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Ampeg V-4B or V-4BH?

#21
How the red-blue V4B and V4BH compare to the older '70 V4B in terms of tone?
I had one of those babies ('75-'79 I guess) and really love it but the side handle and the 20 lbs. less on the newer ones really appeal me ...
Tonight I'll play a show and only thinking that I have to carry that head down 4 floors of stairs scares me ...
Anyway, I think I'll be rewarded at the gig!
 
#22
stiles72 said:
Exact same head - just a change in the graphics. That was the earliest cosmetic which came out around '96 or so, then they switched to the black and white graphics sometime after '99
Click to expand...

+1.

To confuse maters even more: During the 70's, Ampeg made the original version of the V4/V4B that was heavier/wider and quite a bit diferent than either of the more resent V4B or V4BH models. Several guys here seem to prefer the tone and volume of the origanal 70's V4/V4B versions. I own one of these but have never tried one of the newer styles to compare for myself.
 
#24
michele said:
How the red-blue V4B and V4BH compare to the older '70 V4B in terms of tone?
I had one of those babies ('75-'79 I guess) and really love it but the side handle and the 20 lbs. less on the newer ones really appeal me ...
Tonight I'll play a show and only thinking that I have to carry that head down 4 floors of stairs scares me ...
Anyway, I think I'll be rewarded at the gig!
Click to expand...

I hate the top-handle on the old V4. I keep mine in a road case, it adds weight, but it's a lot easier to carry. As far as the sound differences, I believe the re-issue is supposed to be a more modern take, a little softer around the edges, similar to the differences between the SVT-CL and vintage/VR SVTs.
 
#25
The V4BH is pretty clean, but can get dirty. From what I have heard (and I do not own a V4), the dirty of the old V4 is a bit sweeter IMO...but, if you like the clean tube tone, the V4BH is a winner.

Another thing not mentioned much....you get a DI with the V4BH. Tube DI? Wow, Ampeg was selling a single tube DI for around $400. For about $600-$700 you get an all tube amp with a tube DI. Good deal from a V4BH.
 

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