Ampeg Tube Amps for Guitar

[kiramdear]

Anybody here fond of that "Rolling Stones' Exile On Main Street" guitar sound? When I was learning to play, that was the sound to achieve. V4 stacks, please, and lots of 'em. I had a VT22 combo that served well for guitar or bass, but I never owned a V4 or SVT. Is anyone here using those models now for guitar?

[loves4003]

The V4 is great for guitar. I use mine for bass, but I tried it with guitar (Tele and LesPaul) and a Marshall 4x12 a couple of times. The clean sound is fantastic. The sound is more direct than the Peavey 5150 and the Marshall JCM900 my bandmates had. Didn't really like the overdrive, though. The V4 is also quite a bit louder than a very very loud amp.

[kiramdear]

The V4 is also quite a bit louder than a very very loud amp.

As in, "slay small animals within fifty meters". Word on the street has it they are great with pedal effects too.

[whojamfan]

The V4 is also quite a bit louder than a very very loud amp.

As in, "slay small animals within fifty meters". Word on the street has it they are great with pedal effects too.

The V-4 is like a half power version of an SVT. Extremely loud and clean, and a very versative eq system with the little rocker switches. You used to be able to get them dirt cheap due to the fact nobody made power tubes for them. But now, thankfully, at least 1 company does. This amp could blast the stucco off of a building. My best friend in Los Angeles has had one since the mid 80s, has used it heavily, and has needed no repairs, including tubes.If my Hiwatt ever bit the dust, I would seek one out.

Oh, and tons of headroom making it ideal for effects.

[sloop_john_b]

I use a '66 Gemini II and a 60's Jet. Love 'em. I'd go for a V4 stack if I had a roadie.

[antipodean]

My brother has a RI Reverbrocket that someone extremely kind and generous (not to mention good-looking and intelligent) gave him for his 35th birthday. It is absolutely brilliant. If I could find another, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

The Ampeg bass-rig as guitar-rig is just a little over-the-top for me....

[whojamfan]

I'd go for a V4 stack if I had a roadie.

No lie, them bad boys be heavy!

[1a12]

I remember being in a recording studio in Hoboken in the 80's and seeing Chris Stamey's Gemini IV sitting there in the studio. I was like, what is this? Checkered tolex? wacky!! He always had a great sound!
I happened on a smaller 66' Gemini 1 about a year later. I still own it. I then got a Reverbrocket 2 front panel, then a Portaflex, then another 65 Gemini 1, and later reissue looking Rocket 100 bass amp. Just terrific stuff, and still relatively affordable for what you get. One cannot go wrong with an older Ampeg tube amp. I sold the 65 Gemini and the RR2, but still have everything else. Just wonderful stuff, and there is always certainly a place for an Ampeg on any groovy collection of recordings for that unique sound! It just may be our own secret AC15!

[kiramdear]

Good comments, one and all.

Just today I saw a V4 head for sale in my neighborhood . It's with an honest dealer who says it needs a little work. I hope I could buy it from him for half price because I know he doesn't like to work on amps. We'll just have to see.

It's really not like I need to buy an amp; I have several classics at my disposal. But every time I hear "Sway" I get the urge to get me some Ampeg. That's no kidding. I would do it even if they weren't a relative bargain - I remember what a pants-flapper that VT-22 was with just 2 x 12" and 60 watts holey moley

[JakeK]

Ampeg amps with guitar...I hear they are good...never tried 'em...probably should. Good luck with your hunt!

[whojamfan]

If the amp is in good shape, or easily repaired to good shape, and a great deal, pull the trigger Kira. Very loud, very clean, and loves pedals. Very heavy though.

[kiramdear]

With this economy, now is the time to buy all the used gear I ever wanted. It's a feeding frenzy out there, but the check is still in the mail, as they say, re: my 2009 mad money. Typical my luck. That same dealer has a tiny old Rick tube amp, 1 x 10" thing.

Patience is a virtue.

[collin]

A friend of mine has a VT-40 4x10" 45 watts (I think). Basically a V4 in a combo form.

It sounds killer- Sort of Fenderish, but warmer, certainly tons of headroom & clear. (Heavy as hell though..)

Perfect for Exile era Stones- really distinctive in that respect.

[kiramdear]

I remember the VT-40s, but I remember them as being solid state, please correct me if I'm wrong. I had a VT-22, 2 x 12 combo back in the day. They all sounded the same basically, like "Exile On Main Street", but with different power ratings and speaker config. You couldn't go wrong with Ampeg, if the sound of them suits you.

I know these small, modern workstations are very good value and give a lot of different sounds, but I'm still into the old-school thrill of two heart-stopping 4 x 10 cabs and all that air rushing past me.

[collin]

I remember the VT-40s, but I remember them as being solid state, please correct me if I'm wrong.

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All-tube.

.....and all-bitchin!