2013 Ampeg V-4B 100W Reissue Pt2

[rodl2005]

I'm like that but with my Super Bassman and V4B.
I had a blues/jazz gig last night &just find it hard to go without the SLAM that the 6x6550s bring.
Sadly. . I haven't used my V4B for a while.
I'll make sure I do. ..and soon

 

[Crusty]

I'm like that but with my Super Bassman and V4B.
I had a blues/jazz gig last night &just find it hard to go without the SLAM that the 6x6550s bring.
Sadly. . I haven't used my V4B for a while.
I'll make sure I do. ..and soon

I thought the honeymoon with my V-4B/212Av would never end....

But a few weeks ago I got a new Heritage SVT-CL - a shop was letting it go for $3300 (bear in mind retail is Australia for a SVT Heritage is between $4200 and $5200) I could't resist and picked it up to run through my 212AV.

Well, as much as I have loved my V-4B, the honeymoon is over but there are plenty of fond memories. There are countless threads/posts asking "SVT or V-4B ?" Having been able to A-B them with ample time, I can safely say there is no contest for my money. Tonally, they tread the same ground, albeit with different tweaks to the EQ. But there's a gravity and weight to the SVT that the V-4B can't touch. And knowing I can't ever run out of headroom is a bonus - after reading so many threads and posts myself asking "Is the V-4B loud enough..?" I can safely say it was for my needs, with some limitations on clean headroom. But when you put down the cash for an SVT CL/VR/Heritage, you know you are never going to ask that question.

Probably the only criticism of the Heritage is that it needs a bit more tweaking than the V-4B - knobs at noon is a bit dark (dare i say muddy ?) for my tastes when playing finger style - fine for pick. The v-4 B was set and forget great tone at noon. Need to boost the mids a bit and roll the bass off quite a bit on the new one - but I am wondering if that's due to the 212 being ported ?

Oh, and of course, insert the usual gripe of having to carry and move the damn thing - but only having the 212, I don't have to lift it above waist height which is a good thing.

Odd place to be reviewing an SVT, I know, but figured people trawling through for info on the V-4B might find this comparison useful.

While I'm here, any idea where I could get some Heritage grill cloth for my 212AV ? Fliptops and the usual suspects don't sell it and can't seem to find any way to buy it online from Loud from Australia.

 

[coreyfyfe]

Probably the only criticism of the Heritage is that it needs a bit more tweaking than the V-4B - knobs at noon is a bit dark (dare i say muddy ?) for my tastes when playing finger style - fine for pick. The v-4 B was set and forget great tone at noon. Need to boost the mids a bit and roll the bass off quite a bit on the new one - but I am wondering if that's due to the 212 being ported ?

If the Heritage has JJ tubes in the pre ditch those for some of the new sensor tung sol or mullard reissues. Should brighten up the input stage. I always find JJ tubes too dark in my amps.

For the heritage cloth, I think Loud will sell it but you have to contact them directly.

 

[beans-on-toast]

I thought the honeymoon with my V-4B/212Av would never end....

But a few weeks ago I got a new Heritage SVT-CL - a shop was letting it go for $3300 (bear in mind retail is Australia for a SVT Heritage is between $4200 and $5200) I could't resist and picked it up to run through my 212AV.

Well, as much as I have loved my V-4B, the honeymoon is over but there are plenty of fond memories. There are countless threads/posts asking "SVT or V-4B ?" Having been able to A-B them with ample time, I can safely say there is no contest for my money. Tonally, they tread the same ground, albeit with different tweaks to the EQ. But there's a gravity and weight to the SVT that the V-4B can't touch. And knowing I can't ever run out of headroom is a bonus - after reading so many threads and posts myself asking "Is the V-4B loud enough..?" I can safely say it was for my needs, with some limitations on clean headroom. But when you put down the cash for an SVT CL/VR/Heritage, you know you are never going to ask that question.

