Making my amp decision (ampeg V4 vs LM LMII)

rnilson · #1 07-03-2010, 06:49 PM

So I have been listening to a lot of old motown/soul and funk records lately and I got the vintage bug. My ideal sound is Willie Weeks on Donny Hathaway Live or Chris Wood from Uninvisible so basically the ampeg tube sound. I was all set to get a V4 and then I ran across a post from Mr. Ampeg Jimmy M saying that the LMII could do the b-15 fliptop sound pretty well. I already have a DHA VH1-Bass which does the tube grind sound very well to the PA/Sound Board.

So now I am thinking I could go with the LMII and get 90% of the ampeg with less wait and more power, but I am losing the vintage vibe....

So what would you do?

**jmattbassplaya** · #2 07-03-2010, 06:57 PM

Don`t forget the other half of Jim`s advice - you need the VT pedal as well.

Personally I`d got for the VT+LMII/III setup just off of weight alone.

rnilson · #3 07-03-2010, 07:02 PM

Yeah I heard the VT is Ampeg in a pedal, but the DHA VT1 gives serious tube grind also.

KramerBassFan · #4 07-03-2010, 07:31 PM

Buy the V4 and keep it as an investment.

They are churning out LMII's faster than rabbits these days, so they aren't that hard to find.

Bulltrout · #5 07-03-2010, 07:35 PM

I've owned both Ampeg V4B's (2 of them) and Little Marks (II & III's). Obviously the V4 will get that vintage vibe and they sound great but so do the LM II or III and you can get close to a vintage Ampeg tone especially if you run it with a VT (I also had one of those - I really have to stop letting GAS get the better of me). The biggest difference aside from weight will be that you can have more headroom and you can also dial in a more modern tone if you want it with the Little Mark.

rnilson · #6 07-03-2010, 07:40 PM

GAS?? What is that?

Wow you are the guy I needed to hear from you have had everything that applies to my situation. Hmmm this makes me lean toward the LMII what cab did you use?

lmfreeman9 · #7 07-03-2010, 07:48 PM

I have a LM III and with a Bassdriver DI, it comes pretty close to that vintage B-15N sound I crave. I bought a dirt cheap B-15S anyways and have spent a small fortune rehabbing it. Not to mention it weighs 105 lbs and I live on the 3rd floor.

Be practical, I should have.

Bulltrout · #8 07-03-2010, 07:53 PM

Used a couple - Ampeg SVT 410 HLF (that one liked the V4B), Berg AE410, the Markbass 210 (that one farted out at higher volume with the LM and I didn't find the top end terribly sweet), I also ran the V4B with Mesa Powerhouse 112 and 210 (the V4B liked the 210 as well).

If I we're to buy to match cabs I'd probably go for for a Berg HT112ER for the LM, they pair up nicely to my ear; for the Ampeg V4B I really liked the SVT 410 HLF although I often find that cab to be too boomy with other amps but it filled the room and allowed me to keep up with a trio at reasonable volume.

Personally I would decide based on what I was planning on using it for. Some will disagree, but if it was for recording or playing at home I'd lean towards the V4B, but for carting around and playing out the portability of the LM makes a strong argument not to mention more volume and headroom if required.

Jeff Scott · #9 07-03-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnilson

So now I am thinking I could go with the LMII and get 90% of the ampeg with less wait and more power, but I am losing the vintage vibe....

So what would you do?

The paying (or not) audience you play to won't care either way

, so I say, save your back and buy the LM II.

rodl2005 · #10 07-03-2010, 08:08 PM

I've had both too. Well the V4BH- not really a V4!!!! & Still have the LMII.

I'd probly say go 4 the LMII- they're pretty cheap 2nd hand now as newer models've come out etc...
& they certainly will get U the vintage 'vibe' especially with the VTBASS pedal- thats a MUST really- to get U some 'tube fur'.

