Ampeg V4 Club

[two fingers]

So, I came into the conversation late (and didn't read all the way back through). Are you guys saying that I can run from the preamp (labeled "Ext. Amp") on my V4 into a DI box and go XLR to the board from there? Mine is labeled 10K Ohms by the way.

Thanks.

[coreyfyfe]

If you go from the ext amp you don't even need a DI, but its only a preamp signal, so if you want the power amp in there as well use either a speaker level DI or a mic.

[JvN]

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

If you go from the ext amp you don't even need a DI, but its only a preamp signal, so if you want the power amp in there as well use either a speaker level DI or a mic.

Okay, but if my sound tech wants a balanced signal - how would you recommend to convert it? Adapter cable or 'simple' DI? I'm combining with my mic anyway.

[Bassics101]

Originally Posted by JvN

Okay, but if my sound tech wants a balanced signal - how would you recommend to convert it? Adapter cable or 'simple' DI? I'm combining with my mic anyway.

A simple DI box will convert the ext amp TS to XLR balanced. The one I use was inexpensive, has some padding options and a ground switch as well. Both can be convenient.

[coreyfyfe]

If you want a balanced signal then yes, go with a DI. If you get one that does speaker level you can try both ways and see what you like better.

[TussinBot.]

Great information, thanks guys.

[JvN]

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

If you want a balanced signal then yes, go with a DI. If you get one that does speaker level you can try both ways and see what you like better.

Thanks Coreyfyfe. I wrote to Countryman to see what they recommend. Not sure if the -15/-30 db pad switch on the Type 10 does the same job as the instrument/speaker switch on the 85. Would indeed be fun to still be able to to the speaker sim, which I used to do with the Palmer.

By the way - the pre-amps of the late 60s, early 70s B-15, V-4B, and SVT don't differ too much - correct me if I'm wrong. Interesting competition for the REDDI (which, of course, will reproduce an early 60s B-15 sound ;-)) !

[StuartV]

Just so y'all know, the Ext Amp jack on the V4 can also be used to plug an Ampeg (or aftermarket) Master Volume pedal into. I use the Baja Tech one, myself, but Fliptops has them, too.

External Master Volume for Ampeg V4B?!

[TussinBot.]

Wow thats awesome.

[Laredo]

.......For Sale, FWIW.

RARE AMPEG ANNIVERSARY EDITION V4B-AV / SVT610-AV BASS STACK - STILL NEW!!!!

[GreaserMatt]

Originally Posted by Groovy_Gravy

Count me in

1972 V4B Still running 7027A's!!

GG, I'm officially jealous of your V-4! LOL

[GreaserMatt]

Originally Posted by birdman14

Nice score!
#66: debris; V4

I agree!

[3mrhythm]

I have a fender rhodes mk1 73 that i was looking to trade or sell..

someone locally offered two ampeg vt22 combos in trade.

one has big magnet eminence speakers in it and the other has vintage oxfords in it.

also one has been professionally modified (by a shop near where i live) with a switch for active or passive pickups and had a couple resistor values changed to accommodate lower bass frequencies..

any advice here? is that a solid trade on my end? what sort of resale would i be looking at if i found the amps weren't for me.


i'm in a post rock band and one of the guitarists needs a new setup as he is currently borrowing a dual rectifier from a friend. i hear the vt22 is very powerful and has killer tone and reverb.. which is certianly what we look for. The guitarist uses an m13 and doesnt use amp distortion.. only pedal driven.. SO we need something that has a ton of clean headroom...

any advice would be great!

[coreyfyfe]

The amp would work well and be loud as heck for guitar. For bass you'd be better off with them as heads as the open back combo cabs (and guitar speakers) wont do you much good. I wouldn't worry too much about the mods, they sound like they'd be easily reversible if you wanted. The eminence speakers would likely be original, the oxfords definitely not. As far as value, the combos usually go for close to the same price as the V4 heads. They're basically the same amp, but the combos don't seem to be as popular. Or just don't come up for sale as often. Not sure what you're selling your rhodes for, but I think a VT-22 usually sells for around $5-700.

[3mrhythm]

I think I will probably convert one to a head/cab and then sell or trade the more original one for something else interesting

[BassSurfer]

New Acquisition, soon to be paired with an Ampeg SVT15E (next week) and maybe a 2x10 or 2x12 in the very near future!

[JvN]

Well shot!

[3mrhythm]

I had twins! Just took these in on trade for my rhodes mk1 73.

One has been setup like a v4b.. active and passive switch and such.. has super vintage oxfords that sound great.

The other has the original speakers in it. Ill try and snap a pic. This one also has the original tubes too.

The reviews weren't kidding about these suckers being loud. So clean too.

Couple questions.. is there a way to get drive one these? I don't see a gain or a distortion switch...

I do see a foot switch jack in the back... what does that control?

One of my guitarists stopped by and gave them both a try was super impressed with the clarity tone an clean headroom..

My other guitarist is coming over later since he's stoked to try them too..


I really dig the sound of the one setup for the v4b.. it might end up. Replacing my swr sm400.. gotta play with both a bunch more too see which I really like best

[RockBobby]

Back in them days, Distortion was rare and most guitards used fuzz pedals for it.

Everett Hull was not a big fan of rock and wanted the amps to be clean sounding.

The original tubes in it are prolly still good. Back in 1995 when I bought mine, the guy before me had it "serviced" in 1983 and had it retubed. I still use it with those tubes. GEs, I think.

[3mrhythm]

Alrighty. Good to know. the guitarist usually uses the. Distortions on his m13.. super clean power is actually prefered..lol just not used to amps without drive