2013 Ampeg V-4B 100W Reissue Pt2

[coreyfyfe]

The problem for me is dialing that tone in consistently night after night. I'm good on the vintage channel, but haven't quite figured out that drive channel and I really think that's where the real magic with that head lies. That's where I like the V4B a bit more - super easy to dial in a great tone.

The two channels on the 100T/SB are very different, which might lend itself to some of the trouble. The vintage channel is a standard passive fender stack which will be a bit scooped. The modern channel is a transistor based active EQ which should be flatter at noon. If you're trying to get similar tones, the modern channel should be closer in response to the V4B EQ which is the standard ampeg james/bax with an active midrange, AFAIK.

I'd say get an SVT anyways, but given that I've got about 9 amps right now I'm probably the wrong person to take advice from

 

[Alexander]

The two channels on the 100T/SB are very different, which might lend itself to some of the trouble. The vintage channel is a standard passive fender stack which will be a bit scooped. The modern channel is a transistor based active EQ which should be flatter at noon. If you're trying to get similar tones, the modern channel should be closer in response to the V4B EQ which is the standard ampeg james/bax with an active midrange, AFAIK.

I'd say get an SVT anyways, but given that I've got about 9 amps right now I'm probably the wrong person to take advice from

You're
Not
Helping...

 

[peterpalmieri]

After finally selling some other gear that is laying around the house I've decided to add a second 210AV, you will all be happy to know I will stop asking for comparisons to a 212AV and 2 112AVs. When all is said and done I really wanted to make it easy to transport and the hardest part is bringing everything out of my 100 year old basement, where the staircase can double as a ladder. Carrying my 70lb 4x10 cabinet out one last time made it an easy sell...

 

[tinman 1967]

So with this new thread, I guess I'll take this opportunity to pimp mah brand early on:

*** ???? That's pretty funny!

 

[JimmyM]

Buffy thought it was pretty funny, too. She looked at me like, "Are you trying to kill me?"

 

[Alexander]

Well, @JimmyM - that about pushed me over the edge. After hovering over "add to cart" for several weeks now, I pulled the trigger on an SVT-VR earlier this morning. Excited to get it. I've played through a couple of SVT 2Pros in my day and one SVT-VR that was back-line and they all killed. Look forward to adding that to the arsenal!

 

[JimmyM]

Well, @JimmyM - that about pushed me over the edge. After hovering over "add to cart" for several weeks now, I pulled the trigger on an SVT-VR earlier this morning. Excited to get it. I've played through a couple of SVT 2Pros in my day and one SVT-VR that was back-line and they all killed. Look forward to adding that to the arsenal!

You'll love it!

 

[Alexander]

You'll love it!

I believe it. But three tube heads? I'm beginning to think I have a real problem!

 

[JimmyM]

I believe it. But three tube heads? I'm beginning to think I have a real problem!

Nah, you're a tube snob now...it's the others who have the problem

 

[Alexander]

In good company there, I guess

 

[Mastermold]

In good company there, I guess

That's the TB way. I've got two SVT-CLs but thinking I also need a V4B and SVT-VR ... just for fun!

 

[rodl2005]

That's the TB way. I've got two SVT-CLs but thinking I also need a V4B and SVT-VR ... just for fun!

Ya definitely do.

@Alexander congrats on the VR. As you probly have read. ... I was gonna grab one until it was suggested I try a SB300.
I ain't buying a VR. The V4B will have to do me Ampeg-wise. That ain't bad at all.

 

[Alexander]

Ya definitely do.

@Alexander congrats on the VR. As you probly have read. ... I was gonna grab one until it was suggested I try a SB300.
I ain't buying a VR. The V4B will have to do me Ampeg-wise. That ain't bad at all.

Agree - this will be an interesting little experiment. I've got a 45 day return policy on the VR and have plenty of opportunity to put it through it's paces in a band situation as well as lots of A/B time with the Super. I'll probably only keep one of them - I don't need two 300W heads laying around. It will need to sound better than both the V4B AND the Super to keep from going back - which is a tall order. But I have to give it a shot.

 

[rodl2005]

I've A/B'd the Super Bassman & VR thru my NV412 a couple of years ago. Very close. ....lovely tubey sound from both. Only the fact that the Super Bassman was 20lbs lighter and had the blendable drive steered me to it.

 

[Tim1]

I've A/B'd the Super Bassman & VR thru my NV412 a couple of years ago. Very close. ....lovely tubey sound from both. Only the fact that the Super Bassman was 20lbs lighter and had the blendable drive steered me to it.

+1.
This is exactly the comparison I made when I purchased my Super Bassman and at the time also owned a VR. The lighter weight was a significant factor in purchasing my SB300, and I have never regretted it.
EDIT: Like Rod, I also own a V4B reissue so really do have the best of both worlds .

 

[Alexander]

I may end up there too - with my curiosity satisfied. Positive outcome either way

 

[peterpalmieri]

Here is an updated photo

I do get the feeling there will be times I hit the ceiling in terms of volume limits with these cabs. Otherwise they sound great and the portability is really important to me.

Maybe a crazy question but is anybody running 4 of these at 2 ohms, like an 810? It is such an inexpensive and portable solution that is worth considering.

 

[Slowpicker]

Do you guys also have some hum from the loudspeaker when the V4B is in operation mode?

 

[rodl2005]

No hum here. ...... no more than Amy other amp I've had. I could probably here some if I turned it up full and stuck my ear on the speaker

 

[Tim1]

No hum with mine either.