I used this set up-P-bass > VTbass >LMII > Berg AE112 for LOTSA gigs where a vintage vibe was called for & got SO MANY compliments on my sound.....

Since then, I got a MESA Walkabout Scout 12" combo & aint used the LMII since. THAT Mesa DOES do a 'vintage' / old School etc thing SO well.

But even tho I'm a tube amp user(talkin re my SVT & YBA200 & all other amps I've loved in my life- thinking of the Hooooolio Iglialiasius song- "To all the Amps I've Loved Before" ) ;-) If U R on a budget - a LMII > VTBASS pedal & Decent cab- say an AVATAR 2x12" for example- will do what U R after with ease... & have PLENTY of headroom & modern benefits-D.I out etc...

ps the LMII will perform at max. power & IMO sounds a li'l better at 4 ohms too

JimmyM · #11 07-03-2010, 11:21 PM

btw, i still stand behind that. the markbass is a great little amp and surprisingly close. but the vt through a power amp cops that ampeg sound for me when i need something small these days.

but between those two, it comes down to practicality vs. style. there are times when you need both. so i'd say buy both. but if you have to have only one, i'd totally score the ampeg. believe it or not, girls are impressed by classic looking amps, especially big ones. she sees you lugging that ampeg, she's going to get worked up because she knows you're doing it for her. met my wife while playing through an svt/810.

otoh, with the lmii your load-out will be quicker so you can commence to your romancing quicker.

but hey, you've got an ampeg...you're the man. you call the shots in this relationship. she'll wait.

rnilson · #12 07-04-2010, 12:29 AM

I'm happily married with three kids...Does that mean I need the LMII to get home quicker?

JimmyM · #13 07-04-2010, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnilson

I'm happily married with three kids...Does that mean I need the LMII to get home quicker?

no, it means you need the ampeg to fake injuries so you can get out of housework.

rnilson · #14 07-04-2010, 06:55 AM

I like the way you think!

rnilson · #15 07-04-2010, 03:36 PM

I figured I get a stronger argument for all tubes....LMII is looking better all the time.

stingray56funk · #16 07-04-2010, 03:46 PM

Well...I do like the LMII and LMIII, but there IS NO substitute for tubes, IMO. I have played pretty much everything (check my profile) including a recent favorite, the TC Electronic Classic 450. I sold my Classic 450 and got a great deal on an SLM era V-4B and have no looked back. That V-4B through my Mesa 6x10 and Ampeg B-15N cabinet sounds amazing! Everything I was looking for in a vintage sounding amp.

Wrench inserted into the chain!

old-fashioned · #17 07-04-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulltrout

Used a couple - Ampeg SVT 410 HLF (that one liked the V4B), Berg AE410, the Markbass 210 (that one farted out at higher volume with the LM and I didn't find the top end terribly sweet)...

So, which model was that 210 Markbass cab? The Standard or the traveler, I just wonder...

Bulltrout · #18 07-04-2010, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old-fashioned

So, which model was that 210 Markbass cab? The Standard or the traveler, I just wonder...

The traveller.

chiplexic · #19 07-04-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

believe it or not, girls are impressed by classic looking amps, especially big ones.

girls or amps ?

Buster Brown · #20 07-04-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KramerBassFan

Buy the V4 and keep it as an investment.

They are churning out LMII's faster than rabbits these days, so they aren't that hard to find.

Man, I couldn't agree more! That's one of the principle reasons I purchased one of the first Heritage 8X10e cabs and now am awaiting a Heritage CL....but then, whether or not it actually goes up in value is sort of a moot point. Hell, I just wanted these damn things!

But, truth be told, the V4 WILL increase in value...and they ARE turning ou MB stuff rather quickly.

I own both Ampeg and MB (with the VT pedal) and it's true...that damn VT pedal is the greatest thing since sliced bread....so I say...Keep The V4 and buy the MB!!

Happy 4th Everyone!!