2013 Ampeg V-4B 100W Reissue Pt2

[One Drop]

Okay, so here's a question for you guys. Is there any problem with using a full tube amp like the V4B for short durations? I generally practice once a day for about 1 hour at a time. Will that cause a shorter life span for the power tubes? I'm not playing out these days, with the exception of an occasional charity gig, so the amp would be mainly for recording and practice. And I am SO GASsing for a V4B!

Short answer? No.

 

[johnpbass]

Short answer? No.

Thanks One Drop!
What's the long answer may I ask?

 

[JimmyM]

Okay, so here's a question for you guys. Is there any problem with using a full tube amp like the V4B for short durations? I generally practice once a day for about 1 hour at a time. Will that cause a shorter life span for the power tubes? I'm not playing out these days, with the exception of an occasional charity gig, so the amp would be mainly for recording and practice. And I am SO GASsing for a V4B!

Shouldn't be a problem whatsoever. These amps were made to be used.

 

[JimmyM]

Our Invalid Link Removed (print copies mailing out).

Just read it. Seems there are some differences here and there between new and old, but I really find it hard to care when I plug into mine

 

[beans-on-toast]

What's the long answer may I ask?

Noooooooooooooo!

Using the amp is better that letting it sit for long periods. It keeps the electrolytic caps conditioned. All amps that sit unused should be operated at least every six months or so to allow the e-capacitors to reform. There is a chemical reaction the goes on inside these wet capacitors when they sit that breaks down an insulating layer inside the cap. Energizing them reverses this reaction.

Leaving the amp in standby for extended periods of time is not good. If the amp is going to sit in standby for over an hour, turn it off. Of course it isn't the end of the world if you have to do this a gig from time to time.

 

[johnpbass]

Shouldn't be a problem whatsoever. These amps were made to be used.

Thanks JimmyM. You know, I remember that I used to do that with my old V4B back in the day. I had one amp, a V4B, an SVT810 for gigs, and a no-name 115 for home practice. All I needed for home practice, band practice, gigs.

 

[johnpbass]

Noooooooooooooo!

Using the amp is better that letting it sit for long periods It keeps the electrolytic cap conditioned. All amp that sit unused should be operated at least every six months or so to all the wet capacitors to reform. So using an amp is better than letting it sit.

Leaving the amp in standby for extender periods of time is not good. If the amp is going to sit in standby for over an hour, turn it off. Of course it isn't the end of the world if you have to do this a gig from time to time.

Thanks David. That's great info (as usual)! I really don't need three amps anymore so I'm actually considering having the V4B as my only amp.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Thanks David. That's great info (as usual)! I really don't need three amps anymore so I'm actually considering having the V4B as my only amp.

It's ok to have some of life's simple pleasures John. A B15, a V4B, and an SVT can cover all the basses that you have.

 

[punky]

My V4B showed up today.
Gave it a good run through this GS112 and will be gigging it primarily through this cab and a GS212. I was hoping it would fit OK on the top of this cab but it did not. So I simply took the feet off. If I run it thru the fridge, I'll put them back on. Sounds just like I was hoping it would!

 

[rodl2005]

One of My V4B's plastic feet broke off last weekend dammit! Wasn't putting any particular force on it neither. Just regular use.
Oh well. ..I s'pose I'll grab some decent rubber feet.
Bit poor really as it's only a few months old and has had no rough treatment.
Lucky it sounds so good

 

[Dave W]

I put rubber feet on mine. I was not a fan of the plastic feet for some reason.

 

[rodl2005]

Not a fan of the placcy feet either... But I didn't think one'd break of so easily. Warranty? ???

 

[G On Bass]

I put rubber feet on mine. I was not a fan of the plastic feet for some reason.

Where does one acquire the rubber feet?

 

[rodl2005]

I'll just be going to a local hardware store for some. .. dunno about how good the tone of them will be compared to real Ampeg ones tho..

 

[Dave W]

Where does one acquire the rubber feet?

I got mine from Mojotone, but I had to order a bunch of other parts at the same time.

I bought some feet from Home Depot for my 400+ last year and I found a set of feet at guitar center that Peavey made.

 

[coreyfyfe]

Fliptops has ampeg style plastic and rubber feet pretty cheap. Tall rubber ones are $6/4-pack, the shorter/wider ones are $5/4-pack. The $5 set are the ones for the vintage amps but they'd probably fit the new ones too. The taller rubber feet are the dolly feet but look more similar (at least in the pictures) to the tall plastic feet they use on the modern amps. If you're considering them I'd shoot Bruce an email first and see if he can tell you what might fit better.

 

[sjrash]

Ok, I'm trying to be happy, but...... I ordered a V-4B, took it out of the box and it has a rip in the tolex. I haven't even fired it up yet and I'm trying to decide if I should exchange it, or see if the company will give me a discount. I'm the kind of person who tries to keep my stuff in great shape. I like to be the one to mess it up first. Opinions??

 

[Bass 45]

View attachment 590026 Ok, I'm trying to be happy, but...... I ordered a V-4B, took it out of the box and it has a rip in the tolex. I haven't even fired it up yet and I'm trying to decide if I should exchange it, or see if the company will give me a discount. I'm the kind of person who tries to keep my stuff in great shape. I like to be the one to mess it up first. Opinions??

That would bum me out too. If you decide to keep it, you can touch it up with a black Sharpie - it shouldn't be as noticeable then.

 

[G On Bass]

View attachment 590026 Ok, I'm trying to be happy, but...... I ordered a V-4B, took it out of the box and it has a rip in the tolex. I haven't even fired it up yet and I'm trying to decide if I should exchange it, or see if the company will give me a discount. I'm the kind of person who tries to keep my stuff in great shape. I like to be the one to mess it up first. Opinions??

That would tick me off. Any box damage? Was it sold as new?

Time for an exchange or some partial refundage, IMHO.

 

[JimmyM]

I would exchange it, too. You pay for something, they want you to have it, and they have no problem taking it back.