For over seven decades, Ampeg has been the go-to choice for professionals and aspiring musicians alike. Whether you're gigging in local venues or heading for the main stage at Glastonbury, choosing the right bass amplification can make or break your sound. Today, their revolutionary Venture Bass series brings their legendary tones into a new era of lightweight, versatile solutions.

A Heritage of Innovation

It all started in 1946 when professional bassist Everett Hull created an innovative pickup for his upright bass. This "amplified peg" would give birth to the Ampeg name and set the stage for decades of innovation focused on solving real musicians' needs. While the history is impressive, what matters most is how this legacy of innovation continues to serve today's players.

Image credit: Ampeg

The Legendary B-15: Where It All Began

The B-15 Portaflex, introduced in 1960, revolutionised bass amplification with its clever flip-top design and rich, warm tone. While modern players might know it best from countless classic recordings, its influence extends far beyond the studio. Just take a look at the roster of artists through the decades and you will quickly see legends such as Donald Duck Dunn, Jason Newstead and Peter Hook are joined by modern players such as Vincen Garcia have all picked up Ampeg’s sound.

Image credit: Ampeg

The SVT: From Classic Rock to Modern Thunder

Image credit: Ampeg

When venues grew larger in the late 1960s, Ampeg responded with the SVT (Super Valve Technology) head. This 300-watt powerhouse became the standard for professional bass amplification, and its appeal crosses all genres. While The Who's John Entwistle might have helped establish its reputation, today's players continue to rely on its massive sound.

The Venture Bass Revolution: Classic Tone, Modern Design

The introduction of the Venture Bass series represents Ampeg's most significant innovation in recent years, offering professional players the best of both worlds. These groundbreaking heads and cabinets deliver legendary Ampeg tones in packages that meet the demands of today's working musicians.

Venture Bass Heads: Two Legendary Voices

The Venture series features 3 amplifier heads, V3, V7 and V12. each capturing the essence of Ampeg's most celebrated circuits the B-15 and SVT:

  • Channel the legendary SVT sound, delivering that massive, punchy tone that's defined rock and roll for generations. Perfect for players who need authoritative low-end and aggressive midrange.
  • Recreates the warmth and clarity of the classic B-15, ideal for players seeking vintage character with modern reliability. Its responsive dynamics and rich harmonics make it particularly suited for studio work and genres requiring nuanced tone.

Venture Bass Cabinets: Professional Performance, Practical Design

The accompanying Venture cabinets complement these innovative heads perfectly. Just take a look at these 3 cabs to give you a flavour of the range:

VB210: Compact yet powerful, featuring dual 10" speakers in a ported enclosure.
VB410: The classic 4x10 configuration, optimised for maximum projection at only 42 pounds in weight.


All cabinets feature:

  • Significant weight reduction compared to traditional designs.
  • Custom-designed speakers for authentic Ampeg response.
  • Premium materials and road-worthy construction.

Supporting Musicians at Every Level

One of Ampeg's greatest strengths is their range of products suited to different playing situations. Whether you're practising at home, recording in the studio, or touring internationally, there's an Ampeg solution that fits your needs.

For great combo amps suitable for practice through to gigging take a look at Rocket Bass. From the 30-watt RB-108 practice amp to the stage-ready 500-watt RB-210, Ampeg® Rocket Bass® combos deliver exceptional performance, eye-catching ’60s-style looks, and robust feature sets in lightweight and portable packages, making them ideal for everyone from beginners to professionals.

If you prefer a head and cab set up, then Ampeg have you covered. Alongside the exciting Venture Bass series, you can find the unrivalled legacy of the SVT in their Heritage and classic series. 

Making Your Choice

Whether you're taking your first steps beyond a practice amp or searching for your dream rig, Ampeg offers solutions that grow with your playing. Their combination of heritage, innovation, and professional quality has earned them their position as the industry standard.

From London's West End theatres to the biggest festivals, from rehearsal rooms to world-class recording studios, you'll find Ampeg gear delivering reliable, professional performance. The brand's ability to balance traditional quality with modern innovation ensures that whether you're playing Motown classics or creating tomorrow's hits, Ampeg has the tools you need to achieve your perfect bass tone.

For the serious bassist looking to invest in their sound, Ampeg continues to offer the perfect blend of professional quality, tonal excellence, and road-worthy reliability. After all, there's a reason why generations of players, from jazz legends to modern rock stars, have chosen Ampeg as their voice on stage and in the studio.