A little Ampeg advice needed

[haystack55]

FWIW, I spent about $15 in parts and built a master volume unit for my 93 SVT-II for when I want it to break up sooner. It sort of changed the overall character of my sound too much so I put it away, but it definitely achieved the breakup goal.

 

[pulse]

had an SVTII 90s model for a few years.
Loved: The massive depth it could take at high volumes. Incredibly deep tone that did not struggle against loud drums.
Disliked: Weight, was a back risk to lift alone. No pre amp gain... was hard to overdrive my MesaBoogie 2x15 800w diesel cab. Needed pedals to achieve grind (which then sounded great).

In the end I let it go as I was not using it often enough.... But i remember thinking if I played big stages all the time (with roadies) this would be the amp to have.

 

[Fenderbassfan]

I'll never understand wanting distortion in bass

 

[negativefx]

Just my two cents: I like both for many reasons. I had an svt 2 for a couple months many years ago and while I loved the tone it provided, it was lacking the tube snort of the svt classic. Does clean tones extremely well. Doesn't give you the SVT growl.

I have nothing bad to say about the v4.

 

[bass_student_1960]

Howdy folks,

I want to get an all-tube amp again and kinda had my mind set on the Ampeg V-4B. However, I accidently stumbled upon a used SVT-II (non-pro) that looks really interesting. Now I don't know which one to get. I play mostly in bars and small clubs (<100 seats) and I wonder if the SVT-II may be a little overkill. Also, how do they compare in sound? I plan to use it for classic rock/funk. The SVT-II would probably be very clean because I can't really crank it up. I do have a Darkglass Vintage Tubes and COG Pedals Fuzz (on the way) for the dirt. The cabs I use are Bergantino's (HT112 and HT112ER). Maybe I'll switch to an Ampeg cab also (later). I play passive Fender basses. So my question is, which amp would you pick and why? Thanks for the advice.

KN

 

[ladybug]

SVT ll non pro all the way. One of the best sounding amps on the planet.

 

[bstringrandy]

+1 on 300 watts into a sealed cab.

 

[RobbieNuke]

I would go for the V4B. Newer and lighter as well as self contained in a traditional cabinet as opposed to the SVT II which would need a road case or something like it. SVT II is made in USA, probably easier serviced and you'll never outgrow it. I would prefer a SVT II-Pro (or the original 70's 2-channel SVT or a USA made VR).

 

[Bruce]

Howdy folks,

I want to get an all-tube amp again and kinda had my mind set on the Ampeg V-4B. However, I accidently stumbled upon a used SVT-II (non-pro) that looks really interesting. Now I don't know which one to get. I play mostly in bars and small clubs (<100 seats) and I wonder if the SVT-II may be a little overkill. Also, how do they compare in sound? I plan to use it for classic rock/funk. The SVT-II would probably be very clean because I can't really crank it up. I do have a Darkglass Vintage Tubes and COG Pedals Fuzz (on the way) for the dirt. The cabs I use are Bergantino's (HT112 and HT112ER). Maybe I'll switch to an Ampeg cab also (later). I play passive Fender basses. So my question is, which amp would you pick and why? Thanks for the advice.

KN

Hello to you. I have been a paid bass player for 50 years. Just retired, after 36 years from being a self employed large boat mechanic, both electrical and mechanical.
I have a 1971 SVT w/810e cabinet. I rebuilt the 1971 head with new power supply caps and a few out of spec resistors. 6 months ago a friend bought just the head from me, leaving me with only the 810e cab.
I am also an audiophile, and much prefer tubes to transistors.
All that being said, I have been again gigging with the Ampeg 810e cabinet and am using my healthy Gallien Krueger 800rb head. I much prefer the sound of this cabinet with the solid state GK head.
Punch, detail, and headroom (very important) are better with a solid state amp.
There is a spec for amplifiers called the "damping factor".
What that means is that the speaker, with a vibrating voice coil, around a magnet structure, will generate back voltage.
Tube amplifiers don't do well with this back voltage, and have a damping factor of about 15-30.
A well designed solid state amplifier will have a damping factor of 80-150, or more.
This means that the solid state amplifier will "control" the cones much better than the tube unit.
I have tried many solid state and tube amps, and the GK 800rb has the best sound, to my ears. It is warm, punchy, and gets the harmonics right.
You can try an Ampeg V-4B, but I am quite sure you won't like the fact that your will quickly run out of headroom.
To gain 3 db of sound level, you have to double your power.
Best luck with your amp endevours.
Bruce, on the coast of South Carolina