Probably the only criticism of the Heritage is that it needs a bit more tweaking than the V-4B - knobs at noon is a bit dark (dare i say muddy ?) for my tastes when playing finger style - fine for pick. The v-4 B was set and forget great tone at noon. Need to boost the mids a bit and roll the bass off quite a bit on the new one - but I am wondering if that's due to the 212 being ported ?

Oh, and of course, insert the usual gripe of having to carry and move the damn thing - but only having the 212, I don't have to lift it above waist height which is a good thing.

Odd place to be reviewing an SVT, I know, but figured people trawling through for info on the V-4B might find this comparison useful.

While I'm here, any idea where I could get some Heritage grill cloth for my 212AV ? Fliptops and the usual suspects don't sell it and can't seem to find any way to buy it online from Loud from Australia.

I find that there are advantages to having both. Different tools for different jobs.

Loud sells the Heritage grille cloth. The piece is large enough to cover an 810. Try contacting their customer service department in the US to place an order. If they won't ship to Oz, they should be able to provide you with a part number for ordering locally.

 

[peterpalmieri]

I thought the honeymoon with my V-4B/212Av would never end....

But a few weeks ago I got a new Heritage SVT-CL - a shop was letting it go for $3300 (bear in mind retail is Australia for a SVT Heritage is between $4200 and $5200) I could't resist and picked it up to run through my 212AV.

Well, as much as I have loved my V-4B, the honeymoon is over but there are plenty of fond memories. There are countless threads/posts asking "SVT or V-4B ?" Having been able to A-B them with ample time, I can safely say there is no contest for my money. Tonally, they tread the same ground, albeit with different tweaks to the EQ. But there's a gravity and weight to the SVT that the V-4B can't touch. And knowing I can't ever run out of headroom is a bonus - after reading so many threads and posts myself asking "Is the V-4B loud enough..?" I can safely say it was for my needs, with some limitations on clean headroom. But when you put down the cash for an SVT CL/VR/Heritage, you know you are never going to ask that question.

Probably the only criticism of the Heritage is that it needs a bit more tweaking than the V-4B - knobs at noon is a bit dark (dare i say muddy ?) for my tastes when playing finger style - fine for pick. The v-4 B was set and forget great tone at noon. Need to boost the mids a bit and roll the bass off quite a bit on the new one - but I am wondering if that's due to the 212 being ported ?

Oh, and of course, insert the usual gripe of having to carry and move the damn thing - but only having the 212, I don't have to lift it above waist height which is a good thing.

Odd place to be reviewing an SVT, I know, but figured people trawling through for info on the V-4B might find this comparison useful.

While I'm here, any idea where I could get some Heritage grill cloth for my 212AV ? Fliptops and the usual suspects don't sell it and can't seem to find any way to buy it online from Loud from Australia.

I HATE YOU, signed content V4b owner

 

[coreyfyfe]

I HATE YOU, signed content V4b owner

If it's any consolation I have a 73 V4 and 74 SVT (and a pair of 112AV) and while I agree with the assessment that the V4 is a little lighter on the low end heft versus the SVT at the same settings, it's still my go to amp between the two. Different strokes for different folks and all. You'll always wonder if the grass is really greener, but it's hard to go wrong with either.

 

[JimmyM]

I thought the honeymoon with my V-4B/212Av would never end....

But a few weeks ago I got a new Heritage SVT-CL - a shop was letting it go for $3300 (bear in mind retail is Australia for a SVT Heritage is between $4200 and $5200) I could't resist and picked it up to run through my 212AV.

Well, as much as I have loved my V-4B, the honeymoon is over but there are plenty of fond memories. There are countless threads/posts asking "SVT or V-4B ?" Having been able to A-B them with ample time, I can safely say there is no contest for my money. Tonally, they tread the same ground, albeit with different tweaks to the EQ. But there's a gravity and weight to the SVT that the V-4B can't touch. And knowing I can't ever run out of headroom is a bonus - after reading so many threads and posts myself asking "Is the V-4B loud enough..?" I can safely say it was for my needs, with some limitations on clean headroom. But when you put down the cash for an SVT CL/VR/Heritage, you know you are never going to ask that question.

