Getting the most out of a V4BH

[Thirt33]

Hey guys, this is my first post but I've been lurking for a little while now. After years of playing a solid state combo (most recently a Yorkville Bassmaster 100XM), I decided the time was right to upgrade my rig to the all tube set up I've always craved. I did my research into amps and when a clean Ampeg V4BH showed up on eBay for the right price I bit the bullet and it arrived today . The problem is I still need a cab to pair it with, and while I don't play in a hugely loud band, I've heard enough about the volume troubles some people have had with these amps that I want to make sure I get a loud enough cab to really get the most out of this amp.

My question is this: what cabs would you recommend to pair with V4BH to get the most out of it volume wise, while still putting out that classic Ampeg sound? To make things more complicated, I'd like to keep it on the lighter side (not really interested in fridges at the moment), and would prefer to keep the price in the ~$700 range if possible. I realize I'll have to compromise on something, but I'd be interested to hear your suggestions. My own research points toward the Avatar TB153, but I'm worried the sound may be too hifi to cop a vintage Ampeg tone.

Also, if it helps I plan on running the amp moderately overdriven most of the time, and would ideally like to be able to play smaller rooms unsupported with my four piece rock band (not the loudest 4 piece you've ever heard though).

Sorry for the essay, and thanks a lot.

 

[rodl2005]

2 Ampeg PF115HE's will give U a lotta that. One's OK for small stuff, & 2 will be awesome. & with a V4BH running em they'd be great

 

[RickenBoogie]

Bigger cabs with multiple drivers will get the most volume. A 2x15 would certainly sound good, but an 8x10 will get louder. I never used my V4BH with a band, just practice and studio, and it pairs well with many cabs, but I found it sounded best with Ampeg classic SVT cabs, like the 410he, or 810e.

 

[CL400Peavey]

Bigger cabs with multiple drivers will get the most volume. A 2x15 would certainly sound good, but an 8x10 will get louder.

Depends on the 215.

To the OP. I would not pair that amp with the Avatar cab you mentioned. I would recommend you find a cab(s) loaded with two Eminence 3015's or two Faital Pro 15PR400's. They are very sensitive drivers, and will actually net you more volume than an ampeg 810e with your 100 watt tube amp. the nice thing is it is possible to get that 215 in the 70 pound range, or a couple of 40ish pound 115's.

 

[acubass]

Ampeg 410HE

 

[Jim C]

Bigger cabs with multiple drivers will get the most volume. A 2x15 would certainly sound good, but an 8x10 will get louder....

My experience as well; also good with a 4x10 although I like the tone of a big box better with this amp.

 

[spiritbass]

In the interest of 'getting the most' out of your Ampeg and whatever cab(s) you end up with, I'd suggest one of Fdeck's handy little high pass filters.

 

[B-string]

Johnk_10 posted a thread on a light weight 215 build using Faital Pro 15PR400's. If you can't find it shoot him a PM. Self build maybe but an excellent solution. Under 60 lbs IIRC and very efficient.

 

[CL400Peavey]

Johnk_10 posted a thread on a light weight 215 build using Faital Pro 15PR400's. If you can't find it shoot him a PM. Self build maybe but an excellent solution. Under 60 lbs IIRC and very efficient.

+1

Would be a killer cab with this amp. Two would be outrageous.

 

[lookiel]

Bergantino NV610 is great with that head but still close to 100 pounds.
Also check out the Greenboy Dually (with faital 15's), similar to the above suggestion of JohnK's 215.

 

[rodl2005]

I suggested the 2 pf115he's as he said around $700. Are most of these suggestions about this price?
I used to use my V4BH with NV215 & a NV610 & sure, they're great . A Ampeg 810 sounds great too.
I put emi 3015's in my 2 PF115HE cabs & they sound great & handle heaps more power than they did with stock drivers in.

 

[B-string]

IIRC Johnk_10 spent less than $700 on his build. If you loaded 3015's in your PF115HE's you have a lot more than $700 in the pair?

 

[rodl2005]

Yeah, but no, but yeah, I sold the original drivers, so mine cost about $700
& no but yeah but no I wasn't suggesting for the OP to use 3015's as he ain't using lotsa power.
Good to hear about JohnK10's thread. Excellent pointer there. :thumbup:

 

[StuartV]

+1 on an Ampeg 810 or Bergantino NV610. My 610 sounded great with my V4 - and my SVT and my Traynor YBA-3 and etc....

 

[Thirt33]

Thanks for all the input guys. I read through Johnk_10's thread on his build, and that does sound like the perfect solution. My only worry is that a self build might be more than I can handle given my lack of carpentry and electronics experience. Can anyone comment on how hard building something like that would be for someone with no experience and no power tools?

 

[B-string]

If you go to a real lumber yard they tend to be pretty accurate if you pay the extra to have them cut the sheet to the sizes needed. Assembly is not hard, that is the fun part!