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2013 Ampeg V-4B 100W Reissue Pt2

#2,722
rodl2005 said:
Depends. ..:banghead: I know that ain't what ya wanna hear. Sorry. Volume is SO variable. For me, for some gigs, it wouldn't be enough - for CLEAN tube tone. That's why I've got a Fender Super Bassman. But I'd think if you added another 212, you'd most likely be right.
For me the 300w of the Super Bassman it allows me fully clean, deep and FAT tone at great volumes. And that's what I need. Ymmv. :cool:
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yeah, volume is so interchangeable... But maybe a comparison (volumewise) could help me out, since I'm new to tubes. A 300w transistor amp and 212 cab is loud enough for me all the time, how would that compare to a 100w tube amp?

thanks for the reply btw :)
 
#2,724
ben_lenna said:
yeah, volume is so interchangeable... But maybe a comparison (volumewise) could help me out, since I'm new to tubes. A 300w transistor amp and 212 cab is loud enough for me all the time, how would that compare to a 100w tube amp?

thanks for the reply btw :)
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Then it may just work for you. Would probably be close but I think it would work for you.
 
#2,726
JimmyM said:
Then it may just work for you. Would probably be close but I think it would work for you.
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Thanks Jimmy! I don't mind the amp breaking up a little, that's why I'm going for tube anyway! So cleanheadroom is not the right word for it I think. But I think I don't want a bucketload of distortion. So I think I might just go for it, but there's a 5 hour drive ahead of me to the nearest store that has it. Thanks for the info!
 
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#2,727
I'd think that you'd be good volume-wise.
I play in a pretty loud band (louder than a fair shake of other bands we play with, due to the nature of distorted and fuzz tones we prefer) with two guitarists and keys playing 20-30 watt amps - all pushed, and a drummer who hits like Dave Grohl.

I've got the V-4B/212AV combo and I've been really pleased with how it's been holding up volume-wise. With master volume almost cranked (a little past 3/4 of full) and preamp gain to adjust (about halfway), I'm still not pushing volume to the max but get a nice thick tone with warm breakup. It's a perfect in-the-mix kind of tone. Warm, punchy, and supportive.

Even if you end up pushing preamp gain up more than not (where you're going to get the most distortion) the mid EQ and Ultra Lo rocker switch are going to let you warm up the signal to take out some of the bite. I also turn off the horn on the cab.
 
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#2,728
ben_lenna said:
Hello everyone,

I have a question that's been burning for a while now. I've read a lot about the V4B reissue and it looks like it's right up my alley tonewise. But I am worried that I won't have enough 'cleanheadroom' on stage. I play in a hiphop 5 piece band and a indiepop quartet, both bands are loud but not louder than anyother rockband most of us tend to know from playing in the city. Do you think if I get an Ampeg V4B with 212AV cab I would be settled for playing live? In a store I can't really put the volume to the test :bassist:

Also first post here, really love the talkbass forum. Been a reader for a while now, thought I'd join you guys :D
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With this combination, You will hear the p.a. guy tell you to turn the amp down! :D

I have a V-4b with two SVT112AV cabs, which amounts to the same, volume-wise and this is what I hear all the time.
(playing in an eight piece rock band)
YMMV.

And welcome (welkom) to Talkbass! :)
 
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#2,730
ben_lenna said:
Thanks Jimmy! I don't mind the amp breaking up a little, that's why I'm going for tube anyway! So cleanheadroom is not the right word for it I think. But I think I don't want a bucketload of distortion. So I think I might just go for it, but there's a 5 hour drive ahead of me to the nearest store that has it. Thanks for the info!
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Yep that sounds about right. If you're after a little grit in yr Tone then I'm pretty sure you'll be good to go with the V4B & 212AV. It's a great amp and. ...tho I wish I could try the cab (none of my local stores carry one).... it's supposed to sound superb with the V4B
Good luck
 
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#2,731
ben_lenna said:
Thanks Jimmy! I don't mind the amp breaking up a little, that's why I'm going for tube anyway! So cleanheadroom is not the right word for it I think. But I think I don't want a bucketload of distortion. So I think I might just go for it, but there's a 5 hour drive ahead of me to the nearest store that has it. Thanks for the info!
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I always think of it as "tube compression", but then that is just me. It is that wonderful warm grit you get from a tube power section on the edge of breakup, and Ampeg do it better than most (or all). It does not so much distort as compress and get thicker on the edges. Anyway, that is what I hear. My sadly gone SVT2nonpro with an old fridge cab used to do it spectacularly.
 
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#2,732
Hi all Ampeg lovers out there!

After more than 30 years playing Bass, for an unknown reason to me, I always seemed to avoid any Ampeg rigs.... My favourite music store owner told me roughly 15 years ago: There is nothing like Ampeg! Until last week when I got myself a used mint condition Ampeg SVT-III Pro head along with a new Portaflex 115 cab.... What a great rig, it is!

Now, I am luring towards the V4bh.... Any major differences in Tone between the SVT-III Pro and the V4BH as you know?
 
#2,733
There is always a difference between a hybrid like the 3 Pro and a full on tube Ampeg. The full tube amp is a little warmer and a little less hard and tight sounding than the hybrid. That said, I loved the sound I was getting out of the SVT 4 Pro I was supplied on this fly gig I'm doing this weekend. Different shades of awesome :)
 
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#2,734
JimmyM said:
There is always a difference between a hybrid like the 3 Pro and a full on tube Ampeg. The full tube amp is a little warmer and a little less hard and tight sounding than the hybrid. That said, I loved the sound I was getting out of the SVT 4 Pro I was supplied on this fly gig I'm doing this weekend. Different shades of awesome :)
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I'm glad to hear that you dig the 4pro. I'm thinking about picking one up.
 
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#2,737
Turlu said:
Hi all Ampeg lovers out there!

After more than 30 years playing Bass, for an unknown reason to me, I always seemed to avoid any Ampeg rigs.... My favourite music store owner told me roughly 15 years ago: There is nothing like Ampeg! Until last week when I got myself a used mint condition Ampeg SVT-III Pro head along with a new Portaflex 115 cab.... What a great rig, it is!

Now, I am luring towards the V4bh.... Any major differences in Tone between the SVT-III Pro and the V4BH as you know?
Click to expand...

Huge difference imo. 3 pro never REALLY impressed me. .. but the V4B is stunning.
It's just got THE FATNESS that only all tube amps can bring. ...imo of course. Probly a small total volume loss with the V4B compared to 450w of the 3 pro but the fat tube tone more than makes up for it. ..- again imo :woot:
 
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#2,739
I strongly consider getting this head as I wanted sth from Ampeg for a long time.

I know the amp is made in china (and it's all tubes). Are there any known problems with the head ? Is it reliable ?

To get it i'd need to sell all my gear so it will be my main amp for a while.
 

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