Probably the only criticism of the Heritage is that it needs a bit more tweaking than the V-4B - knobs at noon is a bit dark (dare i say muddy ?) for my tastes when playing finger style - fine for pick. The v-4 B was set and forget great tone at noon. Need to boost the mids a bit and roll the bass off quite a bit on the new one - but I am wondering if that's due to the 212 being ported ?

Oh, and of course, insert the usual gripe of having to carry and move the damn thing - but only having the 212, I don't have to lift it above waist height which is a good thing.

Odd place to be reviewing an SVT, I know, but figured people trawling through for info on the V-4B might find this comparison useful.

While I'm here, any idea where I could get some Heritage grill cloth for my 212AV ? Fliptops and the usual suspects don't sell it and can't seem to find any way to buy it online from Loud from Australia.

You can buy Heritage cloth. Here is info on Ampeg's Australian distributor...Stephen Lane is the guy who runs it. Nice guy, plays bass great!

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I once sat with an SVT and Markbass LMII I used to have, set the LMII at noon on all the dials because it's flat response that way, and I got this for as close to flat as I could get: Bass 11:00, treble 2:00, mids 3:00 @ 800 hz. It's not exact but it's pretty close. You can do the same with the V4B's knobs all at noon because it's flat response that way, too.

 

[Crusty]

If it's any consolation I have a 73 V4 and 74 SVT (and a pair of 112AV) and while I agree with the assessment that the V4 is a little lighter on the low end heft versus the SVT at the same settings, it's still my go to amp between the two. Different strokes for different folks and all. You'll always wonder if the grass is really greener, but it's hard to go wrong with either.

I think this is closer to the truth on the whole matter. I was completely content with the V-4B, in every way. But I was always looking longingly at the SVT side of the fence and didn't want to die wondering. I'd have either. If I could justify it financially, I'd have both. If I develop a hernia, I'm going straight back to a V-4B.

Thankyou for all the helpful responses on the grill cloth and EQ. I'll check out CMI in Australia first, then call Loud direct if no luck.

 

[esoxhntr]

I agree with what Peter said, except for the part about dialing back the lows on the Flatback. I boost lows in the 210av instead

Sorry to cover ground that has likely been covered, Jimmy...

Clearly you are still using the 210av with your V-4B - Is there a particular reason to stand the cabs upright and not put them side by each on the floor like a square 410 type of deal? I tried that on the gig last night and it worked out reasonably well. Are the 210 AV stacked vertically that much better?

 

[peterpalmieri]

Sorry to cover ground that has likely been covered, Jimmy...

Clearly you are still using the 210av with your V-4B - Is there a particular reason to stand the cabs upright and not put them side by each on the floor like a square 410 type of deal? I tried that on the gig last night and it worked out reasonably well. Are the 210 AV stacked vertically that much better?

My biggest reason for doing it is small stage and the side by side hits you at the knees. Not a huge difference on stage if you are 6-10 feet away. But the vertical dispersion could matter out I. The audience.

 

[esoxhntr]

My biggest reason for doing it is small stage and the side by side hits you at the knees. Not a huge difference on stage if you are 6-10 feet away. But the vertical dispersion could matter out I. The audience.

Yup, makes sense. Fortunately I have some room to move around, so I can usually get away from the from of the cabs. The thought of the 210 AV pair stacked vertically never fails to give me the heebee jeebees. By the by, I like your NV115 stack with the V-4B. I bet that sounds good! I ran my late 70s with a single one last weekend and was fairly pleased.

 

[JimmyM]

Sorry to cover ground that has likely been covered, Jimmy...

Clearly you are still using the 210av with your V-4B - Is there a particular reason to stand the cabs upright and not put them side by each on the floor like a square 410 type of deal? I tried that on the gig last night and it worked out reasonably well. Are the 210 AV stacked vertically that much better?

