Ampeg SVT vs V4BH

Klonk · #1 11-25-2011, 09:58 AM

I play in three amateur bands, pop/rock/blues style. I currently have a choice between a used 2005 Ampeg V4BH 100w tube head, or a new Ampeg SVT-VR re-issue 300w tube head. In USD they cost around 1000 and 3000 respectively. We play 15-20 gigs a year in total, mostly clubs/pubs.

If I go for the V4BH I'm gonna use it with a 410 or 610 Ampeg cab. If I go for the SVT I'm gonna use it with an Ampeg SVT810 AV cab.

Anyone here who can give me a rundown of pros and cons of the two setups? Obviously the first is alot cheaper, and the latter alot louder, but I haven't played any of them, closest I come is a SVT-CL with a SVT810E cab, which sounded great. I'm thinking the latter is overkill for my needs, but I have serious GAS for it because of its looks etc.

BassBob1 · #2 11-25-2011, 10:16 AM

I have never played a V4 of any kind. The SVT-VR is one of my favorite amps and to my ears sounds a little smoother than the SVT-CL. If you like more of a tube overdrive sound go with the V4 to get it without blasting the walls out of the clubs you play. I am a fan of ampegs clean tubey sounds so I wouldn't need to crank the SVT-VR. The SVT doesn't have to be overkill if you aren't looking for the cranked SVT sound.

stiles72 · #3 11-25-2011, 10:28 AM

To me, the V4BH sounds identical to the SVT-CL. Being 100 watts vs. 300 - it lets you get a good overdriven sound at a lower volume if that's your thing. How does the V4BH compare to an SVT-VR? Like most of the other tube Ampegs- you should be able to get the same tones, but it may require some knob twisting. I run my V4BH with a clean tone through a 2x15 cab, and have never had any volume issues. It thumps just as good as my SVT 3-Pros, but with a little less headroom.

When deciding on V4BH vs. SVT, you really just need to weigh the bennefits of each head. The V4BH has less weight, runs at 4 or 8 ohm load, lower re-tube cost, overdrives at a lower volume- and the SVT has more volume, more headroom, and runs at 4 or 2 ohm load.

JimmyM · #4 11-25-2011, 10:37 AM

I would be happy with either of them I think (used to use a 73 V4B for years before I got an SVT...not the same as the V4BH but a great amp nonetheless), but if I'm not hurting for money but I can only get one, I'd get the VR for two reasons...it's the best amp on the market, and you'd never need another amp. Might WANT another amp when you get too old to lift it on a regular basis

but you'd never need another one.

Bassmec · #5 11-25-2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I would be happy with either of them I think (used to use a 73 V4B for years before I got an SVT...not the same as the V4BH but a great amp nonetheless), but if I'm not hurting for money but I can only get one, I'd get the VR for two reasons...it's the best amp on the market, and you'd never need another amp. Might WANT another amp when you get too old to lift it on a regular basis

but you'd never need another one.

The VR till you drop! Just not quite enough clean headroom in a V4B for my live purposes even with an efficient 8 X 10.
Would that it had been designed to run plate voltages for 4 KT88's what an amp it would have been.

77PBass · #6 11-25-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I would be happy with either of them I think (used to use a 73 V4B for years before I got an SVT...not the same as the V4BH but a great amp nonetheless), but if I'm not hurting for money but I can only get one, I'd get the VR for two reasons...it's the best amp on the market, and you'd never need another amp. Might WANT another amp when you get too old to lift it on a regular basis

but you'd never need another one.

+1 If money isn't an issue, the VR is the ticket. I play a '72 V4B and frankly, have never needed 200 more watts but given a choice of the two and a fat wallet (and a reliable back) I would take the VR.

Basslice · #7 11-25-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77PBass

+1 If money isn't an issue, the VR is the ticket. I play a '72 V4B and frankly, have never needed 200 more watts but given a choice of the two and a fat wallet (and a reliable back) I would take the VR.

+1 I have a V4B and love it. if I had the money I would get the wall of sound! Then again, I don't know how carting that around will be. Do you have a roadie?

rodl2005 · #8 11-25-2011, 08:57 PM

VR! It's THE bomb!!!
BUT, if you're looking to use overdrive, you'll need a pedal.
The VR will be ungodly loud thru an 810 if you're driving it to overdrive levels. It'll sound wonderful, but real loud. Sweet as at any volume.
I had a V4BH & found it great too. But just not quite enough clean headroom for my needs.
If Ampeg came out with a 200w SVT/V8 (whatever) 4xKT88's or 8x6L6's I'd be a happy fella!

whitespike · #9 11-26-2011, 11:30 AM

It also depends on your band volume or the tone you want at certain volumes. I have an early 70s V4, and while I LOVE the tone it just isn't enough power. I really wanted it to be. But at louder volumes the more overdrive there is, it just seems to lose low end and therefore gets lost in the mix.

