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Fly Guitars Interview: Justin Meldal-Johnsen - part 3: Amps and effects

Introduction | Gibson basses | Other equipment | Trivia


Other Equipment

Late 90s Gibson Thunderbird, late 70s Gibson Ripper and Ampeg amp/cabs
Late 90s Gibson Thunderbird, late 70s Gibson Ripper and Ampeg amp/cabs

FlyGuitars What kind of set up do you use live?

JMJ SVP-CL preamps, SVT-1600 and QSC PowerAmps, two Ampeg 8x10 cabs,

FlyGuitars Any Effects?

JMJ Piles and piles of them. I have three custom boards - two for the studio and one for live.

FlyGuitars And in the studio?

JMJ Basses and effects going into a B-15 or an SVT. Along with that is an amazing Divided By 13 bass rig I use as well, 200 watt, all tube with a 4 x 12 cabinet fitted with Celestions. Face melting.

Two of Justins Ampeg B-15s. Left a 1969, right a 1974.
Two of Justins Ampeg B-15s. Left a 1969, right a 1974. - "they're as important to me as a great bass"

FlyGuitars One classic Gibson bass you don't use is an EB2, but you regularly use other hollow-bodies, like the Guild Starfire. What do you like about the Starfire over the EB2?

JMJ Starfires are balanced sounding and have room for more "finesse" playing, I feel. EB2's are too heavy in the low end for me in terms of what I use the Starfires for, though I should probably own one. The Starfire has become my sound on a lot of records, most notably on Sea Change..."Paper Tiger", "End of the Day", "Lonesome Tears", songs like that....that bass sound is Starfire >> Ampeg B-15R >> Neumann FET 47, no DI.














Thanks to John (Redbird) Fertig and Justin Meldal-Johnsen for another great interview

Why not check out some of these links
Justin Meldal-Johnsen homepage
Ima Robot homepage
Beck homepage
and don't forget the other FlyGuitar interviews

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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Oliver B150 Uniflex 1x15 Combo Bass Guitar Amplifier Serviced Jess Oliver Ampeg

Oliver B150 Uniflex 1x15 Combo Bass Guitar Amplifier Serviced Jess Oliver Ampeg

Milford, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

Here's a rarity. An Oliver Uniflex 1x15 combo. I believe this is a B-150 model although its not labeled anywhere. This might be an early build. No serial tag, hand written tube labeling. I've seen this exact writing on other Oliver's. This has a solid state rectifier unlike some other b-150s ive seen. Not sure if that was an option or if this is technically a different model. Oliver schematics changed often in the short time they were made and ????production wasn't consistent with what I've ... more
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1970 Ampeg BT-15 Portaflex - 50 Watts - 1x15 Bass Combo - With Trolly

1970 Ampeg BT-15 Portaflex - 50 Watts - 1x15 Bass Combo - With Trolly

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1100

Amps are local pickup only at our Dayton, Ohio store!
We will NOT ship any amp, No Exceptions! Do Not Ask!
Please contact us before buying to arrange pickup details!
A 10% Re-Stocking fee on ALL canceled orders and non pickups after 5 days
1970 Ampeg BT-15 Portaflex. This is a 50 Watts solid state bass combo with a 15" speakers. This one works great and is loud and clear. Includes the hard to find trolly! (10)
... more
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Vintage Ampeg PortaFlex B-15s  Bass Cabinet ONLY No Amp As Is Read Description.

Vintage Ampeg PortaFlex B-15s Bass Cabinet ONLY No Amp As Is Read Description.

Saint Louis, Missouri, 631**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Vintage 1970s Ampeg Portaflex B-15s 8 ohm Cabinet Only No Amp Just Cab And Speaker This Has Been In My Family Since It Was Bought New I Was Told It Works But I Dunno Anything About It Selling As Is Local Pick up In St louis Missouri
I do my best to provide A honest and accurate description of the item for sale a happy buyer is top priority! There are No returns for this listing please see pictures and ask any and all necessary questions before purchase Thanks for looking! 
About ... more
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Ampeg B-25B Vintage Tube Guitar Amplifier Head Classic Model B-25B MPN B-25B

