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2013 Ampeg V-4B 100W Reissue Pt2

#1,641
Thanks again, this place is great! Yes Tom mine is silent other than when I first turn it on. The noise never happens again until the next time I turn it on or if I throw it on standby for a set break and come back, it will happen again when I turn it on.
I love the amp! I'm certainly not complaining about it just concerned that maybe its a sign ...like when your breaks get low and start to squeal. Maybe
I should also mention that it seems to get really hot. I know its not the same as a vintage v4b, and I've had 3 of those but none of them ever got as hot as my reissue...almost too hot to touch on the faceplate after about an hour - Is that right?
 
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#1,643
@rl1, I've heard that similar noise you described on pg 82 like twice now at two different times out of my ri-V4B when coming out of standby IIRC. Didn't give it much more concern as I've not heard any noises before or since those times. From what many say here, tube quality is just not what it once was, so I suspect I'd look at that first in the process of elimination. Seems you've done that already.

Also, I feel my amp gets very hot as well. I assumed this was typical of tube bass amps'. Then again, this is first all tube bass amp I've owned since my new Bassman 135 back in '79 or so. I've been looking for a clip on fan to clip onto the back of my V4B for those outdoor summer gigs coming. Not sure it's needed but just to be safe I'll try that out.
 
#1,644
I would also run it by Ampeg's CS dept. Maybe email a vid or audio recording of it to them.

And Ernie, heat IS typical of tube bass amps. There are times I can totally feel it coming from my SVT's from a few feet away. Under normal circumstances, though (meaning very hot summer days out in the sun in Florida), the V4B can dissipate it no problem. A fan doesn't hurt, but I don't think it's necessary.
 
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#1,647
spaz21387 said:
I just joined the v4b club and love it. Today is day 4. I'm kind of bummed out that I have to go to work today. I'm running ultra low off 800 hz and ultra high off. I'm just wondering how to get the drive to come out at lower volumes. Could my stingray be the reason I can't get it to overdrive?
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Crank the gain. I would think a Ray would have plenty of output to overdrive the gain.
 
#1,652
And for the record, I blame all you guys for creating this unending GAS that would not go away until I purchased one. All my favorite bands use SVTs, I've played them before and always loved the tone, just figured I'd try to find it in a smaller package. Since I don't need the extra power for the places I play (PA support, stage volume isn't overbearing, plus I like a little grind), I'm hoping the V4B fits the bill and I can stop tone hunting.
 
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#1,653
grimmchaos said:
And for the record, I blame all you guys for creating this unending GAS that would not go away until I purchased one. All my favorite bands use SVTs, I've played them before and always loved the tone, just figured I'd try to find it in a smaller package. Since I don't need the extra power for the places I play (PA support, stage volume isn't overbearing, plus I like a little grind), I'm hoping the V4B fits the bill and I can stop tone hunting.
Click to expand...
It will and you can ;)
 
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#1,655
JimmyM said:
I would also run it by Ampeg's CS dept. Maybe email a vid or audio recording of it to them.

And Ernie, heat IS typical of tube bass amps. There are times I can totally feel it coming from my SVT's from a few feet away. Under normal circumstances, though (meaning very hot summer days out in the sun in Florida), the V4B can dissipate it no problem. A fan doesn't hurt, but I don't think it's necessary.
Click to expand...

My svt Classic runs for 4 hours straight twice a week all summer outside in Florida. It has a fan but still has no problem in the heat. I would think the fan is not necessary for the v4b.
 
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#1,656
Cool, good to know about the fan.
NOW, If I wanted to boost the power of my V4B with a external amp, would I be bypassing the internal power tubes?

I'm thinking of using my Genz Benz 12.2 amp for the power amp, one side (600watts). If not, I also have a Crown XLS1500 but would prefer the GB so I can just place it on top of the V4B when needed.
Finally, I have to look at the back of my V4B later today to check but I think there is input for a power amp IN. Would I just run a patch cord from GB SEND?? into this input. Don't want to use the GB pre but still the V4B's.

Or is this wrong and/or just a bad idea? Any thoughts, helpful replies appreciated.
 
#1,657
ErnieD said:
Cool, good to know about the fan.
NOW, If I wanted to boost the power of my V4B with a external amp, would I be bypassing the internal power tubes?

I'm thinking of using my Genz Benz 12.2 amp for the power amp, one side (600watts). If not, I also have a Crown XLS1500 but would prefer the GB so I can just place it on top of the V4B when needed.
Finally, I have to look at the back of my V4B later today to check but I think there is input for a power amp IN. Would I just run a patch cord from GB SEND?? into this input. Don't want to use the GB pre but still the V4B's.

Or is this wrong and/or just a bad idea? Any thoughts, helpful replies appreciated.
Click to expand...

To use the preamp of the V4B and the power amp of the GB, you would run a patch cable from the preamp out of the V4B into the FX return of the GB (not the send)

Yes, you would be bypassing the power amp of the V4B

As for it being wrong or a bad idea, that's up to you. You're going to be losing a lot of what makes a tube amp sound like a tube amp from bypassing the power amp.
 
#1,658
Ah yeah, got it. Thanks Dave W. Well, my way kinda defeats the purpose of just making my loud tube amp a louder tube amp then. Cool, I can def live with it as is then. No shortage of volume so far. Was kinda just thinking out loud while downing a cup o' jo this A.M. Peace, e.
 

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