Ampeg PF 350 for gigs

Rottenheart

Rottenheart

Oct 18, 2018
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#1
Hey guys i need some help here, usually for gigs i use whatever amp they have at the venue and just plug it in, but i have been looking at getting my own head instead and was seriously considering the Ampeg pf 350 and just connect that to the existing cabs at the venue , we usually play in 300 hundred peoples capacity venues all equipped with pa systems, so the sound would be for stage purposes, still i would like to be sure i have enough power as we play metal and can be quite loud...
Also would welcome other suggestions of portable amps kind of in the same price range that have already proven themselves capable on live situations.
 
#2
I recently got a PF-350 and also use mainly for stage volume (into a 115) + PA, and I'm very happy with it. The tone is classic Ampeg, and I like the simple, musically intuitive controls. If you worry that 250 watts at 8 Ohms (350 at 4) won't be enough, the PF-500 or the Peavey MiniMax would be good alternatives (both delivering around 300 W at Ohms or 500 at 4).
 
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#5
JimmyM said:
350w isn't exactly quiet. Just seems like it would be in these days of regularly seeing 1000w amps. Still very much a fan of my PF350.
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What was that bass combo Ampeg built around 15 years ago with like a 15" speaker, a 6 or 8 inch speaker, and a tilt-back handle and wheels? Might have been like 200w or so.
I wanted to buy one, then they went away...
Update, found it.
Ampeg B3158 - Reviews Ampeg B-3158
 
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#7
I wasn’t very impressed personaly with the volume of my PF-350. It did the job, but I had to push the volume pretty hard to be heard over drums and 2 guitars (both through small combo amps, not half stacks or anything). I had to run the gain at about 6/10 and the master at about 8/10 (with 2 SVT210AV cabs) to compete in a relatively low volume roots/rock band. For comparison, I have a 200 watt Overton Flyweight head I use as a backup head that is noticeably louder than the PF350 was, with the gain and vol knobs at only 1/2 way.
 
#8
The Bass Clef said:
I wasn’t very impressed personaly with the volume of my PF-350. It did the job, but I had to push the volume pretty hard to be heard over drums and 2 guitars (both through small combo amps, not half stacks or anything). I had to run the gain at about 6/10 and the master at about 8/10 (with 2 SVT210AV cabs) to compete in a relatively low volume roots/rock band. For comparison, I have a 200 watt Overton Flyweight head I use as a backup head that is noticeably louder than the PF350 was, with the gain and vol knobs at only 1/2 way.
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Knob ppsition means nothing. Some amps give their volume early, some give it later.
 
#10
The Bass Clef said:
Well that's true. Just didn't feel like it had much headroom to spare. I liked the tone ok for what it was, but I'd definitely go with the 500 or 800 if I was going to buy another SS Ampeg.
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That I can't argue with. I do like the 800 best out of the PF line. But I still dig the sound of my 350...and I don't have to push it on my gigs :)
 
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#11
The benefit of pushing the gain and/or volume, to my ear, is that the tone opens up more than at low volume (while remaining clean). I borrow an 800 W GK head at my band's practice space, and the gain/volume are in the first quarter of their rotation. Plenty of headroom, to be sure, but I'd rather have the amp sing than know I can crank the volume far beyond a hearing-safe level.

The other factor is how much wattage one's cab(s) can take; my 115 is nicely matched to the PF-350's output; I'd have to be careful (or add more cabs) with a significantly higher wattage amp.
 
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#19
I found a good deal on a brand new Ampeg pf350 head for less than $300, do you all think it's still viable to use for gigging purposes? I'm playing for a jazz choir group which currently has vocalists and a piano, we are thinking of adding drums soon. My Fender Rumble 25 has been enough for rehearsals so far but I've been wanting something I know I can gig and rehearse with which is also light.
 
#20
HarunOtto said:
I found a good deal on a brand new Ampeg pf350 head for less than $300, do you all think it's still viable to use for gigging purposes? I'm playing for a jazz choir group which currently has vocalists and a piano, we are thinking of adding drums soon. My Fender Rumble 25 has been enough for rehearsals so far but I've been wanting something I know I can gig and rehearse with which is also light.
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I gig with mine. Granted, I’m not blowing people’s heads off, but it’s plenty enough to get fired from a respectable gig.
 
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