 

[funkwrench]

Howdy folks,

I want to get an all-tube amp again and kinda had my mind set on the Ampeg V-4B. However, I accidently stumbled upon a used SVT-II (non-pro) that looks really interesting. Now I don't know which one to get. I play mostly in bars and small clubs (<100 seats) and I wonder if the SVT-II may be a little overkill. Also, how do they compare in sound? I plan to use it for classic rock/funk. The SVT-II would probably be very clean because I can't really crank it up. I do have a Darkglass Vintage Tubes and COG Pedals Fuzz (on the way) for the dirt. The cabs I use are Bergantino's (HT112 and HT112ER). Maybe I'll switch to an Ampeg cab also (later). I play passive Fender basses. So my question is, which amp would you pick and why? Thanks for the advice.

KN

There's an Ampeg v4B with a music man 1x15 cab for sale on FB SF right now for $880. If I was looking, I'd grab it. Perfect for that 60's / '70's vibe.

 

[murdockbass]

Buddy,

If the SVT-II is in good shape, do it. ( If you have only an 8 ohm 4x10, remember, you can wire it to 2 ohms for the SVT as long as it is 300 watts or above!)

The only experience I have with a V4B was as a guitar amp with a Marshall Plexi Super Bass and they would tear your bowels out with the LP Custom I had in 1978.

Good luck!!

 

[clevey]

I've had both the V4-B and the SVT Classic. The V4B JUST did not have enough headroom, even for medium size gigs around the LA area in the 70's and 80's. I had active EMGs in a P-bass as well as a passive '63 P-bass but it still broke up too easily with either bass. I used it with 1-15 and 2-15 Sunn Cabs, and a V4B cab with 2-15's and none of it cut it much of the time. So it was well worth moving the SVT head around (although I was in my 20's at the time). Now that I am in my 60's thank goodness for Aguilar!!

Howdy folks,

I want to get an all-tube amp again and kinda had my mind set on the Ampeg V-4B. However, I accidently stumbled upon a used SVT-II (non-pro) that looks really interesting. Now I don't know which one to get. I play mostly in bars and small clubs (<100 seats) and I wonder if the SVT-II may be a little overkill. Also, how do they compare in sound? I plan to use it for classic rock/funk. The SVT-II would probably be very clean because I can't really crank it up. I do have a Darkglass Vintage Tubes and COG Pedals Fuzz (on the way) for the dirt. The cabs I use are Bergantino's (HT112 and HT112ER). Maybe I'll switch to an Ampeg cab also (later). I play passive Fender basses. So my question is, which amp would you pick and why? Thanks for the advice.

KN

 

[Skeetersbiscuit]

Howdy folks,

I want to get an all-tube amp again and kinda had my mind set on the Ampeg V-4B. However, I accidently stumbled upon a used SVT-II (non-pro) that looks really interesting. Now I don't know which one to get. I play mostly in bars and small clubs (<100 seats) and I wonder if the SVT-II may be a little overkill. Also, how do they compare in sound? I plan to use it for classic rock/funk. The SVT-II would probably be very clean because I can't really crank it up. I do have a Darkglass Vintage Tubes and COG Pedals Fuzz (on the way) for the dirt. The cabs I use are Bergantino's (HT112 and HT112ER). Maybe I'll switch to an Ampeg cab also (later). I play passive Fender basses. So my question is, which amp would you pick and why? Thanks for the advice.

KN

If you don't want the SVT-II, send me the contact info. I've been looking for one of those forever! I used to have one, and at the time, I had to part with it. IMO, that amp is THE amp to have, I love the tone, it was amazing. Ya, it's heavy as crap to haul around, but so is an 810, and I won't part with that either. Right now, I play through an Ampeg SVT 7 pro, which is like carrying around a pencil compared to that thing. Yep, I'm a total Ampeg fanboy, lol.

