1980s Acoustic Model B220 Bass Head 220W (Made In USA)

1980s Acoustic Model B220 Bass Head 220W (Made In USA)

Known for their exceptional clean tones, massive headroom and quiet, noise-free operation, Californian made Acoustic amps have a long and storied history and have been used by the likes of Jaco Pastorius, Earth Wind & Fire, Queen's John Deacon, Led Zep's John Paul Jones and Larry Graham just to name a few. Made in the early 1980s, this B220 is a 220W bass head equipped with extensive EQ controls for tone shaping, as well as crossover control and no shortage of output options!

The 220's controls are nicely comprehensive, featuring two inputs (0 and -12dB) are linked to a single volume control, which is followed by a nicely extensive tone control stage using rotary pots. These are labelled Bass, Mid1, Mid2 and Treble (the latter having a Pull/Bright option), and they provide ±12dB @ 60Hz (Bass), ±15dB @ 280Hz (Mid1), ±12dB @ 400Hz (Mid2) and +15dB @ 1.2kHz (Treble) with the Pull/Bright adding a 'tweak' of +12dB @ 2kHz. This is a highly impressive range of tone controls, but they don't stop there because the 220 also has a very intuitive graphic equaliser section, providing seven band control at ±12dB on frequencies set at 40, 80, 160, 640, 800 and 1,500Hz — a very sensibly chosen range. For those who require some on-board compression, a limiter/compressor is also provided, although not on a rotary/variable basis, but with a fixed neon indicated setting which maintains the amp at just below clipping outputs, even when used to its maximum power.

Overall, the amp is in very good condition for its age, although not short of a few bumps, bruises, scratches and missing tolex here and there. Serviced and thoroughly cleaned, the amp is in almost entirely original condition aside from a replaced power cable. The amp also features an internal switch for changing from 120V to 240V operation (currently set at 240V). If you're after classic bass clean tones in a relatively portable, compact unit, look no further.

Specifications:

Make: Acoustic

Model: B220 Bass Head

Origin: USA, Early 1980s

Construction: Vinyl Over Wood

Power Output: 220 Watts

Controls: Single Channel, 2 Inputs (0dB, -12dB) w/ Master Volume, 7-Band Graphic EQ, Crossover Balance, Limiter, Effects Loop

Outputs: 2 x Crossover Out, 2 x Full Range Out, 2 x Speaker Out, Power Amp In

Finish: Black Tolex, White Controls & Highlights

Weight: 14.2kg

Shipping & Returns:

Domestic AU Shipping (Insured) - $Free

International Shipping (Insured) - $199.99

Local Pickup/Click & Collect - 135 New Canterbury Road, Lewisham 2049

The item is sold as is - if it is broken or damaged on arrival, we will offer you a return/refund. We cannot accept returns for change of mind or offer any warranty on used/vintage items.