I ended up getting an SVT 2PRO, which is basically an SVT CL with a Graphic EQ (from what I gather). I have been MUCH happier with the live tone. It has all the power I need and I never have to think about it again.

whitespike · #10 11-26-2011, 11:31 AM

Also the two amps weigh about the same. So if the money isnt the issue, go for power. Better to have too much than too little. I took the expensive route and got the V4 first!

shermanklove · #11 11-26-2011, 12:31 PM

I currently have the V4BH and use it with a 4x10. I have found that it does not have enough power/volume/clean headroom/etc for a 4 piece punk band. I'm looking around for an SVT-CL now to replace it. If your band plays at pretty loud volumes or medium sized venues I would recommend the SVT for that reason. I love everything about my V4BH but I just need more volume. Save some money and go straight for the SVT.

anderbass · #12 11-26-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitespike

Also the two amps weigh about the same.

The V4BH is only 40lbs, Its much lighter than your older V4 model that weighs around 68lbs. The SVT-VR is 85lbs...

Klonk · #13 11-26-2011, 05:03 PM

Thanks, all. Looks like it's the VR then

Colonel Monk · #14 11-27-2011, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shermanklove

I currently have the V4BH and use it with a 4x10. I have found that it does not have enough power/volume/clean headroom/etc for a 4 piece punk band. I'm looking around for an SVT-CL now to replace it. If your band plays at pretty loud volumes or medium sized venues I would recommend the SVT for that reason. I love everything about my V4BH but I just need more volume. Save some money and go straight for the SVT.

You need more speaker. You'd be suprised what another 410 will do. And if that's not enough? I just bought a peavey 120w classic power amp to slave with my v4bh to find out. It was cheapish, already tested with a sansamp it sounds great.

VR is great, but takes some volume to get the mojo..... Lower wattage = mojo before hearing destruction.

arthur31686 · #15 11-27-2011, 01:55 AM

I'm a fan of running at 2ohms with my v4b. Lots of speakers with natural overdrive satisfies my needs. This is with a loud stoner band.

At my blues gig, the amp sounds crunchy but not too crunchy. Gives me some classic blues-rock grind that a bassist will either love or hate.

But yeah if I could buy a VR or a vintage SVT head now I would. I wouldn't ditch my v4b though.

JimmyM · #16 11-27-2011, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colonel Monk

VR is great, but takes some volume to get the mojo..... Lower wattage = mojo before hearing destruction.

If by "mojo" you mean "overdrive," true. But if you mean "a good clean sound," I don't know...I often run SVT's at low volumes and they always sound great to me.

OldHack · #17 11-27-2011, 04:45 PM

I have a V4BH and a '78 SVT. I've used the V4BH with a 4x10 cab and the 810E. I like the V4BH for the dirt available and the much lighter weight, but it can run out of steam a lot earlier than the SVT (obviously). If you are only going to get one setup, I'd get the VR. Always better to have more than enough than too little where bass is concerned. The SVT with an 8x10 is one of those life experience things every bass player should experience IMHO.

can I have an Amen?

68Goldfish · #18 11-27-2011, 04:56 PM

Hands down go with the svt. I have a early 70's svt and a mid 70's v4b. I've also owned a v4bh-av from 05 I think. The v4bh never had enough clean headroom for me, pretty much fuzz all the time when playing with a band. The seventies v4b on the other hand has never given me a problem with clean tones, in fact I wish it would overdrive a little sooner. The svt just rules.

acubass · #19 11-27-2011, 06:12 PM

My vote is the V4BH with either the 610 or 810. This way you can push it more to get "that" sound. Also factor in a case for the SVT and now it weighs even more.

Cost wise, you can get a V4BH for about 600$

johnk_10 · #20 11-27-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klonk

Thanks, all. Looks like it's the VR then

great decision!

i love my VR and my vintage V4B, but IMO, once you have an SVT VR/810AV rig you'll never look back. personally, i think it's the best sounding bass rig available.