Ampeg V4B power switch problem???

[Spinal Tapper]

I JUST picked one of these Ampeg V4-B's up yesterday! Sounds really amazing...my first all-tube amp...

One thing though, has anyone had the problem of the power switch not powering off? I'm not sure why, but I can't get this thing to turn off (I think). The power light stays on and the tubes stay on no matter which way I turn the switch, do these usually have to cool off before the indicator light goes out??? If so, how long should this take?
Basically, I had to unplug it for the tubes to stop glowing (only one time)
Is this bad for it? I plan on getting it looked at, but is there anything I should know first about these power switches not operating correctly.

 

[TomB]

Those switches are finnicky. I replaced one once and I recall it was a hassle, though I don't recall why. Perhaps you can use a dedicated power strip as a switch. Others here may know if this is a problem or not.

 

[anderbass]

Sometimes the front panel labeling has a habit of disappearing from these amps, so.. assuming you were operating the far right hand side switch, all indicator lights should go out imideatly and you probably just need a replacement switch.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

Suprisingly , the face is in decent shape, you can read all of the lettering on the switches and knobs. (I'll take some pics this week - she's a beaute)

I was turning the power switch accordingly and no indicator light was going off - sounds like the switch is my problem, it probably has to be replaced...
Anyone know how much this might end up costing? I'm by no means a tech - just a player, so I'll end up taking this one in...

Other than that, this thing CRANKS! anyone who said 100 watts wouldn't be enough is crazy! This thing wallops my SWR 350 solidstate amp...

 

[anderbass]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to find a good tech thats familiar with that particular model to give it a good looking over anyway.
I'd guess it'll cost ya an hours bench time and $5-10 for parts. (and be well worth every penny)

 

[Hookus]

Congrats, the V-4 is probably my all-time favorite amp. One-trick pony for sure, but man, is that trick something else...

 

[rodl2005]

Other than that, this thing CRANKS! anyone who said 100 watts wouldn't be enough is crazy! This thing wallops my SWR 350 solidstate amp...

Thats right! 100w all tube sure does wallop most 350w s.s amps!!! Wallops 'em with great tone too!
CONGRATS!!!

 

[Spinal Tapper]

Is there any way to check the exact year this thing was built? Also, the inputs have a little rust on them, would it be a good idea to replace these, or will the value go down?

 

[anderbass]

You can probably narrow it down a bit here:
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Posting some good pics here might help too.

Just find a good tech, save any old parts you have replaced, dont drill any new holes and you'll be fine.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

Anderbass - thanks! That's a great help! I'm going to put up pics as soon as I take some! Like I said before, she's a beaute!

 

[Ripper75]

just to respond to the original question, i have the same problem with my v4b, let me know if you figure it out...

 

[Spinal Tapper]

You've got the same power switch problem? Must be a common thing...

 

[anderbass]

I'm just guessing here that both of your guys (stuck-on) power switches are the plastic rocker type and not the old fashioned metal toggles... Right?

 

[Spinal Tapper]

^^
No, it has 3 metal toggles (standby, polatiry, and power)...looks like something out of the cockpit from a WWII fighter plane...

Man, i gotta get some pics of this thing up...it's resting dry and peacefully at my rehearsal space

 

[bobyoung53]

You're lucky because those original rocker switches are really hard to find unless someone has reissued them during the past 4 or 5 years. Your toggle switch is bad, make sure you replace it with something that is rated for at least how many amps the amp draws, try fliptops.com

 

[Spinal Tapper]

Yea, these look original, I'm going to take some pics tonight and post them up.