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Lining an Ampeg V6B cab??

Oren Hudson

Oren Hudson

Dec 25, 2007
4,080
2,380
74
Gastonia, NC
#1
As some of you know, I've been rehabbing a '71 Ampeg V6B, with the original Altec 421A's, that had been cut in half. I've got it back together enough to think about putting foam/insulation in. However, with the folded scoops that direct some sound to the middle section opening of the cab, I'm wondering if doing the lining wouldn't defeat a portion of the function of those curved scoops directing that sound to the middle of the cab as intended. I've only found a couple of pics of similar cabs with one revealing some foam inside, but not the other. I also don't see any evidence of mine ever having had any mounted. Your thoughts?

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#2
So far so good.

I believe that those cabs were just lined in the back with the yellow spun glass stuff. Like the portaflex cabinets had.

Strips of double sided carpet tape instead of glue works well for fixing whatever you use as a liner. I sometimes use a 1/4" thick wool felt as a liner. It can be layered if desired. It is stiff enough that it can be cut oversized and pushed into place, friction holds it.
 
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#4
Thanks BOT. I've got some of the smaller foam left over. I might that a shot when the time comes. I worked on the grill cloth this afternoon until I got frustrated after too many interruptions. Don't need that when trying to concentrate on cloth install. Time to put it away till another opportunity.
 
#5
Hello I think that cab is an SBT powered cab judging by the tin. I have one that I just rescued and restored. They didn't make a V6B until 1974. Also the top of the back would have the insulation in approximately an 18"x18" square as the lower back panel would house the power amp. (if that is an SBT) If it is a V6B it would have a towel bar type tilt back cab style(ala SVT, V4B, 610HE and so on) then a good lining style would be sides,back and floor and top with the fiberglass type insulation. Or that batting material (think Lowes and Home depot sell it as pillow or cushion foam.
 
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#6
Forgot to add that the way to confirm which cabinet it is if the badge on the back is missing. Is by the dimensions- SBT or BT140 (same design (rectangular)and Altec speakers too) 42x24x15 and V6B- 44.25x24.25x15.25 and would be folded horn style with tilt back wheels and most likely carpet covered.
 
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#7
Thanks for the input 70spbase. When the model number V6B came up in my first posting a couple of weeks ago, I checked on those and saw some in the towel bar style. I just figured that mine was an earlier version, sorta like the transformation on the 810 cab from square back to slant back. After researching what you're saying, looks like either one could be the one I have. I didn't have a chance to look at the cab today, but I do recall an area on the bottom of the inside of the cab that looked like maybe something had been patched. Maybe it was where the amp was mounted.

I didn't quite follow you on where the insulation should be, recalling that there is no power module inside. Would you clarify that for me?

Thanks again.
 
#8
Sure thing pal. The best way to tell would be a pic of the back panel if it is original to the cab. I have a a couple of pics of my SBT that I restored. When you get a chance can you measure the cab LxWxH? If there isn't a large hole on the back panel then it may also be the BT140 or the BT25 for that matter.
 

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#9
Ampeg did use common designs matched with different amps. Some details on the SBT and V6 as well as their other amps are in the Portaflex Wiki literature section.

The V6 had a 4/16 ohm impedance selector switch on the back panel, it came with Altec-Lansing 421A speakers. The SBT cabinet dated from around 1969 when the SVT that the pre-amp is based on was first introduced. It had a transistorized power amp mounted in the speaker cabinet. It had two inputs, a power cord, power switch and fuse.

The 71 brochure shows the square back SBT, the tilt back V6 is in the 73 brochure.
 
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#10
I am looking for an ampeg V6B 2x15" bass cab. for sale and ship. I have one that I restored and I'm looking for anotherone to restore if need to pair up with the one I have. The one I have I think is a 1976 slant back, it has the bar and the front open curved silver baffle inthe mid. front between the speakers. Before I skinned it and replaced the tolex, it had the gray carpet like tolex. 4/16 ohm thumb nail selector in back with a single one inch squar input jack plate. I'm mainly looking for the cab itself. Speaker's or not, hardware or not, casters or not, I'll also buy as is cab only. I just need for it to be SOLID.

contact me if anything available.
Thanks
Hector
 
#12
hsolis said:
I am looking for an ampeg V6B 2x15" bass cab. for sale and ship. I have one that I restored and I'm looking for anotherone to restore if need to pair up with the one I have. The one I have I think is a 1976 slant back, it has the bar and the front open curved silver baffle inthe mid. front between the speakers. Before I skinned it and replaced the tolex, it had the gray carpet like tolex. 4/16 ohm thumb nail selector in back with a single one inch squar input jack plate. I'm mainly looking for the cab itself. Speaker's or not, hardware or not, casters or not, I'll also buy as is cab only. I just need for it to be SOLID.

contact me if anything available.
Thanks
Hector
Click to expand...

Since you have one to go by, have you considered building or have a local woodworker build one from scratch using perhaps baltic birch. New tolex, hardware, amd speakers brings up the cost fast. It is always good to have a structurally sound base to start with.
 
#13
beans-on-toast said:
So far so good.

I believe that those cabs were just lined in the back with the yellow spun glass stuff. Like the portaflex cabinets had.

Strips of double sided carpet tape instead of glue works well for fixing whatever you use as a liner. I sometimes use a 1/4" thick wool felt as a liner. It can be layered if desired. It is stiff enough that it can be cut oversized and pushed into place, friction holds it.
Click to expand...
This looks like the best idea, just line the back.
 
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