 

[blubass]

I'll never understand wanting distortion in bass

There's nothing to understand about it. If you aren't interested in an overdriven tone, it simply gets filed under personal preference.

 

[Claus pryds]

I have an SVT 2 Pro and use it with a 410 hlf cab
Best rig a ever played !!

I have played SVT Classic but my 2 Pro i my favorit

Regards Claus pryds

 

[Cheez]

If it's in reasonable shape and a decent price, I'd get the SVT, especially considering I can buy a V4 off the shelf anytime.

 

[King Kolon]

Howdy folks,

I want to get an all-tube amp again and kinda had my mind set on the Ampeg V-4B. However, I accidently stumbled upon a used SVT-II (non-pro) that looks really interesting. Now I don't know which one to get. I play mostly in bars and small clubs (<100 seats) and I wonder if the SVT-II may be a little overkill. Also, how do they compare in sound? I plan to use it for classic rock/funk. The SVT-II would probably be very clean because I can't really crank it up. I do have a Darkglass Vintage Tubes and COG Pedals Fuzz (on the way) for the dirt. The cabs I use are Bergantino's (HT112 and HT112ER). Maybe I'll switch to an Ampeg cab also (later). I play passive Fender basses. So my question is, which amp would you pick and why? Thanks for the advice.

KN

Well, either head matched to what you have sounds great, a 210 Ampeg is all you need or What ever else you want. A single 12" is Ok if the Right one. Single 15" is probably the Best or 2-10" cab for 100 people. John B.

 

[rickadoo]

Howdy folks,

I want to get an all-tube amp again and kinda had my mind set on the Ampeg V-4B. However, I accidently stumbled upon a used SVT-II (non-pro) that looks really interesting. Now I don't know which one to get. I play mostly in bars and small clubs (<100 seats) and I wonder if the SVT-II may be a little overkill. Also, how do they compare in sound? I plan to use it for classic rock/funk. The SVT-II would probably be very clean because I can't really crank it up. I do have a Darkglass Vintage Tubes and COG Pedals Fuzz (on the way) for the dirt. The cabs I use are Bergantino's (HT112 and HT112ER). Maybe I'll switch to an Ampeg cab also (later). I play passive Fender basses. So my question is, which amp would you pick and why? Thanks for the advice.

KN

I've had the V4-B and the V4-Lead heads. Used them both on the road for 8 years without a hitch. I highly recommend these heads for your bass using the HLF 410 cabinets in the lower end and Hartke Hydrive 4-10 cabinet in the upper with the V4 lead head. Using a crossover and using the V4 B in the lower end and the V4 lead in the upper bass range. Sounds killer and quite durable.

Howdy folks,

I want to get an all-tube amp again and kinda had my mind set on the Ampeg V-4B. However, I accidently stumbled upon a used SVT-II (non-pro) that looks really interesting. Now I don't know which one to get. I play mostly in bars and small clubs (<100 seats) and I wonder if the SVT-II may be a little overkill. Also, how do they compare in sound? I plan to use it for classic rock/funk. The SVT-II would probably be very clean because I can't really crank it up. I do have a Darkglass Vintage Tubes and COG Pedals Fuzz (on the way) for the dirt. The cabs I use are Bergantino's (HT112 and HT112ER). Maybe I'll switch to an Ampeg cab also (later). I play passive Fender basses. So my question is, which amp would you pick and why? Thanks for the advice.

KN

 

[jimmyjames77]

Keep an open mind for the ampeg 2 pro as well. Simply dime the master on it and use the gain as the volume gets you the tone of the non pro svt. IMO.

 

[youngboy]

So I have 4 V4 cabs and amps that I use. Unless you are on a mission to break your back on weight don't use these for a gig. Back in the day when they first came out the tech wasn't around to make them lighter. Tubes sound unreal but they also break. The new amps won't break your back or the budget. If this is a permanent install then the V4's will work great. Plus the cost of a newer amp is cheaper and repair is also sub less. Hell I've had bass players use a DI through the mains and its works fine. Each application is a little different. So permanent... the v4's... one nighters or moving around... newer amps.