TR120B Report

[tracy]

As a rule, I don't gig with my TR120B's. They're better off in my home studio, being the precious and rare gems that they are. Last night, however, I needed something quick and portable, so I grabbed the lesser (cosmetically) of the two and headed out to San Diego to play with The Lively Ones (I took Ron Gardner's spot in 1994; I guess you could call me a 'sustaining' member). The gig was the Tiki Oasis four day pool bash www.tikioasis.com, about fifty acts with The Lively Ones to go on Saturday at 7 PM. During the sound check, the audio guy says "that's the best sounding bass rig we've heard all weekend". We took a line out to the mains right from the control panel and adjusted the output from the onboard level control. We went on as advertised and, well how do I describe this, I sounded gigantic, plenty of onstage volume, more like a thunderous rumble but distinctly clear and defined. All the band guys just looked at me like, whutthe? Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of this rig, OUTDOORS, and my next thought of course is, this amp needs to be made available again. Those of you who already own one of these have undoubtebly had the same experience. There's nothing else out there like it. Rickenbacker had always made a superior bass amp. Have you ever heard a B115? Tremendous.

FYI--I was playing a 1964 Jazz Bass

[berth]

Good to read Tracy! And I did hear a B-115 as I own one. (Btw. a youtube video of me playing my RB-120 can be found in the video department of this board.)

[tracy]

Like Vuja De only different. Okay, well I decided to drag the TR120B to the Lively Ones show at the Orange Street Fair September 6th. This time we didn't have the benefit of sound reinforcement, just us, naked. First set I used a modified P-Bass with some of those aluminum or whatever Lace pickups. Second set, I used a Hofner solidbody. Once again the Rick amp dominated the stage even at lower levels. Dynamic, punchy, solid. Probably the best bass rig ever. Some of the Tiki show ended up on YouTube. Check it out. (Google Video - 'Tiki Oasis Lively Ones'

[kennyhowes]

I think I finally found one for sale! Stay tuned.

[doctorwho]

I think I finally found one for sale! Stay tuned.

Cool!

[springerspaniel]

Hi, i have this wonderful amp. I love it.
I attach this file with the specification, maybe someone will be interested

[kennyhowes]

I think I finally found one for sale! Stay tuned.

Cool!

...and it fell through. Still looking!

[admin]

Davide: If you haven't already, please take the time to register this amplfier, complete with serial and as some detailed photos. This would be a handsome specimen to add to our collection.

Register

[springerspaniel]

I'd like to register my amp, but i don't see the exact entry in the model field. wath i have to do?

[admin]

Davide: Please have another look.

[springerspaniel]

Done!

[admin]

Great, with nice photos. Thanks for adding this information to the database.

[coolhandjjl]

I have an '09 4003. Just received a TR120B that I found on Craig's List. It is very nice, great sound.

Any thoughts on the Ampeg BA300/115? It has a preamp with one tube, and more controls than the RIC TR120B.

[doctorwho]

... Any thoughts on the Ampeg BA300/115? It has a preamp with one tube, and more controls than the RIC TR120B.

I have a BA-115 and find it to be a good amp for the price.

[kennyhowes]

Well, I've let two of them slip through my hands in the last few months. Silly me.

Next one that comes along. For reals.

In the meantime I've got a TR35B, which ain't no slouch.