Ampeg B-25B Vintage Tube Guitar Amplifier Head Classic Model B-25B MPN B-25B

Springfield, Tennessee, 371**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Ampeg B-25B Vintage Tube Guitar Amplifier Head Classic Model B-25B MPN B-25B... more
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1977 Ampeg B-25B Bass Guitar 1-15" modified Speaker cabinet  /  No Amp included

1977 Ampeg B-25B Bass Guitar 1-15" modified Speaker cabinet / No Amp included

A Great Lake State, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$379

VINTAGE 1977 AMPEG B-25B SPEAKER CABINET WITH A 15 " SPEAKER IN GOOD USED CONDITION !! POSSIBLY MODIFIED FROM A 2 15" CABINET.
This is a Ampeg B-25B Cabinet . This SALE is for the Speaker and speaker cabinet only , No amp head is included in the sale . The amp head has been sold. Feel free to ask any questions you wish. The cabinet is a B25B with impedance switch from 4 -16 ohms If this has been cut down I do not think the impedance switch will work I would not think the ... more
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RARE! Vintage USA Ampeg Portaflex and Troubleshooting Amps Diagram Flyer

RARE! Vintage USA Ampeg Portaflex and Troubleshooting Amps Diagram Flyer

Brandon, Florida, 335**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

RARE! Vintage USA Ampeg Portaflex and Troubleshooting Amps Diagram Flyer The Troubleshooting Amps Diagram looks like it is for Tube Amps This was printed while Ampeg was in Linden, NJ I'm not certain of the exact year, but my guess is the late 60's - early 70's
In good condition. A couple wrinkles and creases.... more
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Ampeg 1967 Blue Portaflex B-18-X serviced and collectable condition Rare

Ampeg 1967 Blue Portaflex B-18-X serviced and collectable condition Rare

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3995

From the Private Collection Of Sound Investments USA LLC

Ampeg 1967 Blue Portaflex B-18-X serviced and collectable condition
50 Watt monster sound
SN# 070863
Last year produced
I called this amp ??Big Blue??
This amp is a solid 8 5 out of 10 but look at the pics as I had it in my private collection. It was recently serviced and reviewed and tested great
I am including the foot pedal for tremolo and Reverb, but the pedal needs a new plug. I will leave that for the new... more
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Ampeg B-18N Bass Amplifier 1960??s

Ampeg B-18N Bass Amplifier 1960??s

Lynbrook, New York, 115**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Up for sale is a vintage Ampeg B-18N Bass Amplifier from the 1960s. This powerful combo amplifier is suitable for both bass and electric guitars and boasts a vacuum tube technology that delivers high-quality sound. With three channels and a 50W power output, this amplifier is perfect for musicians who want to achieve a classic sound

The Ampeg B-18N Portaflex 2-Channel 50-Watt 1x18" Fliptop Combo Bass is a highly sought-after model among guitar enthusiasts. Made in the United ... more
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Vintage Ampeg B15N Flip-top Tube Amp

Vintage Ampeg B15N Flip-top Tube Amp

Myrtle Creek, Oregon, 974**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

This is the iconic Ampeg B15n ??flip-top?? all-tube amp?? this amp is used in many studios and concerts and is one of the most highly-regarded bass amps ever made this example has a factory-installed JBL D140f speaker up-grade. An exceptional example with very little cosmetic damage ( the volume knob on channel 1 needs replacing ($20) and there is a small chip out of the corner of the logo badge, other than that all real good?? .this has been in a closet for 13 years, but powers up and plays ... more
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1973 Ampeg B-15S 60 Watt Bass Combo Amp "LOCAL PICKUP ONLY"

1973 Ampeg B-15S 60 Watt Bass Combo Amp "LOCAL PICKUP ONLY"

Bronx, New York, 104**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

1973 Ampeg B-15S 60 Watt Bass Combo Amp manufactured in Linden, NJ. Comes with the optional Upgraded Altec 421A 15 inch Speaker. Comes with the original dolly Condition: In working condition. Recently had it serviced. Has many scratches on the tolex. This vintage amp is 53 years old and may need to be serviced even though it had been serviced in the past. I recommend that this amp upon purchase be serviced and regularly inspected by a professional amp tech. It is therefore sold strictly "AS IS" ... more
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Ampeg Portaflex B15N 1968 bass tube amp serviced clean 30 Watts