I can hear them better, but if you liked it sideways, rock.

 

[peterpalmieri]

Yup, makes sense. Fortunately I have some room to move around, so I can usually get away from the from of the cabs. The thought of the 210 AV pair stacked vertically never fails to give me the heebee jeebees. By the by, I like your NV115 stack with the V-4B. I bet that sounds good! I ran my late 70s with a single one last weekend and was fairly pleased.

The NVs are awesome without a doubt. I especially like them when using flats, but I love my 210AVs too.

 

[esoxhntr]

I can hear them better, but if you liked it sideways, rock.

Makes sense, I just worry about a strong breeze knocking them over. I almost never play in a strong breeze, but you get what I mean...

 

[esoxhntr]

The NVs are awesome without a doubt. I especially like them when using flats, but I love my 210AVs too.

There's just something about the punch of sealed tens.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Makes sense, I just worry about a strong breeze knocking them over. I almost never play in a strong breeze, but you get what I mean...

Rigging for line array cabinets always scares me. Especially when standing under them.

Ampeg used to offer a way of attaching portaflex cabinets. A pair of fasteners would go from the inside of one cabinet into a threaded insert of the other cabinet. It was more trouble than it was worth.

Years ago Fender had a system of plates and thumbscrews that connected heads to cabinets. This allowed you to tilt them back. Something similar could be rigged up on the side of the 210 cabs. Although it would require a modification to each cab.

Bottom of head

Thumbscrew into cabinet

 

[rodl2005]

Haven't heard a bad report re the SVT 212AV & V4B pairing neither.
I KNOW it works really well with my Fender Bassman Pro Neo 115 cabs. ..and, like the 212AV, they're ported. But. ..& I've not played the 212AV. .. they're tuned nicely. .unlike any ported cabs I've had b4. Very punchy and tight. .
But, like a sealed cab, will punch out those lows IF you dial em in. I'm impressed.
I would love to try (have) a 212AV also. .. but. ..

 

[ErnieD]

Dang it rodl..., too bad you're in Oz-land, you could buy my pristine 212AV w/cover. Care to cover the ship fees?

I think I've gigged it like 6 times if that. I actually bought two of the 212AV's when I first bought my V4B. I gigged that rig once and sent a 212AV back to Sweetwater. Just new I'd never need that much fire power but man was it sweet.

I then ordered two, 112AV's. Then I sent one of those 112's back. I've used my V4B with 112AV+212AV once or twice. I just realized the single 212AV is enough. And the single 112AV is enough for small gigs. But again my much lighter cabs and amps just get used way more. peace y'all, e.

 

[Tim1]

Haven't heard a bad report re the SVT 212AV & V4B pairing neither.
I KNOW it works really well with my Fender Bassman Pro Neo 115 cabs. ..and, like the 212AV, they're ported. But. ..& I've not played the 212AV. .. they're tuned nicely. .unlike any ported cabs I've had b4. Very punchy and tight. .
But, like a sealed cab, will punch out those lows IF you dial em in. I'm impressed.
I would love to try (have) a 212AV also. .. but. ..

The 212AV has a strong character of its own and the horn is nicely tuned imo - not quite subtle buy very useable for a bit of extra attack. I don't often use mine these days but I was reminded just how nice it is at the weekend when I paired it with a Trace Elliott V4.

 

[peterpalmieri]

I put it like this...the 4 Pro reminds me more of a V4B or SVT running at its cleanest, and the 7 Pro reminds me more of a V4B or SVT pushed just to the brink of losing cleanliness...it's not dirty, just has a little bit of sag to it. That's sort of how I hear traditional SS with the heavy power transformers vs micros with the SMPS in general. Tighter vs slightly sagging.

I decided on a back up to my reissue V4b and Monique M2500. On its way to me from a fellow TBer is a mint SVTII non pro. Not quite the micro back up I envisioned BUT. It will have the tube tone I love in the V4b and the headroom of the Jule M2500