I just bought and restored (caps and tubes) a later '70s V4B. I had an SVT in the past but I just didn't need that much power. With a 100 watt amp I can really hit the sweet spot without blasting everyone out of the room, and i'm in a somewhat loud band too! I'm looking forward to the new V4b just to see how Ampeg does it. I would be curious to see if they're in the original style 27" cabinet or a skinny SVT style box.
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Ampeg teasing us again
- Thread starter fuzzy beard
- Start date
If they come out with a V4 reissue it needs to be like an early 70's model.. (Same with v4b).. Anything less will be blah........
But I am with others.. I would rather buy used vintage. Even if you can't work on them, find a good tech who can make it like new... You will still probably have less money in it than new....
Hell you can even retooled and get a reman faceplate/grill cloth to have the "new" feel...
But I am with others.. I would rather buy used vintage. Even if you can't work on them, find a good tech who can make it like new... You will still probably have less money in it than new....
Hell you can even retooled and get a reman faceplate/grill cloth to have the "new" feel...
Strong power transformers, more clean headroom than a V4B, can handle 6550s...I think you're onto something, this could be the recipe for an epic amp that'd revolutionize bass amplification...such an amp would most certainly continue to be a classic even after 40 years since its conception...
If only Ampeg made something like that...one could only wish...
I've found all the current Ampeg stuff to sound very much like the old stuff, so I'm not worried about the sound not being there. But I do like old amps, too, and I get why people still love them. Got a couple my own self. But now, those who want a new one will be happy as well as those who only want old ones. Win win.
I agree that if new sounds as good as old then it is a win win...
Would like to try a us made 4 input svt-vr. Sure not new anymore , but much newer.
. And they did great by the Svt II non pro...
Honestly, I don't hear a whole lot of difference between SVT's of any vintage. Some like the American output transformers better, but the imported CL's and VR's with Chinese transformers sound great to me. However, my Heritage SVT-CL has a Heyboer output transformer in it. Haven't been able to AB it with an imported CL or VR but I've AB'd it with my 69 and it's a dead ringer for it. I'm told the American transformers hold together a bit better at higher volumes and have more harmonic content when you start pushing them harder.I agree that if new sounds as good as old then it is a win win...
Would like to try a us made 4 input svt-vr. Sure not new anymore , but much newer.
I have an early 70s SVT and a US-made SVT VR. I A/B'ed them and couldn't really tell any difference. Then I did it again and actually recorded myself (using a good mic out in front of the cab). When I listened to the recordings back to back through good headphones, then I could hear a clear difference. And I definitely prefer my vintage SVT. I was actually hoping to like the VR at least as well, because I wanted to sell the vintage one. I figured the vintage SVT would fetch a higher price and I liked the idea of having a built-in DI and the spiffy blue graphics. So, my preference is definitely not because I was already biased in favor of the vintage SVT.
Is the difference I heard simply down to better tubes in the vintage SVT? Or is it something inherent to the design of one versus the other? I don't know. If the tubes could be directly swapped from one to the other, I would try it and find out. But, they can't. So, the VR is being sold.
Is the difference I heard simply down to better tubes in the vintage SVT? Or is it something inherent to the design of one versus the other? I don't know. If the tubes could be directly swapped from one to the other, I would try it and find out. But, they can't. So, the VR is being sold.
It's possible it's the tubes, but it's also possible it's something else. Don't know when exactly they made the switch to Chinese transformers, but Jerrold said that Electrical Windings priced themselves out of the transformer business while he was still at Ampeg so that might be a culprit as well. And it could be as simple as the knob settings not lining up exactly. Did you try to match tones exactly or did you just set both on the same knob settings?
My Heritage with the NOS Raytheon 12ax7's I had in it for a couple weeks sounded less like my 69 and more like it with the stock JJ's, BTW. With the Raytheons it was a shade too bright in comparison.
My Heritage with the NOS Raytheon 12ax7's I had in it for a couple weeks sounded less like my 69 and more like it with the stock JJ's, BTW. With the Raytheons it was a shade too bright in comparison.
I take it back....um....you guys are right....I'm sure the shiny new ones will sound just as good as those old unreliable vintage relics and they will have a warranty...oh joy of joys! No need to go shopping through classifieds for that old junk. Soon they'll just be overpriced like vintage guitars if people continue with this classic vintage Ampeg craze in full swing. Wait for that new model! It's sure to be better and did I mention it will be shiny and new!!!
Not seeing the problem here. If you want an old V4B, there's plenty of them out there for sale at reasonable prices. Damn fine amps, too. I used one for the first 10-12 years I played out.
No problem here...I already got one! Paid quite a bit less than the new head will probably cost for a great condition early 70's with almost new tubes AND an LDS 2/15/2/6 made to go with it. Been gigging it heavily for over a year and no issues. Looking to buy another just in case something happens to this one but I expect it will last another 40 years. Sounds better and more practical than my SVT/fridge for most gigs. I can't say enough good things about this head but I wil stop now and let you "endorsees" talk up the new import product. Afterall, home-grown US companies that sell out to major conglomerates consistently produce better product after moving production overseas....don't they?
Me too and I been to that factory and let me tell ya those shoes are made with LOVE by happy lil' people.
Let not get a flame war going. No one has said the imports would be better, cheaper, or any other claim. I for one have bought many vintage amps. Still have my american hand wired fender to. But I can also see benefits to new gear also. They are doing things more common place now days that I dont think you could even get 20 or 30 years ago. Di, dual wattage settings, self biasing, user adjustable biasing, lighter, to name some.
I like having a vintage amp. But wouldnt mind a new one also with some bells and whistles. I mean come on its not like the old ones will be destroyed if they make new ones.
I like having a vintage amp. But wouldnt mind a new one also with some bells and whistles. I mean come on its not like the old ones will be destroyed if they make new ones.
