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Ampeg V4B or PF50T?

mickebas

mickebas

Sep 7, 2008
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#1
I have a chance of buying a used early 2000’s V4B, made in US paired with a SVT 410HE for basically the same money as a brand new PF50T.
I’m thinking that as far as sound goes they’re pretty similar but looks and weight (move-ability) is totally different.
Anyone who has insight in wich one would be the one to go for.
I play lots of different gigs and styles but very selldom metall or anything close. Im a working musician so it’s a little of everything... jazz, pop, rock, motown, latin and anything in between. Portability is definitely a factor but sound is the most important thing.
Grateful for all kinds of advice from anyone with experience.
 
#2
mickebas said:
I have a chance of buying a used early 2000’s V4B, made in US paired with a SVT 410HE for basically the same money as a brand new PF50T.
I’m thinking that as far as sound goes they’re pretty similar but looks and weight (move-ability) is totally different.
Anyone who has insight in wich one would be the one to go for.
I play lots of different gigs and styles but very selldom metall or anything close. Im a working musician so it’s a little of everything... jazz, pop, rock, motown, latin and anything in between. Portability is definitely a factor but sound is the most important thing.
Grateful for all kinds of advice from anyone with experience.
Click to expand...
I recently debated the same thing, played both side by side a bit, and I went with the V4 based on volume and tone. It is true that they both sound "Ampeg-y", but the V4 has an "it factor" that the 50T just doesn't. The V4 is like the Millennium Falcon compared to the 50T, which is like a Tie Fighter.

I've moved it twice to rehearsal and it is a beast to move. But I find the sound difference worth the effort (for now). The V4 is a huge head, so take that into consideration for how it'll fit in your vehicle and amp/rack. I decided to pair it with two 112AV's and it sounds amazing. I also play in pretty similar groups to you.

If you can settle for less headroom and value portability, I'd honestly recommend the 50T. If tone is paramount, go with the V4.
 
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#3
Thanks! Tone is still definitely the most important factor and I got a good sized transportation vehicle and a trolley so the V4 seems to be the safest bet then.
The PF50T also needs a speaker if I would go that road so it’s a bigger investment.
Do you think a 410 HE is a good cabinett for the V4?
 
#4
mickebas said:
Im a working musician so it’s a little of everything... jazz, pop, rock, motown, latin and anything in between
Click to expand...

Hi mickebas :)

With a V4B you will be fine! Or....

backin82 said:
The V4 is like the Millennium Falcon compared to the 50T, which is like a Tie Fighter.
Click to expand...

:D

get the SVT....

stardestroyer.jpg


but of course you need big hands for a "Star Destroyer" :laugh:

Just kidding! The V4B will do the job! (IMO)

may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass
 
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#6
My rig is the V-4B reissue and the 410HE cab, it's a great match! The only thing is the 410HE may not have a "full" enough sound for you depending on style of music and how loud you're playing. The tone is amazing and it's plenty loud but you may want to add another 410HE or an SVT115 later on.
 
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#8
Alex Huddleston said:
My rig is the V-4B reissue and the 410HE cab, it's a great match! The only thing is the 410HE may not have a "full" enough sound for you depending on style of music and how loud you're playing. The tone is amazing and it's plenty loud but you may want to add another 410HE or an SVT115 later on.
Click to expand...

I don’t play that loud generally but my gigs vary a lot so to be on the safe side I already own an old Harke 4x10 that I could add on certain occasions... but since I lately mostly been gigging my Fender Rumble 500 alone the physical factor will probably restrict me too the V4B and the 410 HE as my ‘big rigg’ and let the PA system do the rest.
 
#9
mickebas said:
I don’t play that loud generally but my gigs vary a lot so to be on the safe side I already own an old Harke 4x10 that I could add on certain occasions... but since I lately mostly been gigging my Fender Rumble 500 alone the physical factor will probably restrict me too the V4B and the 410 HE as my ‘big rigg’ and let the PA system do the rest.
Click to expand...

The 410HE alone is plenty for bar gigs and anywhere bigger where you're going to have PA support as the majority of your volume. I've used it by itself plenty of times, but I love the sound (and look) of my SVT1510HE stacked under it.
 
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#10
mickebas said:
Thanks! Tone is still definitely the most important factor and I got a good sized transportation vehicle and a trolley so the V4 seems to be the safest bet then.
The PF50T also needs a speaker if I would go that road so it’s a bigger investment.
Do you think a 410 HE is a good cabinett for the V4?
Click to expand...
I have never played that combination, so I can't comment on it, specifically. Sounds like everyone is leaning towards the V4 anyway.

Honestly, if I was to compromise on tone from the V4, I'd just abandon the tube requirement and get a small class D head.
 
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#12
backin82 said:
I was essentially stating that the V4 has "got it where it counts, kid"
Click to expand...

hi backin82 :)

Who do you call kid? :mad::rage:

I did the Kessel Run, when you where at kindergarten! :p:p:p:p:p

backin82 said:
I'd just abandon the tube requirement and get a small class D head.
Click to expand...

I did it and I regret it! Stay on the right side..... of the force!

as long as you can schlepp it!!!!!

Wise(b)ass
 
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#13
I’ve had my share of lightweight class D heads with high watt specifications. They have their benefits when it comes to transportation/carrying but as far as sound goes I want to get a good tube amp... played a V4B RI the other day and paired with P-bass it made me want to carry stuff again :hyper: not that I will get rid of my other combos for gigs on 5th floor with no elevator.
 
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