designs. The physical size of the cabinet and ported design adds extra low end fullness too, and the EQ controls have a wide, useful sweep. The vibrato (not tremolo like most amps), has a deep, warbling pulse with a swirling, Leslie-like effect that is extremely lush. The reverb utilizes the original Accutronics two-spring tank, and curiously enough, is designed to only operate via the satellite cabinet, which is included and boasts its own original oval alnico speaker. The circuit is clean and stock, with only a few minor component substitutions to keep the amp operating within original factory spec. The turret board design is true to how the amp left the factory, with original transformers and CTS pots that date to late 1961. The chassis has incredible shine with bright chrome plating and pristine white silkscreen lettering. Central to the face of the amp, a lucite, light-up “Ampeg” logo is present, secured with two new tiny screws. Inside the cabinet, the original tube chart is fully intact, dating to 1962, and the original Jensen 12 speaker offers a very smooth and pleasing voice that compliments the circuit design. Cosmetically, the original Navy Random Flair covering and silver grillcloth are intact and stunningly clean. A blue textured covering with dense silver sparkles, Navy Random Flair has a subtle distinction all its own. The original chrome side handles are present, and the stock blue leather handle central to the mounting tray of the head shows wear, but still works. The original multi-pin head to cabinet cable is intact, and the six shockmounts that suspend the head above the mounting tray are all brand new components from Fliptops, ensuring no rotted out rubber and a secure connection between the head and mounting tray when transporting the amp. The matching trolley is included, and the satellite Reverb cabinet and two-button footswitch both have their own dedicated spots to secure inside the cabinet. Check out our shop “Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar, ” and please let us know if we can answer any questions! International orders will be declared as merchandise, and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please. The item “1962 Ampeg B-12-X Fliptop Portaflex Vintage 1×12 Tube Amp with Trolley, Satellite” is in sale since Sunday, November 15, 2020. This item is in the category “Musical Instruments & Gear\Guitars & Basses\Guitar Amplifiers”. The seller is “mmguitarbar” and is located in Seattle, Washington. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Number of Channels: 2
- Number of Speakers: 1
- Model: B-12-X
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Amplifier Technology: Vacuum Tube
- Amplifier Type: Combo
- Brand: Ampeg
- Suitable For: Electric Guitar
