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2013 Ampeg V-4B 100W Reissue Pt2
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
I haven't read through the whole thread yet, but I see some folks dime the master and use the gain as a volume control. Does this overdrive the power tubes?
Also, I haven't come across anything about tube-rolling of the preamp tubes. Are you guys pretty satisfied with the tubes that come with it? Are they JJ's?
Also, I haven't come across anything about tube-rolling of the preamp tubes. Are you guys pretty satisfied with the tubes that come with it? Are they JJ's?
Not unless you're also cranking the gain past about 11:00.
Yes they are. I've done a little bit of tube rolling...handful of NOS 12ax7's and a new Tung Sol in V1. I went back to the JJ because the other tubes made it sound too bright and tight.
Just to be clear - the way to maximize your clean power is to dime the master and use the gain to control the volume as you saw.
Thanks, that's the way I always thought of it, but the posts I'd read didn't seem to say they were looking for a clean sound. One of the Ampeg YouTube vids. was pretty broken up; although, the gain was way up also.
It's a great tip - sounds great that way and it gives me one less knob to worry about tweaking in the middle of a gig!
I alternate it. Usually have the master full and use gain as volume control. But if I want drive at lower volumes, gain up and volume lower.
Sometimes tho, it'll be gain at 12 o'clock AND master up and the power tubes will scream for mercy. This into the 810 is great, but into my Bassman neo 115 it's a scream also.
Great, versatile amp!
Sometimes tho, it'll be gain at 12 o'clock AND master up and the power tubes will scream for mercy. This into the 810 is great, but into my Bassman neo 115 it's a scream also.
Great, versatile amp!
Honestly, I don't notice the fan on any of my amps at all. Just a little when I first turn them on, then I tune it right out.
Fan noise never bothered me either. But it's nice not to have one at all! Another (small) plus to this amp in my mind - very quiet amplifier!
You assume correctly. I've played hot outdoor gigs in the Florida sun with little or no cover, and even that didn't make it have cooling issues.
I will find out tomorrow. I have a gig on the beach in a restaurant that is like a sauna. It will be running 4-5 hours straight.
The amp made it through being on for 6 hours in a very hot Florida room on the beach with no A/C. Unfortunately I did return the V4B today. it really is a great amp but it was too drastic of a difference live from my SVT. It was not an easy decision but if I'm not going to use something live I can't justify keeping it. Don't let this discourage others from picking it up. It's all personal preference and I think it would be suitable for most. Especially if you play it through a 6x10 or 8x10. I was using the 212AV.
Totally understand. There is something aboout the sheer headroom and power in reserve of 300 tube watts that can only ever be replaced by 300 or more tube watts.
Well I can't say I agreebut it's all good.
I don't agree with myself either. My wallet does...but I don't
I just finished reading through all 105 pages of this thread. It's safe to say the tank is full of G.A.S.
I am having a hard time justifying the V4B at this moment though. I already own an SVT-CL and a '73 SVT that both work and sound great. At some point I will likely pick up a V4Br, it sounds like it is too nice of a tube amp for my Ampeg tube loving self to not own. It would be nice if any of the Long & McQuade stores in the area had a V4B in stock to try out. They don't seem to stock any Ampeg tube amps in store.
The 212av is something I am really talking myself into picking up in the near future though. I need a something smaller than my NV610 and from all accounts it sounds like a winner. I am trying to fight the urge as I don't even have a band currently. This G.A.S. is deadly. If I do pick up either the head or the cab, I'll be sure to post a picture in this group.
I am having a hard time justifying the V4B at this moment though. I already own an SVT-CL and a '73 SVT that both work and sound great. At some point I will likely pick up a V4Br, it sounds like it is too nice of a tube amp for my Ampeg tube loving self to not own. It would be nice if any of the Long & McQuade stores in the area had a V4B in stock to try out. They don't seem to stock any Ampeg tube amps in store.
The 212av is something I am really talking myself into picking up in the near future though. I need a something smaller than my NV610 and from all accounts it sounds like a winner. I am trying to fight the urge as I don't even have a band currently. This G.A.S. is deadly. If I do pick up either the head or the cab, I'll be sure to post a picture in this group.
