Ampeg V4 modding

[trevschultz]

I just recently got my hands on an Ampeg V4 head and matching 412 cab. The amp is 100% beautiful tube tone and I am really happy with it. The only problem is the speakers in the cab. They appear to be the originals and while I think that's neat and all, they just don't handle hardly any volume. I know that this was manufactured as a guitar amp not bass but I have heard a lot of great things about it for bass. My question is, what speakers would go best in this thing and still have a very similar tone? Money is an object here so try to be reasonable

 

[dukeisdog]

I just recently got my hands on an Ampeg V4 head and matching 412 cab. The amp is 100% beautiful tube tone and I am really happy with it. The only problem is the speakers in the cab. They appear to be the originals and while I think that's neat and all, they just don't handle hardly any volume. I know that this was manufactured as a guitar amp not bass but I have heard a lot of great things about it for bass. My question is, what speakers would go best in this thing and still have a very similar tone? Money is an object here so try to be reasonable

Order a can off of fliptops.net. Then you're set.

 

[Mr. Foxen]

Could also be the electrolytic capacitors dying. Best is to take it to a tech before chucking money at what might be the wrong problem.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Did I mis something??? What can?

As for speaker wait for JohnK to chime in. He has had great success with an Eminence driver in that cab IIRC.

 

[trevschultz]

Would the electrolytic capacitors be the cause of speaker distortion?

 

[trevschultz]

I think he meant cab

 

[KramerBassFan]

Would the electrolytic capacitors be the cause of speaker distortion?

Possibly, but MOST likely, its just the fact you are using those old speakers for something they were NEVER intended to do.

 

[fjbass78]

Those amps sound great to me through an svt 8-10, but the 8-10 is big change in cabinet size, weight, so that might not be what you're looking for.

 

[trevschultz]

I love that 810 cab personally, just don't have the $$$ at the moment to get my hands on one. I really would like to get this setup going just cause I like the look of it so much, that's why I would like to find a good replacement speaker for it...

 

[dukeisdog]

Did I mis something??? What can?

As for speaker wait for JohnK to chime in. He has had great success with an Eminence driver in that cab IIRC.

Cab*. Stupid iPhone autocorrect .

 

[BassmanPaul]

Cab*. Stupid iPhone autocorrect .

Yes but on the positive side, look at all the really funny things it comes up with!!!

 

[Coughdrops]

Also keep in mind that as a bass amp, 100 tube watts doesn't offer gobbs of clean headroom. Im sure that being guitar speakers they can't take as much, but when looking for bass speakers, especially for this head, you want very efficient speakers. Lots of threads on here regarding V4/V4B cab options.

 

[Rockbobmel]

You might be better off trying to trade the 4x12 for a 2-15 or so. I would consider an efficient cab because you will get a lot more from your amp that way. Otherwise see if someone here can give you the best replacement drivers advice.

+1 on a cap job. Make sure the guy knows this amp. If you email me, I can send you a step by step procedure to give your tech. Psycho gave it to me long ago.

 

[big stubby]

I put eminence basslite S2012s in my V4 cab. It sounds amazing. $79 each.

 

[Rockbobmel]

voila !!! PLUS, the head fits the cab.

 

[trevschultz]

Tell me more about the Eminence s2012... can they handle the bass enough to play a Knitting Factory?

 

[jackcheez]

I put eminence basslite S2012s in my V4 cab. It sounds amazing. $79 each.

Sweet rig.

 

[jackcheez]

Tell me more about the Eminence s2012... can they handle the bass enough to play a Knitting Factory?

Four of 'em should easily.

 

[Rockbobmel]

If you gettem on amazon, $76. + free shipping.

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[johnk_10]

i put eminece 2512's in mine, but for less $ you can go with the S2102's. either speaker makes the cab ALOT lighter weight, and IMO, it'll sound great and easily handle an SVT (let alone a V4) head.

here's a few pics of my V4 cab(s):

3 of them: