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Ampeg V4B

Bulltrout

Bulltrout

Supporting Member
Jun 13, 2007
2,016
3,395
56
Edmonton, Alberta
www.myspace.com
#1
Just got this bad boy today: (Of course the amp porn must come first):

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I got this amp with extra tubes, a total of four vintage GE 7027 tubes and three RCA 7027's. Right now it has a mix of power tubes installed as that's the ones it was biased with but I think I'll put all four GE's in there and have it re-biased. Its standby light is burnt out and the power light flickers. Apart from that it seems to sound a bit shrill without the ultra low engaged - but with it in, look out! great tones and very pleased with it so far. Anyhow, just wanted to share some pictures and if other V4B users have had the same experience with the ultra-low switch feel free to chime in.
 
#4
Wow, that thing looks like its in really nice shape. I'm guessing its a 72 or 73. (it looks just like mine)
My 72 / V4's standby and power lights had the exact same symptoms as yours...
I cant remember if I use the ultra low or not. (mines in the shop undergoing service right now or I'd look and see)

I'd suggest leaving your current tubes in place and bringing your spares along to let your amp tech decide on your best set.
Very cool amp Bulltrout... Congrats.
 
#7
Hard to narrow it down to year between '72 and '75. You don't have the attenuator switches above the volume knobs, but other than that, really only dating components will narrow it down, and that is only a maybe. Really all you have to go on is the control panel used between 72 and 75.
 
#8
The power and standby lights flicker... my '76 is the same way. But yours must be earlier. Later '70's have 2 channels, but similar tube complements. Best sounding amp ever. Have much fun!
 
#12
Bulltrout said:
Apart from that it seems to sound a bit shrill without the ultra low engaged - but with it in, look out!
Click to expand...

Your tone preferences may be way different from mine but I never use the ultra low, dont really like how it sounds. Kinda sludgy with no top and very little mids. But with it off, look out! ;):D Great amp I use mine all the time.
 
#15
beautiful head!

i have a question for anyone here that has some experience with the svt-cl and the v4b... if i went from a svt-cl to a v4 would i still have enough volume? i regularly play the svt-cl with the gain and master knobs at 12oclock or so, and sometimes a bit higher if there is no pa support. can the v4 play at those volumes?
 
#17
photoresistor said:
beautiful head!

i have a question for anyone here that has some experience with the svt-cl and the v4b... if i went from a svt-cl to a v4 would i still have enough volume? i regularly play the svt-cl with the gain and master knobs at 12oclock or so, and sometimes a bit higher if there is no pa support. can the v4 play at those volumes?
Click to expand...

The V4 will probably meet most of your needs but will likely fall short on the no PA support thing.

Well folks I have been using my V-4B regularly since I got it and I love it but.... a few days ago I picked up an old SVT. Never played one before and I had a chance to play it as loud as I wanted yesterday.

I have never heard anything like it. Tonally I think they have something in common but overall they are quite different. The main difference (besides overall volume) is the volume range of the "sweet spot". When you are starting to clip the V-4B it quickly goes from a little fuzz to all out grind. Of course its easier on the ears to get there.

The SVT has a much larger range of volume between fuzz and grind. It is so tonally satisfying that I dont even know how to describe it. I have a Peavey Classic 400 that seems to have louder clean tone but thats not what I am looking for. Same thing with the Aguilar DB 680/728 I had. Louder clean tone, more pristine or whatever but IMO that is what solid state is for. Clean tone is not why I play through tubes.

The SVT is it period. Though I dont think its unwarranted to call the V4 or V-4B a baby SVT. Finally the buzz in my head that I blame on amp g.a.s. has been silenced.
 
#18
denton57 said:
Nice score! With it saying Linden NJ on the back, I would say '72 or earlier.
Click to expand...

+1 - the magnavox buyout was 71/72 so yours would have to be before they used up the stock parts and started selling "div of magnavox" ones.

my power light flickers. it stayed on once for a few practices, but the rumble of sitting on the cab made it come loose again.
 

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