Ampeg V4 Reverb Issue

[Mad_Phingers]

I just got my hands on an early 70's V4, excellent condition, only issue is that the reverb isn't working. So today I open up the chassis and dismantle the reverb pan, lo, there are two small wires that have disconnected. I solder them up real quick and put it all back together.

Now, when I crank the reverb, I can hear the springs moving when I shake the reverb lock but still no reverb on the signal. I double check the input side of things, but there are no loose grounds anywhere and the RCA cable seems to be solid.

I then checked the 6cg7, but it is pretty much brand new and all aglow. Although, I have heard that when you tap this tube and the reverb is on you are supposed to hear it? I am not hearing it, but perhaps I have some misinformation.

What would be my next step? I am assuming that if I hear the springs, I don't need to replace the pan... where else to look?

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks

[RickenBoogie]

If it were mine, I'd have a qualified amp tech take a look at it. Not only for the fouled up reverb, but just as a general "check up".

[Mad_Phingers]

Yeah I plan to do this, sound advice! I just can't help doing a little tinkering on my own from time to time.

[Basslice]

I can understand why you would want the amp to work as originally designed, but the V4 is a guitar amp. The V4-B is the bass amp sans reverb (same basic chassis and amp). Do you really want or need the reverb for your bass playing?

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by Basslice

I can understand why you would want the amp to work as originally designed, but the V4 is a guitar amp. The V4-B is the bass amp sans reverb (same basic chassis and amp). Do you really want or need the reverb for your bass playing?

I'm sure he just wants a functional amp - regardless of whether the reverb will be used or not. For what it's worth, when it's working the reverb on that amp isn't too shabby. The first few times I tried to use it on mine I forgot about the lock and was like ***? why is the reverb so quiet and lame, then I found out about the lock and shut it off. Sounded pretty good at that point haha. Good luck with your amp.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Basslice

I can understand why you would want the amp to work as originally designed, but the V4 is a guitar amp. The V4-B is the bass amp sans reverb (same basic chassis and amp). Do you really want or need the reverb for your bass playing?

if the guy wants reverb, he wouldn't be the first to use reverb on a bass.

[Farfetched]

one thing you can also try doing is cleaning the contacts/inputs for the reverb

[zarigunn]

maybe its couse its a guitar head, not like the v-4b.
Can the springs handle the vibrations... ?

[BassmanPaul]

The RCA cable that returns the signal to the amp is just carrying a low level signal that needs to be amplified. If you unplug the cable from the tank and touch the Centre pin with your finger you should get a hum out of the amp most likely controlled by the reverb level control. If you get no hum the reverb recovery amp is faulty. Look also at the footswitch socket: some amps require a switch to be inserted for the reverb to work.

[Mad_Phingers]

Merry Christmas and Thanks for all the replies! I do plan on using reverb here and there. I will try some of these suggestions, but I have a hunch this one is for an experienced tech. I still haven't tried swapping the tubes that control the reverb either..

[rllefebv]

Originally Posted by zarigunn

maybe its couse its a guitar head, not like the v-4b.
Can the springs handle the vibrations... ?

Not only do they handle it, but as coreyfyfe discovered, the V4 has a very sweet, natural sounding reverb.. Not overbearing or too effected sounding... Definitely a nice flavor to have at your disposal... I second all recommendations to get it to a seasoned tech and definitely think you're doing the right thing by bringing it in... Enjoy!!

-robert

[anderbass]

Originally Posted by Mad_Phingers

I still haven't tried swapping the tubes that control the reverb either..

That was the problem with the Reverb in my old V4. Just because its 'all aglow' doesn't necessarily mean it still works.