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The official Ampeg V-4BH thread
- Thread starter TSanders
- Start date
Better make a move in that Tetris game!
Nice rig!
Thanks
Discerning Tetris fans will notice I actually got it wrong.
Alright for those that want it get it while they have them.
www.instrumentpro.com use the coupon code: fabulous
Get an Ampeg V4BH head SHIPPED for 674 NEW OLD STOCK. No joke. Just got my confirmation today it is shipping.
The coupon code with take 15% off of anything at the store as well until 9/30/07.
www.instrumentpro.com use the coupon code: fabulous
Get an Ampeg V4BH head SHIPPED for 674 NEW OLD STOCK. No joke. Just got my confirmation today it is shipping.
The coupon code with take 15% off of anything at the store as well until 9/30/07.
I bought an older 70's version about a month ago. Was wondering if anyone knows if (or how) they sound compared to the newer reissues? I ordered a matching 1x15 from Fliptop because I wanted the matching cabinet.
Simply put, all they share is a name...and the fact they have four power tubes. Not much in common as far as the circuit goes. I believe SLM used the name as sort of a marketing scheme.
Both are great heads in their own right. I have had two V4BH's and three 70's V4-B's.
IIRC it was around late 2000 they implemented the new graphics.
Since you own both perhaps you could compare them.
BTW, I'd also be interested in hearing what sort of music you guys are playing with your VB. My band plays mostly soul/r&b from the 60-70 Motown, Stax, etc. Volume is not a big issue for us so I think the head will be ok for our purposes.
Supposedly the older ones are louder (this I haven't actually experienced, just going by what I've read).
The new ones weigh less and have a built-in Direct Out which is a nice feature. I will say that I've only barely come close to running out of headroom with my V4BH once and I could have fixed that by just going through the PA.
The new ones weigh less and have a built-in Direct Out which is a nice feature. I will say that I've only barely come close to running out of headroom with my V4BH once and I could have fixed that by just going through the PA.
LOL! I know what you mean about V4B's. About 20 years ago I rolled into a gig with a new Acoustic solid state head. The guy I heard when I walked in had a V4B, a Jazz Bass and two 15's. My jaw was on the ground!! I scoured the country side and found a used V4B. I traded my new Acoustic head and took the loss just to have that tone. Recently, I saw a player that had a GK800RB head for years switch to a V4B.
I haven't owned any old ones since ~1999. As stated above, the 7027A's (older version) produce closer to 120W, so it is theoretically louder. What stands out from memory is similar to the differences between the old SVT and SVT-CL. The older units are more raw sounding, with more low end, and also somewhat looser in the low end.
I actually prefer the newer heads, which from my experiences, are tighter and more controlled sounding. The knobs seem to function more in a linear fashion. Overall, I think they are a little more "polite."
I use the V4BH for any lower volume gigs - typically in trio situations. If it is a larger venue or there are two guitars, I use an SVT-CL. I play in a pop-punk type band, a 70's style roots rock band, and have a standing jazz gig (electric bass). I also pick up some one-off work here and there that could be anything from country to a hippy jam.
Thanks Jazzman. 100-120 seems like hardly worth mentioning. Its the first tube amp I've had since 1970 or so. But I got a bug that I had to have one and I bought this sight unseen or heard. I no squat about tubes or tech stuff and am thinking of having it checked to but it seems to be working fine so I'm not sure if its worth it. How much of a difference do the right tubes make? (pedro certain its a stupid question but willing to risk embarrassment for the sake of information.)
I'm also curious about the 'Ext Amp' out from the back of my VB. It's my understanding that I can use it in conjunction with another amp/cabinet to boost the overall volume. Does anyone have any experience along these lines. Also, since it doesn't have a DI how does one take advantage of PA support with the older models should it be necessary?
Finally I'm curious what you guys use for cabinets?
I'm also curious about the 'Ext Amp' out from the back of my VB. It's my understanding that I can use it in conjunction with another amp/cabinet to boost the overall volume. Does anyone have any experience along these lines. Also, since it doesn't have a DI how does one take advantage of PA support with the older models should it be necessary?
Finally I'm curious what you guys use for cabinets?
Pedro, even though the amp may be working fine, you should get it checked out. At the very least, you should have the electrolytics replaced as they will be (or soon will be) leaky. Personally, I think people put too much thought into the tubes themselves.
As for a DI, use an external unit. The V4BH doesn't have a ground lift on it, so dragging along an external unit is usually a good idea anyway. Radial Engineering, Countryman, and Avalon all make great DI's...along with Raven Labs if you are lucky enough to find one (they closed up shop a few years back).
As for a DI, use an external unit. The V4BH doesn't have a ground lift on it, so dragging along an external unit is usually a good idea anyway. Radial Engineering, Countryman, and Avalon all make great DI's...along with Raven Labs if you are lucky enough to find one (they closed up shop a few years back).
The what?
Perhaps I haven't fully explained just how stupid I am about this stuff. I take it these DI units work on old amps like mine? The plug into where?
I've never once had an issue there, but it did cross my mind. I do carry a couple of DI's (Peterson tuner and a PSABDDI) in case of weird things happening like that.
I have on occasion had to plug into the power conditioner in our rack since the amp was making strange noises. This happened at some pure roadhouses and outdoor gigs where we all have to wonder what is on the feed anyway. Plugging into the power condioner solved the problem.
My Thunderfunk is less sensitive to these issues though, so I the first time it happened of course I was thinking I had a bad tube.
Sorry to cut in here but I am here now so...
You would run the DI from the cord out of your bass and then the a low z (mic cable) from the DI to the PA. You then run another instrument cable from the DI to your V4.
