Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Posted: **Fri Apr 11, 2003 6:00 am**

I've spotted a TR-120B amplifier (used) in a local music store. They're asking 450 Euro (approx. the same figure in US$) for it. Is that a fair price? The amp appears to be in great condition. It would be a welcome complement to my collection of Rick bass guitars. In my country (Portugal, Europe) Rickenbacker amplifiers are very, very rare.

Posted: **Fri Apr 11, 2003 9:09 am**

Sergio: It is my view that around $400-500 US for this amplifier is reasonable. I would be interested in what Tracy Sands has to say about this selling price.

Posted: **Sat Apr 12, 2003 5:52 am**

Yeah, that's terrific! I don't know how many were made, but they don't show up that often in the U. S. !? You'll love the amp. It's punchy and has loads of headroom. Don't let it get away!!

Posted: **Sun Apr 13, 2003 12:28 am**

Many thanks, Peter and Tracy. Yeah, I'll go back there next week to know whether they'll accept a trade. I certainly do not intend to let that amp get away.

Posted: **Mon Apr 14, 2003 11:25 am**

First of all, a correction is in order: the amp is not a TR-120B, but a TR35B. Last friday said music store was closed. I was only able to take a look at the amp from a distance, and assumed it was a TR-120B. Today I returned to the shop (I took a 1981 Rick amp flyer with me) and found out the amp was actually a TR35B (it says so on the back, period). Well, who cares, as long as it is a Rickenbacker, right? No, I didn't plug anything into it as I'm sure it sounds er... distinctly Rickenbacker, to quote said 1981 flyer. Seriously, I'm going there again in a couple of days 'armed' with one of my 4001s to check the performance of the TR35B. I'll bet it sounds even better than my trusty Roland Super-Cube. I'll be sure to report on this. Thanks for reading.

Posted: **Mon Apr 14, 2003 2:07 pm**

The Bass Palace have a TR35B in stock. Here's the link to it http://www.basspalace.com/dynamic/displayamp/Combo/646
They are asking $349.00 for it, and have had this particular TR35B in stock for about a year now. They had two of them, but sold one off about 6 months ago.
I'd be interested in reading your thoughts and impressions on the TR35B. I've considered buying the one at The Bass Palace many times, but I really just don't need it. I have a large gigging rig and a great combo practice amp now. So I haven't had the need to buy one.
A comparrison between the Roland Cube and TR35B would be interesting.
Please give us your thoughts and impressions.

Posted: **Mon Apr 14, 2003 11:03 pm**

Well, I will. Stay in tune.
Oddly enough, though, the amp depicted at the Bass Palace site looks rather like a TR-120B! What's the story here? Maybe they got their pictures mixed up.

Posted: **Tue Apr 15, 2003 2:07 am**

Both amps look identical in the brochure that I have of them. They appear to be the same (physical) size and share the same size speaker. The only visual difference that I can see, is the Rickenbacker decal on the front of the TR120B is black and blue where it's orange and red on the TR35B. Everything else looks almost identical.
I can see how they can be easily confused with each other.

Posted: **Tue Apr 15, 2003 2:28 am**

I get it. The 1981 TR35B amp flyer I have depicts a TR35B that's exactly like the one I've seen in said local music store, i.e. it has the 'Rickenbacker' logo partially over the loudspeaker and no orange/black motif on the top portion of its front face. However, I also have a triplefold flyer (probably from 1983/84) depicting a TR-35B AND a TR-120B as per Jon's description. So, I guess the TR35B I'm courting is an early, hence rarer version. Wow!

Posted: **Tue Apr 15, 2003 4:32 am**

Rick amplifier crazy too: Be sure to get us some great photos of this amplifier no matter what you decide.

Posted: **Tue Apr 15, 2003 5:47 am**

TR120's are larger than TR35's. Examples with the 'banner' logo are earlier than ones without. TR35's have incredible tone and are terrific for studio use, but I've never been able to use one on a gig. Just not enough headroom to get ahead of the drummer.

Posted: **Tue Apr 15, 2003 5:48 am**

Count on it.

Posted: **Tue Apr 15, 2003 5:52 am**

I seem to remember that the TR120B had two upgrades from the TR35B: a dual speaker coil and a piezo tweeter. The extra coil was connected to the power amp to provide damping feedback, while the Motorola piezo was able to be switched on and off.

I know I have one of each of these around here up on a pallet somewhere, as well as the follow-on RB35 and RB120 models. As interest in older amps increases, there may be some motivation for me to put these out for display!

Posted: **Tue Apr 15, 2003 3:52 pm**

I have a TR120B! Yes it has a piezo tweeter with a on/off switch. Too bad these are not made anymore, I love this amp. I use it for practice and recording. It has alot of punch, I have gigged with it a couple of times, doubled up with another amp with a 1X15 cab. Plenty of volume!
Here are some pics
along with my Road R160 guitar amp.. Another rare bird..

http://landmusic7.homestead.com/Amps.html

Posted: **Wed Apr 16, 2003 10:10 am**

Tracy: 'TR35's have incredible tone'. I'll say! Today I returned to the music store 'armed' with my 1974 4001. It sounded totally amazing through the TR35B! Full-bodied bass and great Rick clank! What else can say? I want that amp. I'm awaiting a phone call from the store owner (quite a likeable guy, by the way) to let me know if they'll accept a trade. More news soon. Wow, great sound! Well done, RIC!