1970's Ampeg cab grill cloth colours?

[jordy_on_bass]

I have just recently had my 70's Ampeg 2 x 15 folded horn cab re-vinyled and she is looking really purrdy with her brand new black vinyl skin.

The cloth on the front is tattered and is the next stage of the refurbishment. The current cloth on it is black, however I really like the look of the grey cloth on other Ampeg cabs.

My question is this - in order to keep it as 'original' as possible, did any of these big cabs from the 70's come with the grey cloths on the front or was this a colour that was issued with later models?

Also, would like a general consensus on what everybody prefers as far as the two different colours go. Since this cab is more of a restoration and collectable item for me than a workhorse cab, looks are indeed important

Cheers,
Jordan

[coreyfyfe]

The black cloth didn't start until the 80s with the MTI amps, and I'm pretty sure that cab was discontinued as part of the transition, so it certainly should have the silver grill cloth.

This is the closest pattern available that I know of:

http://www.fliptops.net/catalog/prod...roducts_id=341

Not sure if they'll ship to Aus, but you could probably find someone who has this in stock that will.

[JimmyM]

definitely gray or blue. the one exceoption i would make for black is for the heritage cabs. that's some tight grillcloth.

[jordy_on_bass]

Coreyfyfe,
Did a bit of digging - seems that it was released with both black and grey cloths? So I guess it leaves this more open to choice rather than original specs?

[cripula]

Is it a V4-B cab? Should be blue, no?

That's a 70s V4-B cab under the head.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by jordy_on_bass

Coreyfyfe,
Did a bit of digging - seems that it was released with both black and grey cloths? So I guess it leaves this more open to choice rather than original specs?

As far as I know the black began in 1980/1 after the sale to MTI and that's when the V4B and it's associated cab (which would be the folded horn 2x15) were discontinued, along with everything excluding the SVT.

[jordy_on_bass]

Cripua,

To be honest, I am not completely sure whether it is a V4-B cab. My guess would be that it is. I am not a history buff when it comes to Ampeg gear.

Cheers,
Jordan

[Bassmec]

The picture you showed us was a vintage V4B cab so blue is correct.
You could soak the new grill cloth in tea to make it look a bit vintage.

[jordy_on_bass]

Bassmec,

Just so I dn't get confused - the blue cloth you mentioned is the same as the silver/grey one I/we are talking about - right? Or are they different shades?

Cheers,
Jordan

[stiles72]

+1 for the silver/blue. Some of that original cloth from the 70's appears grey, but thats usually just from getting dingey over the years.

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by stiles72

+1 for the silver/blue. Some of that original cloth from the 70's appears grey, but thats usually just from getting dingey over the years.

The original cloth had a blue grey tinge till it went tobacco stained thats why the tea.
I have seen different grill cloth on even earlier Ampeg cabs that I love loads:
The new reissue cloth is not quite the same as it used to be, But its damn close from ten feet on a dark night:
http://www.fliptops.net/catalog/prod...71201c2e4adb04

[coreyfyfe]

Their 70s style cloth (I linked it above) is pretty close to a "clean" 70s grill.

[gerryjazzman]

Had one of those behemoth's back in the day (mid 70's, so it had to be an early 70's one). Bought it as a V4B with matching cabinet. Was definitely the blue silver grill cloth.

[jordy_on_bass]

Ah sweet, glad I got that cleared up!

I am not really going for the 'original' look i.e. as though it is totally original untouched from the day it came out, so I probably wont touch up the cloth with the tea bags. Mind you, it will probably get that weathered look over time anyway.
I really want it to look virtually brand new again, the vinyl work I have had done is kind of customised with a layer of foam cushioning between the vinyl and wood. It was used by Duff Mckagan when guns n roses when they came to tour once, so it has some history. The previous owner was reluctant to sell it, as he had owned it for years and didn't want it treated like an expendable item. When I informed him of my plans to restore it, he cut me a good deal. Only $200AUS which works out to about approx. $170US. So like I said, I want to make sure I get this right!

Cheers,
Jordan

[BbbyBld]

I have a 1978 810. The previous owner spray painted the silver/blue cloth flat black. It didn't look terrible. It looks more modern with black. If you don't care about the cloth that's on there it may be worth trying to see if you like it black.

I put the original cloth back on. Ampeg is one of those brands that had signature grill cloth. I felt obligated. Plus, I hope to stumble across a vintage Ampeg head to stick on top one day.

[johnk_10]

a 70's ampeg should have the blue/silver cloth. i've bought some of the aftermarket stuff (non ampeg) and i can look close, but genuine ampeg cloth can be purchased here:

http://www.tubesandmore.com/scripts/...XP?item=S-G294

the genuine ampeg stuff is a bit more gray than some of the other's versions.

here's a cab that i regrilled with it and it matches the SVT VR's perfectly:

[Seans]

Ok, looking at my 70 SVT, the grill cloth is not Silver/Blue but Gold/Blue.
The Gold and the Blue are wound together on one cord, this is in between Black cords, the whole lot are divided vertically with Grey cords and these are much thinner.

[johnk_10]

IME, they never used a gold blue grill. often the silver yellows alot and can appear to be yellowish-gold, but believe me, when it was new, it was silver.

my '69 SVT kinda looks the same way (its the SVT in the middle of the stack):



and it's the one in the center of this photo:

[Seans]

Yep mine looks like your 69, kind of prefer the Gold tint, the Silver looks a bit sharp/new.

Looking again at mine, its fine Grey cords are running horz and the fine Blacks are vertical.