Ampeg V-4B, earlier vs later versions

[Diegol]

Any thoughts on this two versions?

thx

[JimmyM]

Only that I loved my V4B when I had one and wish I had another.

[RickenBoogie]

...and I loved my V4BH re-issue, and wish I didn't sell it.

[Diegol]

ive just got one! Its a later 70s model

I just wanted to know the main difference between the 70s earlier versions

[nysbob]

White rocker switches? My understanding is that they didn't really change much about the V4B since it was introduced in '71.

[JimmyM]

The later 70's models have separate gain and master. Other than that, not much.

[nashvillebill]

With the V4 (non-B) models for sure, the later 70's version with separate master were quite a bit different from the early 70's version. Different transformers, slightly different circuit topology, different EQ setup...and clipping diodes for distortion.

I am not 100% sure since I do not have a schematic for the late 70's B version at hand, but I would be surprised if it did not mirror the same design as the full V4 version--so in other words, there would be a fair number of design differences between the early and late V4B's.

Having said that though, for the V4B I think the early and late versions still sound similar. (That is not the case for the full-featured V4, with guitar I think they sound a lot different and the earlier versions are better IMHO, many people do not like the implementation of clipping diodes for distortion).

[dhsierra1]

Originally Posted by nashvillebill

With the V4 (non-B) models for sure, the later 70's version with separate master were quite a bit different from the early 70's version. Different transformers, slightly different circuit topology, different EQ setup...and clipping diodes for distortion.

I am not 100% sure since I do not have a schematic for the late 70's B version at hand, but I would be surprised if it did not mirror the same design as the full V4 version--so in other words, there would be a fair number of design differences between the early and late V4B's.

Having said that though, for the V4B I think the early and late versions still sound similar. (That is not the case for the full-featured V4, with guitar I think they sound a lot different and the earlier versions are better IMHO, many people do not like the implementation of clipping diodes for distortion).

any idea when the transition might have taken place?

[nashvillebill]

Dunno exactly off the top of my head (I have the Ampeg book buried somewhere downstairs) but I would guess around '78. The "official" schematic I've got of the later full V4 version (with the clipping diodes, and 6AN8 phase splitter instead of the earlier 12AU7) doesn't have a date on it.

[J-O]

I have a mid-seventies V4B that I bought off another tb'er. Mine does not have a separate gain control. It is absolutely the best sounding amp I have ever had. I love it, no way I ever plan on selling it. It was my understanding that one of the easiest ways to identify what "run" these were made in, is to see if it has the rocker switches. I also know that the fonts/graphics can be different depending on when they were made. I wish I could tell you the specifics as to what years had what feature, but I'm not really that knowledgable about them. What I can say is that if you get one, I can't imagine you'd be disapointed.

[dhsierra1]

Originally Posted by nashvillebill

Dunno exactly off the top of my head (I have the Ampeg book buried somewhere downstairs) but I would guess around '78. The "official" schematic I've got of the later full V4 version (with the clipping diodes, and 6AN8 phase splitter instead of the earlier 12AU7) doesn't have a date on it.

very helpful, thank you. I asked as there's a '73/'74 for sale here in town and I'm succumbing to serious GAS. I figure a V4B w/my two JBL D140s in tuned cabs could be dangerous

[nashvillebill]

Okay, I ran downstairs to throw clothes in the dryer and managed to find my Ampeg book. It says distortion was added to the full V4 model in '76 but doesn't ahve any more design details. So I'd say it's a pretty fair bet that the V4 or V4B versions with gain control came out sometime in the '76 time frame. The book showed the V4 and V4B production ended in 1980 (before being resumed recently).

I don't have any references to nail down exactly when the earlier versions changed from the toggle switches to the rocker switches but suspect it's around '73 give or take a year.

[jmpiwonka]

Not sure what year mine was but my v4b had the plastic rocker switches for power and standby but no gain/master volume. Just a single volume for each channel.

The thing sounded great too.
Just wish it had more power. If i ever see one for sale locally for a good price it will be hard to pass up.

[JimmyM]

I played one gig in my life where I drove mine into the red noticeably, and that was when I was 18 and had a hard rock band that didn't use PA. Otherwise it kept up. I ran it into an 810 so that helped.

[jmpiwonka]

yeah, wish i had an 810 when i had the v4b

[Diegol]

Ive purchased the one with the white rockers, no polarity. I believe its from the late 70´s.

Just wanted to know the differences in tone with the earlier versions.
Thx

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by Diegol

Ive purchased the one with the white rockers, no polarity. I believe its from the late 70´s.

Just wanted to know the differences in tone with the earlier versions.
Thx

Does it look like this one (minus the black grill cloth)? I believe mine is a '75, and I love it!

[jumbodbassman]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I played one gig in my life where I drove mine into the red noticeably, and that was when I was 18 and had a hard rock band that didn't use PA. Otherwise it kept up. I ran it into an 810 so that helped.

had that same setup and preferred it to my SVT head with the 810. Larger outdoor shows i would howver use the SVT with 2 cavbs...

[Lowbrow]

Any opinions for/against he V4BH reissue?

[RickenBoogie]

V4BH is a re-designed amp. The purists will not accept it into the fold, BUT, it's a damn nice sounding amp just the same. Same basic design as the B15R re-issue.