Trace Elliot first V-Type?

[VtypeV4]

I understand the first V-Types came out in around 1994. Three models were introduced, the V-Type combo, 1x15, 25o watt Transistor output stage. Also an 800 watt 4x12 bass cab and the V-Type head, all Valve, 220 watts at 4 or 8 ohms, 4 KT88 output valves. With the exception of the combo, they were covered in the green tolex type stuff, not furr of the later models.

I have the last generation of V-Types, my V4, same as the V8 just half the power stage, its the best Ive ever owned. It has the overdrive and compressor etc, its just great...

 

[eagle]

The soon to be mine head has the fur type cover..
Only downside I dont have the budget for a decent cab right now ...what cheaper cab would you recommend?

 

[Psycho Bass Guy]

I understand the first V-Types came out in around 1994. Three models were introduced, the V-Type combo, 1x15, 25o watt Transistor output stage. Also an 800 watt 4x12 bass cab and the V-Type head, all Valve, 220 watts at 4 or 8 ohms, 4 KT88 output valves. With the exception of the combo, they were covered in the green tolex type stuff, not furr of the later models.

THey didn't show up in the US until 1997. That's when Bass Player profiled them as being new from that year's NAMM show.

 

[oddio]

I have the last generation of V-Types, my V4, same as the V8 just half the power stage, its the best Ive ever owned. It has the overdrive and compressor etc, its just great...

Interesting - I'm glad to hear that a few of those actually got out there... I LOVE my V8, although I've heard about problematic ones recently.

Now all I have to do is find that version of the V-Type preamp (compressor, overdrive channel etc.).

 

[VtypeV4]

Im based in the UK so that could be the explanation, ive got a aopy of "Guitar" with it in, the 4x12 and Vtype head.

 

[VtypeV4]

By the way you are saying that, is yours an american one, oddio?
Mines the last of the uk ones, made in Great britain etc. The serial number tells me that mine was made 04/01. I wasnt aware of any american built units. Ive had a few problems with it, nothing critical tho, all fuses... Ive replaced every fuse in it at least once but heh, its ace man!

 

[oddio]

The V8 that I have was made in the UK thankfully. I purchased mine in '00, but can't tell the exact date from the serial number. As far as problems go I've had an internal fuse pop once but this one has been well-behaved since.

There is nothing else that sounds quite like the V8 (or a V4), so it's a keeper for sure.

 

[VtypeV4]

The last 3 digits will tell you the date, mine says, 401, ie 4/01, my old AH600SMX used to say 199 etc...

I got mine pretty much direct from Trace elliot last year. It came from GM Audio and was essentially New old stock. It had been lying round the factory in a box since it was built and seemingly forgotton about until september last year until I bought it. I was lucky cuz it has the two year gaurantee. I paid £735 for it. And needless to say, I intend to keep hold of it, as they are rather unique tonally. They look cool as stink too dont they?

 

[oddio]

Thanks for that. Apparently my V8 was made in 7/00. I had called the UK service manager looking for an old QuattraValve and he recommended the V8 and arranged to get it to me. Nice chap. He's at Ashdown now, I believe.

I have two other Trace amps as well - an an unbelievable old TwinValve from 6/84 which I love. I also kept a AH600SMX (?/91), 1048H and 1818 all in the dark green RR covering.

If you're trying to get me to admit to diggin' the V8's EM84 display... you caught me. It's one great looking piece of gear. Cool indeed.

Cheers!

 

[VtypeV4]

If u have a look at my profile u will see the daft amount of trace stuff ive owned in the past. I think its great equipment, It just does what i ask it to do with no complaint whatsoever. Ive tried (CR)Ashdown!, SWR, Peavey, EBS, etc and the only that gets close is an Ampeg SVT. I had my 1048H recoverd from fur to black V4/V8 type stuff and they match nicely now.

Just out of interest, how hard do you play your amp, type of music etc? I never need to drive mine above around 30/40% mainly with my Peavey 410. I play in a soul band, motown stylee and have a bit of a jazz funk thing going on too.

I bet that twin Valve rocks when you wind it up, I presume it has two 6550 output valves in it and a 7? band graphic.

I have found one facility that trace included on the V4 but not on the others and that is a power-amp mute facility ther by being able to run the amp for recording with it not being connected to a speaker cab.

I miss my AH600SMX sometime but i see it every tuesday. The band have a residency there and im the engineer so its kinda nice, a bit daft but nice. And im glad to speak to someone who has the later V-Types and realises how good they are.

 

[oddio]

Im glad to speak to someone who has the later V-Types and realises how good they are.

Hey, it's nice to meet you! So, where to begin? This picture is a bit out of date, but my TE gear figures prominently in last year's photo: Invalid Link Removed

I use the V8 with a pair of inefficient Acmes typically, which means that I have to push it pretty hard (about 2/3). I'm playing mostly medium-sized clubs now and that covers it nicely. It's a great sound and preferential to hauling around the big 100lb TE cabs.

To my ear the Vseries sound a lot different than Ampeg (Vseries: purr/roar vs. SVT: grunt/grind). The closest current sound I've found to vintage SVT is the Aguilar DB680/DB728 pair. At the moment I'm using the Aggie live, solely based on the material I'm playing. IMHO the V8 and the Aggie are two of the absolute best tube amps ever and I'm not parting with either.

The little TwinValve is amazing. It sounds so good. You were correct about the configuration with two KT-88s. It also has the signature TE A/B presets. I would love to have a HexaValve but I don't think that BassGreaser is giving his up anytime soon (are you lurking out there, BG?). Also, you are correct that there is no power amp mute on the V8, there's a half/full power switch instead.

Nice to chat - stay in touch.

 

[BassGreaser]

Oddio...I love my Hexa! I need to take it into the shop to have everything checked out, and maybe which the 6550's with KT88's. It has GE preamp tubes in her right now...think I should try other type? As far was what I'm running the TE with. Right now I'm running a single EA VL210, but sometime soon when I have money I'm going to run two Accugroove 2x10s!

 

[oddio]

There you are! Good to bump into you again, BG. I'm glad that you managed to hang onto that beautiful amp.

If your Hexa has 6550s right now, you might want to try KT-88s when the time comes. IIRC that's what was in there originally. As to the preamp tubes, if the GEs are original you might want to hang onto them unless they start to go microphonic.

 

[VtypeV4]

Oddio, nice rigs man, very nice rigs indeed! My V4 also has the Full/Half power switch although to be honest i never use it, if i want the amp quieter then i simply turn it down.

Call me a snob but I really dont like using anything else other than the V4, ive become quite accustomed to its nuances. For recording the DI out adds that nice bit of depth and "Valveyness" (is that a word?) especially with the compressor going as well, nice fat depth. Ive found it works great with al my basses but for recording it just has to be the Warwick or the Status. When I play in the soul band I use sometimes my Jazz and other times The P-Bass. Im not hot on that P-Bass type sound but its cool in that situation as the V4 just adds a what seems like, extra dimension to the sound.

I like the idea of Bass greasers Hexa, that must be one cool amp, 12 band graphic and a Nigh on 400 watt all Valve power Stage, ooh yes!