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Ampeg V4-B: Any mods to make more output?
- Thread starter Groover
- Start date
The old school approach was to have a bunch of efficient cabs. Understand Lemmy uses a 100 Watt Marshall and nobody would accuse him of being quiet.
Seriously loud amp. So loud that the first time I played through one, through a 2x15 cab and with a senselessly loud band, I just laughed all night at the ridiculousness of it all.
I have the modern 100 watt V4BH, and paired with a 4ohm 2x15 - it's just as loud as any of my 3-Pros (with their gain structure set hot) except it has a much more rich tone. I have yet to use it onstage and think I need to get more out of it. But if you do think you'll need more wattage out of it - just hold off and get an SVT.
I think you'll be surprised how loud the V4-B can get...I used to run mine with an Orange 15" and SWR 2x10. God I miss that thing
T
tifftunes
Guest
You could modify the V4B from 6L6 output tubes to 6550s... But it really isn't going to give you that much for the investment.
Having more drivers is the easiest and most useable "mod" for most any amp. Keep the impedance in mind as you add 'em. There is an impedance switch on the back of the V4B that changes speaker impedance load from 2/4/8ohms. You'd have a monstrous sound with two 8x10, or 2x15 cabs!! One of each would also be nice, but the cabs work better when they are of the same kind... Or so I'm told.
Anyway, the "formula" is basically "more drivers = more sound."
There are 4x10 and 4x12 cabs that would be easier to transport than the huge "fridge" cabs. Find four of these cabs (@ 8ohms ea), and make a loud and joyful noise!!
Having more drivers is the easiest and most useable "mod" for most any amp. Keep the impedance in mind as you add 'em. There is an impedance switch on the back of the V4B that changes speaker impedance load from 2/4/8ohms. You'd have a monstrous sound with two 8x10, or 2x15 cabs!! One of each would also be nice, but the cabs work better when they are of the same kind... Or so I'm told.
Anyway, the "formula" is basically "more drivers = more sound."
There are 4x10 and 4x12 cabs that would be easier to transport than the huge "fridge" cabs. Find four of these cabs (@ 8ohms ea), and make a loud and joyful noise!!
I have an early 70's V-4B that I use with two Bag End 1x15's. Having used this head through other speaker combinations, I have found this to be the ideal setup (in terms of output...and tone really). I still manage to over drive it on certain gigs, but for most applications I find this setup perfect. I've also found that at that volume the breakup becomes very dependent on how hard I play.
The overdriven sound that does occur is super crusty and sounds killer! I love this head!
The overdriven sound that does occur is super crusty and sounds killer! I love this head!
The 6550's will only give about 20 watts more, IME the 6550 start to breakup a little later than the 7027A's. With good current production 7027A's, it is really not worth the trouble IMHO?
My V4 came partially modded for 6550s when I got it and I eventually had it fully converted because it sounds so darn good. I've tried it with 6550s and 7027s and preferred the tone of the 6550s personally, but I wouldn't recommend modding the amp if you don't have to (especially since it doesn't a noticeable increase in volume IMO and 7027s are widely available now). The best way is to just add more speaker area, especially with a good cab.
I've never had a volume issue with this setup:
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(and I like posting this picture
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This used to be my girl.
For those who are saying HUH? Yes that is an Acoustic 215 cab. Loaded with Altec 421A's. Yeah NEVER a volume problem even before 6550 change. I converted her a long time ago, before 7027A's were in production again.
For those who are saying HUH? Yes that is an Acoustic 215 cab. Loaded with Altec 421A's. Yeah NEVER a volume problem even before 6550 change. I converted her a long time ago, before 7027A's were in production again.
- Feb 16, 2008
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- John K Custom Basses
my current V4B. i recapped it about a year ago and am running with four NOS 7581A's. IMO, it really couldn't be better. (pictured with 1971 V4 guitar cab loaded with four 12" Deltalite II's):
and i couldn't resist posting this pic again
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and i couldn't resist posting this pic again
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I've got a 70's V4B that easily keeps up to my mesa boogie bass 400. It sounds great through a good cab. Just a real pain in the butt to haul around, so heavy and awkward.
I have 2. One with 7027s and the other with 6550s. I swear the one with 7027s is a good bit louder. I played a gig with those two heads running one of those v4 cabs pictured above and a b25b double 15 cab and it was fullness and punch for days. 600 seat TV studio and it was plenty loud at 35%. It's way easier carrying two of these than one svt. Those things kill my back
The down side of a 6550 change is that the heater draw is considerably more leading to an over heated power transformer. That equals a short lifespan.
Paul
Paul
