Ampeg v4b in 15 degree temp

[comet9]

Can I use my v4b for an outside gig tomorrow? Really like this head and it's become part of our sound. The forecast is saying 15 and we're playing in a trailer with 3 sides. Should I play it safe and take my mag 600? I asked guitarist if he thought it was alright and he said "hope so". He only has tubes. Are we alright or will we blow up?

 

[Burwabit]

Curious to hear everyone's thoughts too, and I'll ask if it's a new reissue or an old one. I don't think it matters much for the answer, but I'm just curious.

 

[christw]

I'd be more worried about my hands shaking! That said, I think you'll be fine. I'd just make sure to warm the up on standby for an extended period of time if possible.

 

[brianrost]

It should be fine as long as you properly use the standby.

 

[comet9]

reissue.I've had it for over a year and it's a great amp.

 

[B-string]

Try for at least 30 minutes with the amps in "standby" powered on before going to operate (off standby). That should give any condensation a chance to evaporate before you turn on the high voltage.

 

[LiquidMidnight]

You have my sympathies, my friend. I hate performing outside in anything less than 65 degrees F.

 

[Jim Carr]

Bring a S.S. backup.

 

[B-string]

I just don't know if one is better than the other. !5 degrees or 120+ in the shade?

 

[comet9]

thanks guys..I'm going to use it.

 

[JimmyM]

You should be fine, although I'd take the backup, too. I would also keep it wrapped up in a cover of some sort until just before you're ready to turn it on to try and keep the tubes from getting super cold so they don't crack on warmup, as that cold-to-hot-instantly thing is not the best thing for glass. Good luck, man. We do an outdoor gig that cancels if the temp hits 47 degrees, and that's finger numbing enough!

 

[honeyiscool]

I'm fairly certain standby does little to nothing to improve anything in an instrument amp, but anyway, don't worry about it too much.

 

[JimmyM]

I'm fairly certain standby does little to nothing to improve anything in an instrument amp, but anyway, don't worry about it too much.

Makes a nice mute switch And it does give the tubes a little more time to warm up without shocking the glass. That's the one thing about cold temps and tube amps you want to avoid.

 

[nysbob]

I'm fairly certain standby does little to nothing to improve anything in an instrument amp, but anyway, don't worry about it too much.

The power up sequence is important in a tube amp, and with the thermal issue even more so.
That being said, I don't think you need to leave in standby for more than a few minutes. I would try to get it into your vehicle ASAP after powering down.

 

[honeyiscool]

The Valve Wizard

I've read here and many other places that the standby switch only exists because Fender built one and others copied, not because it's necessary in instrument Amos.

 

[B-string]

If someone puts something on the internet it MUST be true, right.

 

[mpdd]

regularly played in ohio in super cold climates, never damaged my sunn 2000s or bassman 100, it should be ok

 

[B-string]

The Valve Wizard

I've read here and many other places that the standby switch only exists because Fender built one and others copied, not because it's necessary in instrument Amos.

I tend to stick with what the manufacturers claimed and supported back when they were current technology. At that time, they were putting out information to maximize service life and value. Standby switch or soft starts with SS rectification, with tube rectifiers no need (soft start by nature)

You can believe what you like, I have not seen many cases of multiple manufacturers adding the same parts cost to a product that serve no purpose.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

If someone puts something on the internet it MUST be true, right.

 

[707GK]

Peavey's "Standby for the Truth" article. Who knows if it is true or not, but I trust that Hartley Peavey knows more about this stuff than I ever will.

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