Ampeg v4b

[JimmyM]

I'm sure the tone of the 70's models are awesome, but I love the newer Reissue because it's 40 lbs instead of 70. If weight is not an issue, I say go for it.

I honestly don't hear much of a difference at all based on my slightly fuzzy memories of the 73 V4B I used to have. I've heard that the transition from clean to dirt is a tad more pleasing in the old ones, but I find nothing objectionable about the new ones whatsoever. Still, whichever you get, it's all good.

 

[Biggbass]

Great amp....never seen a red one !

 

[MichelD]

those are V4s not V4Bs. i have one just like those. Look like they are early 70's. I love mine, and play it with a late 70's SVT cabinet.
View attachment 3470219

How can you tell the diff between a V4 and a V4B?

 

[MichelD]

2 channels can be fun. You can use two instruments and keep each plugged in, or jump the channels and blend the signals, or do a clean/dirty blend with effects. They don't do it anymore on the V4B because the second channel drives up the price, and I really don't need it, but it can be fun.

How do you "jump" channels? I have a V4B.

 

[JimmyM]

How do you "jump" channels? I have a V4B.

Oh dang, you're right! I was thinking of the SVT which has two inputs per channel. You can't jump channels with a V4B. You can only split your signal and run two lines to it.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi Jimmy

jump the channels and blend the signals, or do a clean/dirty blend with effects.

Sorry but no! That does not work! (only the big iron can do that )

2 channels can be fun

But two channels are still fun!


greetings

Wise

edit: ooops! You found it out

Sorry I should read the whole thread before posting

 

[fjbass78]

How can you tell the diff between a V4 and a V4B?

easiest way is by seeing the toggle switch above the bass dial like this one. The V4's have that toggle of the treble dial.

 

[coreyfyfe]

How can you tell the diff between a V4 and a V4B?

Extra knob for the reverb on the V4

V4 has the sensitivity switches, high boost, mid selector.

V4B has high, mid selector, bass boost

Circuitwise they're very similar. The coupling caps on the V4 are smaller than the V4B, I've swapped them on one channel (and the tone stack input) on mine and not heard a significant difference with a four string bass. Same output stage, transformers, etc.

I've owned three V4 and used them for bass but have never had a V4B.

 

[vvvmmm]

In fjbass78bs pic, it visibly says, "V4B" above the right-most switch (power).

And the red cover looks mebbe aftermarket, in that it appears to not fit on the underside left top.

 

[rodl2005]

Re using a V4 (or any tube amp) make sure you plug into, or set the impedance selector to the correct position for the cab you're using.
If, as you mention, using a PF115, it's an 8 ohm cab, so use or select the 8 ohm setting. (On rear next to speaker outputs)

 

[Methaneman]

So I today I got a Fender deluxe active P bass and I put my ocean turquoise P up for sale on CL and the FB marketplace. Someone messaged me asking if I'd trade for an Ampeg V4B tube head since they've got 3 of them and sent me this picture.

View attachment 3469816

I don't know much about these other than they're a smaller version of an SVT. But when I google it I see that they sell for quite a bit more than what my bass is listed as ($400).

My question is, is this a legit trade or am I going to get scammed on this? Are there specific things I should look for on these? Any help is appreciated.

Like the other posts said. Those heads are V4's. I would guess they weight the same as a V4B at 65lbs. I added handles on the ends. They help lifting that big boy.

 

[ahc]

@codiak One thing you have to be aware of with tube amps is: Always be sure the speaker is connected BEFORE you turn the amp on!!! The amp needs to see an appropriate load (the speaker or a dummy load) or else bad expensive things involving the magic smoke will happen. There are a very few tube amps that don't require this (the Ampeg PF-50T for one) but nearly all do.

 

[BogeyBass]

Some people want V4 but not always available locally. So even if you did luckily find a 8/900 ish V4. Still in almost 1000 or 1100 to ship it. Or gas to drive to it lol.

But yah 400 bucks basically for amp needs little work. Probably best way to swoop up vintage amps cheap.

Of course knowing more cost involved. But often " working" amps are sold at more than there worth. And additional cost is lurking. So

Like said sounds cool. Best way get vintage cheap. And give it a sweet tune up.