• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

200 Watt SVT? How to do it?

#183
BassmanPaul said:
Without both transformers being changed this is simple not going to happen. As I said earlier, changing out output tubes will garner you no more usable power than the stock unit.
Click to expand...


Understood. I think his plan is to start with the stock transformers and start messing with voltages once the KT120s are in there. He thinks the stock V4 transformers are rated conservatively.

I don't think he's shooting for 180-220 Watts, he's just trying to shoot for a sound I like at a volume I like.

I think I'm going to have him build be a custom unit from the ground up, but If I can get a V4 for cheap enough, we may use it as a "dry run" to at least spec out how loud we'll want the output stage to be, and maybe even cannabalize some of what we use on the V4 (KT-120s, new transformers) on the ground-up custom build.

Again, this is not going to be cheap. This is all in the name of perfect fuzz science.
 
#184
JimmyM said:
i so don't get that, paul. you can adjust the bias with trimpots but it's fixed? wish i understood. can you try using dumb guy language? ;)
Click to expand...

In cathode bias, AKA self bias, the bias is provided across a fixed high wattage resistor. The grids are basically at ground potential and the current flow through the tube raises the voltage on the cathode to the amount set by the resistor. Thus the grids are negative with respect to their cathodes. As current through the tubes is modulated by the signal, the voltage on the cathodes increases and decreases in sympathy. The bias varies.

In fixed bias the cathodes are grounded and to make the grids negative with their cathodes, a negative supply is provided for them. Once set, that supply does not vary as the tubes pass current. It's therefor "fixed".

Much simplified but I hope you get the idea. :)

Paul
 
#191
Ok...I have to put my 2 cents in...I've had this same issue for over 6 months. I've bothered every tech I know about wanting a 200 watt Ampeg tube amp. I bought an Ampeg V4BH and fell in love with the tone, but my damn drummer was so loud that the amp couldn't keep up. I needed just a little more power onstage(we play a lot of shows without PA support). I sold my V4BH...Bought Mesa 200 Buster head (Yuck!) I hated it... I tried a Traynor YBA(Lows were too low, Highs were too high) weird amp...I have 2 Orange Cabs(Got such a good deal, I had to buy them) So I was thinking about the AD200b, but couldn't justify the $1,600 price tag...There was only one more amp to try. I bought a Peavey Vb-2 and it arrived yesterday. I have yet to use it live, But This thing Kills! It's louder than what I expected and the V4BH tone is in this amp, I've got it very close...You have to try this amp through your cabs!
 
#193
JimmyM said:
there have been quite a few people saying they're happy with the vb-2. i've yet to play one myself. probably would be better if i didn't.
Click to expand...

I know, right?

I don't want to be a gear snob... I like to use my ears and not my eyes, I've played through Peavey cabs in the past (those old 1 x 18, 2 x 10 pigs)... but PEAVEY?

I mean, even my wife said, "Peavey? really?"

Their gear just has such an awful stigma in some circles.

But... I try to use my ears and not my eyes.

I could always buy one and drop it in an old ratty '71 SVT head case?
 
#194
actually i'm well over the peavey stigma. i think they've done a bang up job since the mid 80's. i just meant it would be better if i didn't play one and want to buy it. but if i had one i'd play it. it's got tubes...it must be good ;)
 
#195
Does anyone have gut shots inside a VB-2? Part of the reason I'm steering clear of the AD200B is that I hear the tubes are soldered into their sockets. Not a good style. I wonder what the construction quality is on these puppies.

Peavey stuff is usually built to survive hand to hand combat.

Any gut shots?
 
#196
The Orange is nothing special in terms of construction at all, neither is the Peavey.

If you want top notch quality, you pay a top notch price. :)

Just saying... not trying to be rude of nuffin.

.... That said, a Reeves isn't TOO Much more than an Orange, and is a far league above it in actual physical quality.
 
#197
KramerBassFan said:
The Orange is nothing special in terms of construction at all, neither is the Peavey.

If you want top notch quality, you pay a top notch price. :)

Just saying... not trying to be rude of nuffin.

.... That said, a Reeves isn't TOO Much more than an Orange, and is a far league above it in actual physical quality.
Click to expand...

Has anyone played through the Morgan MP-200?

Seems like another candidate.

Invalid Link Removed
 
#199
Thanks for taking the time to describe the vb-2 in terms of the ampeg tone being in it.
The explanation of
"buy this", "I own this", "I like this" or "you need to buy this amp I just googled" doesn't often do enough
But now I want to seek out one and give it a try. Peavey
 
#200
fu22ba55 said:
I know, right?

I don't want to be a gear snob... I like to use my ears and not my eyes, I've played through Peavey cabs in the past (those old 1 x 18, 2 x 10 pigs)... but PEAVEY?

I mean, even my wife said, "Peavey? really?"

Their gear just has such an awful stigma in some circles.

But... I try to use my ears and not my eyes.

I could always buy one and drop it in an old ratty '71 SVT head case?
Click to expand...

I don't get the Peavey stigma. My first bass is a Peavey, it's fun. Our PA is a Peavey, as is my guitarist's really loud amp.

I still think you might want to ask for quotes from custom builders, though. It might not actually be that expensive. Of course, not as cheap as a Peavey VB-2, either.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back