Ampeg Portaflex B15N 1968 bass tube amp serviced clean 30 Watts

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

I am the only guy on ebay to offer shipping. it will have to shipped in two boxes. But can be done. Thank you
The Ampeg Portaflex B15N 1969 bass tube amp is a vintage amplifier designed for bass guitar players. With a power output of 30 Watts and a vacuum tube technology, this amplifier delivers a rich and warm sound suitable for performance venues. The combo design features two channels and an impedance of 8 Ohms, making it ideal for musicians looking for a reliable and high-quality amp for... more
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1965 Ampeg B-12XT Portaflex 2-Channel 50-Watt 2x12" jensen Fliptop Guitar Combo

1965 Ampeg B-12XT Portaflex 2-Channel 50-Watt 2x12" jensen Fliptop Guitar Combo

Schenectady, New York, 123**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

Great looking and incredible sounding 1967 Ampeg B-12XTPortaflex fliptop 2-Channel 50-WattAmplifier with original pair of 12?? Jensen Ceramic magnet Speakers and originalfootswitch for the tremolo and reverb. Meticulously restored by owner. Theamplifiers power supply was re-capped with with brand new Multi-SectionCapacitors made in Germany. New reverb module made by Fliptop installed. The B12 XT is known for its rich, warm soundand iconic flip-top design, this model delivers 50 watts of ... more
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Ampeg Portaflex B15N 1969 bass tube amp serviced clean 30 Watts

Ampeg Portaflex B15N 1969 bass tube amp serviced clean 30 Watts

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3394

From the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC
Ampeg Portaflex B15N 1969 bass tube amp serviced clean
First is it a 1969 due to the Chasis sn# 090073
This was recently serviced and clean inside and out
Pots (all of them) 13769??. 1969
Eminence original speaker codes 6930035 and
67 69 49=1969
Tubes back view from left to right are as follows:
1 SAR4 / G234 Mullard
2 6L6GC GT Premium
3 6SL7 AMPEG
She is ready to jam
There are pics of the inside ... more
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1965 Ampeg B-12XT Portaflex 2-Channel 50-Watt 2x12" Fliptop Guitar Combo

1965 Ampeg B-12XT Portaflex 2-Channel 50-Watt 2x12" Fliptop Guitar Combo

Milford, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

These are really cool amplifers. 50 watt via two 7027A power tubes. Power amplifier section shares most of the B-18 design. Same transformers too. Only made for a few years in the mid to late 60s. Not too many of them floating around out there. This has recently had a power supply filter capacitor overhaul. All with quality components. A few other coupling caps replaced, tremolo bug replaced with closest available modern equivalent. Reverb and tremolo both work. Loaded with a mix of vintage and ... more
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Ampeg B-18N Portaflex 2-Channel 50-Watt 1x18" Fliptop Combo Bass Amplifier 1963!

Ampeg B-18N Portaflex 2-Channel 50-Watt 1x18" Fliptop Combo Bass Amplifier 1963!

West Orange, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3125

AmpegB-18N Portaflex 2-Channel 50-Watt 1x18" Fliptop Combo BassAmplifier
ExcellentVintage 1963 Ampeg B-18N Amplifier
Thisis the best OriginalEquipment Manufactured AmpegBass amp with killer tone you will ever find. Portaflex referred tothe amps?? portablereflexbaffle system. This AmpegB-18N is a tube flip top combo with a single 18?? speaker. Throughthe '60s, ??70s, ??80s, ??90s, and into the new millennium, it hasendured, very sought-after for it's vintage studio tone and sound This ... more
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Ampeg Knobs (1963) B12 B15 Reverberocket, Genuine not repo from ST. Chas ILL

Ampeg Knobs (1963) B12 B15 Reverberocket, Genuine not repo from ST. Chas ILL

Lincoln, LN5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£32

Original salvaged Daka Ware / Romar set screw knobs from the 60's. These are no longer made. As used on: B15, Reverberocket, Gemini, B18 and so many more. These are very hard to find
Salvaged from a 1963 Reverberocket, please see other parts from this Amp
Will post at cost world wide, please email for price.... more
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