Playing bass through an Ampeg V4

azal · #1 05-30-2010, 09:47 AM

hey guys, I'm new to the forum. first time, long time, and all that

I'm a bass player looking to pick up a V-4 and use it for bass, I've heard that it is really similar to the V-4b and I have seen a lot of people rave about the way it works with the bass.

What are your opinions?

I would be running it through an old Acoustic 106 2 x 15 cab.

thanks in advance.

JimmyM · #2 05-30-2010, 11:36 AM

one of the best bass amps ever made, the v4b. a lot of people love the v4 on bass as well, but its eq points are different and a little better suited to guitar. still, it's a great bass amp even with the guitar eq points.

lazyone2 · #3 05-30-2010, 11:44 AM

What Jimmy said.

azal · #4 05-30-2010, 11:55 AM

sweetness. I'll pick it up this week then.

I've also read that the differences between it and V4-B are very minor and that one can be modded pretty easily to resemble the bass amp more.

Have any of you tried that?

I saw both the bassist and guitarist of Converge playing through a V4 and the sound was massive, so I assume this will get the job done for me as well.

thanks.

denton57 · #5 05-30-2010, 11:56 AM

I think they are amazing bass amps. I had a 76 V4 for a while that I regretfully sold to fund a SVT. Now I have a V4B. Just received this 1x15 cab custom made from LDS to match the width. I asked for a tl-606 design with a 3015. It sounds so awesome...very loud and punchy with my P.

I'd say your on the right track as far as a great tube head.

Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_0494.jpg
Views: 34
Size: 48.5 KB
ID: 169125

Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_0493.jpg
Views: 66
Size: 46.1 KB
ID: 169124

johnk_10 · #6 05-30-2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azal

I've also read that the differences between it and V4-B are very minor and that one can be modded pretty easily to resemble the bass amp more.
Have any of you tried that?
thanks.

having both types, i see no reason to mod a V4 into a V4b, since they are nearly identical sounding, with the exception of the V4 having reverb and input sensitivity switches. the V4B has a Bass boost switch, but i never use it, since it cuts too much midrange for my taste.

Jaguar · #7 05-30-2010, 02:17 PM

Best amp I`ve ever owned...and I`ve had a few.

BassmanPaul · #8 05-30-2010, 02:23 PM

Just remember it's a low power amplifier by todays standards.

Paul

azal · #9 05-30-2010, 04:09 PM

damn, johnk...that's quite a collection!

yes, I've heard that it is low power, so it probably distorts if cranked, right?

I'm thinking with the volume at 10 or 11 o'clock, through two 15 inch speakers and mic-ed, it will be plenty loud for the small to medium sized clubs I play usually.

I'm gonna pick it up in the coming days and let you guys know how impressed I am

JimmyM · #10 05-30-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Just remember it's a low power amplifier by todays standards.

yes it is, but some of us have no problems rocking low wattage amps because we're men

ourworldisgrey · #11 05-30-2010, 04:37 PM

Its power is also rated honestly, unlike most of today's amp heads. Use a 4x10 and you'll be loud enough for most uses.

BassmanPaul · #12 05-30-2010, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

yes it is, but some of us have no problems rocking low wattage amps because we're men

WE ARE DEVO!

agreed, I was merely pointing out that 100W ain't too much nowadays. For my Acmes it would never ever come close to being enough.

Paul

JimmyM · #13 05-30-2010, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

WE ARE DEVO!

agreed, I was merely pointing out that 100W ain't too much nowadays. For my Acmes it would never ever come close to being enough.

Paul

definitely a point to consider. acmes i hear take a bit of wattage. but i could hit getting fired volume playing metal in the 80's with a v4b/810. medium/large venues. almost always with pa, though

btw, since you mentioned DEVO, first new album in 20 years, "Something For Everybody," comes out june 15!

johnk_10 · #14 05-30-2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azal

damn, johnk...that's quite a collection!

well, if you like that pic, you may as well see the group shot:

JimmyM · #15 05-30-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnk_10

well, if you like that pic, you may as well see the group shot:

you're such a ham!

KramerBassFan · #16 05-30-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

btw, since you mentioned DEVO, first new album in 20 years, "Something For Everybody," comes out june 15!

Raise your hand if your ready.

Mooblar · #17 05-30-2010, 07:47 PM

V4 is a great bass amp. As others have stated it may feel a little underpowered by today's standards. I own a V4 and V4B, very little difference as stated by JohnK_10's earlier post. I use both for bass. I have used the V4 with an Acoustic 406... with very pleasing results.

Honk'n_down-low · #18 05-30-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denton57

I think they are amazing bass amps. I had a 76 V4 for a while that I regretfully sold to fund a SVT. Now I have a V4B. Just received this 1x15 cab custom made from LDS to match the width. I asked for a tl-606 design with a 3015. It sounds so awesome...very loud and punchy with my P.

I'd say your on the right track as far as a great tube head.

Attachment 169125

Attachment 169124

Love this rig!

azal · #19 05-31-2010, 08:00 AM

hey guys, I'm a little confused now.

The picture looks like an Ampeg V4 here it is.

But the dude selling it says that it is a VT22

I thought those were combos? This is a head. What am I missing?

jastacey · #20 05-31-2010, 08:05 AM

Your not missing anything ..... except the big V-4B folded horn cabinet or the 4-12 cabinet ..... the VT-22 is a combo, v-4 power section, somewhat hot-rodded, with an open back cabinet, loaded with 2-12's