NAD: FIRST ALL-TUBE HEAD

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by NotTylerHendley, Nov 7, 2017.

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  1. NotTylerHendley

    NotTylerHendley

    Nov 21, 2011
    IMG_1421.JPG IMG_1422.JPG IMG_1423.JPG IMG_1421.JPG IMG_1421.JPG IMG_1422.JPG So for the last ten years I've had nothing but solid state and hybrid amps. While these are perfectly fine and serve their purpose - I couldn't help but hear that old tube sound and start itching to get there.

    Lo and behold, I finally made the move. Found a local CL ad for a 1971 Ampeg V-4 and offered up a trade.

    A few days later, after taking it to Acorn Amps in Atlanta for a service (and upgrade the power cable), I present to you my otherwise all-original '71 Ampeg V4!

    I've only had a few minutes to play through it before band rehearsal tomorrow, but with just a Pbass and a cable I can finally hear what I have always wanted to come from my hands.

    I have already put a $20k down payment on a new spine. totally worth it!
     
  2. Yuppers . Looks just like mine. Does it still have the old 7027A tubes in it ? They last FOREVER! Besides the weight, the only thing I don't like is the shape.
     
    jumbodbassman likes this.
  3. Basshappi

    Basshappi

    Feb 12, 2007
    Tucson,AZ
    Congrats!
    Welcome to the warm and glowing side! :D
     
  4. Stumbo

    Stumbo Guest

    Feb 11, 2008
    I suggest getting covers, coasters and a "fridge" dolley!

    Cool find! Looking forward to a gig report. See if you can go FOH to hear how it sits in the mix. :thumbsup:
     
  5. Oren Hudson

    Oren Hudson

    Dec 25, 2007
    Gastonia, NC
    Good going - enjoy.
     
  6. NotTylerHendley

    NotTylerHendley

    Nov 21, 2011
    Thanks all!

    Yes it does! I got it from the second owner who still had the original warranty card. Tech said it didn't need to be re-capped or anything.
     
  7. Figjam

    Figjam

    Aug 5, 2003
    Boston, MA
    A treasure! The SVT tone is still 'the tone' for me (or one of THE TONES) , after owning one briefly. But it was too heavy for me!
     
    murphy likes this.
  8. bobyoung53

    bobyoung53 Supporting Member

    I bought a good two wheeler for my SVT head and it makes moving them so much easier.
     
  9. NotTylerHendley

    NotTylerHendley

    Nov 21, 2011
    That's still the sound to me, but this guy gets me sooooo much closer than I anticipated
     
  10. Crusher47

    Crusher47 Tattoo'ed Freak

    Apr 12, 2014
    Fort Worth, TX
    Congrats!
     
  11. jumbodbassman

    jumbodbassman

    Dec 28, 2009
    Stuck in traffic -NY & CT
    Born Again Tubey
    V4B with a squareback is still the best sound rig. i always preferred it to my SVT
     
  12. Laurent

    Laurent Supporting Member

    May 21, 2008
    Napa, California
    Yep, tube heads are sweet indeed.
    After more than a decade having a mix of class D and tube heads, I 've gone all tubes.
    Ashdown Little Bastard (30 watts) for the living room and Orange AD200B (200 watts) for other venues.
    And I don't miss solid-state amp whatsoever.
     
  13. Man that head is CLEAN! Love it. I am totally rockin’ a ‘71 Ampeg B-25 B with the 7027 power tubes. Wonderful tone.


    5E27AA04-B856-407F-82B8-2ED2CA94E58C.jpeg

    Had a ‘71 V4B lined up but deal fell through. Saving my $$ for a reissue at the moment. Congrats sir.

    Marc
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2017
  14. Fair Warning

    Fair Warning Deliverin' the Goods! Supporting Member

    Ive got one just like it. Mine has all (except 1) the old Magnavox tubes in it. I once made the mistake of leaving it on for 3 days, since I normally let it cool down for a few minutes before turning it off. I burnt out one of the power tubes due to that laps of care.

    So if anyone has an original 7027 Magnavox power tube for sale........here I am.

    Magnificent sound and power! I cant get mine past 3 on the volume before getting told to turn down.
     
    FlemptonBass likes this.
  15. Razman

    Razman

    Feb 10, 2005
    Orange Park, FL
    You are the newest member of the church of Iron and Glass - welcome! I love my Mesa 400, it replaced a SVT-6pro that was never the same after encountering bad generator power. I’m definitely a devoted congregant now!

    Raz
     
    FlemptonBass likes this.
  16. Ender_rpm

    Ender_rpm

    Apr 18, 2004
    St. Louis MO
    Sweet rig. I still have a couple class D back ups, but yeah, my EBS and Peavey tubers are where its at for shows.
     
    Raw N Low likes this.
  17. Raw N Low

    Raw N Low If I can't hear it, hopefully I'll feel it Supporting Member

    Jul 16, 2009
    Denver, Colorado
    Some of the best tube amp head around. I picked up a '76 V4 that has vintage RCA tubes in it. I was able to pick up a matching 4x12 cab a couple of months ago that I plan to upgrade with better speakers. Every note sounds like glowing pillow-like goodness.

    Congrats and great find.
     
  18. Michedelic

    Michedelic MId-Century Modern

    Get serious and get a fitting Anvil style road case with wheels. If you can find a ‘luggage’ configuration with telescoping handle and tilt wheels, even better. Even with the added weight of the case, it will be easier(and easier on the amp)to tilt/lift/slide into a vehicle. If you get a roll around, you can place one or both cabs on top to move them.
     
  19. coreyfyfe

    coreyfyfe Supporting Member

    Nov 19, 2007
    boston, ma
    This is exactly what I do. Have rolling cases for my SVT and one that fits a few heads, my V4 included, with padding added/subtracted. Pop my smaller cabs right on top and roll away. I'll sometimes use the case on it's side as an amp stand as well. Depends on what I bring for a stack and how nervous I amp about it tipping over on stage.
     
  20. SactoBass

    SactoBass A retired civil engineer who likes all-tube amps! Supporting Member

    Jul 8, 2009
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    All-tube amps with big power tubes and heavy iron transformers. IMO, there is simply *NOTHING* like it!

    The tone..............and the "feel."

    IMO, there are some amp topologies that try and cop the tone, and some get sorta kinda close, but IMO *NONE* get anywhere near the "feel." IMO, transistors just can't provide the feel.

    OP: welcome to the wonderful world of all-tube amps!

    (Btw, at my age of 61, I have found that Motrin often helps with the schlep factor. I think they invented Motrin for bassists who use all-tube amps!) :D